Pentagon chief urges Asian allies to boost defence spending over China concerns
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
A UN report claims Rwanda has been providing military support and training to M23 rebels in eastern Congo, gaining political influence and access to mineral-rich areas, despite Rwanda's denials.
A confidential UN report has accused Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, providing them with military training and advanced equipment that has given them a tactical edge over Congo's army. The report claims that Rwanda has trained M23 recruits at its Gabiro Training Centre and other military sites, while also deploying thousands of troops in Congo's North and South Kivu provinces.
M23's capture of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year raised concerns of a wider regional conflict. The report suggests Rwanda's military involvement is focused on gaining control of additional territories, particularly mineral-rich regions, rather than solely addressing threats from the FDLR, a Hutu militia group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Rwanda has long denied these allegations, framing its involvement as self-defense against the FDLR. A spokesperson for Rwanda responded, stating that the UN report misrepresents the country's security concerns and that Rwanda is committed to implementing a peace agreement signed with Congo in Washington, which aims to neutralize the FDLR and lift defensive measures along the border.
The UN experts also reported a missile attack on a UN peacekeeper vehicle in January, likely fired from a Rwandan military position. Rwanda has been accused of violating an arms embargo, with estimates placing 1,000 to 1,500 of its troops still active in M23-held territory.
Despite these tensions, the US has been brokering peace talks between Rwanda and Congo, with both countries signing a peace deal in Washington last week. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of severe penalties if the agreement is violated, while Qatar is hosting parallel mediation efforts.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Voting has begun in Malta’s parliamentary election, with opinion polls suggesting the ruling Labour Party is on course to win a fourth consecutive term.
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