European Commission proposes carbon credits for 2040 climate target
The European Commission has put forward a proposal allowing carbon credits purchased from developing countries to be counted towards the EU’s 2040 c...
Southern African leaders gathered virtually on Thursday to address the intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on both the deteriorating security situation and the performance of the SADC mission in the region.
During the summit, SADC executive secretary Elias Magoso outlined recent setbacks, noting that the mission—sent to the eastern DRC in December 2023 to help restore peace—has suffered significant casualties.
South Africa, which contributes the bulk of the deployment estimated at over 1,000 troops, lost 14 soldiers in January, while three Malawian troops in the SADC contingent were also killed. Some of these losses occurred during operations conducted by the SADC mission, SAMIDRC, with additional casualties reported from a separate United Nations peacekeeping mission.
The virtual meeting, involving leaders from all 16 SADC member nations, comes amid a rapidly evolving conflict. The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has made significant territorial gains since January, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
In response, Angola announced late Wednesday that peace talks between the DRC government and M23 will commence next Tuesday in Luanda. Angolan President Joao Lourenco recently met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, following previous reluctance by Tshisekedi to engage with the rebel group as encouraged by Rwanda.
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, serving as SADC chairperson, called for a "greater sense of urgency" to resolve the conflict. He stressed that an inclusive dialogue is essential to prevent the unrest from spilling over and destabilizing the wider region, and he welcomed the timely review of the SAMIDRC mandate.
While officials did not disclose the full size of the multinational military deployment—further bolstered by contributions from Tanzania—the summit underscored growing regional concern. Reports indicate that some South African soldiers are reportedly confined to their base by M23 fighters, intensifying calls for a reassessment of the mission’s strategy.
UN experts have suggested that Rwanda maintains roughly 4,000 troops in eastern DRC to support M23, a claim Rwanda denies. Meanwhile, the DRC government asserts that the M23 offensive has claimed more than 7,000 lives since the start of 2025, although these figures have not been independently verified.
As the SADC bloc continues its efforts to stabilize the situation, the summit reflects a concerted push by regional leaders to coordinate a diplomatic and military response that could pave the way for broader peace talks and ultimately, a resolution to the conflict.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s Tokara Islands on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued but residents advised to remain vigilant.
The United States has rescinded licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing shipments to resume after a temporary halt and signalling progress in efforts to ease recent trade tensions.
The European Commission is set to propose allowing carbon credits from other countries to count towards the EU’s 2040 climate target, according to a leaked internal document.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
At least seven people remain missing following a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the town of Esparto, Northern California, according to a report by NBC News citing local officials.
A delegation from Azerbaijan, led by MP Qaya Məmmədov, took part in the annual session of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), held from 28 June to 3 July in Porto, Portugal.
Chinese scientists have unveiled PlantGPT, the first large language model-based artificial intelligence designed specifically for plant functional genomics.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday warned that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical level and called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. He emphasised that vital infrastructure is on the verge of collapse due to a severe fuel shortage.
The US House of Representatives approved a significant tax-cut and spending bill on Thursday, passing it by a narrow margin of 218 to 214. The legislation has now been sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
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