As of 6 p.m. local time on Friday, a total of 119 cholera cases have been recorded, with 14 cases confirmed through laboratory testing, while 12 samples remained under analysis.
In the past 24 hours, 24 new cholera cases were identified, with 20 concentrated in Cacuaco Municipality, the epicenter of the outbreak. Cacuaco, a suburban area in Angola’s capital province of Luanda, is home to over 1.2 million people.
Of the 119 cases reported, 53 percent are female and 47 percent male. Eleven of the 12 deaths occurred in Cacuaco.
The bulletin defines a cholera case as “a patient with severe or extreme dehydration, or death due to acute watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting, in individuals over the age of two in areas where cholera is present.”
A confirmed case is “a suspected case where the cholera vibrio has been isolated in stool samples.”
A timeline chart in the bulletin indicated cholera symptoms were first observed in a patient on December 31, 2024.
The purpose was to streamline the substance of various NCIP agreements, namely the mechanisms for the mutual defence pact; coordinating foreign affairs, defence, peace, and security policies; and methods for comprehensive conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
During the three-day meetings, the Defence Cooperation Cluster Technical Committee proposed practical recommendations to pave the way for the next senior officials’ session in preparation for the 15th NCIPs Summit.
In his closing remarks at the meeting, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General of International Military Cooperation, Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa commended collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue with the selected Technical Committee.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all of you for your hard work and commitment. The collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue we have witnessed here have been truly commendable, and I am confident that the work you have done will provide a solid foundation for the upcoming consultations at Ministerial and, ultimately, Heads of State Level.
“This collaborative momentum will therefore continue to drive our collective efforts going forward. “ Gen Karuretwa stressed.
The General further applauded the key outcomes of these discussions and said “Your dedication to advancing the NCIPs and strengthening our mutual defence cooperation is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and partnership that defines our shared objectives”.
Kilifi County Police Commander Joseph Ongwae reported that the aircraft, identified as 5Y-CDC, took off from Malindi Airport headed to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Shortly after takeoff, it experienced mechanical issues and crash-landed approximately two kilometers from the airport at around 2:52 p.m.
The aircraft, carrying a pilot, an instructor, and a student, landed on motorcycles in the area. All three onboard survived the crash, but two motorcycle taxi riders and a pillion passenger were killed. Three others sustained injuries.
Video footage shared online showed the plane engulfed in flames on the road, with nearby makeshift structures also catching fire. Firefighters quickly responded to contain the blaze.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. In a statement, the KCAA confirmed that all onboard the aircraft survived and were hospitalized, while expressing regret over the ground fatalities.
Emergency teams and government agencies remain on-site as investigations continue.
The incident involved the willful assault and serious injury of Jean Bosco Ndayishimiye, leaving the victim temporarily incapacitated.
The court ruled that Rutatina would serve the suspended sentence over a one-year probationary period and fined him Rwf 500,000.
The court also found Ismael Sindayigaya and Annet Irasubiza guilty as co-defendants in the case.
Together with Rutatina, they were ordered to jointly compensate the victim with Rwf 10 million in damages.
This case stems from an incident on November 27, 2024, when Rutatina allegedly instructed his employees to assault Ndayishimiye, who had spent the night at Rutatina’s house in Kayonza District while visiting an employee at the retired general’s ranch.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) announced Rutatina’s arrest on December 6, 2024, following an investigation into the matter.
The prosecution later charged Rutatina along with ten of his employees, who faced varying levels of sentencing.
Niyibizi Félicien, alias Rasta, Habumuremyi Jean de Dieu, alias Kazungu, Mutungirehe Gérald, Ntabanganyimana Dan, alias Kidamage, Bucyensenge Casmir, and Rwema Samson were all convicted of willful assault causing harm.
The court issued different suspended prison terms and fines for each of them, while Bagorwanubusa Théoneste and Mupenzi Lameck were found guilty of failing to assist a person in danger.
All convicted individuals were collectively ordered to pay the compensation to Ndayishimiye.
However, they were exempted from covering court fees due to their detention during the proceedings. The court granted them the right to appeal within 30 days.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Rutatina retired from the military in 2016, having previously served as the Head of Military Intelligence for the Rwanda Defence Force.
Rwandan law specifies that retired military personnel fall under civilian legal jurisdiction.
“In solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the U.S. Government and our partners around the world are taking action today. The Department of State is increasing the reward offers to up to $25 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Nicolás Maduro and Maduro’s Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello,” reads a statement by U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. has also added a new reward offer of up to $15 million for Maduro’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López.
While only a few nations, including Russia, have recognized Maduro’s victory in Venezuela’s disputed July election, the Cuban and Nicaraguan presidents were reportedly the only foreign leaders present at his inauguration.
Maduro rose to power following the death of socialist leader Hugo Chávez in 2013.
He faces numerous allegations, including corruption, human rights abuses, and involvement in drug trafficking.
Maduro declared victory for a third term in July last year, but the United States and the European Parliament declared Maduro’s opponent, Edmundo González, the “president-elect,” further challenging Maduro’s legitimacy.
González, who fled Venezuela in September and is currently living in Spain, has embarked on a tour of the Americas to gain international backing.
In response, the Maduro government has issued an arrest warrant for González and is offering a $100,000 reward for any information leading to his capture.
This year’s event featured 108 senior military officers from 19 African nations, including one from Jordan, who showcased their unique traditions through cuisine, attire, music, and dance.
As he presided over the event on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, RDFCSC Commandant highlighted that culture celebrates unity in diversity.
“Each culture showcased not only the unique identities of our respective nations but also the shared values that bind us together as members of the armed forces and of the global village. In our line of duty, understanding and respecting cultural differences is paramount.
“It enhances our operational effectiveness and strengthens the bonds between us. Culture shapes our behaviours, informs our values, and fosters discipline within our ranks,” said the Commandant.
Lt Col Robert Oumo Odeke from Uganda, representing allied students emphasised that their gathering is a testament to richness of their different cultures.
“Here, we are not just students or officers; but also cultural ambassadors. We represent nations with distinct identities, yet we come together to share, to learn, and to celebrate.
“This diversity should not in any way be taken as a barrier, but rather as a bridge. It is through events like this that we strengthen our bonds and deepen our understanding of one another,” he noted.
The event provided a platform for students to exchange knowledge about their traditions, beliefs, values, and cultural diversity.
Participating countries this year included Rwanda, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Cultural Day remains a cornerstone of RDFCSC’s mission, showcasing the value of cultural understanding in tackling shared challenges and strengthening military cooperation across Africa.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, following a contentious election marked by claims of voter fraud.
His opponent, Edmundo González, had declared victory in the July election, alleging widespread irregularities.
Maduro’s inauguration defied mounting international pressure and sanctions, particularly from the United States, which has recognized González as the winner of the presidential race.
“May this new presidential term be a period of peace, of prosperity, of equality and the new democracy,” Maduro declared, pledging to uphold the laws of Venezuela.
The swearing-in ceremony came a day after a rare public appearance by opposition leader María Corina Machado, who led a protest against Maduro’s rule.
According to Machado’s team, she was briefly detained during the demonstration, adding to the ongoing tensions.
Maduro, a former bus driver, rose to power following the death of left-wing leader Hugo Chávez in 2013.
His leadership has been plagued by accusations of authoritarianism, along with severe economic and political crises that have deeply affected the country.
The July 28 presidential election sparked widespread protests, with many Venezuelans contesting the results.
However, a heavy-handed government response quickly quelled the demonstrations. During the unrest, an estimated 2,000 people were arrested, and at least 25 lost their lives.
The Rwandan Presidency confirmed that the message was delivered by Hichilema’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe, on Friday afternoon.
However, the Presidency did not disclose any further details regarding the content of the message.
The relationship between Rwanda and Zambia has been longstanding, marked by collaboration aimed at promoting the well-being of both countries’ citizens.
During President Kagame’s visit to Zambia in April 2022, both nations signed several bilateral agreements covering areas such as taxation, immigration, health, investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
As part of that visit, the Zambian government granted Rwanda 10,000 hectares of land for agricultural projects, reinforcing their commitment to advancing agricultural development.
In June 2023, President Hichilema visited Rwanda at the invitation of President Kagame, accompanied by officials from various sectors, to discuss ways to further strengthen their partnership.
The two presidents also met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2024, during the African Union summit, where they held talks to deepen bilateral ties.
The fires, which erupted earlier this week, have devastated neighbourhoods and left the nation’s second-largest city on high alert.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, has obliterated more than 5,300 structures, while the Eaton Fire has accounted for over 5,000.
Both fires rank among California’s five most destructive wildfires, with damage estimates reaching as high as $150 billion.
Entire communities in scenic areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu have been reduced to ash, leaving behind only smouldering rubble and charred remnants of landmarks like the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel.
Efforts to contain the fires have been met with significant challenges. Hurricane-force winds earlier in the week spread embers that ignited hillsides, while dry conditions have kept the flames alive.
Although calmer winds allowed some progress, meteorologists warn that this respite may be brief. Adding to the challenges, a firefighting plane was grounded after being struck by a civilian drone, an act that is both illegal and dangerous.
The fires have not only destroyed homes but also ravaged vital community structures, including schools, places of worship, and businesses. The Hollywood Hills fire, which threatened the iconic Hollywood Bowl, was successfully subdued with water drops from aircraft, allowing evacuation orders to be lifted.
“All our memories, all our sentimental attachments, things that were gifted from generation to generation to generation are now gone,” one of the victims told the media.
Among the 10 confirmed fatalities are Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy. They were unable to evacuate in time. Cadaver dogs are combing through the rubble as officials fear the death toll may rise.
California’s escalating wildfire crisis is linked to climate change, which has extended fire seasons and created conditions for larger and more destructive blazes.
The state has experienced an increase in so-called “weather whiplash,” where wet winters encourage vegetation growth, only for subsequent dry periods to turn it into tinder. This cycle has made January wildfires—once rare—a grim new reality.
While firefighters made significant gains on Thursday, containment remains elusive. Dry winds, including the notorious Santa Ana winds, are forecast to return, complicating efforts. The state’s prolonged drought and the lack of substantial rainfall since May have exacerbated the situation, leaving Los Angeles uniquely vulnerable to these disasters.
As evacuation shelters fill and residents face the loss of homes and livelihoods, curfews have been imposed to prevent looting. The psychological strain on those affected is immense, further compounded by a mistaken countywide evacuation warning sent to millions.
With two of the fires now ranked among the most destructive in California’s history, Los Angeles faces a long road to recovery.
Despite falling inflation, improving labor market conditions, and monetary easing, global growth is predicted to remain below the pace seen before the pandemic, and the world economy continues to face significant uncertainties, the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report says.
The report forecasts the world economy will increase 2.9 percent in 2026.
The report says that lower inflation and ongoing monetary easing in many economies could provide a modest boost to global economic activity in 2025. However, uncertainty still looms large, with risks stemming from geopolitical conflicts, rising trade tensions and elevated borrowing costs in many countries.
These challenges are particularly acute for low income and vulnerable countries, where sub-par and fragile growth threatens to further undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Growth in the United States is projected to moderate from 2.8 percent in 2024 to 1.9 percent in 2025, as labor markets soften and consumer spending slows.
Europe is expected to recover modestly, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing from 0.9 percent in 2024 to 1.3 percent in 2025, supported by easing inflation and resilient labor markets, though fiscal tightening and long-term challenges, such as weak productivity growth and an ageing population, continue to weigh on the economic outlook.
East Asia is forecast to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025 — driven by China’s projected stable growth of 4.8 percent — supported by robust private consumption across the region.
South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region, with GDP growth projected at 5.7 percent in 2025, led by India’s 6.6 percent expansion.
Africa is forecast to grow modestly from 3.4 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2025, thanks to recoveries in major economies including Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Despite continued expansion, the global economy is projected to grow at a slower pace than the 2010-2019 (pre-pandemic) average of 3.2 percent, the report says. “This subdued performance reflects ongoing structural challenges such as weak investment, slow productivity growth, high debt levels, and demographic pressures.”
Global inflation is projected to decline from 4 percent in 2024 to 3.4 percent in 2025, providing some relief to households and businesses. Major central banks are expected to further cut interest rates this year as inflationary pressures continue to ease.
Yet, inflation in many developing countries is expected to remain above recent historical averages, with one in five projected to face double-digit levels in 2025.
In particular, food inflation remains elevated, with nearly half of developing countries experiencing rates above 5 percent in 2024. “This has deepened food insecurity in low income countries,” the report warns.
For developing economies, easing global financial conditions could help reduce borrowing costs, but access to capital remains uneven, according to the report. Many low-income countries continue to grapple with high debt-servicing burdens and limited access to international financing.
The report emphasizes that governments should seize any fiscal space created by monetary easing to prioritize investments in sustainable development, especially in critical social sectors.
The report calls for bold multilateral action to address the interconnected crises of debt, inequality, and climate change.
“Monetary easing alone will not be sufficient to reinvigorate global growth or bridge widening disparities. Governments must avoid overly restrictive fiscal policies and instead focus on mobilizing investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and critical social sectors such as health and education,” it says.
