Latest Politics News
UN weighs MONUSCO mandate amid escalating fighting in eastern DRC
UN Security Council negotiators debated renewal language for MONUSCO after fighting surged in North and South Kivu and M23 seized Uvira, even as diplomatic accords between DRC and Rwanda were signed earlier in December. Negotiations were contentious with China and Russia seeking a technical rollover while other members pushed changes reflecting recent security dynamics
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UN chief condemns detention of UN staff by Houthi authorities in Yemen
Secretary‑General António Guterres condemned the Houthi detention of dozens of UN personnel and called for their immediate release, stressing protection of UN privileges and humanitarian access. The briefing noted 10 additional UN staff were detained on 18 December, bringing the total reported detained to 69
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Guinea‑Bissau junta adopts transition charter after coup
Guinea‑Bissau’s military junta issued a one‑year transitional charter that suspends the constitution and assigns the junta broad authority over reforms until new elections at transition’s end, following the October coup. Nigeria has moved to grant asylum to an opposition leader and presidential candidate being sought by the junta, heightening regional diplomatic tensions
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Canada to join EU Security Action for Europe initiative
Canada agreed to join the European Union’s Security Action for Europe initiative to give Canadian defence firms greater access to EU markets and attract European defence investment in Canada, according to reporting on the diplomatic deal. The step reflects deeper Canada–EU security cooperation amid wider geopolitical concerns
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European institutions reach provisional political deal on EU 'safe countries' list and asylum rules
The European Parliament and Council reached a provisional political agreement on the EU’s first list of safe countries of origin and on new rules intended to streamline asylum procedures, a deal the European Commission welcomed on 18 December. The measures are framed as tools to manage migration flows and speed up returns while harmonising EU procedures
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Brazilian Chamber approves bill that could cut Bolsonaro’s prison term
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved legislation that reduces penalties for certain crimes, including attempted coup, which legal experts say could substantially shorten former president Jair Bolsonaro’s 27‑year sentence. The move has provoked debate over judicial independence and political accountability in Brazil
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Czech president appoints Andrej Babiš as prime minister after election
Andrej Babiš of the ANO party was appointed prime minister for a second non‑consecutive term following legislative results, marking a swift return to power for the former premier. Reuters reported the appointment as part of ongoing parliamentary realignments in the Czech Republic
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Honduras ex‑president Juan Orlando Hernández released after US pardon
Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández was released from a US federal prison in West Virginia after receiving a pardon from US President Donald Trump, according to aggregated reporting. The development reopens discussions about US policy toward regional corruption and narcotics prosecutions
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Vietnam expands press and state‑secrets laws, increasing censorship powers
Vietnam’s National Assembly adopted amendments strengthening the state’s ability to compel journalists to reveal sources and broadening the definition of state secrets, measures characterized by Reuters as expanding censorship. Human rights and press‑freedom advocates warned the changes could further restrict independent reporting
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MINUSCA supporting Central African Republic’s first combined elections
The UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA is assisting preparations for the Central African Republic’s simultaneous presidential, legislative and local elections—the first time the country holds combined polls—aimed at bolstering stability and credible voting. The Secretary‑General highlighted UN support for a peaceful electoral environment amid regional concerns
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US‑Rwanda‑DRC tensions shape Security Council debate on Congo
US statements at Council meetings accused Rwanda of supporting M23 operations in eastern DRC, complicating diplomacy even as the Washington Accords and Doha Framework sought to reduce violence. Council members were divided over how to reflect these allegations in the MONUSCO mandate, causing protracted negotiations
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Regional summits in 2025 highlighted security and AI governance over development priorities
Civil society and summit observers said outcomes of major 2025 summits (including G7) prioritized geopolitical security and AI governance, with less traction for development finance and ODA concerns, according to a Global Summit Watch webinar report. The summary noted friction between security agendas and social‑justice priorities among summit stakeholders
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