'Over 100 Somali Militants Killed' By U.S. Military Under Trump
The White House announced that a U.S. military operation on May 19 left 10 militants dead, bringing the total number of insurgent casualties in Somalia to "over 100" since the start of the Trump administration.
Although the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) did not specify whether the militants targeted in the latest strike were affiliated with Al-Shabaab or the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS), both groups have been the focus of an intensified U.S. military campaign in the country, with officials citing the need to counter the threat posed by extremist groups.
'Khartoum Completely Captured', Sudan Army Says
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The army announced that Khartoum state is "completely free" of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after pushing out RSF militants from their last remaining hideouts around the city. In March, the army captured the city center, including the presidential palace, which analysts said marked a significant turning point in the conflict. In an apparent acknowledgement of their defeat in Khartoum, RSF commander Mohamed 'Hemedti' Dagalo wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that "the movement for radical change" is ongoing and should not be measured by "individual victories or losses".
Liberian Health Authorities Want More Funds to Stop Mpox
The Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) have both called on lawmakers to allocate additional funds to effectively combat the mpox outbreak in the country, with four "active cases" confirmed. The request was made during a public hearing after members of the House of Representatives invited the health authorities to give updates on the re-emergence of the disease in the country. The head of NPHIL, Dugbeh Chris Nyan, said funds were needed urgently to boost the institute's operations and outbreak response efforts. The money will help with critical needs, he said, including procurement of laboratory materials, infection prevention, and public awareness campaigns.
Ramaphosa Rejects 'White Genocide' Claim in US Talks
President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly rejected claims of a white genocide in South Africa during a high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, part of a broader effort to reset relations between the two countries. Trump had presented video clips of South African opposition figures chanting inflammatory slogans to support his claims, but Ramaphosa clarified that such rhetoric did not reflect government policy and came from fringe parties within South Africa's democratic landscape. He said that violent crime in South Africa affected all racial groups, particularly black citizens, and called for calm, constructive dialogue. Ramaphosa also appealed for U.S. support in tackling crime through technological assistance. The meeting, attended by South African ministers and figures like Johann Rupert and Ernie Els, aimed to reinforce South Africa's image as a democratic, cooperative partner. Despite U.S. decisions such as granting refugee status to some white South Africans, Ramaphosa described the talks as having gone "very well."
Tanzania Blocks X Access After Hacking
The Tanzanian government has restricted X, formerly Twitter, after some official accounts of government and private institutions were targeted by hackers. Police accounts were compromised, containing explicit content and false claims of the president's death. The authorities investigated, and Netblocks reported that X was only accessible via illegal VPNs throughout the country. The disruption occurred amid controversy over the deportation of prominent Kenyans, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who were barred from attending opposition leader Tundu Lissu's treason trial. Boniface Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan activist known for his fight against corruption and police brutality, was detained in Tanzania, where he had travelled to attend the trial. President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned foreign activists against "meddling" in the country's affairs.
UK Chagos Deal with Mauritius Blocked by Last-Minute Court Injunction
A British court blocked the UK from transferring sovereignty over the contested Chagos Islands to Mauritius hours before the agreement was due to be signed. The UK agreed to hand Mauritius the Indian Ocean archipelago, which is home to the largest of the islands, Diego Garcia, a strategically important naval and bomber base. The agreement was due to be signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian leader Navin Ramgoolam at a virtual ceremony. However, the High Court granted an injunction following legal action brought by two British-Chagossian women born on the islands, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe. The UK was under pressure from international actors to renounce the territory that was separated from Mauritius in 1965. The agreement, delayed by political changes in Mauritius and the US, gained support after former US President Trump indicated backing despite earlier national security concerns. British officials announced in October 2024 that they would cede sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while keeping control of Diego Garcia, the largest island, which is home to a U.S.-UK military base. The UK would then lease back the base for at least 99 years.
AU Rights Body Hears of 'Widespread' Ethiopia War Violations
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) held a public hearing on 14 May 2025 in a case filed by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) and its partners, accusing the Ethiopian government of committing "widespread human rights violations" during and after the Tigray war. Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) and partners described it as a "growing international recognition" of Ethiopian violations against civilians, including "mass killings and sexual violence," as well as forced displacement, famine, and prolonged communication blackouts. Survivors testified before the Commission, which had previously ordered Ethiopia to halt atrocities - a directive allegedly ignored. The hearing is part of a broader series of international efforts seeking accountability. The case builds on findings by the now-defunct UN-mandated investigation (ICHREE) and U.S. government assessments that documented war crimes. Advocacy groups framed the hearing as a critical step toward accountability in Africa's human rights system, though acknowledging the long road ahead for justice. The ACHPR is expected to rule on the case in the coming months.
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World Leaders Pledge $170 Million to WHO for Global Health Push
World leaders and philanthropies have pledged over $170 million to support the World Health Organization (WHO) during a high-level pledging event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The funds contribute to WHO's ongoing Investment Round, backing its 14th General Programme of Work, an effort projected to save 40 million lives over the next four years. WHO member states also approved an additional $90 million annually through increased Assessed Contributions. "This support shows that multilateralism is alive and well," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, thanking both long-time allies and new donors. Flexible funding, considered the most valuable, was pledged by eight donors, with four contributing for the first time. WHO also welcomed support from nearly 8,000 individuals through its One World Movement, raising close to $600,000.
