Joint Statement on the Second Joint Oversight Committee Meeting for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission on the occasion of the second Joint Oversight Committee held […]

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U.S. Army Awards Lockheed Martin $9.8 Billion Patriot Missile Contract

📍 Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $9.8 billion multiyear contract to produce nearly 2,000 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors, the company confirmed on Wednesday. The agreement, covering fiscal years 2024 through 2026, marks the largest contract in the history of Lockheed’s Missiles and Fire Control […]

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Google Avoids Breakup in Antitrust Case, Ruling Sends Alphabet Shares to Record Highs

📍 Washington, D.C. — Alphabet Inc. shares surged 6% in extended trading following a U.S. federal court ruling that allows Google to retain its Chrome browser and Android operating system, easing investor concerns over a potential corporate breakup. The decision, issued by District Judge Amit Mehta, concluded a multi-year antitrust case in which the U.S. […]

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Examining an online phenomenon and its risks for consumers

In mid-April 2025, a wave of videos swept through TikTok claiming that some brands of luxury leather goods, especially French ones, actually make their products in China. The content creators presented themselves as official manufacturers, urging customers to buy bags directly from the source at a fraction of the retail price. What triggered these campaigns? What […]

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UAE Warns Israeli West Bank Annexation Would End Regional Integration Efforts

📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE — The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong warning to Israel, stating that any move to annex parts of the occupied West Bank would constitute a “red line” and jeopardize the future of regional cooperation. The statement comes ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, the landmark agreement […]

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World News in Brief: Pakistan floods, countries lag on climate reporting, concern over attack on peacekeepers in south Lebanon, cuts hit human rights investigations

In a statement released by his Spokesperson, the UN chief noted that the disaster driven by severe monsoon conditions had been exacerbated by climate change, impacting around 1.5 million people. Hundreds of thousands of people need humanitarian aid while more than 3,000 homes, over 400 schools and some 40 health facilities have suffered some level […]

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25th SCO Summit: Xi Jinping Urges Rejection of Cold War Mentality and Bloc Confrontation in Push for Multipolar World

📍 Tianjin, China — Chinese President Xi Jinping urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to reject “Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation” and promote a “multipolar, just, and orderly world” during the bloc’s 25th summit held from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin. Addressing leaders from the SCO’s 10 full members—including […]

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Africa Continental Brief: Business, Political Shifts, Security and Governance

Business & Macro Shoprite Sees Margin BoostSouth African grocery giant Shoprite reported a gross margin of 24.3% in H1 2025 — a 40 basis point increase year-on-year, reflecting operational efficiency amid inflationary pressures. Rare Diamond Recovered in BotswanaBelgium’s HB Antwerp unearthed a 37-carat pink Type IIa diamond from the Karowe mine in Botswana, marking one […]

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Abhaile Mortgage Service Supports Over 32,000 Borrowers with Arrears

📍 Dublin, Ireland — The Government has published the 2024 Annual Report of Abhaile, Ireland’s national mortgage arrears resolution service, highlighting its support for more than 32,000 borrowers since its launch in 2016. The service provides free financial and legal advice to help individuals resolve mortgage arrears and remain in their homes. Jointly overseen by […]

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UN Warns of Record Hunger in Northeastern Nigeria Due to Escalating Violence and Aid Cuts

📍 Abuja, Nigeria — Nearly 31 million people in Nigeria are now facing acute hunger, marking a record high, according to the United Nations. The crisis is most severe in the northeastern states, where escalating violence by militant groups and significant reductions in global humanitarian aid have compounded food insecurity. The UN World Food Programme […]

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