Protests in Morocco have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two people after police opened fire on a group attempting to storm a police station in Lqliaa. The demonstrations, driven by Moroccan youth networks, are demanding better public services—including healthcare and education—and action against corruption. Authorities reported that over 400 people have been arrested and nearly 300 injured during the rallies.
In Ethiopia, a scaffolding collapse at the Arerti Mariam church killed at least 30 people and injured more than 200. The accident occurred while thousands of worshippers were gathered at the church. Rescue operations are underway, with many still trapped under the rubble. The government has expressed condolences and emphasized the need to prioritize safety in construction projects.
Journalists in Sudan’s western region of Darfur are facing violence, hunger, and persecution. The city of El‑Fasher has been under siege since May 2024, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighting the Sudanese army. Reporters say they have been cut off from food and aid, and some have been targeted with sexual violence and arbitrary detention. The United Nations estimates that over 600,000 people have fled the city and surrounding camps, while those remaining face famine.
In Mali, former Prime Minister Moussa Mara has been denied bail and faces a two‑year prison sentence on charges that include undermining state credibility and spreading false information. Mara’s arrest is viewed as part of the military junta’s crackdown on political opposition and dissent. Led by Gen. Assimi Goïta, the junta has banned all political parties and has intimidated, jailed, and forcibly disappeared journalists and human‑rights activists.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a death sentence handed down to former President Joseph Kabila has raised concerns about the country’s stability. Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges of treason and war crimes, including murder, sexual assault, and torture. The ruling is seen as politically motivated, and many of Kabila’s supporters fear it could derail peace efforts. Analysts warn that the decision could deepen regional instability, although widespread unrest appears unlikely given Kabila’s declining popularity.
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