West Africa, a new hub of global cocaine trafficking – Report
Dozens of cocaine packages piled up, weighing in at four tonnes and valued at $317 million -- the seizure by Liberian police in July was a stark symbol of west Africa's expanding role in the global cocaine trade.
Egypt to vote on final day of presidential elections
Egyptians are voting on Tuesday, the third and final day of presidential elections, as incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi is widely expected to win a third term in office.
Myanmar overtakes Afghanistan as world’s biggest opium producer: UN
Myanmar became the world’s biggest producer of opium in 2023, overtaking Afghanistan after the Taliban government’s crackdown on the trade, according to a United Nations report released on Tuesday.
Israel-Hamas war: Bethlehem reduces Christmas festivities
The city of Bethlehem, normally bustling with around 150,000 tourists during the Christmas period, has seen a drastic decline in visitors due to the conflict, causing economic hardship for locals.
Russia to hold presidential vote in occupied Ukraine
Voting for the Russian presidential election, which is likely to see Vladimir Putin re-elected, will be held in four Ukrainian regions the Kremlin claimed to have annexed last year, Moscow said on Monday.
UN mission in Mali officially ends after 10 years
The UN mission in Mali officially ended a 10-year deployment in the country on Monday, its spokesperson said, in a pull-out ordered by Mali’s military leaders.
