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Sudan Bans All Imports from Kenya After Hosting of Civil War Rivals 

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Sudan Bans All Imports from Kenya After Hosting of Civil War Rivals 

Sudan has suspended all imports from Kenya after Nairobi hosted the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in a two-year civil war against the Sudanese army. 

The Sudanese military government announced the trade ban, citing the need to protect national security and preserve sovereignty. The suspension applies to all Kenyan goods, including tea exports, food products, and pharmaceuticals, and affects all ports, border crossings, and airports. Sudan’s Ministry of Trade issued a directive for authorities to enforce the ban immediately. 

The move follows a meeting in Kenya last month, where the RSF and allied political groups signed a founding charter expressing intentions to form a parallel government in Sudan. In response, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya and accused Nairobi of supporting an alternative administration. 

Sudan’s government labeled Kenya’s facilitation of the RSF meetings as an act of hostility. However, Kenya defended its role, stating that hosting the discussions was part of diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s conflict. Kenyan President William Ruto has faced domestic criticism over his perceived ties with the RSF. 

The trade suspension is expected to impact Kenya-Sudan economic relations, as Kenya has been a key supplier of agricultural exports and manufactured goods to Sudan. Tea exports to Sudan, which are among Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners, along with coffee, tobacco, soaps, electrical equipment, and pharmaceuticals, will be affected. The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) reported that shipments already en route are now stranded at sea, while large tea stockpiles remain at Mombasa port. 

Sudan is one of Kenya’s largest tea markets, and economists warn that the import ban could disrupt foreign exchange earnings and impact Kenyan farmers and businesses. RSF advisor El Basha Tebeig stated on social media that the group would facilitate Kenyan trade in RSF-controlled territories. However, Port Sudan, the country’s main trade gateway, remains under Sudanese army control, making such assurances uncertain. 

The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has caused widespread destruction, killing thousands and displacing over 12 million people, according to the United Nations. The ongoing Sudan conflict has severely disrupted supply chains and trade routes, affecting commerce between Sudan and neighboring countries, including Kenya. 

The Kenyan government has yet to respond to the trade restrictions, but Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe recently stated that diplomatic efforts are underway to address market access challenges in Sudan. 

Hamas Offers to Release US-Israeli Hostage and Four Bodies, But Israel Casts Doubt

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Hamas Offers to Release US-Israeli Hostage and Four Bodies, But Israel Casts Doubt

Hamas announced Friday that it had accepted a proposal from mediators to release one living American-Israeli hostage along with the bodies of four dual nationals who died in captivity. However, the Israeli prime minister’s office quickly dismissed the claim, accusing Hamas of using psychological tactics to manipulate ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. 

The militant group did not specify a timeline for the release of 19-year-old soldier Edan Alexander, who was abducted from his base during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Nor did it clarify what it expected in return for the release. 

It remains unclear which mediators put forth the proposal Hamas referenced. Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have been facilitating negotiations, but as of Friday night, none had confirmed making such an offer. 

U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff, confirmed that they had presented a plan on Wednesday aiming to extend the ceasefire for several weeks while negotiating a permanent truce. They accused Hamas of publicly feigning flexibility while making “entirely impractical” demands behind closed doors. 

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that Israel had already “accepted the Witkoff outline and showed flexibility,” but that Hamas was unwilling to reciprocate. 

“At the same time, it continues to use manipulation and psychological warfare. The reports about Hamas’ willingness to release American hostages are intended to sabotage the negotiations,” the Israeli government wrote in a letter addressed to hostage families. 

Israel’s negotiating team returned home from Qatar on Friday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expected to convene his ministerial team Saturday night to determine the next steps. 

Meanwhile, Hamas sent a delegation to Cairo to continue ceasefire discussions with Egyptian officials. Hamas official Husam Badran reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire deal but warned that any Israeli deviations from its terms would reset negotiations to “square one.” 

The White House recently acknowledged that U.S. officials have engaged in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas, signaling a shift away from Washington’s previous policy of not directly engaging with the group. This prompted a firm response from Netanyahu’s office. 

According to the U.S., its latest proposal calls for Hamas to release Alexander and other living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The U.S. statement emphasized that Hamas must accept the offer soon, warning that delays would not work in its favor. 

The initial phase of the ceasefire ended two weeks ago, but a tenuous pause in fighting has held since then. Under that first stage, 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others were returned in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. 

Israeli forces have since pulled back to buffer zones inside Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to the northern part of the strip. However, Israel cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza two weeks ago, leaving the territory’s 2 million residents in dire need. 

Hamas is believed to be holding 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others. 

The Hostage Families Forum, representing most of the captives’ families, cautiously welcomed any potential release but warned, “Without a comprehensive deal, we risk sealing the fate of all remaining hostages.” 

Israel has pushed Hamas to release at least half of the remaining hostages in exchange for extending the first phase of the ceasefire and negotiating a long-term truce. Hamas, on the other hand, wants discussions to move to the more contentious second phase—one that includes the release of all remaining hostages, full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a lasting peace agreement. 

The developments come as Jews celebrate the Purim holiday and Muslims continue observing Ramadan. On Friday, around 80,000 Muslim worshippers gathered for prayers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to the Islamic Trust, which monitors the site. 

Israel has imposed age-based restrictions on worshippers, allowing only men over 55 and women over 50 to enter from the occupied West Bank. 

“The conditions are extremely difficult,” said Yousef Badreen, a Palestinian from Hebron who traveled to Jerusalem for Friday prayers. “We wish they would open it permanently.” 

Hamas accused Israel of escalating a “religious war” against Palestinians, describing the Al-Aqsa restrictions as part of a “systematic targeting of Muslim religious practices.” The Israeli government has yet to respond. 

Fierce Protests Erupt After Eight-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies in Bangladesh

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Fierce Protests Erupt After Eight-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies in Bangladesh

An eight-year-old girl who was raped in Bangladesh died of her injuries Thursday, triggering widespread protests across the country.

The child was sexually assaulted while visiting her elder sister’s house in Magura city between the night of March 5 and the following morning, according to a case filed by her mother. Authorities arrested the elder sister’s 18-year-old husband, along with his parents and brother, placing them on remand.

Upon news of the girl’s death, an angry mob descended on the house where the alleged rape occurred and set it ablaze. According to a statement from the government’s Inter-Services Public Relations department, the child died around 13:00 local time (07:00 GMT) after suffering three cardiac arrests at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.

“Although doctors managed to stabilize the condition twice, the heart failed to restart after the third episode,” the statement said. The girl had been in critical condition for six days after being admitted on March 8.

“I thought my daughter would survive,” her mother told local media following the girl’s death. “If she had made it through, I would never have let her go anywhere alone again.”

The child’s body was transported back to Magura by military helicopter, landing at the local stadium around 18:00 amid fierce demonstrations. Aiyub Ali, officer-in-charge of Magura Sadar Police Station, reported that authorities struggled to control the situation.

Thousands gathered in Magura’s public square for the girl’s namaz-e-janaza (Islamic funeral prayer) before her burial at 19:30. An absentee funeral was also held at Dhaka University, followed by a protest march led by female students.

Demonstrators demanded the government expedite justice for rape victims and reform laws related to women’s and children’s safety. Many called for greater clarity around legal definitions of rape in Bangladesh, which protesters described as currently ambiguous.

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul announced that the trial for the rape and murder case is expected to begin within seven days. “DNA sample collection has been completed, we hope to get the report within the next five days,” Nazrul told a press briefing, adding that statements had already been taken from 12 to 13 people.

“If we can start the trial within seven days, our judges will be able to ensure justice with the utmost speed,” he said.

Bangladesh introduced capital punishment for rape of minors in 2020, following a series of high-profile sexual violence cases, including the brutal gang assault on a 37-year-old woman that was filmed and circulated on social media.

Less than a week after the Magura incident, media reported at least three additional rapes of children around the same age in different parts of Bangladesh. In some cases, the accused were neighbors, while others were close relatives.

According to the Law and Arbitration Center, 3,438 child rape cases have been filed in Bangladesh over the past eight years. At least 539 victims were under six years old, and 933 were between seven and twelve. Research indicates that in most cases, children are sexually abused or raped by people they know.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to Be Arraigned on New Indictment as Trial Nears

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to Be Arraigned on New Indictment as Trial Nears

Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be arraigned on Friday in Manhattan federal court on a new indictment, which includes additional allegations that the music mogul forced employees to work grueling hours and threatened retaliation against those who refused to participate in his alleged two-decade sex trafficking operation. 

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian is scheduled to preside over the hearing at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), during which the 55-year-old Combs will enter a plea. The trial is currently set to begin on May 5. 

Combs has previously pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. 

While the latest indictment does not introduce new charges, it expands on allegations of “forced labor” connected to the racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors claim Combs and his associates exercised control over employees by compelling them to work long hours with minimal rest, using or threatening physical force, financial harm, psychological manipulation, and damage to their reputations. 

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has stated that his client never coerced anyone into sexual acts. 

The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Combs exploited his entertainment empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to sexually abuse women between 2004 and 2024. Allegations include orchestrating and recording “freak offs,” in which women engaged in sexual performances with male sex workers, some of whom were transported across state lines. Agnifilo has maintained that these encounters were entirely consensual. 

In addition to the criminal case, Combs is facing numerous civil lawsuits from women and men accusing him of sexual assault and other misconduct, all of which he has denied. 

Friday’s hearing is expected to address jury selection, with prosecutors pushing for an April 21 start date to ensure the trial does not extend beyond the July 4 holiday. The defense, however, is requesting a May 5 start, arguing that an earlier date would hinder their ability to prepare adequately. 

Combs has been held in a Brooklyn detention facility since his arrest in September 2024. 

A legendary figure in the music industry, Combs—also known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy—founded Bad Boy Records and played a key role in launching the careers of artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, The Notorious B.I.G., and Usher in the 1990s and 2000s. 

His downfall accelerated in early 2024 when federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach as part of the sex trafficking investigation that ultimately led to his indictment. 

American Airlines Jet Engine Catches Fire After Landing in Denver, Passengers Evacuated

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American Airlines Jet Engine Catches Fire After Landing in Denver, Passengers Evacuated

An American Airlines jet engine caught fire after the plane made an emergency diversion to Denver on Thursday, forcing passengers to evacuate, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

The airline confirmed that all 172 passengers and six crew members exited the aircraft safely, though Denver International Airport reported that 12 individuals were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. 

American Airlines Flight 1006, operating on a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas when the crew detected engine vibrations. The flight diverted to Denver and landed at approximately 5:15 p.m. (2315 GMT). While taxiing to the gate, the engine ignited, the FAA stated. 

Dramatic footage shared on social media showed passengers standing on the plane’s wing as smoke billowed from the engine. 

American Airlines reported that the aircraft landed safely and was taxiing to the gate when it experienced an “engine-related issue.” 

“We were near gate B44, just landed from Pittsburgh. We stopped by the windows for a second and saw a sudden flash of fire, followed by a massive plume of smoke,” said eyewitness Aaron Clark. 

“The fire was brief and appeared to be extinguished quickly by ground crews. However, the smoke continued for some time, and that’s when we noticed passengers evacuating via the rear slides,” Clark added. 

Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft, which is 13 years old, is powered by two CFM56 engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. 

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for Denver International Airport confirmed that the fire was successfully contained and that normal flight operations resumed without further disruption. 

Boeing and GE Aerospace declined to comment on the incident. 

This engine fire is the latest in a series of high-profile aviation safety concerns in the U.S. In January, an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. 

Additionally, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport last month due to severe weather conditions, injuring 18 of the 80 people onboard.  American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently acknowledged that concerns over aviation safety, alongside economic uncertainties and adverse weather events, have contributed to a decline in U.S. travel demand

British Man Killed in Kenya After Being Hit by President Ruto’s Motorcade

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British Man Killed in Kenya After Being Hit by President Ruto’s Motorcade

A British national was killed in Kenya on Thursday after being struck by a government vehicle that was part of President William Ruto’s motorcade. 

Edgar Charles Frederick, 79, was fatally hit as the presidential convoy traveled through Nairobi on its way to a public engagement. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and later released on cash bail, police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed on Friday. 

A spokesperson for the British High Commission stated that officials were “liaising with the authorities” following the incident. 

The accident has sparked public outrage in Kenya, with many questioning the high speed at which the president’s motorcade was traveling on a busy road. Videos circulating on social media showed the victim lying on the tarmac with severe head injuries while the vehicle that hit him failed to stop. 

According to police, the presidential motorcade often consists of dozens of vehicles traveling at high speeds for security reasons. 

Muchiri told the BBC that Frederick had been visiting Kenya to see his sister and nephew, who are residents of the country. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. 

Meanwhile, Kenyan media reports indicate that the fatal accident occurred on Ngong Road near Adams Arcade as the convoy moved from Lang’ata to Kibra. 

National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated, “Following a serious traffic accident today at Adams Arcade along Ngong Road involving a government vehicle, which led to the death of a pedestrian who is a foreign national, the National Police Service (NPS) is now handling the matter, and investigations have commenced.” 

Eyewitness accounts suggest the victim, described as a middle-aged Caucasian man, was crossing the road when he was struck, seemingly unaware of the approaching motorcade. His body has been transferred to City Mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted. 

The NPS has urged all road users to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further accidents. “The National Police Service urges motorists, pedestrians, and all other road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent accidents,” the agency stated. 

Columbia University Sanctions Pro-Palestinian Protesters Over Campus Occupation

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Columbia University Sanctions Pro-Palestinian Protesters Over Campus Occupation

Columbia University announced Thursday that it has imposed disciplinary actions on students involved in the occupation of a campus building during pro-Palestinian protests last spring. 

The university’s decision follows the Trump administration’s recent move to revoke $400 million in federal grants and contracts, citing Columbia’s alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus. 

Interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged the administration’s concerns as legitimate, stating that the university is working with the government to address them. The protests and counter-protests at Columbia have led to accusations of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism. 

In a statement, the university said its judicial board—comprised of students, faculty, and staff—reviewed the cases and issued sanctions ranging from multi-year suspensions to temporary degree revocations and expulsions related to the occupation of Hamilton Hall last spring. 

Due to legal privacy restrictions, Columbia did not disclose the names of those disciplined or the exact number of students affected. However, the university confirmed that all punishments are subject to appeal. 

The United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2710, which represents Columbia student workers, issued a statement condemning the disciplinary actions. The union revealed that its president, Grant Miner, was among those expelled just one day before contract negotiations with the university were set to begin. The union called the move “the latest assault on First Amendment rights.” 

A university spokesperson declined to comment on the union’s statement. 

Columbia University became a focal point of anti-Israel demonstrations that spread across U.S. college campuses following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Protesters demanded that Columbia divest from Israeli-linked investments and called for the U.S. to end military aid to Israel. 

The Trump administration has vowed a crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, claiming some are linked to extremist ideologies. 

Over the weekend, federal immigration authorities detained Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent leader of last year’s campus protests. The administration is pursuing his deportation, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked the order. 

98 Protesters Arrested at Trump Tower Sit-In for Detained Activist Mahmoud Khalil

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98 Protesters Arrested at Trump Tower Sit-In for Detained Activist Mahmoud Khalil

Police arrested at least 98 protesters Thursday in the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan during a demonstration demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this week. 

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), protesters face charges of trespassing and resisting arrest. The demonstration was led by hundreds of Jewish activists wearing “Not in Our Name” t-shirts, staging a sit-in to oppose Khalil’s detention. Protesters entered the lobby in two groups, with many initially dressed in civilian clothing before revealing their protest gear, police said. 

The NYPD stated that it was familiar with the protest group’s tactics. As in previous Trump Tower demonstrations, officers responded only after the building’s security deemed it necessary. 

Protesters carried banners in support of Khalil, a leader in anti-war protests at Columbia University, with messages such as “Jews Say Free Mahmoud & Free Palestine” and “Fight Nazis Not Students.” 

Jane Hirschmann, a Jewish New Yorker whose relatives were abducted by the Nazis during Hitler’s rise to power, condemned Khalil’s detention. “As Jews of conscience, we know our history and we know where this leads. This moment requires all people of conscience to take bold action to resist state violence and repression. Free Mahmoud now,” she said in a statement. 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced a federal lawsuit on behalf of Khalil and other students against Columbia University and the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, opposing the committee’s request to disclose student records. 

Khalil remains detained in Louisiana and has not been charged with a crime. His wife, who is eight months pregnant, urged authorities to release him. “Mahmoud has been ripped away from me for no reason at all. I am pleading with the world to continue to speak up against his unjust and horrific detention,” she said in a statement. 

The Trump administration has accused Khalil, who was a leader in pro-Palestinian campus protests, of supporting Hamas. His attorney, Baher Azmy, rejected the claim as “false and preposterous.” 

“Setting aside the false premise that advocating for Palestinian human rights constitutes alignment with Hamas, his speech is absolutely protected by the Constitution,” Azmy said. “It should be chilling to everyone that the U.S. government could try to deport someone simply because they disapprove of their speech.” 

The administration has not provided evidence supporting its allegations against Khalil. 

Reuters

Judge Orders Federal Agencies to Reinstate Thousands of Probationary Workers

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Judge Orders Federal Agencies to Reinstate Thousands of Probationary Workers

A federal judge has ordered several U.S. government agencies to reinstate probationary employees who were terminated last month, ruling that their dismissal was unlawful. 

U.S. District Judge William Alsup

U.S. District Judge William Alsup’s order on Thursday applies to the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. The ruling mandates that the agencies “offer reinstatement to any and all probationary employees terminated on or about February 13,” referring to the date when the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directed agencies to fire probationary employees. 

Alsup determined that the OPM’s directive—issued through both a written memo and a phone call—was not legally valid. 

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he participates in a town hall presented by Spanish-language network Univision, in Doral, Florida, U.S., October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

The decision follows a legal challenge over the broad dismissal of probationary federal workers, which was ordered during a February 13 OPM call with department and agency heads. The ruling could have significant implications for federal employment policies and the rights of workers in their probationary period. 

The affected agencies have not yet responded to the court order. It remains unclear how quickly the reinstatement process will be implemented. 

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Declare ‘Any Israeli Vessel’ a Target in Regional Waters

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Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Declare ‘Any Israeli Vessel’ a Target in Regional Waters

Yemen’s Houthi rebels warned early Wednesday that “any Israeli vessel” traveling through Middle Eastern waters is now a target, escalating tensions in a crucial global shipping route. The warning follows Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. 

The Houthis’ announcement further destabilizes a vital maritime corridor linking Asia and Europe, poses a threat to Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues, and raises concerns over the safe passage of aid shipments to war-affected areas. The rebels have previously used a broad definition of Israeli-affiliated ships, suggesting that other vessels could also be at risk. 

The statement, issued by the Houthis’ Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, follows a four-day deadline the group had set for Israel to resume aid shipments into Gaza. 

“We hope it is understood that the actions taken by the [Houthi military] … stem from a deep sense of religious, humanitarian and moral responsibility toward the oppressed Palestinian people and aim to pressure the Israeli usurper entity to reopen the crossings to the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of aid, including food and medical supplies,” the statement read. 

The warning covers the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Arabian Sea. The statement further declared: “Any Israeli vessel attempting to violate this ban will be subject to military targeting in the declared operational area.” 

There was no immediate sign of an attack, and Israel’s military did not respond to requests for comment. 

Israel recently halted all aid deliveries into Gaza, warning of “additional consequences” for Hamas if ceasefire negotiations fail to extend the current pause in hostilities. The move has drawn international criticism, as Gaza’s over 2 million residents rely heavily on humanitarian assistance. 

The maritime security firm Ambrey warned that the Houthis’ statements were “ambiguous” and could put additional ships at risk. The firm suggested that the threat likely extends to vessels partially owned, managed, or operated by Israeli entities, as well as those heading to Israeli ports. 

There was no direct threat against the U.S. Navy, but previous Houthi attacks have targeted American and allied warships. The Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet, which patrols the region, remains on high alert. The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier group is currently operating in the Red Sea, with the U.S. military stating Wednesday that its forces “remain vigilant.” 

“We will do what is necessary to protect and defend U.S. personnel, assets, and partners,” the U.S. military said. 

The rebels’ leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, had warned last Friday that attacks on Israel-linked vessels would resume if aid to Gaza was not allowed. That deadline expired on Tuesday. 

Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors. These operations have increased the group’s global profile amid Yemen’s ongoing civil war, while the Houthis have also tightened control at home through crackdowns on dissent and restrictions on humanitarian aid workers. 

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