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Ukraine Appoints New Foreign Minister in Major Cabinet Reshuffle

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Ukraine Appoints New Foreign Minister in Major Cabinet Reshuffle

Ukraine’s parliament approved Andrii Sybiha, a 49-year-old former diplomat and ex-adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the country’s new foreign minister on Thursday. This appointment marks a significant step in Zelensky’s most extensive government reshuffle since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Sybiha replaces Dmytro Kuleba at the foreign ministry, though the change is not expected to significantly alter policy. President Zelensky and his office have largely overseen international relations from the presidential palace. Some observers view Sybiha as closer to Andriy Yermak, the increasingly powerful presidential chief of staff, who reportedly clashed with Kuleba.

The reshuffle includes several key appointments:

Oleksiy Kuleba, another presidential adviser, becomes deputy prime minister in charge of reconstruction, regions, and infrastructure.

Olha Stefanyshyna, 38, is reappointed as deputy prime minister for European integration and takes on the justice portfolio. She emphasized that “hundreds and thousands” of legal changes are needed for Ukraine’s EU membership bid.

Herman Smetanin, 32, is named strategic industries minister, overseeing domestic arms production amid ongoing conflicts in eastern Ukraine and the incursion into Russia’s Kursk border province.

President Zelensky reportedly told lawmakers that these changes aim to increase efficiency and reinvigorate his government. MP Inna Sovsun told the BBC the reshuffle was “the best way to bring in new people, new ideas into the government.”

However, critics, including opposition MP Dmytro Razumkov, argue that the changes will have little impact on decision-making. Another opposition MP, Iryna Gerashchenko, criticized Zelensky for not being present during the parliamentary votes to approve the new ministers, calling it a break from tradition.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the appointments, acknowledging the “difficult tasks” ahead but expressing confidence in the new ministers’ abilities to implement “our state’s strategic goals.”

The reshuffle follows earlier dismissals, including that of former defense minister Oleksii Reznikov and military commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi. It also comes amid a crackdown on corruption that has seen some ministers detained by security services.

Under martial law, President Zelensky wields considerable executive power. With elections suspended during the war and his Servant of the People Party maintaining a parliamentary majority, some experts note limited checks on his government’s authority, raising concerns about the centralization of power around the president’s office.

Congo Receives First 100,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses, Fraction of Needed Supply

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Congo Receives First 100,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses, Fraction of Needed Supply

The Democratic Republic of Congo received its first batch of 100,000 mpox vaccine doses in the capital Kinshasa on Thursday, three weeks after the World Health Organization declared mpox outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency.

The MVA-BN vaccine, manufactured by Danish company Bavarian Nordic, was donated by the European Union through HERA, the bloc’s health emergencies agency. Congolese authorities expect another 100,000 doses to arrive on Saturday.

Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that UNICEF will manage the vaccination campaign in the most affected provinces. However, the start date for vaccinations remains unclear.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that about 380,000 mpox vaccine doses have been promised by Western partners, including the EU and the United States. This falls far short of the 3 million doses authorities say are needed to curb the outbreaks in Congo, the epicenter of the global health emergency.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, reported over 22,800 mpox cases and 622 deaths on the continent, with infections surging 200% in the last week. Congo, where a new mpox variant was first detected, accounts for the majority of cases and deaths, with most infections occurring in children under 15.

Laurent Muschel, Director-General of HERA, stated that 215,000 doses were specifically pledged and purchased for donation to Congo. The European Medicines Agency is reviewing data to potentially approve the vaccine for children aged 12 to 17 by month’s end.

Mercy Muthee Laker, Congo representative for the Red Cross and Red Crescent, praised the government’s efforts but noted the inadequacy of the doses compared to the need on the ground. Experts warn that vaccine administration may take weeks due to logistical challenges in Congo’s vast territory with limited health infrastructure.

The United States recently donated 10,000 mpox vaccine doses to Nigeria, marking the first known donation to Africa since the current outbreaks began. Nigeria has recorded 40 cases this year, according to its CDC.

Dr. Dimie Ogoina, chair of WHO’s mpox emergency committee, highlighted that the current African outbreak differs from the 2022 global outbreak, with transmission now occurring through sexual contact and close contact among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.

The Africa CDC is developing a unified response plan for the outbreaks, to be presented to African heads of state at a September meeting.

French Woman Testifies Against Ex-Husband Accused of Orchestrating Her Rape

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French Woman Testifies Against Ex-Husband Accused of Orchestrating Her Rape

A French woman whose ex-husband allegedly drugged her for years to facilitate her rape by other men testified Thursday in a court in Avignon, southern France. Gisèle Pélicot detailed the horror of discovering that her former spouse had systematically filmed the suspected rapes by dozens of men.

Dominique Pélicot, 71, and 50 other men are on trial for charges of aggravated rape, facing up to 20 years in prison. The trial, which began Monday, is expected to continue until December.

Speaking calmly and clearly, Gisèle Pélicot told the court, “It’s unbearable. I have so much to say that I don’t always know where to start.” She described how her world collapsed when police uncovered the alleged abuse in late 2020.

The case came to light when a security agent caught Dominique Pélicot photographing women’s crotches in a supermarket. A subsequent police investigation of his phone and computer revealed thousands of images and videos allegedly showing men raping Gisèle while she was unconscious.

Gisèle Pélicot left her husband of 50 years immediately after police showed her some of the images. “For me, everything collapses,” she testified. “These are scenes of barbarity, of rape.”

Investigators found communications allegedly sent by Dominique Pélicot on a now-shuttered messaging website used by criminals, inviting men to sexually abuse his wife. The alleged abuses began in 2011, with Dominique Pélicot reportedly establishing elaborate rules for the men entering their home.

During earlier questioning, Dominique Pélicot told investigators that participants had to follow specific guidelines, including not talking loudly, removing clothes in the kitchen, and avoiding perfume or tobacco smells.

Gisèle Pélicot testified, “I was sacrificed on the altar of vice. They regarded me like a rag doll, like a garbage bag.” She insisted on a public trial in solidarity with other unrecognized victims of sexual crimes.

Police tracked down most of the 72 suspects over two years, thanks to the videos Dominique Pélicot allegedly recorded. Some defendants deny the accusations, claiming manipulation by Pélicot.

The trial will see defendants appear in small groups before five judges. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and computer experts are also scheduled to testify.

Putin Says Russia Ready for Talks with Ukraine, Reframes War Objectives

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Putin Says Russia Ready for Talks with Ukraine, Reframes War Objectives

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s readiness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, reversing his previous stance that the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk made negotiations impossible. Putin made these remarks at a forum in Vladivostok on Thursday.

Putin suggested that the agreement outlined during earlier peace talks in Istanbul, which was never implemented, could serve as a foundation for a new truce. “Are we ready to negotiate with them? We have never refused to do so, but not on the basis of some ephemeral demands, but on the basis of those documents that were agreed and actually initialled in Istanbul,” Putin stated.

The Russian leader proposed that fellow BRICS members China, Brazil, and India could act as mediators in potential negotiations. Russia currently chairs this group of emerging economies, which also includes South Africa.

In a significant shift, Putin also declared that Russia’s primary objective in Ukraine is to fully control the Donbas region. This statement marks another reframing of Russia’s goals since the invasion began in February 2022.

Addressing the recent Ukrainian advances into Russia’s Kursk region, Putin claimed that Moscow’s forces were “gradually” pushing them back. He characterized the Ukrainian operation in Kursk as an attempt to “force us to worry, hustle, divert troops and to stop our offensive in key areas, especially in the Donbas, the liberation of which is our main primary objective.”

Putin’s comments come amid ongoing international concern about the conflict, including the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief has reported that one of the plant’s towers requires demolition, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with the war’s impact on critical infrastructure.

These developments suggest a potential shift in Russia’s approach to the conflict, though it remains to be seen how these statements will translate into action on the ground or in diplomatic channels.

Source: dw.com

Japan Thrashes China 7-0, Australia Stunned by Bahrain in World Cup Qualifiers

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Japan Thrashes China 7-0, Australia Stunned by Bahrain in World Cup Qualifiers

Japan made a commanding start to the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, overwhelming China with a 7-0 victory, while Australia faced an unexpected setback, losing 1-0 to Bahrain at home.

In Saitama, Japan’s performance was powered by Premier League stars Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo. Brighton winger Mitoma, returning from injury for his first appearance with Japan since the Asian Cup in January, scored with a first-half header after Liverpool’s Endo opened the scoring.

“The home support was overwhelming and that allowed us to play well from the first whistle,” Mitoma said, expressing relief at his goal.

Takumi Minamino added two goals after halftime, with Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda, and Takefusa Kubo also finding the net in a dominant display by Hajime Moriyasu’s side. The result highlighted China’s struggles, having barely qualified for this round due to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand.

In a surprising turn of events on the Gold Coast, Australia suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bahrain. The match seemed destined for a scoreless draw until an 89th-minute own goal by Harry Souttar. Australia’s chances diminished after striker Kusini Yengi received a red card in the 77th minute for a high kick.

Bahrain beats Australia

“It’s a learning curve for the players. It wasn’t our night,” Australia coach Graham Arnold commented post-match.

In Seoul, Palestine earned a notable 0-0 draw against South Korea. Despite being ranked 96th to South Korea’s 23rd in FIFA rankings, Palestine held their own in an open contest. The team, making their debut in this qualifying stage and playing their home matches abroad due to the war in Gaza, created several chances, including a disallowed goal in the 22nd minute.

The top two teams from each of the three Asian groups will secure places at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Other matches in the qualifiers saw Saudi Arabia, under Roberto Mancini, hosting Indonesia, while Iraq faced Oman, and Jordan played Kuwait.

These results set the stage for an intriguing qualifying campaign, with established teams facing challenges and underdogs showing their potential on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Germany’s Migration Commissioner Proposes Rwanda Deportation Plan for Illegal EU Entrants

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Germany’s Migration Commissioner Proposes Rwanda Deportation Plan for Illegal EU Entrants

Germany’s Special Representative for Migration Agreements, Joachim Stamp, has proposed deporting migrants who enter the European Union illegally through its borders with Belarus to Rwanda. The suggestion comes as Berlin considers measures to restrict refugee arrivals in the bloc amid rising political pressure.

Stamp, a member of the junior coalition FDP party, outlined his proposal in a podcast by Table Media published on Thursday. He suggested utilizing existing asylum facilities in Rwanda that were initially set up for Britain’s 2022 plan to send unauthorized migrants to the East African nation. The British plan was abandoned by Keir Starmer’s new government in July.

Under Stamp’s proposal, asylum procedures in Rwanda would be conducted under United Nations supervision. “We currently have no third country that has come forward, with the exception of Rwanda,” Stamp stated, noting that Rwanda has publicly expressed willingness to continue implementing this model.

The proposal specifically targets refugees crossing the EU’s eastern borders, with Stamp estimating this group to be “about 10,000 people a year.” He dismissed broader suggestions from the conservative opposition to apply such a model to all refugees.

This initiative comes in the wake of increasing pressure on Germany’s ruling coalition government to restrict irregular migration. The pressure intensified following a fatal stabbing linked to Islamic State at a city festival last month, which fueled far-right opposition and criticism of Berlin’s migration policies.

Stamp also suggested removing the “connecting element” in the new Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which currently requires external asylum procedures to be conducted in countries where the asylum seeker has a social connection.

The proposal emerges against the backdrop of the European Union’s December agreement on new rules to handle irregular arrivals of asylum seekers and migrants. This deal, hailed as a breakthrough after nearly a decade of disagreements, is expected to take full effect by the end of 2025.

Stamp’s position within Germany’s Interior Ministry lends weight to his proposal, although it remains to be seen how it will be received by other coalition partners and the broader European community. The suggestion to use Rwanda as a processing center for asylum seekers entering the EU via Belarus represents a significant shift in Germany’s approach to managing irregular migration.

Reuters

World Bank, French Development Agency Provide Over $600 Million Aid to Uganda

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World Bank, French Development Agency Provide Over $600 Million Aid to Uganda

The World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) have committed more than $600 million in aid to Uganda for infrastructure development and waste management in the capital city of Kampala, according to statements released Thursday by the government and World Bank.

The aid package comes in response to longstanding complaints from Ugandans about poor waste management and deteriorating road conditions in Kampala, issues exacerbated by chronic underfunding from the central government. The urgency of addressing these problems was underscored last month when a garbage landslide at a landfill site on the outskirts of Kampala buried houses as residents slept, resulting in at least 35 deaths.

The World Bank will provide $566 million, primarily in the form of credit, while the AFD will contribute $42.7 million. “Rapid urban expansion has exposed significant gaps in infrastructure,” the World Bank stated, highlighting the pressing need for urban development assistance.

This aid announcement comes after the World Bank had previously stated it would halt lending to Uganda following the country’s passage of a strict anti-gay law last year. The World Bank did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for an explanation regarding the lifting of this assistance ban.

The substantial funding is expected to address critical infrastructure needs in Kampala, potentially improving living conditions for residents and enhancing the city’s capacity to manage waste effectively. However, the reversal of the World Bank’s lending stance may raise questions about the institution’s policy consistency regarding human rights issues.

As Uganda moves forward with these infrastructure projects, the international community will likely monitor both the implementation of the funded initiatives and any potential shifts in the country’s social policies that may have influenced the resumption of aid.

Guatemala to Accept 135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners Released in US-Brokered Deal

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Guatemala to Accept 135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners Released in US-Brokered Deal

The United States has brokered a deal for the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds, the White House announced Thursday. The freed individuals will initially be received by Guatemala before potentially seeking lawful relocation to the United States or other countries.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan released a statement detailing the agreement. Among those released are 13 members of the Texas-based Mountain Gateway organization, as well as Catholic laypeople, students, and others who had been imprisoned.

The release marks a significant diplomatic achievement for the United States in its efforts to address human rights concerns in Nicaragua. The Central American nation has faced international criticism for its treatment of political dissidents and opposition figures.

Sullivan’s statement did not provide specifics on the conditions of the prisoners’ release or the negotiations that led to the agreement. It also remains unclear how long the freed individuals will stay in Guatemala or what processes they will need to follow to potentially relocate to the United States or elsewhere.

President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua

This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Nicaragua and the international community over issues of political freedom and human rights. The release of these prisoners may signal a potential shift in Nicaragua’s approach to political dissent, though it remains to be seen whether this will lead to broader changes in the country’s political landscape.

The involvement of Guatemala in receiving the released prisoners highlights the regional dynamics at play in Central American politics and the role of neighboring countries in addressing humanitarian issues.

As the situation unfolds, international observers and human rights organizations will likely be monitoring the well-being of the released prisoners and any potential implications this move may have for other political detainees still held in Nicaragua.

New Maori Queen Anointed as Father, King Tuheitia, is Buried-Reuters

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New Maori Queen Anointed as Father, King Tuheitia, is Buried-Reuters

A new Maori Queen was anointed Thursday as thousands gathered to bid farewell to her father, King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died last week at 69 following surgery.

Representatives announced that Nga Wai Hono i te Po, 27, had been chosen by Maori elders to succeed her father. The anointment ceremony, known as Te Whakawahinga, took place during the tangihanga (funeral and burial) of King Tuheitia at Tuurangawaewae, the meeting place of the King movement.

In a traditional ceremony, Archbishop Don Tamihere placed a bible, used since 1858, upon the new queen’s head and anointed her with sacred oils to bestow prestige, sacredness, power and spiritual essence.

Following the anointment, King Tuheitia’s coffin was transported by hearse to the Waikato River, then paddled in a flotilla of traditional Maori waka (canoes) to Taupiri Mountain for burial alongside other royals and high-profile Maori.

The Maori monarch, while considered the paramount chief of several tribes (iwi), holds no judicial or legal authority in New Zealand and serves a largely ceremonial role. The position is not hereditary but voted on by representatives from iwi across the country.

Nga Wai Hono i te Po, the only daughter and youngest child of King Tuheitia and his wife Te Atawhai Makau Ariki, holds a Master of Arts in Tikanga Maori and has served on various boards, including the Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, which focuses on revitalizing the Maori language.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the new queen’s appointment, stating she would carry forward the mantle of leadership left by her father.

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The anointment comes at a critical time for race relations in New Zealand. The country’s center-right coalition government, which took office last year, has begun reversing policies of previous administrations, particularly those promoting the official use of the Maori language, enhancing Indigenous living standards and rights, and addressing historical wrongs from colonization.

In January, King Tuheitia held a gathering of tribes to discuss responses to government plans. His daughter, now the new queen, stood beside him as he emphasized the importance of their voices.

As New Zealand grapples with these challenges, the new Maori Queen’s role in representing and advocating for Indigenous interests is likely to be closely watched in the coming months and years.

France’s Macron Names Former Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier as New Prime Minister

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France’s Macron Names Former Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier as New Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the European Union’s former Brexit negotiator, as his new prime minister on Thursday. The move aims to end political paralysis following an inconclusive snap election and comes as France faces pressing challenges, including the preparation of its 2025 budget.

Barnier, 73, becomes the oldest prime minister in France’s modern political history, succeeding Gabriel Attal, who was the youngest. The appointment of this discreet, conservative politician is expected to face immediate challenges in a bitterly divided parliament.

The leftwing alliance that won June’s election accused Macron of ignoring the election result by selecting a conservative. Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-left leader, declared, “The election has been stolen,” while another hard-left lawmaker, Mathilde Panot, called it an “unacceptable democratic coup.” The alliance has called for demonstrations against Barnier’s selection but lacks the seats to block the choice on its own.

The far-right National Rally (RN), parliament’s largest single party, indicated it would not immediately block Barnier’s appointment. Jordan Bardella, the RN leader, stated they would judge Barnier based on his “general policy speech, his budgetary decisions and his actions on their own merit.” However, the party reserved the right to use “all political means of action” if their concerns about cost of living, security, and immigration are not addressed in the coming weeks.

Barnier, a staunch pro-European and moderate career politician, toughened his stance on immigration during his unsuccessful 2021 bid for his conservative party’s presidential nomination. His political career spans decades, including roles as foreign minister and agriculture minister. Internationally, he is best known for leading the EU’s Brexit negotiations from 2016 to 2021.

Financial markets reacted positively to Barnier’s appointment, with French bank shares edging up, government borrowing costs falling slightly, and the euro nudging higher.

The appointment comes as Macron faces the challenge of implementing his political agenda without an absolute majority in parliament. Barnier will need to negotiate with other parties to pass legislation, a task complicated by the divided political landscape.

The RN has set conditions for not voting against Barnier, including the dissolution of parliament as early as July next year and support for changing France’s voting system to proportional representation.

As Barnier takes office, he faces immediate challenges, particularly in preparing France’s 2025 budget. Outgoing Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has warned that tens of billions of euros in budget cuts are needed to address deteriorating public finances.

Barnier’s appointment marks a new chapter in French politics as the country grapples with economic challenges, political divisions, and the need for stable governance in a fragmented parliament.

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