BBC News

Are the French riots a warning of an intense election to come?
Rioting, looting and vandalism has gripped France over the weekend after protests spiralled out of control across the country.

Woman says she 'closed eyes and tried not to be there' during alleged Russell Brand rape
The 51-year-old faces three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one of indecent assault.

Inside the shadowy world of anti-Putin sabotage from within Russia
Two men tell of the work they say they have been doing to support Ukrainian intelligence during the war.

Watch: Russian saboteur working for Ukraine shares reconnaissance videos
In a BBC World Service documentary, the man claims to have played a role in drone attacks on his home soil.

Possible wreckage of Amelia Earhart's plane likely to be trees, say researchers
Researchers travelled to a remote Pacific Island to confirm whether an object first spotted on satellite imagery in 2020 solved the mystery of the pilot's disappearance.

Four arrested after police officer injured in shooting
The officer was shot in the foot and remains in hospital in a stable condition, police say.

Born in jail to a mum with a heroin addiction - how US teenager Abby has been affected by drugs
The BBC's Quentin Sommerville spoke to a former heroin addict who now helps other people overcome addiction.

Companies exploiting welfare system by using residents as 'cash cows', BBC finds
Agents try to attract people on housing benefit by using social media videos that offer free rooms and holidays.

Apu returns to The Simpsons with new voice after race row
The much-loved shopkeeper has been seen but not heard around Springfield for eight years, until now.

Trial hears Robinson 'intimidated' Daily Mail reporters
The activist is accused of "bully-boy tactics" and denies harassment causing fear of violence.

The portraits that helped bring the lost Aberfan children home
An artist living hundreds of miles away felt compelled to help the village that lost its children.

What we know about apparent attack on Australian MP hit by car
Helen Haines was hit by a car in what the prime minister has called a "deliberate act".

Don't fall for this - how to protect yourself from AI scams
Trading standards officers say AI is "super-charging" existing scams through clones and fake websites.

How one rule change is altering the face of one-day cricket
One rule change has changed the face of ODI cricket. BBC Sport looks at its impact, who is benefiting and what it could mean for the future.

Watch: The father and son on opposite sides of Alberta’s separation vote
Albertans are voting on whether to stay in Canada or pursue independence via a referendum, splitting even some close-knit families.

'It gives me the ick': Can you cheat on someone with a video game?
Grand Theft Auto VI lets you build and nurture a romantic relationship but some say dates with a fictional character are a step too far.

Funding shortages force World Food Programme to cut aid to Gaza
The number of people helped by the UN agency in the Palestinian territory will drop by about a third - from 1.6 million to 1.1 million.

Sign up now
From news and politics to technology and the royals, get the best BBC journalism to your inbox.

Kylie Jenner's debut at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in $50m bra sparks mixed reaction
The reality star's surprise appearance on the runway in the diamond encrusted piece has sparked mixed reaction.

Man accused of mass train stabbing admits wounding
Anthony Williams is in court after multiple stabbings on a train that was forced to stop in Huntingdon.

Prime minister visits Aberfan ahead of 60th anniversary of 'horrifying tragedy'
A total of 116 children and 28 adults were killed on 21 October 1966 when a colliery spoil tip collapsed.

Elizabeth Holmes documentary stuns with huge box office debut
It shows fraudster Elizabeth Holmes invite a sceptical film into her home before she's sent to prison.

Exiled critic of Rwandan president found beheaded
Former army sergeant major Robert Kabera was a popular YouTuber and singer, who had sought asylum in Uganda.

Reform MSP quits party to sit as independent
Amanda Bland's decision relegates the party to the third-largest group at Holyrood, with one member fewer than Labour.

Bereaved families could face 'unjust' tax bill after civil service pension delays
The chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee says families should not be taxed through no fault of their own.

Download now
Top stories, breaking news, live reporting, and follow news topics that match your interests

Haaland a doubt, Semenyo out - what are Man City's options?
Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca explores his attacking options for Tuesday's Champions League game against AEK Athens.

England manager Wiegman signs contract extension
Sarina Wiegman says she "cannot think of a better job in football" as she commits to staying on as manager of the Lionesses until after Euro 2029.

Brook says he has 'learned a lot' from off-field issues
White-ball captain Harry Brook says he has "learned a lot" as a captain and a person - and wants to be the player England fans rely on.

South Africa-Australia Test finally resumes after rain - scorecard
Latest scorecard from the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha.

Best images of F1 in the US through the years
A selection of images from F1 races in the US, from Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Long Beach to the streets of Dallas and the Caesars Palace car park.

Cardinals upset Rams as Eagles lose - five things from NFL week six
Week six in the NFL produced some unlikely heroes as the Arizona Cardinals pulled off a huge upset while the Philadelphia Eagles suffered another loss.

How one rule change is altering the face of one-day cricket
One rule change has changed the face of ODI cricket. BBC Sport looks at its impact, who is benefiting and what it could mean for the future.

Al Jazeera

PSG vs Barcelona match will not be postponed despite protests: French PM
Barcelona travel to Paris for the Champions League match at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT.

Australian Member of Parliament critically injured after being hit by a car
Australian MP Dr. Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a car outside her office in Victoria.

French protest violence: A ‘Christmas present’ for Le Pen’s far right?
Le Pen is positioning her party as more capable than centrist or left-wing forces before the 2027 presidential election.

Doctors describe hospitals shattered by Israel’s genocide in Gaza
Doctors who volunteered in Gaza have described working during Israel’s genocidal war on the strip.

Dozens killed after Houthi strike on military camp in Shabwa
Dozens of Yemenis are feared dead after a Houthi strike targeted a military camp in Yemen’s Shabwa governorate.

Russia’s Lavrov discusses US war and regional security in Tehran visit
GCC states have pressed Moscow to help halt Iranian attacks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

‘Weight of responsibility’: Promise and perils of covering Ethiopia’s war
Al Jazeera correspondent shares his experience of covering the fighting between government forces and Tigray rebels.

At least 18 killed in Houthi attack on military camp in Yemen’s Shabwa
Houthis launch ballistic missiles at camp in southern governorate during training exercise, gov't forces spokesman says.

The night watch: Palestinians protecting their homes from settler pogroms
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are organising to protect themselves from settler attacks.

Al Jazeera investigation challenges Israeli account of Heidi Levine attack
Analysis of map coordinates and timelines raises doubts over official Israeli accounts of West Bank settler pogrom.

Qatar to unveil regional defence partnership
Qatar to unveil regional defence partnership

On Iran, Israel’s opposition is even more hawkish than Netanyahu
In rest of the world, the Israeli PM is often blamed for the Iran war. His opponents say he hasn't been tough enough.

Indonesia battles worst forest fires and toxic haze in 11 years
Indonesia battles worst forest fires and toxic haze in 11 years

Museum protesters in Colombia accuse gov’t of erasing history
Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters outside Colombia’s National Museum in Bogota.

Iran support for Houthis probed as Yemen war re-erupts and Saudi cities hit
There have been new reports of Iranian support for the Houthis in Yemen amid a wave of attacks on Saudi cities.

Israeli police arrest 10 after settler attacks on journalist, diplomats
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on X that the arrests were 'a very positive development'.

Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in ‘deliberate’ car ramming
Lawmaker was struck by a car outside her office in what Prime Minister ⁠Anthony Albanese called a 'deliberate act'.

What’s wrong with schools in France?
Angry French students have blocked access to their schools for four weeks. AJLabs breaks down what they want and why.

WFP cuts aid to ‌500,000 Palestinians in Gaza amid funding shortages
The UN agency says funding shortages threaten to reverse 'modest and fragile' progress on food security.

Mexican protesters demanding clean water storm state congress
Mexican protesters demanding clean water storm state congress

Qatar warns global energy shockwaves from Iran war have yet to peak
Deputy PM calls for dialogue with Tehran, highlights US defence ties and rejects Strait of Hormuz transit fees.

How a grass fire at a Canadian military base killed four soldiers
Cause of grass fire remains unknown as PM Carney calls it one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canadian military.

Rubio says there was no US pause in intelligence sharing with Ukraine
Ukraine relies on US intel through Starshield to spot fast-moving ballistic missiles that Russia ​fires at its cities.

NFL’s Azeez Al-Shaair honours Palestinian children for fifth straight week
Al-Shaair's eyeblack carried the name of Maryam Ghanem, a girl in Gaza who was forced to watch her mother burn alive.

Hezbollah funding plan indicates a new challenge to Lebanon’s government
The reported $200m in aid from Iran to Hezbollah has put the Lebanese government under increased pressure from the US.

Global Times

China announces optimized export controls on certain dredger-related items, effective Nov 18
China on Monday announced optimized export controls on certain dredger-related items, including slurry pumps, dragheads and cutterheads that meet specified ...

China has no need or intent to gain competitive advantages through currency devaluation: central bank governor
China has no need or intent to gain competitive advantages through currency devaluation, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank ...

China lodges strong protest over Takaichi's offerings to war shrine
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made a monetary offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine on Monday, while a cross-party group ...

Chinese scientists trace local origins of early millet farmers in northern China
Chinese scientists have found genetic evidence that early millet-farming populations in northern China originated locally rather than emerging from a ...

The Takaichi government is increasingly resembling an extremist cult: Global Times editorial

When 'strategic partner' means different things in Washington and New Delhi
Global Times

GT Voice: India should move beyond deficit anxiety as trade with China rises
Global Times

Liangzhu forum opens, highlights heritage conservation, int'l cooperation
The fourth Liangzhu Forum opened Sunday in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, to discuss challenges in cultural heritage conservation and paths to deepen international cooperation. The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the discovery of the Liangzhu ruins. Themed "Bridging the Past and the ...

Chinese actress cancels Bangkok fan meeting amid embassy travel safety alert
Chinese medical team provides free consultations in southern Cameroon

Chinese medical team provides free consultations in southern Cameroon
Chinese actress cancels Bangkok fan meeting amid embassy travel safety alert

Heightened vigilance needed in spring and summer 2027 due to super El Nino event
A potentially record-breaking El Nino event is developing in the tropical Pacific and could bring significant climate and marine ecological risks to China in the spring and summer of 2027. Four of the PLA Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships conduct rare live-fire exercise: state media report State broadcaster CCTV News reported on Saturday on a rare live-fire drill involving four of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships. ... Beijing tackles rapid aging as capital expected to become super-aged society by 2035 Beijing is expected to become a super-aged society by 2035, with one-third of its population aged 60 or older. To address this trend, the Chinese capital has stepped up efforts ...

Four of the PLA Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships conduct rare live-fire exercise: state media report
Heightened vigilance needed in spring and summer 2027 due to super El Nino event A potentially record-breaking El Nino event is developing in the tropical Pacific and could bring significant climate and marine ecological risks to China in the spring and summer of 2027. State broadcaster CCTV News reported on Saturday on a rare live-fire drill involving four of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships. ... Beijing tackles rapid aging as capital expected to become super-aged society by 2035 Beijing is expected to become a super-aged society by 2035, with one-third of its population aged 60 or older. To address this trend, the Chinese capital has stepped up efforts ...

Beijing tackles rapid aging as capital expected to become super-aged society by 2035
Heightened vigilance needed in spring and summer 2027 due to super El Nino event A potentially record-breaking El Nino event is developing in the tropical Pacific and could bring significant climate and marine ecological risks to China in the spring and summer of 2027. Four of the PLA Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships conduct rare live-fire exercise: state media report State broadcaster CCTV News reported on Saturday on a rare live-fire drill involving four of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships. ... Beijing is expected to become a super-aged society by 2035, with one-third of its population aged 60 or older. To address this trend, the Chinese capital has stepped up efforts ...

China rolls out tech-driven commerce plan to push AI-powered manufacturing, BCI, embodied intelligence commercialization
World's longest cross-sea high-speed rail bridge sees closure of first navigation channel span

World's longest cross-sea high-speed rail bridge sees closure of first navigation channel span
China rolls out tech-driven commerce plan to push AI-powered manufacturing, BCI, embodied intelligence commercialization

Canton Fair helps companies expand in BRI markets through partnerships, tailored solutions
At Wandisplay Technology's booth, an Indonesian buyer spent several minutes testing the company's app and checking the accuracy of a new smart wristband before placing an order for 2,000 units on the spot.

China railway passenger trips hit record high in first three quarters
China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 percent year on year, the highest for the period, according to the China ... Attracting tourists from smaller Chinese cities key to boosting S.Korean tourism Direct flight between Daegu in South Korea and Southwest China's Yunnan Province, operated by China's Lucky Air, was launched on Thursday and will run through October 15 next year, the ... Qualcomm seeks deeper AI cooperation with China, citing its strengths in tech commercialization US chipmaker Qualcomm is seeking to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into devices and industries, underscoring China's growing role in turning technological innovations into ...

Attracting tourists from smaller Chinese cities key to boosting S.Korean tourism
China railway passenger trips hit record high in first three quarters China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 percent year on year, the highest for the period, according to the China ... Direct flight between Daegu in South Korea and Southwest China's Yunnan Province, operated by China's Lucky Air, was launched on Thursday and will run through October 15 next year, the ... Qualcomm seeks deeper AI cooperation with China, citing its strengths in tech commercialization US chipmaker Qualcomm is seeking to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into devices and industries, underscoring China's growing role in turning technological innovations into ...

Qualcomm seeks deeper AI cooperation with China, citing its strengths in tech commercialization
China railway passenger trips hit record high in first three quarters China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 percent year on year, the highest for the period, according to the China ... Attracting tourists from smaller Chinese cities key to boosting S.Korean tourism Direct flight between Daegu in South Korea and Southwest China's Yunnan Province, operated by China's Lucky Air, was launched on Thursday and will run through October 15 next year, the ... US chipmaker Qualcomm is seeking to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into devices and industries, underscoring China's growing role in turning technological innovations into ...

Powerlifter Cui Zhe wins China's 1st gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games
Cui Zhe claimed China's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the women's 41kg para powerlifting event with a best lift of 120kg. 2026 Festival of Lights held in Berlin, Germany The illuminated law faculty building of Humboldt University of Berlin is pictured during the 2026 Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 18, 2026. The festival was held here from ... Highlights of Amsterdam Marathon Participants run during the Amsterdam Marathon in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 18, 2026.

2026 Festival of Lights held in Berlin, Germany
Powerlifter Cui Zhe wins China's 1st gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games Cui Zhe claimed China's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the women's 41kg para powerlifting event with a best lift of 120kg. The illuminated law faculty building of Humboldt University of Berlin is pictured during the 2026 Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 18, 2026. The festival was held here from ... Highlights of Amsterdam Marathon Participants run during the Amsterdam Marathon in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 18, 2026.

Highlights of Amsterdam Marathon
Powerlifter Cui Zhe wins China's 1st gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games Cui Zhe claimed China's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the women's 41kg para powerlifting event with a best lift of 120kg. 2026 Festival of Lights held in Berlin, Germany The illuminated law faculty building of Humboldt University of Berlin is pictured during the 2026 Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 18, 2026. The festival was held here from ... Participants run during the Amsterdam Marathon in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 18, 2026.

How did a wartime Chinese rallying slogan become a US Marines motto – and still echoes in today's exchanges?
In a recent address, US President Donald Trump made an unusual point of mentioning a Chinese term: "Gung Ho ('gong he' in Putonghua)."

Chinese, international buyers gather at ceramic expo in China's 'porcelain capital'
Master player brings new vitality to traditional shadow puppetry in NE China's Liaoning

Master player brings new vitality to traditional shadow puppetry in NE China's Liaoning
Chinese, international buyers gather at ceramic expo in China's 'porcelain capital'

Svoboda.org

В Петербурге по статье об оправдании терроризма задержан блогер
По данным "Ротонды", это Владимир Серебровский, ведущий телеграм-канала

ООН сокращает продовольственную программу для сектора Газа
Будет урезана продовольственная помощь для 500 тысяч человек

НАТО и Литва начали учения по противодействию гибридным угрозам
Манёвры пройдут в районе Клайпеды и в Балтийском море с 19 по 30 октября

Германия ужесточит экзамен по немецкому языку для мигрантов
С 1 ноября для сертификата потребуется успешно пройти все разделы теста

Фильм Сергея Лозницы "Империум" победил на фестивале в Лондоне
Это картина о жизни в СССР 1970-х годов

Лубинец: Украина и Россия готовят эвакуацию населения из Алешек
Город в Херсонской области стал местом острого гуманитарного кризиса

Путин поддержал крупнейшие с 2024 года перестановки в правительстве
Повышение получат четыре чиновника

Рубио объяснил сбой системы предупреждения Киева о ракетах ошибкой ПО
Украина не получила предупреждение о первой волне российских ударов 19 октября

В Донецке пророссийского блогера Татьяну Монтян приговорили к полутора годам колонии
Поводом для уголовного дела стала публикация 2022 года

Трамп вновь раскритиковал Зеленского за удары по российским НПЗ
Кремль предложил США обсудить окончание войны вместе с Китаем

Россия минувшей ночью снова атаковала Киев
Погибла 21-летняя девушка, есть раненые

Турция получит часть российского дизеля по соглашению с США
Об этом заявил министр энергетики Турции

Трамп поддержал Нетаньяху на предстоящих в Израиле выборах
Они состоятся 27 октября

Эммануэль Макрон обратился к нации после масштабных протестов
Он осудил насилие и призвал к диалогу

Зеленский в интервью NBC ответил, выстоит ли Украина без поддержки США
Он провёл разговор со Стивом Уиткоффом и Джаредом Кушнером.

В Донецке пророссийского певца задержали за "символику сатанизма"
Он признал вину и обещал утилизировать футболку

Пожар на военной базе в Канаде: 7 погибших, десятки раненых
Официально о причинах не сообщалось

В Литве предотвратили попытку поджога оборудования для Starlink
Премьер связал попытку с действиями России

В Литве предположительно упал и взорвался беспилотник
Неопознанный объект летел со стороны Польши

Рубио: Starshield Украине недоступен, Starlink США не замедляли
Он также прокомментировал отказ Трампа ввести "санкции Грэма"

Africanews

Pregnant women in Yemen at growing risk as healthcare limited by fighting
Women in Yemen face growing risks as fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-backed government forces limits reproductive health care with some facilities providing emergency obstetric care repurposing to treat war-wounded, the United Nations said Friday.

Pix of the Day, 19 October, 2026 - Across the world
Pix of the Day, 19 October, 2026 - Across the world

Freshwater fish scarcity drives aquaculture in the Republic of Congo
More than a dozen rivers, including the Tchinouka, run through Pointe-Noire. But despite their potential as sources of freshwater fish, many are unusable because of pollution and other challenges.

France's unrest: Why are immigrants being blamed for the violence?
US President Donald Trump has declared that France is "burning", blaming immigration for what he described as the country's decline.

French government under pressure after weekend of violence
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu held an emergency Cabinet meeting on Monday to assess a weekend of violence and looting during protests against the rising cost of living.

Kenya confirms eighth Ebola case as regional outbreak spreads
Meanwhile, in the DRC, the outbreak has spread to an eighth province, North Ubangi, where two cases, including one death, have been confirmed.

Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF picks Mnangagwa as leader after 2028
Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party has endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain its leader beyond 2028, as the 84-year-old seeks to extend his time in power

Undead stalk the streets of Mexico City at 19th annual Zombie Walk
The undead stalked the streets of Mexico City on Sunday for the 19th annual Zombie Walk. The gathering has become a tradition in the Mexican capital. It combines horror-inspired costumes and makeup with a family-friendly celebration.

Niger: Fuel shortages leave drivers stranded in Niamey
The cause of the shortages and when supplies will fully return to normal remain unclear, leaving motorists uncertain about when they will be able to fill their tanks without long waits.

Mali's army and rebel opponents guilty of human rights violations, new report finds
Mali's army and its Russian paramilitary allies have killed civilians in violation of international law, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch.  The army's rebel opponents have done the same, the report claims.

Kenya cult deaths: Court set to rule in preacher's murder trial
Mackenzie also faces separate charges of manslaughter and terrorism, which he denies. The verdict is being closely watched by victims’ families seeking justice three years after the discovery.

DR Congo: Ebola outbreak deepens mental health crisis amid stigma and conflict
The World Health Organization has warned that it could surpass the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, which erupted more than a decade ago and killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa.

France: Paris, Lyon and Marseille count the cost after violent protests
Streets littered with broken glass, burnt bicycles and debris greeted residents in France on Sunday 18 October, following demonstrations that left extensive damage across Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Pope Leo XIV thanks faithful for prayers at first appearance since surgery
Pope Leo XIV thanked the thousands of faithful in the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday for their prayers while he was hospitalised earlier this week.

Russia: Huge flames and smoke rise over St Petersburg after drone strikes
Huge plumes of black smoke billowed over St Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, on Sunday, 18 October, as a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack sparked fires at industrial and logistics facilities. Russian officials said 126 drones had been intercepted in the surrounding region.

IMF annual meeting: Developing nations need greater digital connectivity
An AI boom is lifting technology-exporting economies. But rising energy costs and climate disasters are pushing many developing nations into debt distress. Greater digital connectivity would allow them to benefit from tech advances.

Cameroon's opposition MRC elects its first female president, Tiriane Noah
Cameroon’s main opposition MRC elected a new party president on Saturday, Tiriane Balbine Noah. She replaces Maurice Kamto and becomes the first woman to lead the party.

Smashed storefronts, burned buildings: France wakes up to aftermath of violent protests
France woke up Sunday to devastated streets after clashes between police and protesters, mass looting and fires erupted nationwide as marches against rising costs of living degenerated into "extreme" violence.

Nigeria's Army Chief of Staff visits troops in Borno after deaths of 15 soliders
The Nigerian Army Chief of Staff is visiting troops stationed in the northeast of the country, a few days after jihadists killed fifteen soldiers in the region.

Sudanese gold miners describe deadly airstrike that killed 72
Sudanese miners injured in a deadly airstrike along the border with Egypt last week have been describing how the incident unfolded.

DRC accuses ex-president Kabila of planning 'general attack' on the country
Officials in DR Congo are accusing former president Joseph Kabila of planning a general attack on the country. Kabila on Monday joined forces with the rebel M23 to head a new outfit , taking a more direct role in the insurgency ravaging eastern DRC.

Egypt's President Sisi will step down when term expires in 2030
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says he’ll leave office when his term expires in 2030. Making the announcement on Saturday, Sisi described the matter as “completely settled.”

Senegal's Macky Sall withdraws from race for UN top job
Senegal’s former President Macky Sall is pulling out of the race to lead the United Nations. Saturday's announcement comes one day after an informal straw poll by UN Security Council members saw all seven candidates receive at least one veto.

Frontline workers in DRC receive Ervebo vaccine amid growing Ebola outbreak
Frontline workers in DR Congo received the Ervebo vaccine on Friday as the country’s worst ever Ebola outbreak continues to spread. Ervebo is effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola. Authorities hope it will offer some protection against the Bundibugyo strain driving the current outbreak.

All seven candidates to lead UN receive Security Council veto in informal poll
All seven candidates to lead the United Nations received a vote of "discourage," effectively a veto, from a permanent UN Security Council member in the latest informal poll, a diplomat said Friday.

Iran denies being behind Houthi attacks as Aden airport hit
Iran has denied any involvement in an escalation of attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi targets. The international airport in Yemen’s interim capital Aden was struck by two missiles late on Friday, the second such incident in less than two weeks.

Ex-fighters in Ethiopia's Tigray region register for reintegration programme
Hundreds of former fighters in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have been signing up for a government programme to help them return to civilian life.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints first woman-led government
Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints the members of his country's new government, led for the first time in its history by a woman prime minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

Kenya confirms third Ebola case as health officials race to contain outbreak
Kenya has confirmed its third Ebola case, raising concerns over the spread of the deadly virus across East Africa. The Health Ministry says the latest patient is a 65-year-old woman and a close relative of the country’s first two cases. She had been in quarantine since October 6.

DR Congo bans activities of 13 political parties linked to Joseph Kabila as opposition cries repression
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government has banned the activities of 13 political parties, including the PPRD of former president Joseph Kabila. Presented as a national security measure, the decision has divided the political class and reignited debate over democratic pluralism in the country.

Rights group says eastern Libyan authorities are carrying out executions
Human Rights Watch says the military has killed an estimated 31 people since late August, with at least 50 other people at risk.

Ethiopian gains in Tigray risk wider war with Eritrea, analyst warns
Ethiopia’s military advances in northern Tigray do not spell an end to the conflict but have the potential to increase the risk of war with neighboring Eritrea, an analyst with knowledge of the region has warned

Africa overtakes Europe in Catholic population as global mumbers reach 1.422 billion
Africa now has more Catholics than Europe. The Vatican’s latest statistics put Africa’s Catholic population at 288 million, slightly ahead of Europe’s 287 million.

Vatican releases first images of Pope Leo XIV since his surgery
Doctors says the 71-year-old pontiff is showing steady improvement since having part of his right lung removed on Tuesday.

South African pastor, wife arrested after 200 found in suspected illegal rehab centre
Police in South Africa have arrested a pastor and his wife after a raid on a church-run rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga province revealed shocking living conditions.

Belgium: Pumpkimania festival takes over Groot-Bijgaarden Castle
Foxes, owls and deer made from pumpkins have taken over Groot-Bijgaarden Castle near Brussels. The Pumpkimania festival features a 772kg giant, pumpkin boat rides and Halloween activities until 1 November.

South Africa: Rescuing and relocating wild honeybees in Cape Town
A father-and-son team at the Cape Honeybee Conservancy have moved over 250 wild bee colonies from urban locations since 2018.

Ethiopia appoints interim Tigray government after TPLF ouster
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced Friday the establishment of an interim administration in the northern Tigray region, which has been controlled by rebels who have clashed with federal forces in recent weeks

Kenya on high alert as Ebola outbreak in DR Congo fuels border fears
Kenya is on high alert as it races to contain Ebola! Linked to a deadly outbreak in the DRC, the virus has reportedly claimed one life in Kenya, with two cases recorded. At the Ugandan border, screenings are intensifying, with travelers undergoing temperature checks and handwashing measures.

Chinese navy ship brings free care and medicines to Abidjan
A Chinese Medical ship with a crew of 376 arrived at the port of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Thursday and began offering free medical consultations and medicines to local residents

Russian missiles spark huge factory fires in Ukraine’s Odesa and Zaporizhzhia
Russian strikes ignited massive fires at businesses in Odesa and Zaporizhzhia as President Zelensky met European leaders for talks.

Pix of the Day, 16 October, 2026 - Across the world
Pix of the Day, 16 October, 2026 - Across the world

Italy: Nationwide air traffic control issues disrupt flights at Rome airport
Flight delays and cancellations disrupted Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Friday 16 October after a fault in the data-transmission network supporting Italy’s nationwide air traffic control system.

Western Sahara: Polisario front challenges UN Envoy as MINURSO mandate vote nears
With just two weeks to go before the vote on extending MINURSO’s mandate, tensions are rising over Western Sahara.

Turkey: Divers uncover treasures from 4,700-year-old shipwreck
Underwater archaeologists in Turkey have discovered 4,400–4,700-year-old amphorae off Kekova Island, near Antalya. Believed to come from an Early Bronze Age shipwreck, the vessels could offer rare insights into ancient seafaring and trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.

US State Secretary calls for de-escalation by Ethiopia and Eritrea
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday, urging dialogue under a peace deal agreed between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2018.

At least 10 students die as Ebola outbreak spreads in DR Congo
At least 10 students have died from Ebola in Ituri Province, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, authorities said Thursday

Zambia elected for three-year term on UN Human Rights Council
President Hakainde Hichilema described it as an endorsement of the country's commitment to protecting human rights.

South African president lifts police chief's precautionary suspension
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola will resume his duties on Monday after he was cleared of charges that he broke public finance rules.

US issues new Iran-related sanctions against 16 individuals, 11 entities
The United States on Thursday issued a new round of Iran-related sanctions, targeting 16 individuals and 11 entities, including financial institutions, currency exchange firms and energy and trading companies.