Africa’s Water Compacts Face the Test of Funding
A July declaration in Chad puts water at the center of Africa’s economic and climate agenda. The next test is whether pledges become funded projects.
International
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Global police operation identifies 2,070 trafficking victims or potential victims
Operation Global Chain reported 1,024 arrests, 465 new investigations and 2,070 identified victims or potential victims across 59 countries.
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Trump says U.S.-Iran talks will begin as Tehran disputes claim
Trump says talks with Iran will begin Monday after strikes were delayed, but Tehran says its Oman discussions concern Strait of Hormuz navigation.
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EU’s 21st sanctions package targets Russia’s war economy
Adopted July 23, the EU package adds 218 listings and targets Russian banks, crypto platforms, shadow-fleet vessels, energy firms and military suppliers.
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EU approves €15 million maritime-security support for Philippines
The EU approved a 36-month package of non-lethal maritime-surveillance equipment and training for the Philippines, deepening security ties without a defense pact.
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UK shop-price inflation slows as supermarket promotions spread
British shop-price inflation slowed to 0.9% in July, but prices remained higher than a year earlier as food and seasonal promotions restrained increases.
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ECOWAS Presses Guinea-Bissau Junta to Release Opposition Figures
ECOWAS urged Guinea-Bissau’s military-led authorities to release detained political figures as referendum and election plans test the transition’s credibility.
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EU AI Office gains enforcement powers as model risks rise
The EU AI Office can now request model access, require risk mitigation and seek fines or restrictions as controlled AI tests expose new security risks.
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UN food agencies warn hunger could worsen in 13 hotspots
An FAO-WFP outlook warns acute food insecurity could worsen through November across 13 hotspots, with Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and Palestine facing the gravest risks.
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UN report puts government forces at center of child-protection debate
A U.N. report recorded 38,558 verified grave violations against 24,174 children in 2025 and, for the first time, identified government forces as the leading perpetrators overall.
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World Hunger Fell Again in 2025, but Child Nutrition Still Lags
Global hunger declined for a third year in 2025, but costly healthy diets and slow child-nutrition gains leave families exposed to conflict and climate shocks.
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Middle East flight suspensions extend into September and October
Airlines are extending Middle East suspensions into September and October as airspace risks remain uneven, leaving travelers to recheck schedules and remedies.
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Hormuz Rerouting Turns Shipping Security Risks Into Direct Costs
August 1 surcharges from CMA CGM and Maersk show how Strait of Hormuz risks are raising costs and straining alternatives across global supply chains.
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France returns 23 Syrian antiquities after 15 years in Paris
France returned 23 Syrian antiquities after a 2010 loan kept them in Paris, giving Damascus custody of the objects as cultural cooperation resumes.
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How Zambia’s Debt-for-Energy Deal Turns Bond Savings Into a Long-Term Grid Plan
Zambia’s $1.36 billion bond buyback won broad support and is tied to up to $275 million for grid upgrades, but delivery and utility finances remain critical.
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India’s U.S. trade framework faces a new tariff test
A final U.S. 10% tariff action has changed India’s trade position while negotiators work toward a broader agreement that remains unfinished.
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Japan, U.S. and South Korea Renew North Korea Coordination in Manila
Foreign ministers from Japan, the U.S. and South Korea renewed coordination on North Korea while broadening work on cyber threats, supply chains and security.
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Only 44% of UNICEF Aid Trucks Offloaded in Gaza in May-June
UNICEF said 280 of 633 aid trucks sent from Egypt offloaded in Gaza during May and June, while OCHA reported continued cargo and water-service disruptions in July.
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Syria remains exposed as Israel presses its southern security zone
Syria is seeking a proposed multinational security arrangement with Israel as reported Israeli activity continues in the south and the UN demands respect for the 1974 accord.
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EU Approves UK Participation in €90 Billion Ukraine Loan
EU countries approved UK participation in the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, expanding Ukraine’s pool of eligible defense suppliers while formal adoption remains pending.
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EU Finalizes Emergency Farm Support as Fertilizer Costs Rise
EU governments have approved faster CAP tools and €540 million in targeted aid, but national rules will determine when farmers receive support before 2027 planting decisions.
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Zimbabwe changes presidential election system as court challenge begins
Zimbabwe’s new law replaces direct presidential voting with a parliamentary election and extends terms to seven years as the MDC seeks a referendum.