Jair Bolsonaro asked Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Monday to reduce his 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overthrow the government after losing the 2022 presidential election. His attorneys claimed the trial denied him adequate legal representation and relied on unreliable witness statements obtained through plea agreements. The court convicted Brazil's former president in September on five criminal counts after judges voted 4-1 that he organized efforts to remain in office illegally. Charges against him involve leading an armed conspiracy, trying to end democratic governance through violence and damaging protected national monuments.
Rwanda implemented 13 business reforms in 2025 to strengthen its economy and attract investment through improved regulations and digital services. The government completed a high-resolution mapping project that provides detailed topographic data for infrastructure planning and disaster management across the nation.
Authorities launched digital platforms for land transactions and court proceedings to reduce bureaucracy and processing times. The National Land Authority created systems that allow citizens to track applications and access property information electronically, while the justice sector introduced software enabling virtual hearings.
Officials eliminated export license requirements and extended permit validity from one year to...
The Anglican Church of Rwanda marked its centennial after Captain Godfrey established the Diocese of Gahini in 1925. The institution operates over 1,300 educational facilities and three universities that serve communities across the nation. Archbishop Laurent Mbanda said membership increased from 1.2 million believers when he began leadership to current levels that support 22 nursery schools and 14 modern churches in Gasabo Diocese alone.
The church administers three hospitals and 18 health centers, along with commercial properties, generating revenue to support operations. Mbanda oversaw the establishment of Karongi and Nyaruguru dioceses while Gasabo Diocese expanded from 2,903 members to more than 9,000 attendees. The organization...
Congo's military suggested the FDLR militia has begun following disarmament instructions, despite international observers confirming that no such process has begun. Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa told reporters that rebel fighters remain in M23-controlled areas of Rutshuru, where the coalition blocks their attempts to surrender to Congolese forces or United Nations peacekeepers.
Rwanda's foreign minister stated in July that some FDLR members joined Congo's army and Wazalendo militias, violating peace commitments between both nations. The country's Financial Intelligence Centre identified 25 Rwandans connected to terrorism, with senior FDLR commanders operating in Walikale territory as of October 14.
A June agreement required both...
Malawi imposed contraceptives on lions at two wildlife reserves to address overpopulation threatening local communities and ecosystems. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife partnered with African Parks to administer birth control at Majete and Liwonde reserves, where numbers exceed habitat limits.
Director Brighton Kumchedwa said on Friday that lions frequently breach fences and enter nearby villages as population density rises. The animals have depleted antelope populations through increased hunting pressure across both protected areas.
The contraceptives will suppress reproduction for five years before fertility returns. Officials are developing permanent population management strategies while the temporary measures take...
Malawi banned the export of raw minerals on Monday, October 21, through an executive order signed by President Peter Mutharika. The directive prohibits the shipment of unprocessed resources, such as uranium, gold, diamonds, copper, and rare earth elements, to encourage domestic processing and economic growth.
Violations will result in penalties under Malawian law. Processed or refined minerals remain eligible for export under mining sector regulations.
The government will monitor economic and environmental effects through regular reviews. The mining ministry must provide progress updates to the president, assessing the policy's impact on industry development and national prosperity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that his government maintains independent authority over military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, regardless of ceasefire agreements. He told ministers that Israel determines its security actions without requiring external approval from other nations.
Netanyahu announced Israel will select which countries may contribute peacekeepers to Gaza. He rejected any forces his government considers inappropriate for deployment in the territory.
His comments followed multiple visits from senior White House representatives working to maintain the Gaza ceasefire. The diplomatic efforts occurred throughout the previous week as officials sought to stabilize the fragile agreement between the...
Kenyan naval forces seized narcotics valued at $63 million from a vessel carrying six Iranian citizens approximately 630 kilometers from Mombasa on Saturday. The stateless boat contained 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in 769 packages across multiple compartments. Authorities arrested Jasem Darzadeh, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Bakshi, and Imtiaz Daryayi after discovering the drugs.
The operation occurred under regional maritime security coordination involving Seychelles and Madagascar surveillance centers. Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa said the bust demonstrates Kenya's dedication to fighting organized crime in the Western Indian Ocean. The suspects face legal proceedings after transfer to investigative...
M23 rebels detained a senior FDLR militia member known as Tokyo after wounding him in combat near Masisi in North Kivu province. The fighter, whose actual name is Yoweri, received medical treatment from his captors before transfer to authorities on Saturday, according to rebel administration official Willy Manzi.
The FDLR formed from groups responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide and has operated in eastern Congo for over 25 years. Tokyo faces accusations of murder, sexual assault and property destruction alongside other militia commanders in the region.
Rwanda sanctioned 25 terrorism suspects this month as part of efforts to eliminate the militia. The United States and the United Nations previously imposed restrictions on the...
