Author: Ohene Anochie

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised allied nations for failing to support the United States in its ongoing war with Iran, declaring that it is not America’s responsibility to secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said countries that depend on the waterway for oil supplies should take responsibility for keeping it open, after Iran moved to close the narrow passage that links the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through the strait during peacetime. The president suggested that the U.S. military offensive against Iran could conclude…

A wave of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure near the Gulf of Finland has significantly disrupted oil exports, halted port operations, and caused wider logistical challenges across the region. According to Russian authorities, at least 18 drones were intercepted overnight during a three-hour alert over the Leningrad region, with Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko stating that no casualties were recorded in the latest round of strikes. The attacks follow earlier hits on key oil facilities, including ports in Ust-Luga and Primorsk, as well as infrastructure in Vyborg and Kronstadt. Ukraine has also targeted the Kinef refinery in Kirishi, one of…

Confusion continues to surround the activities of the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as conflicting accounts emerge over whether the group is withdrawing from key positions in the volatile region. Local media reports and residents in North Kivu have indicated that M23 fighters have been seen leaving certain areas and abandoning previously held strongholds. However, the group has firmly denied any withdrawal, describing the observed movements as routine tactical rotations rather than a strategic retreat. In a statement shared online, M23 reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability and protecting civilians, while also referencing confidence-building efforts tied…

The General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football, Véron Mosengo-Omba, has stepped down from his role after five years at the helm of African football administration. The Swiss-Congolese official, who assumed the position in 2021 after leaving FIFA, announced his resignation on Sunday, citing a desire to focus on personal projects. Mosengo-Omba stated that his departure comes after clearing allegations of financial wrongdoing, following a decision by Swiss prosecutors earlier in 2025 to discontinue investigations due to a lack of evidence. He said he was leaving the organization “with peace of mind,” adding that CAF had grown stronger during…

French actress Eye Haïdara has been selected to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, organisers confirmed on Wednesday. The 43-year-old performer will lead proceedings on May 12 and May 23, succeeding Laurent Laffite in the prestigious role of master of ceremonies. The announcement was made jointly by France Télévisions and Brut. Haïdara gained widespread recognition for her role in the hit comedy The Sense of Wonder, directed by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, where she starred alongside Jean-Pierre Bacri. Her performance earned her a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress…

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has convened an international gathering of policymakers, diplomats and technology leaders under her “Fostering the Future Together” initiative, urging stronger global collaboration to prepare young people for a rapidly evolving digital world. The high-level event brought together representatives from more than 40 countries, alongside executives from major tech firms, with discussions centered on artificial intelligence in education, digital tools, online safety and improving digital literacy. A highlight of the summit was the presentation of Figure 03, a U.S.-developed humanoid robot, symbolizing the growing role of advanced technologies in shaping education systems worldwide. Among prominent attendees…

Severe rainfall swept through Egypt’s capital on Wednesday, flooding major roads and paralysing transportation across Cairo, as authorities warned of continued adverse weather conditions. Vehicles were seen struggling through waterlogged streets, with many drivers reporting stalled engines, blocked routes, and significant delays. The downpour brought parts of the city to a standstill, disrupting daily activities and commuter movement. Weather officials have forecast at least two more days of heavy rainfall across Egypt, accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and a noticeable drop in temperatures. Northern regions, including the Nile Delta, Sinai Peninsula, and parts of Upper Egypt, are expected to experience…

Trade ministers from the 166 member states of the World Trade Organization have convened in Yaoundé for a high-stakes ministerial conference, as growing geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies threaten the future of the multilateral trading system. The meeting opened under a cloud of uncertainty, with diplomats describing a tense atmosphere driven by widening global divisions, including the economic fallout from conflicts in the Middle East and increasing unilateral trade actions by major economies. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on member states to renew their commitment to multilateralism, urging reforms to address what she described as a collective failure to resolve…

Thousands of displaced civilians in Sudan’s Darfur region marked Eid in mourning rather than celebration, as worsening humanitarian conditions overshadowed the religious holiday in camps such as Tawila in North Darfur. Residents who fled violence in El Fasher gathered for prayers on Friday, but many say the spirit of Eid has been replaced by grief and survival struggles. The mass displacement followed the takeover of the city by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in October, after intense fighting with the Sudanese Armed Forces. For many families, the losses have been devastating. Displaced residents described the holiday as a painful reminder…

Global sportswear giant PUMA has unveiled its latest national team jerseys for 11 countries in a vibrant street-level event held in New York City, reinforcing its growing influence in international football ahead of this summer’s major competition. The launch, staged at Domino Square on March 19, departed from traditional stadium reveals, instead embracing a community-first concept that blended football, music, food, and culture. Local players were the first to wear the new kits during a 4v4 tournament, bringing the designs to life on the streets before their global release. The collection spans four continents, featuring teams from Portugal, Morocco, Ghana,…