Author: AFP
AFP
Agence France-Presse known by its acronym AFP is a French news agency founded in 1835 in Paris, France, where it's also headquartered. AFP covers a diversity of topics, both local news and international stories.
Discover the untold story of Syrian mercenaries in Niger, lured by promises of a better life away from the conflict-torn region. Like fighter Omar, who left Syria for a lucrative job guarding mines in Niger, many young men seek financial stability and opportunities beyond the battlefield. With ties between Ankara and Niamey strengthening, over 1,000 fighters have been deployed to protect Turkish interests in the West African nation. While some hope to start businesses with their earnings, others face uncertain futures as they navigate alliances in turbulent territories. Despite the risks and challenges, these mercenaries are driven by a desire…
The Path to Palestinian Statehood: Arab Leaders Chart a Way Forward for Post-War Gaza In the aftermath of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Arab leaders are actively working to support the reconstruction of Gaza, with a key condition: a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood. The Arab quintet of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt are committed to providing financial and political support to help rebuild Gaza, but only if it leads to a two-state solution. Despite challenges in gaining the support of the US and Israel, Arab leaders are determined to push for progress. They are pressuring the…
Boeing Faces Legal Challenge in Aftermath of 737 Max Crashes In a significant development, the US Justice Department has stated that Boeing is not shielded from prosecution for the two 737 Max crashes that claimed the lives of 346 individuals. The department alleges that Boeing breached its obligations under a deferred prosecution agreement (DFA) by failing to uphold compliance and ethics standards. Boeing denies any wrongdoing and plans to defend itself against the accusations. The government has set a deadline of June 13 for Boeing to respond to the allegations. In the wake of the tragedies, US justice officials will…
Kristal Lee and her husband envisioned their house in Gaston County, North Carolina as their “forever home” until a planned lithium mine nearby began causing sleepless nights. The $1.2 billion project by Piedmont Lithium aims to produce battery grade lithium for US electric vehicle (EV) supply chains, reflecting President Biden’s efforts to boost domestic industries and reduce reliance on China. However, concerns about water pollution, noise, and job sustainability have left some residents skeptical. Aimee Boulanger from IRMA highlights the risks associated with mining, emphasizing the need to ensure benefits outweigh harm. While Piedmont plans to test and treat water…
Brazilian President Fires Petrobras CEO Amid Shareholder Dispute In a surprising move, the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the dismissal of Petrobras CEO Jean Paul Prates. The decision came after a dispute between Petrobras and shareholders regarding dividend payments raised concerns about government influence in the company’s operations. Prates, a lawyer and economist, had been appointed by the Petrobras board of directors last January. However, his tenure was marked by criticism over the company’s decision not to pay an extraordinary dividend to investors despite a record profit in the previous year. This move led to…
Beirut recently repatriated several hundred Syrians in collaboration with Damascus, as pressure mounts in Lebanon for refugees to return home. Vehicles filled with belongings and livestock gathered in Arsal, near the border, to transport returnees. A 57-year-old man expressed happiness at the opportunity to go back to his country after 10 years as a refugee. Approximately 330 people participated in the “voluntary return” initiative, with an unspecified number arriving from Lebanon, as reported by Syrian state news agency SANA. Lebanon currently hosts around two million Syrian refugees, with almost 785,000 registered with the UN, making it the country with the…
In a show of solidarity and support, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that American military aid for Ukraine is en route during his recent visit to Kyiv. This assistance comes after the US Congress approved a $61 billion financial aid package for Ukraine, providing much-needed resources for the country’s troops facing Russian aggression. During his visit, Blinken emphasized the importance of the aid package and its impact on countering Russian advances in regions like Kharkiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the swift response from Washington and identified the urgent need for air defense support, specifically requesting…
The recent decision by the Kuwaiti emir to dissolve parliament and take on some of its powers has brought about a significant change in the country’s political landscape. The move, which will be in effect for up to four years, aims to address the ongoing power struggles between elected officials and the royal family. The suspension of parliament has led to a halt in passing crucial reforms and has caused economic stagnation in the oil-dependent nation. While reactions to the emir’s order are mixed, with some seeing it as a necessary step to overcome political deadlock and others lamenting the…
In 2023, a public feud erupted between late Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and the higher echelons of the Russian military, particularly Defense Minister Shoigu. Prigozhin accused Shoigu of incompetence, leading a mutiny before dying in a mysterious plane crash. Despite recent military successes for Russia, Shoigu’s reputation remains tarnished. The Defense Minister had faced pressure even before Prigozhin’s revolt, following setbacks in Russia’s 2022 offensive. Shoigu’s decades-long political career, which predates Putin’s rise to power, has been marked by his rise from emergency situations minister in 1994 to defense minister in 2012. He became a popular figure known for…
Devastating Floods Hit Southern Brazil Porto Alegre – Strong rains have caused river levels to rise once again in southern Brazil, leading to widespread flooding that has resulted in over 140 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. Experts attribute the deluge to climate change exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, affecting more than two million people in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Rescue operations are ongoing with 130 people still missing, and the National Center for Monitoring and Warning for Natural Disasters (Cemaden) warns of a high risk of further flooding in most regions of…