Exclusive: The first proof of the use of chemical weapons in Sudan’s civil war

European migration funding has inadvertently bolstered Sudanese paramilitaries, while inadequate export oversight has facilitated the flow of arms to conflict zones, exacerbating the ongoing violence in Sudan.

Top officials from the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are convening with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida this weekend. This meeting follows the resignation of Ukraine's chief negotiator, Andrii Yermak, amid an anti-corruption investigation, highlighting the urgency of the discussions.

Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are intensifying their territorial ambitions amid ongoing conflict, as international stakeholders advocate for a ceasefire. The RSF has announced a unilateral three-month humanitarian ceasefire, while the Sudanese army has rejected an international truce proposal, leading to continued hostilities.

Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque on Saturday, marking a significant moment as he became the first Catholic leader to attend a Muslim place of worship. This visit is part of his inaugural international trip to Turkey, which aims to promote peace and unity amid regional tensions. Despite the historical significance, the visit faced backlash from a small nationalist group, with only 40 protesters present in a city of 16 million.

Ukraine is under significant pressure from Washington to agree to a peace deal with Russia, with security guarantees emerging as a critical sticking point. Analysts highlight the ambiguity surrounding these guarantees, raising concerns about their effectiveness in the event of a renewed Russian invasion.

Airlines globally are addressing a software glitch affecting the Airbus A320 family, leading to short-term disruptions as they implement necessary fixes. This issue follows a recent incident involving a JetBlue flight that experienced a sudden altitude drop, prompting urgent updates to the aircraft's software.

The US military executed a follow-up strike on a boat in the Caribbean, believed to be transporting drugs, resulting in the deaths of survivors from an earlier missile attack. Reports indicate that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had issued a directive to eliminate all individuals on board, according to sources cited by the Washington Post and CNN.

In September 2024, barrels of chlorine gas, initially imported to Sudan for water purification, were repurposed as a chemical weapon near an oil refinery, as revealed by an investigation by FRANCE 24 Observers. The barrels were brought into the country by Ports Engineering Company, which has ties to the military, under the guise of producing potable water.