Former DRC president Joseph Kabila sentenced to death in absentia

In a significant legal development, former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia. This ruling highlights ongoing tensions in the country and raises questions about accountability for past leadership. The implications of this sentence could affect political stability and international relations, as Kabila has been a prominent figure in Congolese politics for years.

Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been sentenced to death in absentia for treason and other serious charges. This ruling is significant as it highlights ongoing political tensions in the country and raises questions about accountability and justice for past leaders. Kabila's absence from the trial adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous political landscape.

A comedy festival in Saudi Arabia is stirring controversy as prominent comedians face backlash for performing there. Critics argue that accepting lucrative deals to perform in a country with a troubled human rights record sends the wrong message, especially since Saudi Arabia was largely inaccessible until 2019. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the ethics of entertainment in regions with questionable human rights practices, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and the impact of their choices.

UN experts have raised alarm over the alarming rise in executions in Iran, with over 1,000 recorded in just the first nine months of 2025, already exceeding last year's total. This surge highlights a troubling trend in human rights violations within the country, drawing international attention and condemnation. The situation underscores the urgent need for global advocacy and intervention to address these human rights abuses.

In a significant ruling, a special court in South Sudan has denied former Vice President Riek Machar's request to halt his trial for murder and treason. This decision underscores the court's stance that Machar does not have immunity from prosecution, which could have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape and accountability for past actions.

Recent data reveals that competition for graduate jobs has reached an all-time high, prompting experts to advise new graduates to focus on local opportunities. With firms cutting back on available positions in their programs, the job landscape is becoming increasingly challenging. This shift highlights the importance of local job markets and the need for graduates to adapt their strategies to secure employment.

Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has called on Western nations to take decisive action against Crimea, suggesting that they should make the region 'not inhabitable' to support Ukraine. This statement highlights the ongoing tensions in the area and the West's role in the conflict, emphasizing the urgency of international involvement in the situation.

In a significant move, Australia's opposition leader Ley has communicated new standards of behavior to her frontbench team, emphasizing accountability within the party. Meanwhile, the union has responded to Optus's claims regarding a triple-zero outage, which the company attributed to staff issues. This situation highlights ongoing tensions in Australian politics and the importance of effective communication and responsibility in public service, especially in critical areas like emergency services.

The U.S. government is on the brink of its first shutdown in nearly seven years, with both Democrats and Republicans trading blame as the midnight deadline approaches. President Trump has stated that if a deal isn't reached, he will have 'no choice' but to cut federal workers. This situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing political gridlock in Congress and the potential impact on government services and employees, raising concerns about the economy and public welfare.

Lola Young has announced the cancellation of her upcoming gigs due to a recent stage collapse, stating she needs to take time away for the foreseeable future. This news is disappointing for her fans who were looking forward to her performances, and it highlights the importance of safety in live events. Young's decision to prioritize her well-being and that of her audience is commendable, but it leaves many fans feeling let down.

In a thrilling Champions League match, Galatasaray triumphed over Liverpool with a 1-0 victory, thanks to an early penalty scored by Victor Osimhen. This win is significant as it showcases Galatasaray's strength on the European stage, boosting their confidence and fan support while putting them in a favorable position in the tournament.