M23 says started withdrawing troops from key DR Congo city

More than 1,000 civilians were killed when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces seized the Zamzam displacement camp in Darfur in April, according to a UN report. The UN Human Rights Office indicated that approximately one-third of the victims were summarily executed during this attack, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have begun withdrawing from a key city, a move described by government officials as a distraction aimed at the US mediation team involved in the ongoing conflict. This development follows a series of violent clashes that erupted shortly after a peace deal was brokered by the US between the DRC and Rwanda.

The Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 armed group announced the withdrawal of its troops from Uvira, a strategic city in eastern DR Congo, which it captured in early December. This development follows a period of intense conflict that has resulted in significant civilian displacement, with approximately 200,000 people fleeing the area due to escalating violence.

Nigeria has issued an apology following the detention of 11 of its military personnel by Burkina Faso, who were held after their C-130 cargo plane made an unauthorized emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso. Although the servicemen have been released, they have not yet returned home, raising concerns about the incident's implications for bilateral relations.

In a notable development, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded former US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington, D.C. This event highlighted Trump's contributions to promoting peace and unity, as praised by Infantino, amidst a backdrop of Trump's political engagements and appearances at significant international events.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have announced a conditional withdrawal from the strategic town of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the request of the United States. This decision follows intense fighting that has led to significant civilian displacement, with tens of thousands fleeing to neighboring Burundi. The situation remains tense as the region grapples with ongoing violence and instability.

US President Donald Trump has expanded the travel ban to include seven additional countries: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria, along with Palestinian Authority passport holders. This decision follows a recent attack in Palmyra, Syria, that resulted in the deaths of three US nationals, including two soldiers.