Can Africa choose economic partners on its own terms?

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that President Trump will engage in efforts to resolve the ongoing civil war in Sudan, asserting that Trump is uniquely positioned to address the crisis. This involvement comes as violence continues to escalate in the region, prompting international concern and calls for intervention.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking in the United States. This decision comes amid Trump's claims of intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela, raising questions about his commitment to a drug war narrative while pardoning a convicted trafficker.

Five families from different parts of the world, including Kenya and Nepal, are sharing their experiences in combating the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among children. This issue is particularly alarming as UPFs now constitute a significant portion of diets globally, especially in the UK and US, where they make up over half of the average diet.

A report from the Transition Security Project highlights that the US is allocating billions to stockpile critical minerals for military applications, including advanced weaponry and AI-driven warfare. This diversion of essential resources is occurring amidst a global arms race, which is impeding efforts to address climate change as these minerals are vital for sustainable technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles.

President Trump is set to host the signing of a peace deal between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda in Washington, aiming to foster stability in the resource-rich region. This agreement is seen as a crucial step towards reducing tensions that have historically plagued the two nations.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has highlighted the limitations of U.S. power in global diplomacy, suggesting a shift away from unipolarity as new centers of influence emerge. The situation remains dire, with reports indicating that the death toll in Gaza has risen significantly amid intensified military actions, raising concerns about humanitarian crises.

Lebanon and Israel have engaged in their first direct talks in decades, focusing on economic cooperation, in a US-led meeting. This development comes amid rising fears of renewed conflict with Hezbollah, with both sides describing the discussions as positive, though Lebanese officials emphasized that normalization can only occur after achieving lasting peace.

The U.S. has engaged in a 50-year 'war on drugs' characterized by punitive measures that have resulted in significant financial costs, overcrowded prisons, and minimal impact on violence reduction. This analysis by Al Jazeera highlights the shortcomings of these strategies amid ongoing threats from former President Trump regarding drug-related policies.