Day-to-day lives of Beninois “have not been improved”

The Tanzanian government has canceled Independence Day events scheduled for Tuesday amid calls for a day of action from protesters, reflecting rising tensions in the country following recent elections. This decision comes as authorities anticipate significant unrest and have deployed a heavy police presence in major cities to deter protests.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron has faced backlash after a video emerged in which she used a derogatory term to describe feminist activists who interrupted a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who has previously faced allegations of rape. Her comments were intended to criticize the activists' protest methods but have sparked significant outrage.

Families of individuals who disappeared during the Syrian conflict continue to seek closure as the new government pledges to uncover the truth. Despite these promises, hope is dwindling for many as the search for the missing remains fraught with challenges and uncertainty.

On December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers in Benin attempted a coup by declaring the dissolution of President Patrice Talon's government on national television. The coup was swiftly thwarted by loyalist troops, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals involved in the plot and a military search for fugitive soldiers. The situation in the capital, Cotonou, remained mostly calm following the government's regained control.

Authorities in the Gaza Strip are warning that an incoming winter storm will severely impact hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals living in tents and makeshift shelters, as violence continues in the region, including the recent killing of a civilian by Israeli forces.

France provided logistical support to Benin's authorities to help thwart a coup attempt that occurred over the weekend, as confirmed by an aide to President Emmanuel Macron. The West African nation is currently engaged in a search for soldiers involved in the failed coup, which was quickly suppressed by government forces.

On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was announced by a group of soldiers claiming to have dissolved President Patrice Talon's government. However, the coup was quickly foiled by loyalist troops, restoring control to the government and resulting in casualties on both sides. This incident highlights the fragility of Benin's democratic stability amidst a backdrop of political unrest in the region.

Australia has enacted a law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. This legislation aims to mitigate online risks for minors, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, as critics express concerns about normalizing surveillance and cutting off support networks for young people.