Latest News & Developments
armed conflict
Ntshavheni's silence on arms exports raises concerns over international obligations
After 51 days without a response from Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni regarding allegations of South African weapons being used in international conflicts, the Joint Standing Committee on Defence raises urgent concerns over the government's compliance with international treaties.
SANDF confirms return of soldiers wounded in DRC conflict
South African Defence Force confirms the repatriation of critically injured soldiers from the DRC.
'Politicians have turned the SANDF into a Mickey Mouse force' - top general speaks out
Speaking at the funeral of Staff Sergeant Ishmael Molahlehi held in the Free State over the weekend, Maphaha warned the government that borders were not protected, leaving many vulnerable.
Ethiopia's civil society under siege as rights groups face suspension
Ethiopia's government has intensified its crackdown on civil society by suspending multiple human rights organisations, including the country's oldest watchdog group, Human Rights Watch has warned.
Assad resigns, leaves Syria after talks with Syrian stakeholders - Russian Foreign Ministry
Following negotiations with the parties to the Syrian conflict, Syrian President Bashar Assad has decided to resign and leave the country, ordering his government to ensure a peaceful power transition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
Biden calls Russia's retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian military sites 'outrageous'
Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Friday called Russia's response strikes on locations of Kiev's military facilities "outrageous".
Analogues of Oreshnik missile will not appear soon in world - Putin
Russia has already launched mass production of the Oreshnik missile.
‘Giving Kiev nuclear weapons would be biggest step to uncontrollable escalation’ - Ryabkov
‘‘I do not know who these people are who say such things. I have repeatedly heard similar statements from responsible — or rather irresponsible — parties in Kiev. ’’
Kiev launches two strikes with ATACMS on Kursk in three days - Russian Defence Ministry
In response, Russia launched a strike against a defence industry facility, the Yuzhmash plant, in Dnepropetrovsk on November 21, using its newest medium-range missile, dubbed Oreshnik.
France to supply Kiev with missiles financed by Russian assets' profits – Defence Minister
Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement, directly involving NATO countries in the conflict.
Pakistani separatists kill 26 in railway station blast
A bombing claimed by Pakistani separatists killed 26 people including 14 soldiers at a railway station in the south-western Balochistan province.
Thousands in London for October 7 memorial waving ‘bring them home’ flags
Attendees waved Israeli flags and bring them home placards with the faces of hostages still held by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip at the commemoration in Hyde Park in central London.
Iran accuses Israel of ‘mass murder’ after pager explosions
Among those wounded in the pager blasts on Tuesday was Iran's ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani, with Iranian media reporting he suffered injuries “to the hand and the face”.
Crisis in Sudan and Humanitarian Aid
The brutal conflict between SAF and RSF since 2023 has forced millions of Sudanese to flee their ancestral homes, pushing the total number of displaced people there to about 12 million in June 2024, the biggest displacement crisis in the world, writes Tony Ademiluyi.
The Role of NGOs in Africa: A Double-Edged Sword?
OPINION: The integrity of humanitarian work in Africa hangs in the balance, demanding vigilance, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to genuine development from all stakeholders involved in the NGO sector, writes Bayethe Msimang.
The good guys, the bad guys, and Ukraine
We know the American or NATO story line about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin is the bad guy, Armstrong Williams writes.
Israel says Biden threat to stop arms 'very disappointing'
Israeli officials criticised US President Joe Biden for threatening to stop certain arms supplies to Israel.
Israel sends tanks into Rafah and seizes key crossing
Army footage showed tanks flying the Israeli flag taking “operational control” of the Palestinian side of the border crossing.
Gaza aid pier to cost US at least $320 million: Pentagon
The US military is building a large floating pier off Gaza’s coast to help bring more aid into the besieged Gaza Strip
OPINION - Donovan Williams: An insecure United States is a threat to humanity
The US is fighting for its continued centrality in the world. Its interests are under threat in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South and Central America. It has to create a global crisis that puts Russia and China under pressure, says the writer.
Ramaphosa extends deployment of army to Mozambique
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to Mozambique until the end of the year,
WATCH: Iran says retaliation ‘concluded’, warns Israel not to respond after drone attack
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the drone and missile attack on Israel was in retaliation for a deadly April 1 drone strike on its Damascus consulate.
WATCH: Iran attacks Israel says Iran’s attack ‘foiled’ amid fears of wider conflict
Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles on Israel in an unprecedented attack late on Saturday evening.
Intense Israeli bombardment hits southern Gaza, calls for more aid grow
Israeli armed forces continues their bombardment southern Gaza came under instense attack last night, with famine looming during the holy month of Ramadan.
No let-up in Gaza war despite UN ceasefire resolution
Despite a UN ceasefire resolution demanding hostage releases and a pause in gunfire, Israeli troops and Hamas militants are still stuck in the heat of battle.