In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, two prominent opposition leaders in Cameroon were arrested late Friday, according to their respective parties. Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, key figures in the Union for Change political platform, were detained in Douala, the country’s economic hub. The platform had endorsed presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to have defeated incumbent President Paul Biya in the October 12 election. The African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) also reported that its treasurer and other members were “kidnapped” by security forces, alleging the move was intended to intimidate the populace. The circumstances surrounding the arrests remain unclear. Cameroon’s electoral body is set to announce the final election results on Monday, but opposition supporters have already taken to the streets, warning against potential vote rigging. Protests erupted in Bafoussam, the capital of the West Region, where motorcyclists flooded major roads demanding a transparent electoral process. Earlier in the week, clashes between protesters and security forces in other cities led to multiple arrests and the tragic death of a 30-year-old primary school teacher, Zairatou Hassana, in Garoua. Hassana, who was not involved in the protests, was reportedly checking on her sister when she was killed. Her uncle, Amadou Adji, expressed deep sorrow, stating, ‘Her death makes me keep a bad souvenir of this regime like all other Cameroonians.’ Tchiroma, in a Facebook post, hinted at attempts to arrest him, calling such actions ‘an assault against the entire Cameroonian people’ and urging recognition of the people’s victory.
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‘I am not done’ – Kamala Harris tells BBC she may run for president again
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted at a potential return to the political arena, suggesting she may run for the presidency in 2028. In her first UK interview with the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Harris expressed confidence in her political future, stating, ‘I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.’ Despite her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Harris dismissed unfavorable polls and reaffirmed her commitment to public service. She also criticized Trump, labeling him a ‘tyrant’ and asserting that her warnings about his authoritarian tendencies during the campaign had been vindicated. Harris pointed to Trump’s alleged weaponization of federal agencies, including the suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, as evidence of his overreach. While reflecting on her 2024 campaign, Harris acknowledged the challenges of entering the race late after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal but stopped short of assigning blame. She emphasized the narrow margin in the popular vote, though she was decisively defeated in the electoral college. As the Democratic Party grapples with its future, Harris’s potential candidacy raises questions about the party’s strategy against right-wing populism. Her recent book, *107 Days*, chronicles her tumultuous campaign and offers insights into her political journey. Harris’s candid remarks signal her readiness for another presidential bid, though she remains noncommittal about her final decision.
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China, US begin new round of trade talks in Malaysia
In a significant move to address ongoing economic tensions, China and the United States initiated a new round of trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday. The discussions are being spearheaded by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is leading a high-level delegation to engage with US representatives. This meeting marks a pivotal effort to stabilize the economic relationship between the two global superpowers, whose trade disputes have had far-reaching implications for the global economy. The talks aim to identify common ground and explore solutions to longstanding issues that have strained bilateral ties. Both nations have expressed cautious optimism about the potential outcomes, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue in fostering mutual economic growth and stability.
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UAE fuel rates: Will petrol prices drop in November?
The UAE is set to announce revised petrol and diesel rates for November on October 31, 2025, with indications pointing toward a possible decrease in fuel prices. This adjustment aligns with the downward trend in global crude oil prices observed throughout October. The average closing price of Brent crude stood at $65.22 per barrel this month, a decline from $67 in September, signaling a potential reduction in retail fuel costs. However, recent geopolitical developments, including US sanctions on Russian oil companies, have caused a temporary rebound in oil prices, with WTI and Brent trading at $61.61 and $66.05 per barrel, respectively, as of Friday night. In October, the UAE’s Fuel Price Committee increased petrol rates by seven fils per litre, setting Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91 at Dh2.77, Dh2.58, and Dh2.71 per litre, respectively. Analysts remain divided on future price trends. While Bank of America maintains a $55 price forecast, citing steady Asian demand and OPEC+ supply discipline, Citigroup predicts further declines, potentially to $50, if economic momentum and geopolitical risks diminish. Nadir Belbarka, an analyst at XMArabia, highlighted the bearish outlook driven by projected supply increases of over three million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025 and 2.4 million bpd in 2026, coupled with slowing demand growth of just 700,000 bpd annually. Despite this, geopolitical tensions, including concerns over Russian exports and Iranian output, continue to provide some price support.
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Ousted Madagascan president stripped of citizenship
Madagascar’s political landscape has been thrown into disarray following the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina in a military coup last week. The new regime, led by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, has taken the unprecedented step of revoking Rajoelina’s Malagasy citizenship, citing local laws that mandate the loss of nationality for individuals who acquire foreign citizenship. Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship a decade ago, a move that had previously sparked controversy during the 2023 presidential election, which he ultimately won despite calls for his disqualification. The former president fled the country after weeks of escalating protests over chronic power and water shortages, which culminated in a military takeover led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. Rajoelina has since gone into hiding, citing concerns for his safety, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. The protests, initially organized by the youth movement Gen Z Mada and inspired by similar anti-government demonstrations in Nepal, intensified after Rajoelina’s government responded with violence. Despite sacking his energy minister and later his entire government, Rajoelina’s efforts to quell the unrest proved futile. Protesters had hoped for his resignation to facilitate a democratic transition, but his refusal to step down led to the military’s intervention. Colonel Randrianirina has now been sworn in as the new leader, promising to hold elections within two years.
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China, US start economic, trade talks in Kuala Lumpur
In a significant move to strengthen bilateral economic relations, delegations from China and the United States commenced high-level economic and trade talks in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The discussions, led by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, aim to address key issues in the economic and trade relationship between the two nations. The talks are based on the important consensus reached by the heads of state of China and the US during their phone conversations earlier this year, as stated by a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts by both countries to navigate complex economic challenges and foster mutual cooperation in trade and commerce. The outcome of these talks is anticipated to have a profound impact on global economic stability and the future trajectory of Sino-US relations.
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China, US to start trade talks in Kuala Lumpur
In a significant development for global trade relations, China and the United States are set to initiate a new round of trade discussions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this Saturday. The talks come at a crucial juncture as both nations seek to address longstanding trade disputes and explore avenues for economic collaboration. Journalists are stationed at the venue to provide real-time updates as the negotiations unfold. This meeting is expected to build on previous dialogues, with a focus on reducing tariffs, enhancing market access, and fostering mutual economic growth. The choice of Kuala Lumpur as the venue underscores Malaysia’s growing role as a neutral and strategic hub for international diplomacy. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for global trade dynamics, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.
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Early tallies suggest Catherine Connolly is leading candidate in Ireland’s presidential election
Ireland’s presidential election reached a pivotal moment on Saturday as vote counting commenced, with early indications pointing to a substantial lead for independent left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly. The election, which saw voters choosing between Connolly and center-right contender Heather Humphreys, is set to determine the country’s next president—a role that, while largely ceremonial, holds significant constitutional importance within the European Union member state. The race narrowed to these two candidates after Jim Gavin, the nominee from Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s Fianna Fáil party, withdrew three weeks prior due to a past financial dispute. Despite Gavin’s exit, his name remained on the ballot due to the timing of his withdrawal. Connolly, a 68-year-old former barrister and independent lawmaker since 2016, has gained support from several left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, and the Social Democrats. Known for her vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Connolly has emerged as the frontrunner, outpacing Humphreys, a 64-year-old former cabinet minister from the center-right Fine Gael party, who has positioned herself as a pro-business, pro-EU unity candidate. The election also saw potential candidacies from figures like musician Bob Geldof and former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor, though neither secured sufficient backing to enter the race. The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has served the maximum two seven-year terms since 2011, becoming Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the office. As votes were counted manually across the country’s 43 electoral constituencies, the final result was expected to be announced later on Saturday.
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American cardinal celebrates old Latin Mass in St. Peter’s in a sign of change
In a significant move that has reignited hope among traditionalist Catholics, Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrated a traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, with explicit permission from Pope Leo XIV. The event, attended by thousands of pilgrims, marked a stark contrast to the restrictions imposed by Pope Francis in 2021, which had left many traditionalists feeling marginalized. The Mass, rich in hymn, incense, and ritual, lasted over two hours and was presided over by Cardinal Burke, a prominent conservative figure in the Catholic Church. The ceremony, held in the heart of Vatican City, was seen as a tangible sign of Pope Leo’s potential openness to dialogue with traditionalist factions. This development comes after years of tension over the Latin Mass, which has been a point of contention since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. Pope Benedict XVI had relaxed restrictions on the ancient liturgy in 2007, but Francis reversed this decision, citing concerns over division within the Church. However, leaked Vatican documents in July 2025 suggested that most bishops had expressed satisfaction with the old Latin Mass, undermining Francis’ justification for the restrictions. Pope Leo, the first American pope, has emphasized unity and reconciliation since his election, raising hopes among traditionalists for a more inclusive approach. The event in St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by young families and pilgrims from around the world, underscored the enduring appeal of the ancient liturgy and its role in the spiritual lives of many Catholics.
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Japanese tourist falls to death at Pantheon in Italy
A tragic incident unfolded in Rome as a 69-year-old Japanese tourist, Morimasa Hibino, lost his life after falling from the perimeter wall of the historic Pantheon. The accident occurred at approximately 21:50 local time (19:50 GMT) on Friday evening. According to reports from local newspaper la Repubblica, Hibino fell from a height of around seven meters (22.9 feet) after losing his balance while sitting on the edge of the wall. A passing priest immediately alerted the authorities upon discovering the man lying motionless in a nearby ditch. Emergency responders and firefighters were forced to break open a gate to access the site, where they confirmed Hibino’s death. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with surveillance footage from the area being reviewed to determine the exact circumstances of the fall. The Pantheon, a renowned ancient Roman temple and one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, attracts millions of visitors annually. This unfortunate event has raised concerns about safety measures at popular tourist sites.