In a contentious move, a group of 10 migrants deported from the United States arrived in the African nation of Eswatini early Monday, according to local authorities. This marks the latest wave of deportations under a controversial program initiated by the Trump administration, which has struck largely undisclosed agreements with at least five African nations to accept migrants under its third-country deportation initiative. Rights groups and activists have vehemently opposed the program, citing concerns over due process and humane treatment.
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigns after less than a month
In a dramatic turn of events, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has resigned less than 24 hours after unveiling his cabinet. Lecornu, a staunch ally of President Emmanuel Macron, cited the inability to fulfill necessary conditions for his role, criticizing political parties for their refusal to compromise. The announcement was made by the Elysée Palace following an hour-long meeting between Lecornu and Macron on Monday morning. This abrupt decision comes just 26 days after Lecornu assumed office, succeeding François Bayrou, whose government collapsed amid widespread criticism. The National Assembly had vehemently opposed Lecornu’s cabinet, which bore striking similarities to Bayrou’s, and threatened to vote it down. Calls for early elections have intensified, with far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen urging Macron to step down, accusing him of plunging the country into crisis. Lecornu, France’s fifth prime minister in under two years, lambasted political factions for their ‘partisan appetites’ and lack of humility during his brief tenure. The resignation underscores the deepening instability in French politics, which has been in disarray since the July 2024 snap elections resulted in a hung parliament. The inability to pass crucial legislation, including Bayrou’s austerity budget, has exacerbated France’s economic woes, with a deficit of 5.8% of GDP and a national debt of 114% of GDP. The Paris stock exchange reacted negatively to the news, with stocks plummeting sharply.
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A Chinese migrant dies when boat capsizes on the Danube between Serbia and Croatia
A tragic incident unfolded on the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia, resulting in the death of one individual and the rescue of several others. According to Serbian police, a boat carrying at least 10 Chinese nationals capsized late Sunday evening near the Serbian town of Backa Palanka, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Belgrade. The victims were reportedly attempting to cross the border illegally. Serbian rescuers recovered the body of one person and successfully saved four others, all of whom are Chinese nationals. Meanwhile, teams in neighboring Croatia located three men and two women, also from China. Serbia is a key transit point on the Balkan migration route, which many migrants use to reach Western Europe. In recent years, China has significantly invested in infrastructure projects across central and eastern Europe, leading to an increase in the visibility of Chinese emigrants in these regions.
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Australian prosecutors appeal mushroom murderer’s ‘inadequate’ sentence
In a high-profile legal battle, Australian prosecutors have launched an appeal against the sentence handed to Erin Patterson, the woman convicted of orchestrating a deadly mushroom meal that claimed three lives and left another critically ill. Patterson, 51, was sentenced last month to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 33 years, marking one of the longest sentences ever imposed on a female offender in Australia. The Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) argued that the sentence was ‘manifestly inadequate’ given the gravity of her crimes. The appeal was filed on the final day of the deadline, with the DPP emphasizing the severity of Patterson’s actions. The case has drawn global attention, with media outlets and the public flocking to the small courthouse in Morwell, Victoria, during the nine-week trial. Patterson was found guilty of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, by serving them beef Wellington laced with toxic death cap mushrooms in 2023. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived but continues to suffer from health complications. Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, narrowly escaped the fatal meal after canceling at the last minute. It was later revealed that Simon had previously fallen critically ill after consuming meals prepared by Erin, leading to a coma and the surgical removal of a significant portion of his bowel. During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale acknowledged the heinous nature of Patterson’s crimes but cited the ‘harsh prison conditions’ she faces as a factor in allowing parole eligibility. Patterson has spent 15 months in solitary confinement and is likely to remain isolated for her safety due to her ‘major offender status’ and the notoriety of her case. She is currently held at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a maximum-security prison in Melbourne, where she spends 22 hours a day in her cell with no contact with other inmates. Patterson’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal her conviction, though no formal application has been submitted yet. Her defense must demonstrate legal errors to secure a hearing. The case continues to captivate public interest, with Patterson expected to remain a notorious figure in the Australian penal system for years to come.
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Western Balkan leaders reaffirm commitment to EU future
In a significant diplomatic gathering in Golem, Albania, leaders from the Western Balkan nations reiterated their dedication to a shared European future on Monday. The annual meeting, part of the Brdo-Brijuni Process initiated by Slovenia and Croatia in 2013, aimed to bolster regional cooperation and accelerate reforms essential for European Union (EU) integration. The event saw the participation of presidents from Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, underscoring a collective resolve to advance their EU aspirations. In a joint declaration, the leaders emphasized their ‘shared vision toward the European perspective of our entire region,’ committing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Europe. Despite varying stages of progress in their EU membership bids—with Montenegro and Albania leading, and Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia trailing—the nations expressed optimism about their integration journey. The EU’s renewed openness to enlargement, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict, has heightened the urgency for reforms. The leaders also welcomed a 6 billion euro growth plan designed to support these efforts. Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar urged Brussels to expedite the process, warning that ‘security and peace in Europe is at stake.’ The gathering, led by Albanian President Bajram Begaj, highlighted the importance of reconciliation and political dialogue in a region still grappling with historical tensions, particularly between Serbia and Kosovo.
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Six patients killed in a fire at an ICU ward of India hospital
A devastating fire at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has resulted in the deaths of six critically ill patients. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a short circuit, erupted late on Sunday night in the ICU’s storage area. At the time of the incident, eleven patients were in the unit, with two women and four men among the victims. Relatives of the deceased have accused hospital staff of negligence, a claim vehemently denied by hospital authorities. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced an investigation into the tragedy, emphasizing that all measures are being taken to ensure patient safety and care for those affected. The fire, which started in the hospital’s trauma center just before midnight, quickly spread, forcing the evacuation of fourteen patients from a nearby ICU ward. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly two hours before gaining control. Families of the victims have expressed outrage, alleging that staff ignored initial warnings and that the hospital lacked essential firefighting equipment. Hospital Deputy Superintendent Jagdish Modi refuted these claims, stating that staff members risked their lives to evacuate patients. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of hospital fires in India, with a 2024 fire in Jhansi claiming the lives of ten newborns. A 2023 analysis by The Indian Express revealed that 11 major hospital fires since 2019 have claimed 107 lives, often due to safety lapses and inadequate firefighting systems.
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Selfies and singing as Ethiopians celebrate thanksgiving
This weekend, the streets of Addis Ababa came alive with the vibrant colors and joyous energy of Ethiopia’s annual Irreecha festival. Tens of thousands of Ethiopians, predominantly from the Oromo ethnic group, gathered to celebrate this traditional thanksgiving event, marking the end of the country’s main rainy season. The festival, deeply rooted in indigenous faith systems, has evolved into a unifying cultural phenomenon that transcends religious and geographical boundaries. Attendees, adorned in elaborate traditional attire and jewelry, gathered around sacred rivers and lakes to express gratitude for the life-giving rains that have transformed the landscape. The air was filled with singing, dancing, and the sharing of stories, while freshly cut grass and flowers were placed in water as symbols of renewal and hope. This year’s celebration was particularly notable for its peaceful and inclusive atmosphere, a stark contrast to past years when the festival was marred by political tensions. The Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, have historically faced political and economic marginalization, but this year’s Irreecha emphasized unity and cultural pride. The festival’s growing popularity has been fueled in part by social media, with young people documenting their experiences and showcasing the event’s vibrant traditions to a global audience. Among the attendees was Claire from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who returned with her children after being captivated by the festival’s beauty and warmth last year. ‘It is amazing,’ she remarked. ‘Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and say welcome.’ The first day of the festival took place in Addis Ababa, followed by celebrations in Bishoftu, a small town just outside the capital. Irreecha continues to serve as a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.
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Death toll from Indonesia school collapse rises to 54
A devastating collapse at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java, Indonesia, has resulted in the death of 54 people, with rescuers still searching for over a dozen missing individuals. The incident occurred last Monday while the two-storey building was undergoing construction. Hundreds of students, predominantly teenage boys, were gathered for prayers when the structure gave way. This tragedy marks the deadliest disaster in Indonesia this year, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency. Rescuers are expected to conclude their search for the remaining 13 victims trapped under the rubble by the end of the day. Investigators are probing the cause of the collapse, with some officials attributing it to an unstable foundation. Budi Irawan, a deputy at the disaster mitigation agency, stated that the death toll surpasses that of any other disaster in 2025, whether natural or man-made. The victims include at least two individuals who were rescued from the debris but later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Al Khoziny, a traditional Islamic boarding school known as a pesantren, operates in a largely informal sector with minimal regulation. It remains unclear whether the school had the necessary permits for the additional construction. The search and rescue operations have been particularly challenging due to the manner in which the building collapsed, leaving only narrow voids for rescuers to navigate. Survivors have recounted their terrifying escapes to local media, with 13-year-old Muhammad Rijalul Qoib describing the escalating sound of falling rocks before he managed to flee, albeit injured by debris from the roof.
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Danger for Irish PM as Gavin quits presidential race
The political landscape in Ireland has been rocked by the abrupt withdrawal of Jim Gavin, the Fianna Fáil presidential candidate, whose campaign unraveled in a matter of hours following a scandal over property dealings. The controversy has plunged Fianna Fáil into chaos, casting a shadow over the leadership of Taoiseach Micheál Martin and raising questions about the party’s future. The crisis began when the Irish Independent published an exposé detailing how Gavin and his wife Jennifer allegedly retained €3,300 in rent payments from former tenants due to a banking error. Despite Gavin’s claims of having no recollection of the dispute, the damage was swift and severe. Within 12 hours of the story breaking, a poll placed Gavin a distant third in the presidential race, trailing Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys. The scandal intensified during a televised debate on RTÉ, where Gavin appeared visibly shaken and failed to provide satisfactory answers. By Sunday night, Gavin announced his withdrawal from the race, leaving Fianna Fáil in disarray. The decision has sparked internal dissent, with party members criticizing Martin’s leadership and the vetting process that failed to uncover the issue earlier. The fallout has also put pressure on deputy leader Jack Chambers, who is already grappling with the challenges of finalizing a tight Budget. As Gavin’s name remains on the ballot, the crisis has become a referendum on Martin’s 14-year tenure, with dark clouds gathering over the party’s leadership.
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Australia and PNG sign defence deal as China grows influence in the Pacific
In a landmark move to bolster regional security, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a comprehensive defense agreement, solidifying their partnership amidst growing geopolitical tensions in the Pacific. The pact, inked by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape in Canberra on Monday, grants Australia access to PNG’s military facilities and troops, with both nations pledging mutual defense in the event of an attack. Dubbed the ‘Pukpuk Treaty’—a nod to the PNG pidgin word for ‘crocodile’—the agreement underscores the strategic interoperability and preparedness of the two militaries. The treaty also allows up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in Australia’s armed forces, with the option to pursue Australian citizenship. Marape emphasized that the pact is rooted in shared geography and history, not geopolitics, and assured that PNG has been transparent with China about its alliance with Australia. Albanese highlighted the treaty’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific, stating, ‘By continuing to build our security relationships in the region, we safeguard our own security.’ The deal includes annual joint military exercises and enhanced collaboration in cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare. Analysts view the agreement as a strategic counter to China’s expanding influence in the region, particularly following its security deals with the Solomon Islands. Oliver Nobetau of the Lowy Institute noted that the treaty addresses Australia’s military recruitment challenges while signaling to the U.S. that Australia and PNG are capable of managing regional stability. However, concerns have been raised in PNG about the treaty potentially undermining its ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ foreign policy stance.