Antananarivo, Madagascar witnessed intense clashes on Thursday as approximately 1,000 demonstrators, predominantly masked, confronted police forces in the capital. The unrest, now in its third week, marks the most significant upheaval the Indian Ocean island nation has seen in years. Authorities deployed armored vehicles and utilized tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, though the extent of injuries remains unclear. The protests, spearheaded by the group ‘Gen Z Madagascar,’ have reportedly resulted in 22 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to the United Nations—a claim contested by the government. Initially triggered by utility disruptions, the demonstrations have broadened to address grievances over alleged corruption and nepotism. In response, President Andry Rajoelina dismissed his entire Cabinet, a move that failed to quell the unrest. Protesters have now escalated their demands, calling for Rajoelina’s resignation and rejecting his invitation for dialogue. The clashes, concentrated in the Anosy and Mahamasina districts, saw demonstrators block streets with rocks and burning tires. Authorities have imposed vehicle bans in key areas, including Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo, as police maintain vigilance. Madagascar, a nation of 31 million grappling with severe poverty and a history of political instability since its 1960 independence from France, has seen multiple leaders ousted through uprisings. Rajoelina, elected in 2018 and reelected in 2023 amid opposition boycotts, now faces a protest movement inspired by recent youth-led uprisings in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The movement, symbolized by a pirate skull and crossbones emblem, has mobilized online, though reports of looting during demonstrations have emerged.
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Eurovision has never been about politics, says BBC boss Tim Davie
The Eurovision Song Contest, renowned for its vibrant music and cultural celebration, is now embroiled in political controversy as debates intensify over Israel’s participation in the 2025 event. BBC Director General Tim Davie, addressing the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, emphasized that Eurovision ‘has never been about politics’ and should remain a unifying platform for music and culture. However, concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza have prompted broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, and Spain to threaten a boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun echoed Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier calls for Israel’s exclusion, citing accusations of genocide and imposing measures such as an arms embargo. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar countered, labeling Sánchez’s administration as antisemitic and criticizing its rhetoric. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, is set to make a final decision in December. The controversy mirrors the 2022 expulsion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which the EBU justified as necessary to preserve the contest’s integrity. Meanwhile, Austria prepares to host next year’s event in Vienna, following Austrian singer JJ’s victory in 2024. Amidst the political tensions, Eurovision’s history of subtle political messaging continues, with past performances like Ukraine’s 2016 winning song ‘1944’ addressing historical injustices. As the EBU navigates this complex issue, the future of Eurovision as a non-political celebration hangs in the balance.
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Myanmar’s military acknowledges attacking festival, accuses resistance forces of using human shields
Myanmar’s military government has acknowledged carrying out an attack on a religious festival in the Sagaing region, which witnesses claim resulted in the deaths of approximately two dozen people, including children. The attack, which occurred on Monday night, involved bombs dropped by motorized paragliders on a primary school compound in the village of Bon To. The military’s information office issued a statement blaming resistance forces for the casualties, accusing them of using civilians as human shields in their anti-government campaigns. However, neither the government nor its opponents reported any armed combat near the bombing site. The United Nations condemned the attack, with a spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres stating that the indiscriminate use of airborne munitions is unacceptable. Witnesses reported that the paragliders conducted two sorties, each dropping two bombs believed to be 120 mm mortar rounds. Initial casualty reports varied, but a local resistance group member estimated 24 deaths and 50 injuries. The attack took place during a traditional oil lamp prayer ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent, where attendees also called for the release of political prisoners and protested the military’s planned December election, which critics deem neither free nor fair. The Sagaing region has been a stronghold of armed resistance since the military seized power in February 2021. The military’s statement accused the resistance of forcing civilians to protest, a claim rejected by attendees who stated participation was voluntary. In a separate development, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan met with Myanmar’s military chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, to discuss the upcoming election, humanitarian aid, and peace efforts.
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Tesla investigated over self-driving cars driving on wrong side of road
Tesla is under scrutiny by the US government following reports that its self-driving vehicles have allegedly violated traffic laws, including instances of driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to stop at red lights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified 58 such incidents in a recent filing, prompting a preliminary evaluation of Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving (Supervised)’ mode. This advanced feature, which requires an additional fee, allows vehicles to perform lane changes and turns autonomously, though drivers are expected to remain vigilant and ready to intervene. Approximately 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with this technology are now part of the investigation. The NHTSA report highlights six crashes caused by vehicles stopping at red lights before proceeding prematurely, four of which resulted in injuries. Tesla has reportedly taken corrective measures to address recurring issues at a specific intersection in Maryland. Additionally, the agency is examining reports of vehicles entering opposite lanes during turns, with some incidents offering drivers minimal time to react. This probe adds to Tesla’s existing investigation concerning door-locking mechanisms in Model Y vehicles, where children were allegedly trapped inside, leading some owners to break windows for rescue. Amid these challenges, Tesla has introduced more affordable versions of its popular models to compete with cost-effective electric vehicles, particularly those manufactured by Chinese companies. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and former ally of President Donald Trump, recently launched the America Party, aiming to challenge the dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties. For more updates on global tech developments, subscribe to the Tech Decoded newsletter.
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Rubio invites Brazilian foreign minister for talks as Brazil seeks to ease tariffs
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended an invitation to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira for an in-person meeting in Washington. This move comes as Brazil seeks to reduce the 40% tariff imposed by the U.S. on its imports, a topic that dominated recent discussions between the two nations. The invitation followed a Monday phone call between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Lula urged Trump to reconsider the tariff. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry confirmed that both sides agreed to continue discussions on economic and trade issues in Washington soon. This dialogue marks a potential thaw in the strained relations between the U.S. and Brazil, exacerbated by the tariffs and U.S. sanctions on Brazilian officials linked to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election, remains a contentious figure in bilateral relations. Lula and Trump, who first met briefly during the U.N. General Assembly in September, have since maintained a cordial rapport. During their recent call, Lula invited Trump to the upcoming climate summit in Belém, while Trump emphasized their focus on trade and economic cooperation. Despite U.S. criticism of Bolsonaro’s prosecution, Brazilian officials remain optimistic about fostering harmony between the two nations. Lula praised Trump’s approach, stating, ‘We are two 80-year-olds leading the greatest democracies in the West. We must show the world cordiality and harmony, not discord and conflict.’
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Irish rock band Kodaline to split after more than a decade
Irish rock band Kodaline, renowned for their heartfelt hits such as ‘All I Want’ and ‘High Hopes,’ has announced their decision to part ways after more than a decade together. The group, originally formed in Dublin under the name 21 Demands, adopted their current moniker in 2012, marking a significant shift in their musical direction. Their debut album under the new name, ‘In A Perfect World,’ released in 2013, soared to number three in the UK and number one in Ireland, cementing their place in the music industry. The band, consisting of Steve Garrigan, Vincent May, Mark Prendergast, and Jason Boland, continued their success with subsequent albums, including ‘Coming Up For Air’ (2015), ‘Politics Of Living’ (2018), and ‘One Day At A Time’ (2020), all of which topped the Irish album charts. Throughout their career, Kodaline graced major stages, including Glastonbury’s The Other Stage and the Reading and Leeds Festival, captivating audiences worldwide. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the band expressed their gratitude to fans, stating, ‘From busking on the streets of Dublin to playing shows across the world, it really has been the stuff that dreams are made of.’ They announced plans to record a fifth and final album before bidding farewell, aiming to end their journey on a high note. ‘We want it to end on a high, so before we say goodbye, we’re heading into the studio one last time to record our fifth and final album as Kodaline,’ they shared. The band emphasized their eternal gratitude for the love and support they received, adding, ‘It’s been a journey that we’ll never forget, and we hope the music stays with you long after we’re gone.’
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Man who appealed Pelicot rape conviction handed longer jail term
A court in Nîmes, southern France, has increased the prison sentence of Husamettin Dogan, the sole defendant who contested his conviction in a harrowing rape case involving Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old retired grandmother. Dogan, 44, saw his original nine-year sentence extended to 10 years after the court dismissed his appeal. The case, which has shocked the nation, involved Pelicot being drugged and raped by dozens of men recruited by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, over a decade. Despite video evidence presented in court showing Dogan assaulting an unconscious Pelicot, he maintained his innocence, claiming he was unaware she had been drugged. The court, however, rejected his defense, reinforcing the gravity of the crime. Last December, Dogan and 50 other men were convicted of aggravated rape, with 17 initially appealing before withdrawing their challenges. Dogan, a Turkish-born married father, was the only one to pursue his appeal, leading to a retrial judged by a jury of nine public members and three professional judges. Prosecutors had sought a 12-year sentence for Dogan, who argued he was a victim of Dominique Pelicot’s manipulation. The case highlights the extensive abuse Pelicot endured and the role of video evidence in securing convictions. This story is developing, with further updates expected.
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‘Business is at a standstill’ – Mali jihadists’ fuel blockade hits the capital
Mali is grappling with a severe fuel crisis following a blockade imposed by an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The militants have targeted fuel tankers on major highways, disrupting supplies and causing long queues at petrol stations in the capital, Bamako. The blockade has paralyzed businesses, with motorbike taxi drivers and vendors expressing frustration over the standstill in their operations. Despite the arrival of over 300 petrol tankers from Ivory Coast under military escort, fears persist that the new stock will quickly deplete, exacerbating the situation. Fuel prices have surged by more than 200% in some areas, prompting complaints from residents. The crisis has also led to power cuts, with electricity supply reduced to just six hours a day in certain regions. The Malian government has assured citizens that the issue is temporary and has implemented measures to enforce state-capped fuel prices. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Malian officials are engaging in discreet negotiations with the militants to lift the blockade, which includes demands such as the release of captured fighters and the relaxation of fuel restrictions. The blockade highlights the expanding influence of JNIM, which has made much of northern and eastern Mali ungovernable. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by Mali, including a persistent jihadist insurgency and strained international relations following the withdrawal of UN and French forces and the hiring of Russian mercenaries by the military government.
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NBA games back in China for first time since Hong Kong row
The Phoenix Suns have touched down in Macau, setting the stage for two highly anticipated pre-season games against the Brooklyn Nets, marking the NBA’s first return to China since 2019. The matches, scheduled for Friday and Sunday, will be held at the Venetian casino and hotel arena in Macau, a special administrative region renowned for its vibrant casino culture. This event signifies a pivotal moment in the NBA’s efforts to rekindle its relationship with China, which had been strained since 2019 due to political tensions. The games are part of a multi-year partnership between the NBA and Chinese tech giant Alibaba, announced late last year. Notably, the Brooklyn Nets are owned by Alibaba’s chair, Joseph Tsai. This marks the first NBA fixture in Macau since 2007, underscoring the league’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the “tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China,” highlighting the league’s strategic push to tap into the country’s burgeoning basketball fanbase. Basketball’s popularity in China surged after Yao Ming was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002, with the NBA estimating in 2019 that 300 million Chinese citizens played the sport. The upcoming games are seen as a milestone in the gradual reconciliation between the NBA and China, following a period of tension sparked by a 2019 controversy involving a Houston Rockets executive’s social media post supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protests. The incident led to a temporary suspension of NBA broadcasts in China, but games have since returned to Chinese TV channels. Fans in Macau have expressed their excitement, with many viewing the event as a long-awaited reunion with the league. Lyu Yizhe from Xiamen shared, “We’ve been preparing for this for two months. It feels special because we’ve been NBA fans since the Michael Jordan era.” Mole Zeng from Hangzhou added, “As the NBA grows in China, more star players will come here to meet us.” The games not only celebrate basketball but also symbolize a renewed cultural and commercial bridge between the NBA and China.
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Putin says Russian air defenses were to blame for Azerbaijani jet’s crash last year, killing 38
In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged on Thursday that Russia’s air defense systems were responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijani jetliner in December 2024, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 38 individuals. This marks Putin’s first explicit admission of culpability, aimed at de-escalating tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan. The incident occurred when Russian air defenses, targeting a Ukrainian drone, mistakenly fired missiles that exploded near the Azerbaijan Airlines plane as it approached Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechen Republic. Ukrainian drones have frequently penetrated Russian airspace, prompting heightened defensive measures. Speaking during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where both leaders were attending a summit of former Soviet nations, Putin vowed to hold those responsible accountable and provide compensation to the victims’ families. Azerbaijani officials had previously attributed the crash to accidental Russian fire, which forced the Embraer 190 jet to attempt an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan, where it ultimately crashed. Putin had initially expressed regret for the “tragic incident” but refrained from accepting full responsibility, drawing criticism from Aliyev for Moscow’s perceived attempts to downplay the event. The crash has strained the historically cordial relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, further complicated by recent incidents involving ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia and the arrests of Russians in Azerbaijan. Putin attributed the missile strike to a “technical malfunction,” revealing that the missiles detonated just 10 meters from the passenger jet. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to providing compensation and conducting a legal review of the officials involved. Aliyev expressed gratitude for Putin’s personal oversight of the investigation. The incident has underscored the delicate nature of Russia-Azerbaijan relations, particularly as Azerbaijan’s ally Turkey has become a crucial economic partner for Russia amid Western sanctions. Azerbaijan serves as a vital transport corridor for Russian trade with Iran and the Middle East, while also importing Russian energy resources and exporting its own hydrocarbons to the West. Russia, in turn, is a major market for Azerbaijani agricultural exports and hosts a significant Azerbaijani diaspora. Both leaders signaled their intent to restore and strengthen bilateral ties, with Putin expressing hope for renewed cooperation and Aliyev highlighting a “broad and positive” agenda. During his state visit to Tajikistan, Putin also sought to reinforce Russia’s strategic partnership with Central Asian nations, emphasizing military, economic, and humanitarian collaboration.