Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Belgian court clears way for trial over 1961 killing of Congo PM Lumumba

    Belgian court clears way for trial over 1961 killing of Congo PM Lumumba

    In a landmark judicial development, a Brussels court has authorized the prosecution of former European Commission vice-president Étienne Davignon for alleged involvement in the 1961 killing of Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first prime minister. The 93-year-old diplomat, who served as a junior official at the time of Lumumba’s death, now faces charges related to the unlawful detention, transfer, and degrading treatment of the iconic independence leader.

    This unprecedented legal action represents the culmination of a twelve-year judicial process initiated by Lumumba’s descendants in 2011. Davignon stands as the sole surviving defendant among ten Belgian nationals originally implicated in the case concerning the assassination of Africa’s prominent anti-colonial figure.

    The historical context reveals a complex tapestry of Cold War politics and colonial backlash. Lumumba, who assumed leadership upon Congo’s independence in June 1960, directly challenged Belgian interests during his famous independence day address where he condemned colonial oppression before King Baudouin and other dignitaries. His progressive vision and determination to assert Congolese sovereignty made him a target for multiple Western powers, despite his denial of communist affiliations.

    Evidence indicates that Lumumba’s removal from power through a September 1960 coup was followed by his capture and eventual execution by firing squad in January 1961. His body was subsequently dissolved in acid to prevent memorialization—a brutal act that symbolized the extreme measures taken to eliminate his political influence.

    International investigations, including a 1975 U.S. Senate inquiry, confirmed that both Belgian authorities and American intelligence agencies had developed plans to neutralize Lumumba, though ultimately Belgian-backed Congolese forces carried out the killing.

    The current judicial proceeding follows Belgium’s formal acknowledgment of institutional responsibility for Lumumba’s death, with official apologies extended to both his family and the Congolese government. Mehdi Lumumba, the leader’s grandson, characterized the court’s decision as a moment of historical reckoning, expressing collective relief that Belgium is finally confronting its colonial past. The ruling remains subject to potential appeal, maintaining legal uncertainty around whether the trial will ultimately proceed.

  • Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to ‘reverse course’

    Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to ‘reverse course’

    In a significant development within the Trump administration, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent has tendered his resignation, citing fundamental disagreements with U.S. military engagement in Iran. The decorated veteran publicly announced his departure through a letter posted on his social media account Tuesday.

    Kent, a 45-year-old special forces and CIA veteran with 11 overseas deployments, asserted that Iran presents ‘no imminent threat’ to American interests. He attributed the current conflict to pressure from ‘Israeli officials and its powerful American lobby,’ claiming the administration had been misled by a coordinated ‘echo chamber’ spreading misinformation about Iranian capabilities.

    ‘The wars in the Middle East have robbed America of precious lives and depleted our national wealth,’ wrote Kent, referencing the 2019 death of his wife, Navy cryptologic technician Shannon Kent, in a Syria suicide bombing. ‘I cannot support sending the next generation to fight in a war that serves no benefit to the American people.’

    Kent’s resignation marks the most high-profile departure from the Trump administration to publicly criticize the U.S.-Israeli operation. His nomination had previously faced scrutiny during confirmation hearings, where Democrats questioned his associations with extremist groups including the Proud Boys. Kent had also maintained controversial positions regarding the January 6 Capitol riots and the 2020 election results.

    Despite reporting to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and overseeing global threat analysis, Kent ultimately concluded that the Iran conflict contradicted Trump’s ‘America First’ platform. His departure follows other resignations including SEC enforcement director Margaret Ryan and Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, though administration turnover remains lower than during Trump’s first term.

    The White House has not yet commented on Kent’s resignation or his allegations regarding Israeli influence on U.S. foreign policy.

  • Senior US counterterrorism official resigns to protest Iran war

    Senior US counterterrorism official resigns to protest Iran war

    In a significant demonstration of dissent within the national security establishment, Joseph Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned from his position in protest against United States military operations targeting Iran. Kent submitted his formal resignation letter to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, explicitly stating his refusal to support continued warfare that he asserts lacks legitimate justification.

    The departing official, a decorated former Green Beret with eleven combat deployments, challenged the fundamental premise behind the military campaign. In his resignation document, which he subsequently made public via social media platform X, Kent contended that Iran did not represent an immediate threat to American national security interests. He attributed the push for conflict primarily to external pressure from Israel and its influential advocacy network within the United States.

    Kent’s personal history adds profound weight to his protest. His late wife, Shannon Kent, a fellow service member, was killed during a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria—a conflict he describes as ‘manufactured.’ Identifying as a Gold Star husband, Kent expressed his profound reluctance to endorse another generation being sent into a war he perceives as offering no tangible benefit to American citizens and unjustifiable human cost.

    As NCTC director operating under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Kent held one of the most critical counterterrorism roles in the nation. His responsibilities included analyzing emerging threats and serving as the principal advisor to the president on terrorism-related matters. His resignation marks the first instance of a senior-level departure from the Trump administration directly linked to opposition against the Iran military campaign.

    In his letter, Kent alleged that a coordinated ‘misinformation campaign’ was orchestrated by high-ranking Israeli officials and pro-war media personalities in the U.S. He argued this effort systematically undermined the administration’s ‘America First’ agenda and artificially cultivated public support for military engagement. Kent drew parallels to the lead-up to the Iraq War, suggesting similar tactics were employed to manipulate intelligence assessments and political decision-making.

    Prior to leading NCTC, Kent’s career included service as a paramilitary officer within the Central Intelligence Agency following his Army tenure. He also mounted two unsuccessful congressional bids in Washington state as a Republican candidate endorsed by President Trump, in both 2022 and 2024.

  • Former Hubei Party chief charged with bribery

    Former Hubei Party chief charged with bribery

    In a significant development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, former Hubei Provincial Party Secretary Jiang Chaoliang has been formally indicted on bribery charges. The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced on Tuesday that the case has been transferred to judicial authorities in Nanjing for prosecution, marking the latest high-profile corruption case to reach China’s courts.

    The 69-year-old former official, who previously held numerous influential positions in both the financial sector and provincial governance, stands accused of exploiting his authority to illicitly obtain substantial monetary benefits and valuable assets for others. According to prosecution documents, Jiang allegedly leveraged his successive leadership roles—including chairman of Bank of Communications, president of China Development Bank, chairman of Agricultural Bank of China, governor of Jilin Province, and ultimately Party chief of Hubei Province—to provide unlawful advantages to third parties in exchange for improper compensation.

    The judicial process has advanced through proper legal channels, with the National Commission of Supervision completing its initial investigation before transferring the case to prosecutorial authorities. During the review phase, judicial officials ensured procedural compliance by informing Jiang of his legal rights, conducting formal questioning, and soliciting input from his defense counsel.

    Jiang’s career trajectory reflects a pattern of rising through China’s financial and political hierarchies. Beginning work in 1974 and joining the Communist Party in 1981, he spent decades ascending through China’s banking system before transitioning to provincial leadership in 2014. His political career culminated with his tenure as Hubei’s top official from 2016 until March 2020, followed by his appointment to the National People’s Congress Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

    The investigation into Jiang’s activities commenced in February 2025, culminating in his expulsion from the Communist Party and dismissal from public office eight months later. His case now proceeds to the Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court, where he will face trial for allegedly violating anti-corruption laws through the acceptance of ‘extremely large sums’ of bribes during his extensive career in public service.

  • Israel says killed Iran’s security chief Larijani

    Israel says killed Iran’s security chief Larijani

    In a dramatic escalation of Middle East hostilities, Israel has declared the successful targeting and elimination of Ali Larijani, Iran’s powerful National Security Chief and a pivotal figure within the Islamic Republic’s power structure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address on Tuesday, characterized Larijani as the leader of “the gang of gangsters” operating Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

    The reported assassination, which Tehran has yet to independently confirm, represents a potentially catastrophic blow to Iran’s leadership apparatus. This event occurs against the backdrop of a regional war ignited by the U.S.-Israeli strike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026—a conflict now radiating severe global economic and geopolitical repercussions.

    Larijani, 68, was widely regarded as a cornerstone of Iran’s strategic operations, overseeing nuclear policy and international diplomacy for decades. His death follows the brutal suppression of a widespread popular uprising against the regime, during which human rights groups documented thousands of civilian casualties.

    Concurrently, Israel announced the elimination of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force, and targeted Akram al-Ajouri, leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s military wing, underscoring its intensified ‘decapitation’ strategy against enemy leadership.

    The regional violence has triggered massive displacement and infrastructure collapse. Lebanon reports over 886 fatalities and one million displaced persons since March 2, with IDF ground operations now extending into northern territories. Humanitarian crises are deepening, with overwhelmed aid organizations in cities like Sidon unable to accommodate fleeing civilians.

    Global energy markets have been thrown into turmoil as Iran retaliates against U.S. interests and regional energy infrastructure. The strategic Strait of Hormuz—a conduit for 20% of global oil shipments—has become functionally impassable due to Iranian threats and attacks on commercial tankers, causing oil prices to surge approximately 3% following geopolitical uncertainties.

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeals for NATO and allied nations to secure the vital waterway have met with resistance. Key European leaders, including British PM Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have explicitly rejected military involvement, emphasizing the conflict falls outside NATO’s purview and advocating for diplomatic solutions instead.

  • Aspiring female Zambian politicians asked for sexual favours, official says

    Aspiring female Zambian politicians asked for sexual favours, official says

    A senior Zambian gender official has exposed disturbing allegations that female political aspirants are being pressured to provide sexual favors in exchange for party nominations ahead of the August general elections. Mainga Kabika, who heads the gender office within Zambia’s presidency, publicly urged aspiring female candidates to document all instances of such misconduct during a conference with state prosecutors on Monday.

    While Kabika refrained from identifying specific political parties involved, she confirmed receiving numerous messages from women reporting these exploitative practices. “I can verify that I am presently receiving extensive documentation regarding these demands for sexual favors in exchange for candidate adoption,” Kabika stated, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of these transactions.

    This revelation highlights Zambia’s profound gender imbalance in political representation, where women constitute merely 15% of parliamentary seats. Presidential office statements have previously acknowledged that this underrepresentation stems from “deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers.”

    Beauty Katebe, Chairperson of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, characterized these practices as “sextortion” and noted their chilling effect on women’s political participation. “This situation severely discourages women from engaging in politics, particularly as candidates,” Katebe told the BBC.

    Despite some high-profile appointments including Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, gender disparities remain stark across Zambian leadership. Only 28% of civil service directors and five out of 36 state-owned enterprise CEOs are women.

    Katebe advocated for legal reforms and specialized courts to expedite handling of harassment cases, noting cultural biases and victim embarrassment complicate reporting. “If perpetrators were exposed, these practices would certainly cease,” she asserted, blaming patriarchal tendencies within political structures for suppressing female participation.

    The August 13 elections will determine Zambia’s presidency, parliamentary representatives, and local government officials amid these ongoing challenges to gender equity in politics.

  • Former senior Chinese legislator indicted for taking bribes

    Former senior Chinese legislator indicted for taking bribes

    In a significant development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Jiang Chaoliang, a former high-ranking member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, has been formally indicted on bribery charges. The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced on Tuesday that Jiang will face trial in Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court following a comprehensive investigation into his activities.

    The indictment alleges that Jiang exploited multiple positions of authority, particularly within China’s financial sector, to provide unlawful advantages to others in exchange for substantial monetary benefits and valuable gifts. The case represents one of the most prominent corruption proceedings against a senior legislative official in recent years.

    This legal action follows Jiang’s October 2025 expulsion from the Communist Party of China and dismissal from all public offices after investigators uncovered evidence of serious disciplinary and legal violations. The Nanjing municipal procuratorate, acting under directives from China’s highest prosecutorial authority, has completed its review and formally submitted the case to the judicial system.

    The prosecution underscores China’s continued commitment to its extensive anti-graft initiative, which has targeted officials at all government levels. Jiang’s case demonstrates the particular focus on financial sector corruption and the determination to pursue cases regardless of an official’s former status or political standing.

    Legal experts anticipate that the trial will proceed under standard judicial protocols, with the court expected to examine extensive evidence regarding the alleged bribery activities. The case marks another milestone in China’s systematic approach to addressing corruption within its political and financial systems.

  • France’s far right makes gains in first-round municipal elections as major cities head to runoff

    France’s far right makes gains in first-round municipal elections as major cities head to runoff

    France’s political landscape witnessed significant shifts in the first round of municipal elections, with far-right forces gaining substantial ground in southeastern regions while leaving major urban centers undecided until the March 22 runoff. The elections, serving as a crucial barometer for the 2027 presidential contest, demonstrated the continuing evolution of France’s political factions.

    The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, achieved notable breakthroughs across southern France. In Perpignan, the party’s second-in-command Louis Aliot secured a commanding victory, while in Marseille, National Rally contender Franck Allisio emerged neck-and-neck with left-wing incumbent Benoît Payan. The conservative stronghold of Nice saw Éric Ciotti, who recently established his own far-right party aligned with National Rally, positioned as the frontrunner for the second round.

    Political alliances have become the determining factor for runoff outcomes, particularly in municipalities where three or more candidates qualified. Negotiations between traditional left-wing parties and the hard-left France Unbowed movement, led by veteran politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, have generated intense debate. Despite previous alliance collapses over accusations of antisemitic rhetoric and concerns about escalating political tensions, some local electoral pacts have been established on case-by-case bases.

    In Lyon, France’s third-largest city, Green Party mayor Grégory Doucet formed an alliance with France Unbowed to counter right-wing challenger Jean-Michel Aulas. Anti-racism organization SOS Racisme issued calls for mainstream parties to unite in blocking far-right advancements, emphasizing that no alliance should be ruled out to prevent extremist control of municipalities.

    The Paris mayoral race remains intensely competitive, with left-wing candidate Emmanuel Grégoire emerging as frontrunner against conservative rival Rachida Dati, who aims to end 25 years of left-wing governance despite facing corruption charges scheduled for trial in September. Grégoire, leading a coalition of Socialists, Greens, and Communists, has explicitly rejected alliances with France Unbowed, adding uncertainty to the final outcome.

    These municipal elections carry profound implications for the upcoming presidential race, serving as the final nationwide test before the campaign for France’s highest office. Notable figures including Édouard Philippe in Le Havre are positioning themselves for potential presidential bids, while Marine Le Pen’s political future remains uncertain due to legal challenges that might prevent her candidacy, potentially elevating protégé Jordan Bardella as the National Rally’s standard-bearer.

  • Zelenskyy will discuss Russia-Ukraine war with British leader and NATO chief in London

    Zelenskyy will discuss Russia-Ukraine war with British leader and NATO chief in London

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commenced critical diplomatic talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Tuesday, amid growing concerns that Middle Eastern conflicts are diverting global attention from Russia’s ongoing invasion. The high-level meeting at 10 Downing Street notably included NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, signaling coordinated Western efforts to sustain pressure on Moscow.

    The trilateral discussion focused on maintaining robust sanctions against Russia despite recent US decisions to temporarily waive certain oil restrictions. Zelenskyy had previously criticized Washington’s sanctions relief, warning it would generate financial windfalls for Moscow’s war machinery. The leaders also addressed concerning military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly regarding drone technology exchange affecting both European and Middle Eastern security landscapes.

    Concurrently, Britain and Ukraine finalized a landmark defense agreement combining Ukraine’s combat-tested drone interception expertise with British industrial manufacturing capabilities. The partnership includes establishing an AI Center of Excellence with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, enhancing technological innovation in electronic warfare and battlefield systems.

    Military developments on the ground remained intense, with Russia claiming interception of 206 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 40 targeting Moscow. Ukrainian forces reported successfully neutralizing 154 of 178 Russian long-range drones launched across the country. Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainian counteroffensives had disrupted Moscow’s planned March operations, though these claims await independent verification.

    The diplomatic meeting occurred against a backdrop of stalled peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, with US-brokered talks losing momentum amid Middle Eastern hostilities. European leaders increasingly perceive Russia as a persistent security threat potentially endangering EU stability by decade’s end.

  • Zelensky to visit Starmer to sign new Ukraine-UK defence pact

    Zelensky to visit Starmer to sign new Ukraine-UK defence pact

    In a strategic move to address evolving security challenges, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday to formalize a comprehensive defense partnership. The agreement focuses on combining Ukrainian battlefield expertise with British industrial capabilities to manufacture and supply advanced drone systems and other defense technologies.

    The collaboration emerges amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, and heightened global tensions following recent Middle East conflicts. Downing Street emphasized that the partnership will extend beyond bilateral cooperation, seeking involvement from third countries to strengthen international security frameworks.

    As part of the agreement, Britain will contribute £500,000 to establish an AI center of excellence in Kyiv, enhancing Ukraine’s technological capabilities. UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that building upon Ukrainian innovation has become increasingly crucial in contemporary warfare.

    Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that ‘drones, electronic warfare, and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security.’ He emphasized that deepening defense ties would not only strengthen Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression but also better prepare the UK and its allies for future threats.

    The meeting occurs as Zelensky undertakes a European tour to maintain international support amid concerns that global attention is shifting toward Middle East conflicts. The Ukrainian president has emphasized that while bolstering defenses is important, increased pressure on Russia remains essential for achieving peace.

    Notably, Ukraine has recently deployed military experts to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to share their unparalleled experience in countering drone attacks—expertise honed through years of conflict with Russia. Ukraine’s development of cost-effective, mass-produced interceptor drones has proven particularly effective in defending its airspace.