Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • South African ex-leader’s daughter quits Parliament over Russian mercenary allegations

    South African ex-leader’s daughter quits Parliament over Russian mercenary allegations

    In a significant political development, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has stepped down from her parliamentary position following allegations of involvement in recruiting citizens for Russian military operations in Ukraine. The resignation was confirmed by her political party, the MK Party, during a Friday press briefing.

    National Chairman Nkosinathi Nhleko announced the departure while acknowledging the “sensitivity” of the situation, though he provided limited details about the circumstances surrounding her resignation. The move comes as South African authorities investigate claims that Zuma-Sambudla participated in deceiving 17 South African men into traveling to Russia under false pretenses of security training opportunities, only to find themselves coerced into frontline combat roles in Ukraine’s Donbas region.

    According to official statements, the affected individuals—ranging from 20 to 39 years old—had initially believed they were accepting legitimate employment contracts. Distress communications from the group prompted intervention from South Africa’s foreign ministry and police agencies, who are now collaborating with international law enforcement to facilitate their repatriation.

    Notably, court documents submitted by Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, allege that eight of the recruited men are extended family members. The affidavit further claims the South Africans were transferred to a Russian mercenary organization upon arrival.

    The MK Party leadership has explicitly denied institutional involvement in the recruitment operation while pledging support for the families seeking the safe return of their relatives. This controversy emerges alongside Zuma-Sambudla’s ongoing trial concerning unrelated charges of inciting violence during the 2021 anti-government protests, to which she has pleaded not guilty.

  • Hungary’s Orban defies EU partners and meets Putin again in Moscow

    Hungary’s Orban defies EU partners and meets Putin again in Moscow

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conducted a high-stakes diplomatic visit to Moscow, engaging in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin just days before crucial negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict. This meeting marks Orban’s continued alignment with Moscow despite Hungary’s membership in both NATO and the European Union.

    During their discussions, which were broadcast on Russian state television, Putin acknowledged Orban’s “balanced position on the situation in Ukraine” and expressed gratitude for Hungary’s proposal to host a potential Russia-US summit involving President Donald Trump. This Budapest “peace summit” initiative, however, was ultimately abandoned last month due to Russia’s unwillingness to compromise on its maximalist demands for ending the conflict.

    The timing of Orban’s Moscow visit carries significant political implications as his Fidesz party faces potential defeat in upcoming April parliamentary elections, which would mark the first change in Hungary’s leadership in 15 years according to current polling data.

    Energy security emerged as the central focus of the talks, with Orban framing the visit as part of a strategic effort to secure Russian energy supplies for Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia during the winter months. This Moscow engagement follows Orban’s recent success in Washington, where he secured exemptions from US sanctions on Russian fuel—contingent on his continued leadership.

    Orban has consistently positioned himself as a peace advocate since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, recently claiming on Hungarian state radio that “Europe has decided to go to war in Ukraine.” He has vigorously supported Trump’s 28-point peace plan while accusing EU leaders of “war-mongering” for attempting to adapt the proposal to address Ukraine’s concerns.

    In a recent communication with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Hungarian leader advocated for immediate, unconditional peace talks and direct EU negotiations with the Kremlin. He simultaneously expressed opposition to additional EU funding for Ukraine and rejected using frozen Russian assets to support Ukrainian defense efforts.

    Despite Hungary’s continued energy dependence on Russia—receiving over 80% of its oil and gas and 100% of its nuclear fuel from Moscow—Orban’s recent agreements with the United States to purchase liquefied natural gas and nuclear fuel may potentially strain his relationship with Russian leadership. The Prime Minister argues that without agreements with both superpowers, Hungarian heating prices would triple next month.

    Hungary faces mounting pressure from the EU to completely phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, making any Moscow agreements particularly contentious within the European bloc. The country’s trade relationship contributes approximately $5 billion annually to the Russian budget.

    Political analysts suggest that both Putin and Trump have expressed clear interest in Orban’s electoral success next April, making any diplomatic achievement valuable for all parties involved. Putin previously praised Orban at September’s Valdai Forum in Sochi, celebrating the rise of “nationally-oriented political forces” across Europe and suggesting that their growth could lead to Europe’s “rebirth.”

  • Talks on UK access to an EU defense fund have broken down

    Talks on UK access to an EU defense fund have broken down

    LONDON — Critical negotiations regarding Britain’s participation in the European Union’s landmark defense initiative have concluded without resolution, marking a significant setback in post-Brexit relationship rebuilding efforts. The British government confirmed the stalemate on Friday, revealing that financial considerations ultimately prevented agreement on UK accession to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program.

    The SAFE initiative, established with a substantial €150 billion (approximately $170 billion) war chest, represents the EU’s strategic response to enhance continental security and support Ukrainian defense capabilities. The proposed arrangement would have enabled British defense contractors to access favorable EU-backed financing for military procurement projects.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, which had prioritized mending strained relations with the European bloc following Britain’s contentious 2020 departure, now faces diplomatic challenges. Just months earlier in May, both parties had celebrated several bilateral agreements covering trade, mobility, and defense cooperation as evidence of a revitalized partnership.

    British EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds characterized the negotiations as conducted ‘in good faith’ while emphasizing Britain’s unwavering commitment to securing arrangements that serve national interests and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. ‘While disappointing that we have not been able to conclude discussions on UK participation in the first round of SAFE,’ Thomas-Symonds stated, ‘the UK defense industry will still be able to participate in projects through SAFE on third country terms.’

    Under existing framework parameters, non-member states can contribute up to 35% of contract values within SAFE projects. British negotiators had sought to elevate this threshold through specialized arrangements.

    Despite this setback, both governments indicated continued progress in other dimensions of their May agreement. Collaborative efforts in energy security and food and beverage trade regulations proceed positively according to officials.

    EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to fostering robust UK-EU security cooperation, noting that ‘SAFE remains open by design’ and that Britain retains participation rights under standard third-country provisions.

    This development underscores the ongoing complexities in redefining UK-EU relations following Brexit, particularly in areas requiring financial contributions and regulatory alignment.

  • Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration: What are current ‘third-world’ countries?

    Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration: What are current ‘third-world’ countries?

    In a significant policy announcement, former US President Donald Trump declared intentions to implement a permanent suspension on migration from countries he categorizes as ‘third-world,’ asserting this measure is essential for allowing the American system to recover. The controversial proposal follows the recent suspension of immigration applications from Afghan nationals after a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., that resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to another.

    Trump’s immigration framework includes aggressive measures such as mass deportations of individuals deemed ‘not a net asset to the United States,’ denaturalization of those accused of undermining domestic tranquility, and the expulsion of foreign nationals considered public charges or security risks. Additionally, the plan entails cutting federal benefits for non-citizens and terminating millions of immigration approvals granted under the Biden administration.

    The terminology used in the proposal—’third-world’—has drawn criticism for being outdated and potentially derogatory. Modern international institutions, including the United Nations, now employ more precise classifications such as ‘Least Developed Countries’ (LDCs), which are evaluated based on economic, educational, and technological metrics, alongside human asset indicators and economic vulnerability.

    Currently, 44 nations are classified as LDCs, with 32 in Africa, 8 in Asia, 1 in the Caribbean, and 3 in the Pacific. This list is dynamic, with countries such as Bangladesh, Laos, and Nepal scheduled for ‘graduation’ from the category as early as 2026 based on improved development indicators.

    The announcement reinforces Trump’s longstanding hardline stance on immigration, though it lacks specificity regarding which nations would be affected under the broad and historically charged ‘third-world’ label.

  • Trump to pause migration from ‘third-world countries’ to allow US system ‘to recover’

    Trump to pause migration from ‘third-world countries’ to allow US system ‘to recover’

    In a significant policy address delivered on Friday, November 28, 2025, US President Donald Trump declared an immediate and permanent suspension of migration from nations he characterized as ‘third-world countries.’ This decisive action, according to the President, is essential to enable the United States’ immigration framework ‘to fully recover.’

    The announcement follows a tragic national security incident that occurred on Thursday, resulting in the death of a National Guard member. The servicemember was fatally shot in an ambush near the White House perimeter. Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies indicate the attack was executed by an Afghan national, leading the President to formally label the incident ‘an act of terror.’

    Expanding on his policy stance via his preferred social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump outlined a series of stringent additional measures. These include the termination of all federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens. Furthermore, his administration plans to initiate denaturalization proceedings against migrants deemed to ‘undermine domestic tranquility’ and will pursue the deportation of any foreign national classified as a public charge, a security risk, or ‘non-compatible with Western civilization.’

    This policy shift reinforces a notably more aggressive immigration strategy adopted since the beginning of his current term. The administration has consistently prioritized enhanced border security, stricter enforcement protocols, and the systematic dismantling of policies established under the previous presidential tenure. This latest directive aligns with a separate executive decision made just one day prior, which indefinitely halted the processing of all immigration petitions from Afghan nationals pending a comprehensive reassessment of security and vetting procedures.

    Concluding his statement, the President extended Thanksgiving wishes to the nation, with a pointed exception for those he stated ‘hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for,’ adding a stark warning: ‘You won’t be here for long!’

  • US National Guard member dies; fellow Guardsman ‘fighting for life’ after shooting

    US National Guard member dies; fellow Guardsman ‘fighting for life’ after shooting

    A deadly ambush near the White House has resulted in the death of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left her fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has ignited a fierce political debate over immigration vetting procedures and triggered a comprehensive review of U.S. asylum policies.

    The alleged perpetrator, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot and wounded during an exchange of gunfire with other troops. FBI investigators have launched a terrorism probe, seizing multiple electronic devices from the suspect’s Washington state residence. Lakanwal, according to intelligence officials, previously served in a CIA-backed paramilitary unit in Afghanistan before entering the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a Biden-era resettlement program for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces.

    President Donald Trump characterized the shooting as a ‘heinous act of terrorism’ and immediately ordered a sweeping review of asylum cases approved during the previous administration. During a Thanksgiving call with military members, Trump blamed what he called inadequate vetting procedures under President Biden for allowing the suspect into the country, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.

    Contradicting the political narrative, official documents reviewed by Reuters indicate that Lakanwal was actually granted asylum in April of this year—three months after Trump took office. The suspect had no known criminal history and legally resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.

    The tragedy has exposed tensions in U.S. immigration policy, particularly regarding the processing of Afghan allies following the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. While the resettlement program included vetting procedures by counter-terrorism agencies, the scale and rapid pace of evacuations led critics to question the effectiveness of background checks.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans to pursue terrorism charges against the gunman, potentially seeking the death penalty following Beckstrom’s death. Meanwhile, the Beckstrom family mourns their loss, with father Gary Beckstrom describing the incident as a ‘horrible tragedy’ in a social media post.

    The shooting has intensified the ongoing debate about border security and immigration vetting, with the Trump administration now reviewing all asylum cases approved under the previous administration as well as Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries.

  • Two former Peruvian presidents jailed in two days

    Two former Peruvian presidents jailed in two days

    In an unprecedented judicial development, Peru’s Supreme Court has convicted two former presidents within a 48-hour period, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle with political corruption and constitutional crises. Left-wing leader Pedro Castillo received an 11-year prison sentence on Thursday for his 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress and establish rule by decree—a political gamble that resulted in his immediate impeachment and arrest.

    The Court found Castillo guilty of ‘conspiracy to commit rebellion’ while acquitting him of two additional charges. This verdict follows Wednesday’s sentencing of centrist former president Martín Vizcarra to 14 years imprisonment for accepting over $600,000 in bribes from construction companies during his tenure as governor of Moquegua region (2011-2014). Vizcarra, who had built his political reputation on anti-corruption platforms, continues to maintain his innocence.

    Castillo’s conviction sparked demonstrations outside the detention facility where supporters gathered awaiting the verdict. Julia Buendia, one such supporter, expressed continued belief in Castillo’s innocence to AFP reporters. The former rural schoolteacher and trade unionist—often described as Peru’s first poor president—had risen to power in 2021 on widespread disillusionment with traditional politics. His 2022 arrest previously triggered deadly protests among his working-class base that left at least 50 dead after brutal security force interventions.

    These cases represent the latest in a series of presidential prosecutions that have rocked Peruvian politics. Former president Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) received a 15-year sentence earlier this year for money laundering, while Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) was sentenced last year to over 20 years for accepting $35 million in bribes.

    The sentences occur against a backdrop of persistent political instability. Recent months have seen violent clashes in Lima between anti-government protesters and riot police, resulting in one death and over 100 injuries. Current interim President José Jerí assumed office following the impeachment of predecessor Dina Boluarte, who was removed by lawmakers citing ‘permanent moral incapacity’ amid soaring crime rates and corruption investigations including the ‘Rolexgate’ scandal involving alleged bribery through luxury watches.

  • France to intercept small boats after pressure from UK

    France to intercept small boats after pressure from UK

    In a significant policy reversal, French authorities have consented to commence maritime interceptions of migrant vessels in the English Channel after sustained diplomatic pressure from the United Kingdom. This strategic shift follows a personal appeal from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the current absence of effective deterrence mechanisms in the crucial waterway.

    According to confirmed reports from French maritime police, security forces will now engage in preventive operations targeting empty migrant boats before they embark passengers from northern French coastlines. This approach marks a departure from previous restraint, where French police historically avoided intercepting overloaded vessels due to safety concerns for both officers and migrants.

    A spokesperson for the French maritime police clarified that while interception tactics will be implemented, they explicitly exclude controversial methods such as propeller-entangling nets. The primary stated objective remains the preservation of human life amidst increasingly dangerous crossing attempts.

    This development revives elements of a previously abandoned strategy championed by former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, which included more aggressive interception methods observed during summer operations. The BBC documented one such instance in July near Boulogne, where French officers waded into shallow waters to disable migrant vessels.

    Meteorological challenges currently delay operational implementation, with strong winds temporarily preventing interception activities. Meanwhile, people-smuggling networks are expected to adapt their tactics to evade enhanced surveillance measures, continuing the cat-and-mouse dynamic that has characterized cross-Channel migration patterns.

    The UK government acknowledged the collaboration, stating: “We continue to work closely with our French partners on the shared challenge of illegal migration, ensuring officers in France review their maritime tactics for intervention in shallow waters.” This bilateral agreement represents the latest chapter in ongoing efforts to manage migration flows through one of Europe’s most contentious transit routes.

  • Horta Inta-A sworn in as transitional president of Guinea-Bissau

    Horta Inta-A sworn in as transitional president of Guinea-Bissau

    In a significant political development, senior military officer Horta Inta-A assumed the role of transitional president of Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, November 27, 2025, following the armed forces’ declaration of complete state control. The swearing-in ceremony, broadcast live on national radio, marks a pivotal moment for the West African nation.

    Inta-A, previously serving as chief of staff of the Guinea-Bissau army and later as special chief of staff to the president since 2023, pledged to address the country’s persistent challenges during his one-year transitional term. In his inaugural address, he emphasized that the military’s intervention was necessary to ‘prevent the disintegration of the state’ amid escalating political instability.

    The newly installed leader outlined his administration’s priorities, committing to combat widespread corruption and drug trafficking—two critical issues that have historically undermined national stability and governance. Inta-A extended an appeal for cooperation to all citizens and political factions, urging collective efforts to ensure an orderly transition process.

    This political shift occurred just one day after the armed forces announced their complete takeover of state power through a national television broadcast. Military authorities justified their actions as a necessary response to alleged attempts by certain political figures to destabilize the country, though specific details about these alleged destabilization efforts were not provided.

    The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as Guinea-Bissau, with its history of political volatility and military interventions, enters this period of transitional governance under military leadership.

  • Canadian minister resigns from cabinet over oil pipeline deal

    Canadian minister resigns from cabinet over oil pipeline deal

    In a dramatic display of political dissent, Canadian Languages Minister Steven Guilbeault tendered his resignation from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet on Thursday, directly opposing a newly signed oil pipeline agreement between the federal government and Alberta province.

    The resignation occurred mere hours after Ottawa and the oil-rich western province finalized a memorandum of understanding to advance development of a private-sector pipeline project. This infrastructure initiative aims to transport a minimum of 1 million barrels daily of low-emission bitumen from Alberta’s oil sands to international markets.

    Guilbeault, who has served as official languages minister since May and held the Canadian identity and culture portfolio since March, articulated his opposition through a formal statement posted on social media platform X. ‘I remain one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and center,’ declared the former environment and climate change minister. ‘That is why I strongly oppose the Memorandum of understanding between the federal government and the government of Alberta.’

    The controversial agreement confirms federal support for a pipeline that would enable bitumen exports from a strategic deep-water port to Asian markets, representing a significant expansion of Canada’s energy export capabilities. Guilbeault’s departure highlights the ongoing tension within the Canadian government between economic development priorities and environmental commitments, particularly concerning fossil fuel infrastructure projects.

    The timing of this resignation, occurring on the same day as the agreement’s signing, delivers a substantial political blow to the Carney administration and underscores the deep ideological divisions within the governing coalition regarding climate policy and resource development.