Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, widely known as ‘Hemedti,’ has ascended to a position of immense power in Sudan, with his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) now controlling half of the country. The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing el-Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in Darfur. Hemedti, feared by his enemies and revered by his followers, has built a reputation for ruthlessness and strategic acumen, promising to dismantle a discredited state. Born into the Rizeigat community, a camel-herding Arabic-speaking group spanning Chad and Darfur, Hemedti’s early life was marked by poverty and displacement. After dropping out of school, he traded camels across the desert, eventually joining the Janjaweed militia, which gained notoriety for its atrocities during the Darfur conflict. Hemedti’s rise began in earnest when he was appointed head of the RSF in 2013, a force that absorbed the Janjaweed and received modern equipment and training. Under his leadership, the RSF expanded its influence, securing lucrative gold mining operations and forging alliances with foreign powers, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Russia’s Wagner Group. Hemedti played a pivotal role in the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, but his relationship with the Sudanese army deteriorated, leading to a brutal civil war. The RSF has been accused of widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rape, and looting, yet Hemedti remains defiant, positioning himself as a key political player in Sudan’s future. With the RSF now controlling vast territories and wielding significant military power, Hemedti’s ambitions—whether as a president, puppet master, or warlord—continue to shape Sudan’s turbulent landscape.
分类： world
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Canada rejects most Indian study permit applicants on fraud concerns
Canada has intensified its scrutiny of international student visa applications, particularly those from India, amid concerns over fraudulent documentation. Government data reveals that in August 2025, a staggering 74% of Indian study permit applications were rejected, a sharp increase from 32% in August 2023. This crackdown is part of Canada’s broader strategy to reduce temporary migration and address systemic fraud in its immigration system.
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Why is the UAE involved in Sudan’s bloody civil war?
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, has been accused of committing mass executions and atrocities in the city of el-Fasher, which it recently seized. Satellite images and video evidence reveal widespread bloodshed, with experts likening the situation to the Rwandan genocide. This massacre is the latest in a brutal civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has displaced over 13 million people since April 2023. Both factions have been accused of war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings, sexual violence, and torture. The RSF is reportedly backed by the UAE, which has been accused of complicity in genocide at the International Court of Justice. Sudan’s history of conflict dates back to its independence in 1956, with decades of instability under Omar al-Bashir’s regime. The current war began in April 2023, fueled by tensions over integrating the RSF into the national army. The conflict has left thousands dead and nearly 25 million facing acute food insecurity. The UAE’s involvement includes supplying weapons and financial support to the RSF, despite international arms embargoes. The UAE’s strategic interests in Sudan’s agricultural and mineral resources, particularly gold, have driven its intervention. International responses have been slow, with the ICJ dismissing Sudan’s case against the UAE due to jurisdictional issues. The UK and other nations have been criticized for their ambiguous stance on the conflict. A recent peace plan proposed by the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE offers a temporary truce, but the RSF’s establishment of a parallel government complicates efforts. The situation remains dire, with no end to the humanitarian crisis in sight.
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‘I dreamed to hug him. Now I hope to bury him’: Gaza’s missing haunt their families
In a somber hall at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, dozens of families gather, their eyes fixed on a screen displaying images of decomposed bodies. These remains, returned by Israeli authorities as part of a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, bear signs of torture and decay. Without DNA testing equipment, families are left to identify their loved ones through photographs—a harrowing process that offers little closure. Wafaa al-Aloul, a mother receiving treatment in Egypt, spends hours scrutinizing the images, searching for her son Mohammed, who disappeared in September. Her story mirrors the anguish of thousands in Gaza, where an estimated 10,000 people remain missing, many believed buried under rubble or forcibly disappeared by Israel. The World Health Organization reports that over 92% of Gaza’s health system, including forensic services, has been destroyed, further complicating identification efforts. Dr. Ahmed Dhahir of Nasser Hospital describes the primitive methods used to document remains, noting that many bodies show signs of fatal abuse. As families cling to hope, the conflict’s toll continues to devastate Gaza’s civilian population.
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Mayors pledge coordinated climate action ahead of UN conference in Brazil
In a significant move ahead of the U.N. climate conference in Brazil, 300 mayors from around the world convened in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to pledge coordinated climate action. Organized by C40, a network of mayors from major cities, the summit emphasized the urgent need to address the escalating impacts of global warming, particularly rising temperatures that are severely affecting urban populations. Selwyn Hart, the U.N. special adviser and assistant secretary-general for climate change, highlighted the critical role of mayors in the climate crisis, stating that local leaders are essential as the world enters the second decade of implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, requiring drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Ana Toni, Brazil’s climate change chief and CEO of COP30, stressed that achieving these goals depends heavily on the active involvement of mayors, who make crucial daily decisions impacting their communities. The summit also addressed the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticizing the Trump administration for its climate policies, labeling the president as a ‘climate wrecker.’ Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced ambitious climate actions from 50 U.S. cities, despite federal setbacks, including initiatives to combat extreme heat through tree planting, cool-surface technology, and heat-relief training. The event concluded with the launch of the Cool Cities Accelerator, a global coalition of 33 cities committed to implementing emergency measures to protect residents from extreme heat, supported by various foundations and organizations.
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Sugarloaf selfies as William begins Brazil visit
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, embarked on a landmark five-day visit to Brazil, marking his first international trip to a COP summit. The visit began with a symbolic ceremony on Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, where he was presented with the keys to the city by Mayor Eduardo Paes. The backdrop of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue added grandeur to the occasion. Prince William, known for his environmental advocacy, traveled to the summit via cable car, surprising tourists who later shared selfies with the royal. His visit is centered on two key environmental initiatives: presenting the Earthshot Prize, an annual award he founded to combat climate change, and delivering a speech at COP30 in the Amazon rainforest. The Earthshot Prize, now in its fifth year, awards £1 million grants to innovative projects addressing global environmental challenges. This year’s shortlist includes groundbreaking initiatives such as an upcycled skyscraper in Sydney and a microplastic filtration system in Bristol. Prince William emphasized the optimism and courage of the nominees, calling them ‘heroes of our time.’ Beyond his formal duties, the prince immersed himself in Brazilian culture, visiting the Maracana Stadium, where he met football legend Cafu, who presented him with a signed Brazil jersey. Cafu, alongside other notable figures, will co-present the Earthshot Prize. The visit also comes amid ongoing royal family controversies, though sources confirm Prince William’s focus remains on his environmental mission. Mayor Paes humorously remarked that Rio now ‘belongs to Prince William’ for the next 72 hours, highlighting the warmth of his reception.
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China extends visa-free policy to end-2026 to attract more foreign visitors
In a strategic move to rejuvenate its tourism sector and strengthen international ties, China has announced the extension of its visa-free entry policy until December 31, 2026. Effective November 10, the policy will now include Sweden, alongside existing eligible countries such as France, Spain, and Germany. Visitors from these nations can enter China for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without requiring a visa. The policy, which was initially set to expire at the end of this year, has been expanded to cover citizens from most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several South American and Gulf nations. This initiative is part of Beijing’s broader efforts to attract foreign visitors, counter the economic impact of stringent COVID-19 measures, and enhance its engagement with key trading partners like the European Union. Spokesperson Mao Ning of the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the policy’s role in fostering international cooperation and economic recovery, though specific details on additional countries benefiting from the extension remain undisclosed.
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Man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after knife attack on UK train
A 32-year-old British man, Anthony Williams, has been formally charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following a violent knife attack on a London-bound train. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, left eleven people injured, including a train crew member who remains in critical but stable condition after attempting to intervene. The attack took place on a train that subsequently stopped at Huntingdon, approximately 80 miles north of London, and has since drawn widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles have both expressed their sympathies to the victims and their families. Williams, hailing from Peterborough in eastern England, faces additional charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. British Transport Police confirmed that the charges were brought after a thorough review of CCTV footage and other evidence. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander stated that Williams was not previously known to security services, though she refrained from commenting on his mental health history. By late Sunday, five of the injured had been discharged from hospital, while others continue to receive medical care.
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Agony for families as landslide death toll climbs in Uganda and Kenya
A series of devastating landslides has struck the mountainous border region between Kenya and Uganda, claiming the lives of over 40 people and leaving many more missing. The tragedy has left communities in shock, with survivors recounting harrowing experiences of loss and destruction. Felix Kemboi, a 30-year-old from Kenya, lost six relatives, including his grandmother, aunt, uncle, two sisters, and a cousin, who were all residing in Kaptul village. The emotional toll on survivors like Felix is immense, as they struggle to articulate their grief. On both sides of the border, search and rescue operations are underway, though the risk of further landslides remains high due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has issued warnings about the heightened risk in the Kerio Valley region and urged residents to remain vigilant. In Uganda, the Red Cross Society reports at least 18 fatalities, with 20 people still unaccounted for in the districts of Kapchorwa, Bukwo, and Kween. Survivors like Helda Narunga Masai from Kween village have shared terrifying accounts of the disaster, which destroyed her home and claimed the lives of her niece and brother. The Ugandan government has announced compensation for bereaved families and survivors, while Kenya has yet to make a similar declaration. The landslides have also disrupted access to some areas, complicating rescue efforts. This disaster echoes the 2010 Bududa landslide in Uganda, which killed approximately 300 people, highlighting the recurring nature of such tragedies in the region.
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Israel arrests ex-military prosecutor after leaked video of abusing Palestinian detainee
In a dramatic turn of events, former Israeli military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested on Monday following a scandal involving the leak of a video depicting the abuse of a Palestinian detainee. The video, which surfaced in 2024, allegedly showed soldiers at the Sde Teiman military base committing severe acts of violence against the detainee, including stabbing him near the rectum with a sharp object. The incident has sparked international outrage and internal protests within Israel. Tomer-Yerushalmi, who resigned from her position last week, disappeared for several hours on Sunday, leading to speculation about a possible suicide attempt. However, Israeli media reports suggest she may have staged the disappearance to dispose of her phone, which could contain incriminating evidence. Five reservist soldiers have already been charged in connection with the abuse, which occurred in July 2024. The case has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, with a UN commission in October 2024 labeling the widespread abuse of detainees in Israeli facilities as a ‘war crime and crime against humanity of torture.’ Israel has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting its commitment to international legal standards.