Survivors of the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda have expressed cautious optimism following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) confirmation of charges against the fugitive rebel leader. Kony, who remains at large and is believed to be hiding in the Central African Republic (CAR), faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, sexual slavery, and the use of child soldiers. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Kony in 2005, but despite extensive manhunts and a $5 million U.S. reward for his capture, he has evaded justice. Evelyn Amon, a 42-year-old survivor who was abducted at age 11 and forced to become one of Kony’s wives, emphasized the need for justice and compensation for victims. ‘I cannot be happy like other women who went to school. I need justice for women who went through abduction like me,’ she told the BBC. The LRA, notorious for mutilating victims and abducting children, was formed in the late 1980s with the stated goal of establishing a government based on the biblical Ten Commandments. After being driven out of Uganda in 2005, the group operated in neighboring countries, engaging in poaching and illegal mining. Patrick Ochieng, born in LRA captivity after his mother was abducted and sexually assaulted, echoed the call for justice, stating, ‘He should first be arrested. The victims who suffered can’t wait—some of these victims are already dying.’ The LRA’s insurgency in northern Uganda resulted in over 100,000 deaths, the abduction of 60,000 to 100,000 children, and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Survivors like Muhammad Olanya, who witnessed the 2004 massacre of 70 people in Lukodi, continue to bear the scars of the conflict. The ICC’s decision to proceed with charges without Kony’s presence offers a glimmer of hope that justice may eventually be served.
分类： world
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British ex-soldier arrested over alleged murder of Kenyan woman in 2012
A former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, is set to be extradited to Kenya in connection with the alleged murder of Agnes Manjiru, a 21-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a septic tank in 2012. Purkiss, 38, was arrested in Tidworth, Wiltshire, on November 6 by the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) National Extradition Unit following a warrant issued in September. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he stated his intention to contest the extradition. His lawyers emphasized that he “vehemently denies” the murder charges.
Agnes Manjiru vanished on March 31, 2012, and her body was found three months later near a British army training camp in Nanyuki, approximately 124 miles north of Nairobi. At the time of her disappearance, she had a five-month-old baby. Reports indicate that on the night of her death, she was at a bar with friends where British soldiers were also present.
Manjiru’s family has long accused the British army of covering up her death and criticized Kenyan authorities for failing to conduct a thorough investigation. An inquest in 2019 concluded that she was unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers, suffering stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. A 2021 Sunday Times investigation revealed that a British soldier had confessed to colleagues about the murder but continued to live in the UK after leaving the army.
In 2024, the British army launched an internal review into the conduct of its soldiers in Kenya, uncovering 35 suspected cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, nine of which occurred after such conduct was officially banned in 2022.
Manjiru’s niece, Esther Njoki, met with the UK’s defense minister last month to push for Purkiss’s extradition. In a statement issued through the family’s lawyers, Leigh Day, Njoki expressed relief over the arrest, calling it a significant step toward justice. Leigh Day partner Tessa Gregory described the arrest as a “huge moment” for the family, who have been seeking justice for over a decade. The family and their legal team hope for swift collaboration between UK and Kenyan authorities to ensure the suspect faces trial in Kenya.
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China commissions CNS Fujian in Hainan province
China has officially commissioned its state-of-the-art aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, in a grand ceremony held in Sanya, Hainan province. President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the event. The ceremony, attended by 2,000 personnel from the Navy and defense contractors, marked a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities. The CNS Fujian, named after the eastern coastal province of Fujian, is China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a cutting-edge technology that enhances its operational efficiency. President Xi personally handed the PLA flag to the carrier’s captain and political commissar, symbolizing the official induction of the vessel into the Navy. Following the ceremony, President Xi boarded the carrier for an inspection, where he observed various aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter jet and KJ-600 early-warning and control planes, on the flight deck. He also received a detailed report on China’s carrier force and inspected the equipment. The CNS Fujian, with a hull designation of 18, displaces over 80,000 metric tons, making it the largest and most powerful warship ever built outside the United States. Designed by China State Shipbuilding Corp and constructed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, the carrier underwent nine sea trials before its delivery. The successful commissioning of the CNS Fujian underscores China’s growing prowess in naval technology and its commitment to enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.
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EU forces free crew after Somali pirate attack on tanker
In a dramatic rescue operation, European Union naval forces successfully saved 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker, the Hellas Aphrodite, which had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The vessel, transporting petrol from India to South Africa, was attacked on Thursday when armed pirates fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding. The crew managed to lock themselves inside a fortified citadel, ensuring their safety until help arrived. The Spanish warship ESPS Victoria, part of the EU’s anti-piracy mission Operation Atalanta, reached the tanker on Friday afternoon. Special forces boarded the ship and confirmed that all crew members were unharmed. The EU mission reported that a ‘show of force’ by the naval forces prompted the pirates to abandon the vessel before the warship’s arrival. The rescue operation utilized a helicopter, drone, and surveillance aircraft. This incident is part of a worrying resurgence of piracy in the region, exacerbated by the diversion of ships through East Africa’s Indian Ocean due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Last year, the International Maritime Bureau recorded seven piracy incidents off Somalia, including three hijackings, compared to just one in 2023.
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Ukraine’s army fights to hold Pokrovsk in a battle for territory and narratives
The city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region has become the epicenter of a fierce and strategically significant battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The conflict has reached a critical juncture, with both sides locked in intense combat, often vying for control of the same residential buildings. Beyond the battlefield, Pokrovsk has emerged as a focal point in the diplomatic struggle between Russia and Ukraine, as both nations seek to influence U.S. President Donald Trump’s perception of the war. Russia claims to have surrounded Pokrovsk and thwarted Ukrainian efforts to reopen supply lines, while Ukraine denies a blockade and asserts that its forces are inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops. Russian forces, having exploited gaps in Ukrainian defenses last month, are now poised to seize the city entirely in the coming weeks or months, according to experts. Ukrainian commanders on the ground admit the situation is dire, with Russian forces controlling over 70% of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the grim reality, stating that Russia’s primary objective is to occupy Pokrovsk as quickly as possible. The battle for Pokrovsk is part of a broader conflict in the Donetsk region, which has seen Russia advance 39 kilometers (24 miles) over the past year, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War. The city, once a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, has seen its strategic value diminished due to the destruction of key infrastructure. However, its fall would represent a significant propaganda victory for Russia, bolstering President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of progress in the war. Analysts warn that the loss of Pokrovsk could pave the way for Russia to take the rest of the Donbas region, though such advances would come at a high cost in manpower and military equipment. Despite the bleak outlook, Ukrainian forces remain determined to hold the city for as long as possible, deploying elite units and launching counteroffensive operations. The next few weeks are expected to see continued heavy fighting, with Russian forces likely to pour troops into the city until Ukrainian defenses are overwhelmed. The battle for Pokrovsk is not just a military struggle but also a psychological and diplomatic one, with both sides seeking to shape the narrative of the war and influence the course of peace negotiations.
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Indonesian mosque blast leaves 54 injured: police
A devastating explosion rocked a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers on November 7, 2025, leaving 54 individuals injured, according to Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri. The incident occurred in the bustling capital city, prompting immediate responses from armed police and military personnel who swiftly secured the area. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, but the scene was marked by chaos and urgency as emergency services rushed to aid the wounded. The mosque, located within a school compound, was filled with worshippers at the time of the blast, amplifying the scale of the tragedy. This event has raised concerns about security in public spaces, particularly during religious gatherings. Investigations are ongoing, with officials vowing to uncover the circumstances behind the explosion and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, with medical teams working tirelessly to provide care. The incident has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the vulnerability of crowded spaces to sudden acts of violence.
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UAE: Schengen visa appointments ‘almost full’ amid plans for festive Europe holidays
As the festive season approaches, UAE residents are scrambling to secure Schengen visas to experience Europe’s enchanting Christmas villages and winter wonderlands. Travel agencies report that visa appointment slots are nearly fully booked, with high demand pushing availability well into the new year. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, noted that while visas for Malta, Bulgaria, and Poland are still available this month, appointments for the Netherlands and Germany are already booked until March and January, respectively. The surge in demand reflects the growing popularity of European destinations during the holiday season. Among Schengen countries, Switzerland remains the top choice for UAE travellers, followed by Italy, Spain, and France, known for their scenic towns and festive atmospheres. Travel consultants like Pavan Poojary of Luxury Travels emphasize that many residents are planning their trips around visa availability rather than preferred travel dates. With processing times averaging 15 days, securing a visa in time for Christmas travel requires careful planning. For those unable to secure Schengen visas, lesser-known destinations such as Bulgaria and Malta remain viable options. Travel experts advise early applications to avoid disappointment, as the allure of Europe’s winter charm continues to draw crowds.
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‘We hate winter’: Palestinians face the rain without shelters as Israel blocks tents
In the aftermath of heavy rains, the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza transforms into a waterlogged swamp, where mud clings to shoes and stagnant pools form between sagging tents. For Hamza al-Mutawwaq, a Palestinian father, and his family, this is a grim reality they must endure daily. “It’s as if people are sleeping on a flowing river of rainwater,” he lamented. After two years of relentless Israeli bombardment, nearly 2.2 million Gazans now face an additional threat: the onset of winter. Over 80% of Gaza’s structures have been destroyed since October 2023, forcing hundreds of thousands like al-Mutawwaq to live in makeshift tents. Despite hopes that a ceasefire would bring temporary shelters, Israeli violations have left these families exposed to the elements. “The whole world eagerly awaits the mild winter season, but for us, it will be a curse,” al-Mutawwaq told Middle East Eye. With no relief in sight, many have turned to the black market for winter essentials, but exorbitant prices make these items unattainable for most. Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, described the situation as “catastrophic,” urging swift action to bring in essential supplies. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israel has allowed only 155 aid trucks daily, far below the 600 stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. Ismail al-Thawabta, the office’s spokesperson, warned of a potentially harsh winter, with half a million children and nearly 100,000 pregnant women at risk. For Amal Mehanna, a widow and mother of three, winter brings fear and anxiety. “We live in constant dread of its arrival,” she said, recalling how her daughter fell ill last winter due to the lack of warm clothing and blankets. As winter approaches, Gaza’s displaced face a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and insufficient aid.
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54 injured after explosion at mosque in Jakarta school complex, police say
A devastating explosion rocked a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers, leaving 54 individuals injured. The incident occurred in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta, prompting immediate emergency response and police investigation. Authorities, led by city police chief Asep Edi Suheri, are working to determine the cause of the blast, which resulted in injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burns. Local media outlets, including KompasTV and MetroTV, broadcasted scenes of the aftermath, showing a police cordon around the school and ambulances on standby. Despite the explosion, the mosque did not sustain significant structural damage. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in public spaces, particularly during religious gatherings. Investigations are ongoing, with no immediate clarity on the cause or motive behind the explosion.
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China’s Greater Bay Area builds world-class city cluster through connectivity, innovation
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly transforming into a world-class city cluster, driven by unprecedented connectivity and technological innovation. Spanning 56,000 square kilometers and home to over 80 million people, the GBA is set to host the 15th National Games, a symbolic event that underscores the region’s collaborative spirit and economic prowess. The games’ road cycling race will traverse the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, showcasing the GBA’s integrated infrastructure and co-host model for major events. The GBA’s economy has surged to 14.79 trillion yuan ($2.09 trillion) in 2024, surpassing both the New York and San Francisco Bay Areas, and positioning it among the world’s leading economic hubs. Enhanced connectivity, including thousands of kilometers of expressways and harmonized standards across 36 fields, has significantly reduced travel times and streamlined cross-border cooperation. The region’s technological innovation is equally impressive, with institutions like the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology producing an average of 4.7 patents daily and the establishment of 31 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao joint labs. The GBA’s rise is a testament to China’s broader development strategy, aiming to create a global hub for technology, innovation, and cultural exchange.