Police shot a man with an excavator over ‘suspicious rampage’ – DW – 12/31/2024

A man who stole an excavator vehicle in the southern state of Baden-Wurttemberg has been shot dead, German police said Tuesday. Police wrote about a “suspicious rampage” in the Main-Tauber district on X, where an excavator truck damaged construction company premises and a police patrol car, seriously injuring an officer. “A man took an excavator … Read more

Ivory Coast tells French troops to leave – DW – 01/01/2025

Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that French troops would withdraw from the country, ending a decades-long military presence. This is part of a larger trend by African countries to pressure France to reduce its military presence in Africa. Speaking in an end-of-the-year address, President Alassane Ouattara announced that the withdrawal would begin in January. “We … Read more

Ivory Coast asks French troops to leave, the latest African country to do so

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that French troops would leave the country after a decades-long military presence. It is the latest African nation to reduce military ties with its former colonial power. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said the withdrawal would begin in January. France has about 600 troops in Ivory Coast. … Read more

Why kidnappings in Kenya are a national security threat – DW – 12/31/2024

Kenyan youth demanding a stronger economy and a brighter future have been clashing with government forces in protests since June. Violence on the streets of Nairobi and other parts of the country has largely reduced in recent months following a number of symbolic initiatives by President William Ruto. But the story of the young protesters … Read more

Macron admits mistake on early elections in New Year’s speech

Paris— In a rare moment of remorse, French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday he recognized that his decision to hold early parliamentary elections in June had created more political instability in the country. The speech foreshadows a tumultuous 2024 for Macron, who surprised the country by calling early elections halfway through the year, a gambit … Read more