Mayotte: The search for survivors continues in the wake of cyclone Chido

The worst storm to hit the Indian Ocean archipelago in almost a century. Mayotte’s prefect has said that deaths from the cyclone will be in the hundreds, and potentially several thousand. The archipelago is France’s poorest overseas territory; it’s home to some 321,000 people, many who live in fragile, makeshift housing. But many of these … Read more

Fall of Assad regime: Interim leader emphasizes need for unity in post-war Syria

Many countries around the world now revising their approach to Syria. Several countries, the EU bloc, the UK and US have decided to try and build diplomatic ties with the HTS authorities, still listed on their terrorist organizations list. Meanwhile countries like Algeria, which were allies with the Assad regime, left building ties with those … Read more

Trump and SoftBank CEO announce $100 billion investment plan in US

US President-elect Donald Trump appeared jointly with Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Japan’s SoftBank, announcing the group’s plan to invest $100 billion in the United States over the next four years. His said Trump’s election victory had boosted his confidence in the US economy. Meanwhile, Canada’s finance minister resigned, citing disagreements with Prime Minister Justin … Read more

Why was the French island of Mayotte so poorly prepared for Cyclone Chido?

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, December 17: Mayotte is ravaged by a cyclone that has devastated the already impoverished French island as Prime Minister François Bayrou is accused of neglecting his responsibilities. In the UK, Prince Andrew is embroiled in a scandal involving a suspected Chinese spy who financed his China venture. Plus: all hail the … Read more

Why was the French island of Mayotte so poorly equipped for Cyclone Chido?

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, December 17: Mayotte is ravaged by a cyclone which has devastated the already impoverished French island as Prime Minister François Bayrou is accused of neglecting his responsibilities. In the UK, Prince Andrew is embroiled in a scandal involving a suspected Chinese spy who financed his China venture. And: all hail the … Read more

Suspected abduction of Lao rights advocate remembered on 12th anniversary of disappearance

Bangkok – Rights groups and activists on Monday continued to urge Laos’ government to provide answers about the suspected abduction of prominent rights advocate Sombath Somphone, who was last seen at a police checkpoint in the country’s capital 12 years ago. CCTV footage captured by a roadside camera in central Vientiane on December 15, 2012, … Read more