Israeli Airstrike Kills Lebanese School Principal in South Lebanon

By Al Mayadeen English

Principal Mohammad Shuweikh was killed in an Israeli drone strike on Mansouri, as "Israel" escalates attacks on southern Lebanese towns.

The principal of the Mansouri Public School, Mohammad Shuweikh, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the town in the Tyre district, South Lebanon, according to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent.

Earlier, the correspondent reported that an Israeli drone struck a car in the town of Mansouri on Sunday evening.

The Lebanese Minister of Education, Rima Karami, condemned the attack on Principal Shuweikh, expressing her condolences and calling for the protection of schools, teachers, and students.

Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that an Israeli FPV drone dropped a sound bomb on a gathering of civilians in the village of al-Dhayrah with no casualties reported.

Additionally, Israeli occupation forces targeted the water well in the town of Odaisseh with a smoke bomb.

Earlier today, an Israeli Merkava tank fired on UNIFIL personnel near an Israeli-built position inside Lebanese territory, the UN's peacekeeping force in Lebanon reported on Sunday.

In a statement, UNIFIL said its soldiers, who were on foot patrol, were forced to take cover after heavy machine-gun fire struck approximately five meters from their location, confirming that none of the UN peacekeepers were injured.

The peacekeeping force described the incident as a "serious violation" of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

A spiral of continuous aggression

"Israel" has consistently attacked Lebanon despite the ceasefire agreement in place, launching near-daily strikes and ground incursions into Lebanese territory.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have carried out a series of attacks across southern and eastern Lebanon.

Some of the Israeli attacks are as follows:

On November 13, 2025, an Israeli drone struck a vehicle in Toul (Nabatieh), injuring one civilian. That same day, warplanes bombed the western outskirts of Tayr Felsay, and a second air strike hit the same area later that night.

In eastern Lebanon, on November 10, 2025, Israeli warplanes carried out three air raids on the Shaara Heights and the outskirts of Janta (in the Bekaa region), while simultaneously a drone struck the road between al-Dawra and al-Maali in Hermel.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent also reported that one person was martyred following an Israeli drone strike targeting a vehicle on the highway opposite the town of al-Baysariyeh, in the Saida district of South Lebanon.

On November 9, two Lebanese citizens were killed in two separate Israeli attacks on South Lebanon. The first was killed in an Israeli drone strike that targeted a car in the town of Houmine al-Fawqa in the Nabatieh district, while the second was killed in an Israeli drone strike with three missiles on a pickup truck between the towns of al-Suwwaneh and Khirbet Selem in the Nabatieh Governorate.

On November 8, 2025, a total of three citizens were killed and eleven others were injured in several Israeli attacks on South Lebanon, a few hours apart, including a drone attack on a vehicle in the area between Jneim (east of Shebaa) and Rashaya al‑Wadi, killing both occupants.

On November 6, 2025, UNIFIL (the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon) reported that it recorded Israeli airstrikes in several southern villages, including Tayr Debba, Taybe, and Ayta al‑Jabal, calling them clear violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Earlier, on November 5, 2025, an Israeli drone struck a car in the town of Bourj Rahal in the Tyre district, killing one person and wounding another, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Hamas, Other Factions Urge Algeria to Reject US Gaza Forces Resolution

By Al Mayadeen English

16 Nov 2025 20:22

Palestinian Resistance factions call on Algeria to oppose a US resolution proposing international forces in Gaza, warning it undermines sovereignty and self-determination.

The Palestinian people are closely following developments over a US draft resolution on international forces in Gaza, with Palestinian leaders expressing hope that Algeria will take a firm stance against the measure, which they say undermines Palestinian sacrifices and aspirations.

A senior Hamas official told Al Mayadeen on Sunday that the Palestinian people are hoping for an “honorable stance” from Algeria in rejecting the US draft resolution regarding international forces.

The official added that Hamas has confidence that Algeria will oppose the resolution, which they said inflicts injustice on the sacrifices and aspirations of the Palestinian people, describing the anticipated Algerian position as a source of hope for Palestinians in preventing any new international trusteeship over Gaza.

Palestinian factions call on Algeria to stand for Gaza at UNSC

Meanwhile, Palestinian Resistance factions in Gaza issued a statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing efforts at the United Nations to pass a US draft resolution proposing the deployment of international forces in the Strip. The factions described the resolution as a disguised attempt to impose a new form of occupation on Gaza and to legitimize foreign trusteeship of the Palestinian cause.

In the statement, the factions called on the Algerian government and people to maintain their long-standing principled support for Palestine and to reject any initiatives that would undermine Gaza’s identity or the right of Palestinians to self-determination. They described Algeria’s historical position on Palestine as a source of genuine hope for the Palestinian people and a reflection of the Arab world’s independent popular stance.

The factions stressed that any foreign intervention in Gaza, regardless of its title or justification, constitutes a "violation of Palestinian sovereignty and perpetuates the suffering of the local population." They emphasized that lasting security and stability can only be achieved by ending the occupation, lifting the blockade, and respecting the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

Expressing confidence in Algeria’s supportive position, the statement urged all Arab and Muslim countries, as well as free peoples around the world, to stand against the US resolution and reject any form of foreign tutelage or intervention, defending Gaza’s right to freedom, dignity, and independence. 

The official vote on the resolution at the UNSC is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10 pm GMT.

On November 5, 2025, the United States circulated a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council proposing the establishment of an international stabilization force in Gaza.

The resolution aims to deploy a temporary foreign force to oversee security, support reconstruction, and maintain order in the territory. The draft calls for the force to operate for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension depending on developments on the ground.

The resolution grants the force a broad mandate, including securing Gaza’s borders, protecting civilians, safeguarding humanitarian corridors, and training a newly vetted Palestinian police force. It also authorizes the use of “all necessary measures” to fulfill these objectives, including dismantling armed groups and seizing "unauthorized weapons".

A key feature of the resolution is the creation of a transitional governance body, sometimes referred to as a “Board of Peace,” which would work alongside the international force to help administer Gaza. The plan also calls for the involvement of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, to fund reconstruction projects and oversee the management of a dedicated trust fund.

The draft resolution has drawn criticism from Palestinian groups, who argue that it constitutes a form of foreign trusteeship that undermines Palestinian sovereignty. Leaders, including those from Hamas, have voiced concerns that the proposal could limit Gaza’s self-determination and potentially weaken the authority of local governing bodies.

Russia submits counter-proposal to US draft

On November 13, Russia submitted its own draft of a UN resolution on Gaza at a United Nations Security Council session, presenting it as an alternative to the US initiative aimed at endorsing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, according to a copy of the draft obtained by Reuters.

The Russian draft calls on the UN Secretary-General to explore options for an international stabilization force in Gaza and makes no reference to the “Board of Peace” proposed by the US as a transitional governing body for the territory.

Russia’s UN mission said in a note to Security Council members on Thursday afternoon, seen by Reuters, that its “counter-proposal is inspired by the US draft.”

The US mission to the United Nations called on the Security Council to advance Washington’s resolution, warning that efforts to create divisions during ongoing negotiations could have serious and preventable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza and stressing that the fragile ceasefire underscores the need for the Council to act together to secure lasting peace.

No Truce or Peace Until Rebels Disarm: Sudan's Al-Burhan

By Al Mayadeen English

14 Nov 2025 23:23

Al-Burhan vowed there would be no truce, dialogue, or peace with the RSF unless it disarms, insisting the war will end only through the rebels' defeat and calling on all armed Sudanese to join the fight.

The head of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Friday rejected any truce or peace agreement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unless they first lay down their weapons.

Addressing a crowd during a visit to the village of Al-Suraih in Al-Jazira State in central Sudan, al-Burhan said: "If the rebels do not put their weapons down and come to the table, there will be no dialogue and no peace. We will not accept them in Sudan, nor anyone who supports them."

He continued, "We will remain steadfast in this approach. Either we eliminate them, or we fight them to the death. There will be no truce, no dialogue, and no peace between us and them," noting that "every Sudanese has been scarred by this war," and that the country’s "national unity and shared destiny" remain intact.

Al-Burhan stressed that from the very beginning, the army has been determined that "this war will end only by ending these rebels (…) The Sudanese people have suffered at their hands — they have killed, tortured, looted, and acted with brutality. They will receive from us only what makes them taste the suffering they inflicted."

He concluded by saying that "the battle against the Rapid Support Forces will not end without everyone’s participation," calling on all those who possess weapons to join the fight, and asserting that "this war will not end through negotiations or a truce, but through defeating the rebellion."

War Deadlock

His comments come as the RSF has stepped up its campaign on multiple fronts, seizing El Fasher and other key locations in Darfur, pushing eastward toward North Kordofan, and facing mounting accusations of massacres and atrocities against civilians in the areas under its control.

At the same time, the RSF has sought to present itself as open to diplomatic efforts, announcing on November 7 that it agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by the United States, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, a move it framed as a humanitarian gesture aimed at alleviating civilian suffering and paving the way for broader talks.

But this declaration has been met with outright rejection from Khartoum. Just days later, on November 10, Darfur’s regional governor Minni Arcua Minnawi reiterated that "there is no truce with the killers of the Sudanese people," accusing RSF commanders of crimes in El Fasher that "they will not be able to cover up."

While the RSF has recently signaled its acceptance of a humanitarian truce, the Sudanese Armed Forces continue to reject any initiative that places the RSF on equal footing or allows it to retain armed formations.

Regional and international mediation efforts, from the African Union to IGAD and the United Nations, remain stalled, with no formal negotiations underway.

Vanishing Civilians

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll is rapidly escalating. Earlier today, the UN warned that tens of thousands of people who fled El Fasher remain unaccounted for following the RSF’s takeover of the city, amid mounting reports of rape, abductions, forced recruitment, and mass killings.

UN agencies describe a protection crisis of unprecedented scale, with nearly 100,000 displaced from El Fasher alone and many vanishing along escape routes as armed groups block or redirect civilians.

Satellite imagery cited by UN investigators shows bloodstains visible from space, while survivors recount starvation tactics, destroyed neighborhoods, and targeted attacks on non-Arab communities.

DR Congo, M23 Sign Doha Framework for Peace Deal to End Conflict

By Al Mayadeen English

15 Nov 2025 17:56

DR Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 group have signed a framework agreement in Qatar after months of talks aimed at ending violence in eastern DRC.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 militant group signed a new framework agreement in Qatar on Saturday, renewing efforts to reach a political solution to the ongoing conflict in the east of the country.

The deal, officially titled the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, comes after several rounds of direct negotiations between DR Congo and the Rwanda-backed paramilitary group. The signing ceremony was attended by officials from both parties, as well as representatives from Qatar and the United States.

Qatar has hosted and facilitated the negotiations, alongside support from the US and the African Union, in a bid to end one of Africa’s most pressing armed conflicts.

Slow but strategic process toward truce

The newly signed agreement builds upon a previous ceasefire deal and initial framework signed in Doha in July. However, implementation has faced setbacks, with both sides accused of violating the terms of the earlier accord.

US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said the Doha Framework outlines eight protocols, with full agreement still pending on six of them. He emphasized that while progress has been made, implementation will require time and patience.

“Yes, they were a little bit slow in the first few weeks,” Boulos told reporters following the signing. “Yes, people were expecting to see probably some immediate results on the ground, but this is a process... This is not a light switch that you just switch on and off.”

The first two protocols, involving prisoner exchanges and ceasefire monitoring, have seen slow but ongoing progress, according to US and Qatari officials.

Rwanda-backed militant activity in eastern DR Congo

The M23, a Rwanda-backed armed group, reignited its offensive in eastern DR Congo in late 2021. Since then, it has taken control of significant territory in the provinces bordering Rwanda and Uganda.

The armed group’s advance has severely destabilized the region, prompting concerns over a broader regional escalation. In early 2025, M23 fighters seized key provincial capitals, including Goma and Bukavu, in rapid offensives that shocked the Congolese government and displaced large numbers of civilians.

The fighting in eastern DR Congo has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with humanitarian organizations warning of deteriorating conditions in areas under M23 control.

The UN has raised alarms over the risk of further escalation, particularly amid growing tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda. Despite international calls for restraint, sporadic clashes and accusations of cross-border interference have continued.

Previous agreements and ongoing challenges

The July deal signed in Doha followed a separate peace agreement between the governments of DR Congo and Rwanda, brokered in Washington a month earlier. However, those agreements have yet to produce a sustained halt in hostilities.

In August, the two parties also signed an economic cooperation agreement as part of a US-backed de-escalation initiative.

The Doha Framework marks another attempt to bring stability to the region, but parties involved have stressed that much work remains.

The United States and Qatar, while acknowledging the importance of the new deal, have emphasized the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and political will from all parties.

Israeli Firm Opens Factory to Produce One-Way Attack Drones in Morocco

By Al Mayadeen English

16 Nov 2025

BlueBird, an IAI subsidiary, has opened a SpyX loitering-munition production facility in Benslimane, Morocco, a move that deepens Rabat’s defense ties with "Israel".

BlueBird, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has inaugurated a factory in Benslimane, on the outskirts of Casablanca, Morocco, to produce the SpyX one-way attack drones, a development that shows "Israel’s" growing influence in Morocco’s security sector and deepens Rabat’s ties with Tel Aviv.

The new facility, described as the first of its kind in West Asia and North Africa outside Israeli-occupied territories, will locally produce the SpyX drone.

The SpyX is a loitering munition designed to strike personnel and armoured vehicles, including tanks.

The system carries a 2.5-kg warhead, reaches speeds of up to 250 km/h, and can conduct autonomous missions for as long as 90 minutes. It may also be piloted via a secure radio link, providing real-time video transmission to the operator throughout the mission. Its electric motor, powered by a battery, significantly reduces acoustic and thermal signatures, making the munition harder to detect. The platform is designed for rapid field assembly, and its warhead modules can be swapped easily to accommodate different mission requirements.

Moroccan personnel will be trained in assembly and maintenance as part of the project, signaling a transfer of skills alongside hardware.

Morocco tested the SpyX system in March 2024, and officials framed the factory’s opening as a step toward strengthening Rabat’s defense industrial base and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

A wider pivot toward Israeli defence suppliers

The BlueBird facility is one element of a deeper reorientation of Morocco’s procurement toward Israeli firms since the normalization of relations with the occupation in December 2020 was completed. Israeli media reports note several major purchases and cooperative projects attributed to Israeli industry.

Morocco signed a contract with IAI, reportedly valued at around $1 billion, for the supply of two Ofek 13-class military reconnaissance satellites. The deal was concluded at the end of 2023, with the contract formalized in mid-2024.

Deals also included the Barak-8 and Barak MX air defense systems, Rafael’s Spider, and Elbit/IAI guided rockets from the EXTRA family.

In parallel, Rabat has reportedly bought 36 ATMOS artillery systems and completed tests of 306 mm guided rockets with ranges up to 150 km and heavy warheads, moves that Western suppliers, including longstanding French defence partners, now see as diminished business opportunities.

Geopolitical and regional implications

The industrial link-up with Israeli arms companies will have strategic effects in North Africa.

For Rabat, access to Israeli unmanned and space technologies accelerates the modernization of its armed forces and creates domestic high-technology jobs and skills, further entrenching its pro-Western orientation.

On the other hand, for regional rivals, particularly Algeria and the Polisario Front, Morocco’s expanding strike and surveillance capabilities represent a concrete shift in the regional military balance, made even more consequential by the depth of Israeli backing behind these new systems.

The pivot is also a setback for traditional suppliers, particularly France, which for decades occupied a dominant position in Morocco’s defense procurement. Israeli firms’ deeper commercial and industrial ties with Rabat are eroding that angle of French influence while enlarging "Israel’s" footprint in the region. 

Zelensky’s Approval Rating Drops by 40% in One Week, Says Ukrainian Lawmaker

According to Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Vladimir Zelensky’s approval rating drops by 40% in one week

Vladimir Zelensky Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images

© Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images

MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky’s approval rating has plummeted by 40% over the past week, Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament), said, citing surveys conducted in the wake of a major corruption scandal.

"The opinion polls that I have seen show that Zelensky’s rating stands below 20%," he said in a video posted on the Strana media outlet’s Telegram channel.

Mindich case

On November 10, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), both independent from Zelensky’s office, announced an investigation into a major corruption scheme in the energy sector, dubbed Operation Midas. Searches were conducted at the Energoatom energy company and the residences of entrepreneur Timur Mindich and the now suspended Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who served as the country’s energy minister at the time of the events that are being looked into. NABU also started to release recordings of conversations from Mindich’s apartment, which revealed discussions of corrupt practices.

Charges in the case have been brought against Mindich, Igor Mironyuk, a former adviser to the energy minister, Dmitry Basov, Energoatom executive director for safety, businessmen Alexander Zukerman and Igor Fursenko, Lesya Ustimenko and Lyudmila Zorina, as well as former Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Chernyshov, who is also seen as a member of Zelensky’s inner circle. Mindich left the country a few hours before searches started.

US Actively Searching for Someone to Replace Zelensky — Ex-premier Azarov

According to him, it is hard to predict how the events will unfold if Zelensky resigns

Mykola Azarov, former prime minister of Ukraine Artyom Geodakyan/TASS

© Artyom Geodakyan/TASS

MOSCOW, November 16. /TASS/. The United States is looking for a replacement for Vladimir Zelensky, inviting various members of the Kiev regime to Washington, former Ukrainian prime minister (in 2010-2014) Nikolay Azarov has told TASS.

"I know that over about six months, the Americans have been actively talking to, meeting and inviting to Washington certain politicians of the Kiev regime. They are shaping an opinion about them, looking for a person who could replace [Zelensky]," he said.

In his opinion, the current corruption scandal involving members of Zelensky’s inner circle is an evidence of that.

"If they [the Americans] were against this, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine would never have an opportunity to act in such a manner," the ex-premier said.

According to Azarov, it is hard to predict how the events will unfold if Zelensky resigns. In his opinion, no one on Ukraine’s political arena can currently ensure the country’s normal development.

"I have said it many times: currently, there is no force on the territory controlled by the Kiev regime that could pursue any policy that will be positive for Ukraine to some extent. There simply are no such people, because those who could were either jailed, or killed, or forced to leave the country," Azarov said.

Martial law and mobilization were first declared in Ukraine in February 2022 and have now been extended for the 17th time. As a result, no parliamentary, presidential, or local elections are being held in the country. This is being exploited by Zelensky, whose presidential powers expired on May 20, 2024.

Mindich affair

On November 10, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) announced a large-scale operation dubbed Midas to uncover a major corruption scheme in the energy sector. Searches were conducted at the home of Timur Mindich, who is often referred to as Zelensky’s "wallet," as well as at the residence of Justice Minister German Galuschenko, who had previously served as Minister of Energy, and at the Energoatom company. The investigation found that participants in the scheme had laundered around $100 million.

Charges in the case have been brought against Igor Mironyuk, a former adviser to the energy minister, Dmitry Basov, Energoatom executive director for safety, businessmen Alexander Zukerman and Igor Fursenko, Lesya Ustimenko and Lyudmila Zorina, as well as former Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Chernyshov, who is also seen as a member of Zelensky’s inner circle. Mindich left the country a few hours before searches started, and is now in Israel.

Russian Troops Liberate Yablokovo Community in Zaporozhye Region Over Past Day — Top Brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry

© Alexey Konovalov/TASS

MOSCOW, November 15. /TASS/. Russian troops liberated the community of Yablokovo in the Zaporozhye Region over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units liberated the settlement of Yablokovo in the Zaporozhye Region through active operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Kiev loses 1,505 troops along engagement line in past day - latest figures

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry.

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army lost over 210 troops and two armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North, roughly 220 troops and eight armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup West and about 230 troops and four armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup South.

During the last 24-hour period, the Ukrainian army also lost roughly 495 troops and six armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup Center, over 265 troops and two armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East and about 85 troops, a tank and an armored combat vehicle in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup Dnepr, the latest figures show.

Russian forces thwart two Ukrainian attacks to unblock surrounded troops in Kupyansk

Russian forces thwarted two Ukrainian army counterattacks to unblock surrounded troops in Kupyansk in the Kharkov Region, the ministry reported.

In Kupyansk in the Kharkov Region, assault teams of the 6th Army of the Battlegroup West continued destroying the encircled Ukrainian troops, it said.

"In the past 24 hours, they thwarted two counterattacks by units of the 143rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian army and the 1st National Guard brigade from the areas of the settlements of Kutkovka and Petrovka in the Kharkov Region to unblock the surrounded enemy forces. Ten militants were destroyed," the ministry said.

"As a result of damage inflicted by firepower, up to 50 Ukrainian troops, 15 items of armament and military equipment, including a British-made Snatch armored combat vehicle, two mortars, three electronic warfare stations, five pickup trucks and three motor vehicles were destroyed in the Kupyansk area," it said.

Russian troops start mop-up operation in Rovnoye in Donetsk region

Russia’s Battlegroup Center forces have begun mopping up the settlement of Rovnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic of Ukrainian troops, the ministry reported.

"In Krasnoarmeysk in the Donetsk People’s Republic, assault teams of the 2nd Army continue destroying the surrounded enemy formations in the city’s western part, the northwestern and eastern quarters of the central district and on the territory of the western industrial zone. In addition, assault teams have begun mopping up the settlement of Rovnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center forces repelled seven attacks by the Ukrainian army’s 32nd mechanized brigade and 425th Skala assault regiment from the area of the settlement of Grishino in the Donetsk People’s Republic to unblock the encircled enemy group, it said.

Russian troops strike energy site of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector over past day

Russian troops struck a military airfield and an energy site of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck a military airfield, an energy infrastructure facility that supported the operation of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector, a workshop for the production of unmanned boats, sites for the assembly and storage of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, signal centers of Ukraine’s GUR Main Intelligence Directorate and temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 locations," the ministry said.

Russian air defense forces intercept 247 Ukrainian UAVs, four smart bombs in past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 247 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and four smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Air defense capabilities shot down four guided aerial bombs and 247 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 668 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 96,796 unmanned aerial vehicles, 636 surface-to-air missile systems, 26,044 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,611 multiple rocket launchers, 31,314 field artillery guns and mortars and 46,725 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

Russian Armed Forces Liberated Two Settlements in Zaporozhye Region

Air defenses shot downed two Neptune missiles and 197 Ukrainian drones over 24 hours, the ministry noted

© Alexander Reka/TASS

MOSCOW, November 16. /TASS/. Russian troops liberated Malaya Tokmachka and Rovnopolye settlements in the Zaporozhye Region, the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

"Battlegroup East units liberated Rovnopolye settlement of the Zaporozhye Region as a result of decisive actions. Battlegroup Dnieper units completed liberation of Malaya Tokmachka settlement of the Zaporozhye Region," the ministry said.

Air defenses shot downed two Neptune missiles and 197 Ukrainian drones over 24 hours, the ministry noted. "Air defense assets shot down a guided air bomb, four projectiles of the HIMARS system of the US make, two Neptune long-range guided missiles and 197 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," it informed.

The Battlegroup Center is currently mopping up Rovnoye settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the ministry noted. The units of this battlegroup continues advancing in the Vostochny micro-region and the southern part of the city of Dimitrov.

The Russian army destroyed two launchers of the Neptune mobile missile system, a HIMARS combat vehicle, and engaged fuel and energy sector facilities used in interests of the Ukrainian military defense segment, the ministry informed. The Ukrainian army lost in total about 1,250 servicemen in the zone o fthe Special Military Operation over the day.

Lavrov to Hold Talks with Top Indian Diplomat in Moscow

The sides will discuss political communication between the two counties, as well as pressing bilateral, regional and international issues, including cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, the United Nations, and the Group of 20

© Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS

MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will hold talks in Moscow on November 17.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced a meeting between two top diplomats. "On Monday, November 17, the top Russian diplomat is expected to hold talks with the Indian foreign minister, who will lead his country’s delegation to a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government," she said.

According to Zakharova, the Russian and Indian foreign ministers will discuss political communication between the two counties, as well as pressing bilateral, regional and international issues, including cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, the United Nations, and the Group of 20.

The top diplomats are also likely to touch upon preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi. The Russian leader announced earlier that the trip was scheduled for early December, when India would host the 23th annual bilateral summit. Ahead of the event, Putin ordered the Russian ministry to work out options for the development of trade and economic relations with India, particularly looking into issues related to logistics, payments, and a trade imbalance.

Moscow and New Delhi signed a declaration on strategic partnership during the Russian president’s state visit to India in 2000. The document became the foundation for regular summits and the development of multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the political, defense, economic and other fields. In 2010, bilateral relations were elevated to the level of specially privileged strategic partnership.

FM Gedion Urges Int'l Community to Disabuse Eritrea's Misguided Policy, Encourage It to be Part of Vision of Regional Integration

Addis Ababa, November 14, 2025 (ENA) - Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos urged the international community to disabuse the Eritrean government of its misguided policy towards Ethiopia and the region, and encourage Eritrea to be part of the vision of regional integration by taking small, tangible steps for a brighter future.

Speaking at the Foreign Policy Forum on Developments in the Horn of Africa today, Foreign Minister Gedion said that rigid, uncompromising, outdated, and Manichean conceptions of sovereignty should give way to a more collaborative and integrated economic future from which both countries benefit.

"We should not be captives to our history but masters of our future destiny. We cannot undo what has transpired so far; the pain and suffering generations have endured because we often opted for conflict than dialogue. But we can change what will happen today and tomorrow," he noted.

Reaffirming Ethiopia's readiness for dialogue and for a different future, Gedion called on the international community to exert pressure and encourage the Eritrean government to desist from the provocations and violations against Ethiopia and engage in a good-faith dialogue. 

Enlightening the audience about the major underlying causes of the cycle of conflicts and tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, especially in its contemporary form, the Minister cited the following points, among others.

"Just like those who erroneously assumed that a border dispute about the town of Badme was the cause of the conflict in the 1990s, some think that the Assab port is the bone of contention and the locus of the tension between the two countries today," Gideon said.

He attributed the first factor as the desire of the Eritrean government to have an Eritrea that is sovereign and independent while enjoying the benefits and retaining the privileges to be derived from being part of the Ethiopian body politic.

"Both official and social media personalities affiliated with the Eritrean state feel entitled to take positions, provide opinions and even actively engage in Ethiopia’s domestic political matters. But this goes beyond politics." 

The Foreign Minister further elaborated that "the Eritrean governing class believes that Eritreans have a stake in the Ethiopian economy. This sense of perverted entitlement, a belief that what is mine is mine and what is yours is ours, is a common thread that underlies our troubled history. Illicit, predatory, and exploitative trade practices were rampant before the 1998 conflict and echoes of the same tune can also be heard loud and clear even today."

He described the other factor as "the tendency of the Eritrean leadership to present itself as an instrument for all forces having hostile intentions against Ethiopia. The instrumentalization of Eritrea by those who desire to destabilize Ethiopia and curtail its progress makes peaceful coexistence very difficult."                    

According Gedion, it is not Eritrea’s national interests or just the predatory tendencies of the regime that are dictating a hostile policy against Ethiopia. "It is also the Eritrean leadership’s eagerness to act as a regional proxy for third parties that have made relations between the two countries very difficult. It could even be argued that this is a congenital defect of the Eritrean state."

The other factor, the Minister pointed at is what can be called the Isayas doctrine. "The Isayas doctrine is not written down or expounded explicitly, but it has now become quite obvious as a result of consistent application for over the years. This doctrine assumes that Eritrea’s continued statehood as a sovereign country is contingent upon Ethiopia’s insecurity, fragmentation and instability. As such the doctrine predicates Eritrea’s security on Ethiopia’s insecurity."

After explicating on the unjust and provocative moves and acts of the Eritrean government, FM Gideon concluded by saying that "we can change what will happen today and tomorrow. This is primarily the responsibility of the governments of both states. The Government of Ethiopia is ready for dialogue and for a different future. We call upon the international community to exert pressure and encourage the Eritrean government to desist from the provocations and violations against Ethiopia and engage in a good-faith dialogue."     

PM Abiy Visits Dev’t Activities of Kemise Town of Oromia Zone in Amhara Region

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared on his social that he addressed the people of Kemise town, the administrative center of the Oromia Zone in the Amhara regional state this morning.

The Prime Minister added that the visit holds special significance, as it marks a zone I had yet to visit within the Amhara Region.

Kemise’s early-stage corridor development efforts, featuring a modest 1.3 km bicycle lane and pedestrian walkway, are commendable, he said. 

”They demonstrate that corridor development initiatives are being embraced at all levels, with a shared vision of elevating public space standards across the country,” he stated.

The Prime Minister further said: “We also reviewed the Elfora Agro-Industries integrated agricultural development plant in the town, which is contributing meaningfully to our national ‘Bounty of the Basket’ (Ye Lemat Tirufat) initiative.”

Young Students Share Optimism About Ongoing Development in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2025 (ENA) – The students commended the infrastructure facilities undertaken in Addis Ababa particularly for children to play, emphasizing the beauty of diverse cultures in Ethiopia. 

A choir of Grade 10 students of Andinet International School, who presented music during the 80th anniversary of the United Nations at the UNECA premises, spoke to ENA about   Ethiopia’s ongoing national development.

These young voices painted a transformative picture of their nation, celebrating Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, impressive infrastructural undertakings, and emphasizing the crucial steps required for future progress.

Nathnael Yohanes was particularly effusive in his praise for Ethiopia’s diverse heritage and modernization efforts. “I believe our country is incredibly beautiful,” he stated with conviction.

“It showcases a rich tapestry of diverse environments. Every region offers something unique, with a variety of cultures, traditions, and practices that thrive together,” he explained. Nathnael underscored the immense strength found in this diversity, noting, “This remarkable blend enhances our identity and fosters a sense of unity among us.”

He highlighted the tangible results of national development, specifically infrastructure. “There has been a significant transformation in our infrastructure, which has improved throughout the nation,” he said. “These changes do not only bolster our economy but also sustain our daily lives, making our country an even more remarkable place to live and explore.”

Nathnael also pointed out the positive impact on youth, adding that infrastructure projects have become both appealing and comfortable. “Young people and children now have various urban facilities and open spaces where they can play and enjoy their childhood.”

Abyalat Tamrat echoed similar sentiments regarding Ethiopia’s beauty and cultural wealth. “My country, Ethiopia, is a very beautiful place, filled with a rich variety of cultures and traditions,” she said.

She described the stunning landscapes: “The scenery is breathtaking, showcasing everything from majestic mountains to lush valleys, making it a truly remarkable destination.” She added that the people are “welcoming and kind, contributing to a sense of coming together that is both warm and inviting.”

Yet, Abyalat shifted the focus to a crucial issue: peace. “It’s essential for us to prioritize the promotion of peace because I feel that’s the foundation upon which all other progress must be built,” she emphasized earnestly.

She also advocated for an internal development focus. “I cannot fully support the notion that migration is a feasible solution; rather, I think Ethiopia must focus on improving conditions within the country itself.” Passionately, she concluded, “We Ethiopians possess immense intellect, beauty, and potential. We should harness our qualities and should not waste them.”

Bahran Daniel provided a perspective centered on improved quality of life and safety for the youth. “My country is rich in history and brimming with diversity, making it a vibrant place to live,” he said, adding that "one of the most remarkable aspects of our society is the warmth and love found within our community."

Bahran highlighted how recent developments in Addis Ababa have positively affected families. "These advancements have created safe and inviting environments for children, providing them with open spaces to play, laugh, and explore,” he stated, reflecting that children should freely enjoy their childhood without worries of their safety.

Kermai Yonas on her part emphasized the collective duty toward progress. “My country has a beautiful tapestry of cultures, with a rich diversity that shapes our everyday lives,” she noted.

She stressed the importance of unity: “It is essential that our generation takes the initiative to foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding among ourselves and with others.” Kermai identified education as a key driver of change. “By promoting educational programs focused on peace and conflict resolution, we can equip young people with the tools they need to make positive changes in their communities.”

The testimonies of these students collectively stand as a powerful testament to the optimistic spirit among Ethiopia’s youth. While they do not ignore the challenges that lie ahead, their message is overwhelmingly one of hope, unity, and confidence in Ethiopia’s continued advancement toward prosperity and peace.

Their aspiration aligns closely with the ongoing on peace, development, educational empowerment and massive infrastructure undertakings in the country.

Through their candid and insightful reflections, these Grade 10 students articulated the collective dream of a new Ethiopia, one enriched by culture, connected by infrastructure, rooted in peace, and energized by the boundless potential of its youth. Their words offer both a celebration of what Ethiopia is today and a hopeful blueprint for what it can become tomorrow.

Africa’s Migration, Humanitarian Agenda Require Urgent Action: AU Commissioner Twum-Amoah

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2025 (ENA) - Africa’s migration and humanitarian agenda require urgent, coordinated action, solidarity, and a people-centered approach, according to Amma Twum-Amoah, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

A two-day 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons is underway at the African Union Commission Headquarters.

Speaking at the ministerial meeting that opened today, the Commissioner said “restricting the movement of our own people within their own continent undermines our integration and limits our growth.”

Twum-Amoah underscored the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons as vital tools for continental integration and economic growth.

The right to move, trade, and live across the continent should be viewed as a driver of unity and opportunity but not division, she said, pointing out the need to keep health and humanitarian issues above politics to prevent crisis, protect lives, and rebuild communities.

The outgoing Chair of the Bureau of the Fourth STC, Dickson Matembo, noted for his part that the approach undertaken to provide African solutions to African problems as outlined in Agenda 2063 is beginning to bear fruit.

He urged the incoming chair to keep migration and humanitarian affairs at the center of political discourse not at the margins of policy.

Matembo underlined the need to full operationalization of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA) and  the establishment of  AU Migration Center of Excellence as the continent's moral and institutional compass. 

Ethiopia's Justice State Minister Belayhun Yirga said, “We believe in addressing this issue collectively rather than separately, as it is a matter of great significance that requires a united and coordinated approach among member states. 

In recognition of the commitment and active engagement in the areas, Ethiopia has been selected to serve as the Vice Chair of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) for the coming two years, he added.

The newly elected members of the Specialized Technical Committee on Migration, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons are Cameroon, Ethiopia, Libya, Nigeria, and Zambia, with Cameroon serving as the new Chair of the STC-MRIDP Bureau.

Over 6,000 Repatriated Ethiopians in Quarter Year Receive Social Support

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2025 (ENA) – More than 6,000 Ethiopians repatriated in the first quarter of the Ethiopian fiscal year through citizen-centric diplomacy were   provided with essential support to enable them rejoin their families, Women and Social Affairs State Minister Huria Ali revealed.  

 The state minister told ENA that awareness creation on illegal human trafficking has been carried out based on the communication strategy designed by the ministry.

A National committee is also established to mitigate human trafficking, she noted.

Moreover, concerted efforts have been exerted to enable citizens benefit from jobs created in development activities.

Opportunities have also been created to facilitate the safe and legal deployment of citizens   through bilateral agreements, it was learned.  

The state minister further pointed out that the community has a vital role in uplifting citizens' lives.    

Ethiopia Demonstrates Bold Climate Action, Global Leadership on Road to COP32

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia reaffirmed its steadfast climate leadership on the sideline of COP30 high-level event titled “From Baku to Belém: Ethiopia’s Progress on Climate Resilience and Green Growth (Stocktake),” co-organized by the Government of Ethiopia and UNDP at the Ethiopian Pavilion in Brazil.

State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonen highlighted Ethiopia’s progress made in a year. 

He elaborated some of the key progresses through a low-emission and climate-resilient economy, driven by major initiatives such as the launch of NDC 3.0 and the Long-Term Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), according to Ministry of Planning and Development.

Concrete actions included the Green Legacy Initiative, which planted over 48 billion trees since 2019, the transition to e-mobility and clean energy including the GERD, corridor development initiative and the expansion of climate-smart agriculture through programs like YeLemat Tirufat and rural corridor development.

Ethiopia’s regional and continental leadership was also commended, particularly its able stewardship in hosting the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), which united African nations under a shared vision for sustainable growth and equitable climate finance while guiding the region at COP30.

 Toward hosting COP32 in 2027 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vision remains clear—accelerating transformative action at home while championing Africa’s collective voice on the global stage.

High-level participants, among others, from UNDP, Denmark, AGN Chair (Tanzania), and global institutions such as NDCP, Fletcher School based in Washington DC and Woodwell, applauded Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing both national resilience and international cooperation for a greener, more inclusive future.

How Deadly Is Marburg Virus? Ethiopia Confirms First Outbreak After WHO Warning

Ethiopia confirms nine cases of Marburg virus disease in the South of the country, a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Ethiopian health authorities were investigating after "suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever".

Written by N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe 

November 15, 2025 5:00 PM IST

Marburg Virus Disease: Ethiopia confirm its first outbreak of a severe haemorrhagic fever called Marburg, which can cause serious illness and death. The country detected nine cases of Marburg virus disease in the South of Ethiopia, a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Ethiopian health authorities were investigating after "suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever".

Commenting on the ongoing spread of the deadly virus in Ethiopia, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of WHO said that the Ethiopian Health Ministry and other health agencies are taking all the precautionary measures for "rapid and transparent response to the outbreak".

The Director General of WHO took to his social media to acknowledge the country's effort to bring the outbreak under control. He said, "This fast action demonstrates the seriousness of the country's commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly."

What Is Marburg?

Marburg virus disease is a rare and severe viral haemorrhagic fever that affects both people and permits like apps and monkeys, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The name of this virus is after a German city where scientists became ill while handling monkeys imported from Africa in 1967. This illness is caused by the Marburg virus itself, which belongs to a species known as the Orthomarburgvirus marburgense.

Symptoms Of Marburg Virus

Symptoms of Marburg Virus typically show between 2 to 21 days after a person gets exposed to the virus. Individuals who test positive for this deadly illness may show symptoms that include:

Fever

Chills

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea

According to the CDC, as the disease progresses people infected with Marburg virus may experience liver failure, delirium, shock, bleeding, and multi-organ dysfunction.

Treatment For Marburg Virus

According to the WHO, as of now, there is no vaccine or anti-viral for treating the Marburg Virus. However, early intensive supportive care that includes hydration and treatment of specific symptoms can help improve survival.

Who Is at Risk?

Marburg is spread from infected Egyptian rousette bats to people. The virus is found mainly in their saliva, urine, and faeces of infected bats. Therefore, people who handle Egyptian rousette bats or their excretions are at a higher risk of getting exposed to the virus. Apart from that, healthcare professionals or individuals who attend sick patients who test positive for Marburg virus without proper protective equipment may contract the virus.

Prevention

The best way to prevent Marburg virus disease is by following these precautionary measures:

Ensure to avoid coming in close contact with the blood and body fluids of people who are with the disease.

Healthcare professionals also recommend staying away from intimacy with someone who has been recently diagnosed with Marburg. It suggests avoiding it unless the test shows that the virus is gone from their semen.

Avoid touching contaminated surfaces that may have come in contact with an infected person's body fluids.

Follow TheHealthSite.com for all the latest health news and developments from around the world.

Africa CDC Statement on Confirmed Marburg Virus Disease in Jinka, Southern Region, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15 November 2025 — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) acknowledges the confirmation by the Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) of an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Jinka, Southern Region.

As of 14 November 2025, Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory.Further epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are underway, and the virus strain detected shows similarities to those previously identified in East Africa.

The initial alert of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever was shared with Africa CDC on 12 November 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Health, EPHI, and regional health authorities have activated response measures, including enhanced surveillance, field investigations, strengthened infection prevention and control, and community engagement efforts. Africa CDC commends their swift action and transparent communication, which have enabled early confirmation and containment efforts.

Africa CDC has been a long-standing partner of EPHI in strengthening Ethiopia’s molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance capacity — critical capabilities that were immediately deployed in response to this outbreak. Through this collaboration, Africa CDC has provided genome-sequencing equipment, sequencing reagents, PCR detection kits (including Marburg-specific assays), and extensive training for laboratory personnel in genome sequencing, bioinformatics, biosafety, PPE use, and safe sample handling.

The core genomics facility at EPHI has been strengthened by Africa CDC, together with partners such as the Global Fund, WHO and the UK Health Security Agency, supporting rapid laboratory confirmation and enhancing Ethiopia’s overall outbreak readiness.

As a leading Ethiopian research institution, the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) has also seen its research and genomics capacity significantly strengthened through Africa CDC’s support, including the provision of equipment, reagents and targeted training. AHRI is therefore well positioned to play a central role during this Marburg outbreak. This response presents a unique opportunity not only to improve care for affected communities but also to generate critical innovations in Marburg prevention, diagnostics and treatment.

To further strengthen coordination, Africa CDC and the Ministry of Health will integrate Marburg virus response efforts with ongoing mpox preparedness and surveillance. This joint approach is designed to optimise resources, accelerate early detection and reduce the risk of regional spread.

Africa CDC Director-General, H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, will meet with the Minister of Health of Ethiopia to assess additional support needs and reinforce cross-border readiness with neighbouring countries. Africa CDC will continue to work closely with the Government of Ethiopia and partners to ensure a rapid, coordinated and effective response.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

About the Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Media Contacts

Margaret Edwin

Director of Communication and Public Information

EdwinM@africacdc.org

Ethiopia Confirms First Marburg Outbreak as WHO Lauds Country’s Fast Action

12:36 PM EST, November 14, 2025

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopia on Friday confirmed its first Marburg outbreak after nine cases were identified in a southern region of the country that borders South Sudan.

The World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the Ethiopian government’s fast action, saying it showed a “commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly.”

Ethiopia’s government had reported on Thursday that it was investigating a possible outbreak of an unidentified viral hemorrhagic fever and was lauded by the continental health emergency body, Africa CDC, for its transparency.

The WHO sent a technical team on Thursday to support the East African country in testing and outbreak response.

“WHO is also providing essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers and infection-prevention supplies, as well as a rapidly deployable isolation tent to bolster clinical care and management capacity,” the U.N. agency said in a statement.

The outbreak was reported in the southern region of Omo, which borders South Sudan. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said Thursday that the outbreak was a concern because “South Sudan isn’t far and has a fragile health system.”

No other African country has reported Marburg virus cases in recent weeks.

Like Ebola, the Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or with surfaces, such as contaminated bedsheets.

Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting and in some cases death from extreme blood loss. There is no authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg.

Ethiopia Reports First Outbreak of Marburg, Ebola Cousin With No Vaccine

November 14, 2025 at 5:31 p.m. EST

By Tobi Raji

At least nine people in southern Ethiopia have been infected with the deadly Marburg virus, a clinically similar cousin to Ebola, in the East African country’s first outbreak of the highly contagious disease, the World Health Organization said Friday. Ethiopia’s Health Ministry also confirmed the outbreak.

The WHO “is actively supporting Ethiopia to contain the outbreak and treat infected people, and supporting all efforts to address the potential of cross-border spread,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO, said in a post to X.

Marburg virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever that spreads between humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people such as blood, saliva or urine, as well as on surfaces and materials. From the same Filoviridae family as the Ebola virus, it was first identified in 1967 following outbreaks among laboratory workers in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia. The virus, which crosses to humans through contact with wild animals, is named after the German city where the outbreak first occurred.

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, chills and muscle aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Others may experience chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients may develop a non-itchy rash two to seven days after onset of symptoms, according to the WHO. Severe blood loss, hemorrhaging and multi-organ dysfunction can occur in severe cases, according to the CDC.

Deaths typically occur between eight and nine days after onset, preceded by severe blood loss and shock, according to the WHO. The disease has an average case fatality rate of roughly 50 percent, according to the WHO.

There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the Marburg virus. Patients receive supportive care.

Previous outbreaks have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda, according to the WHO. Laboratory tests confirmed the virus is the same strain as the one reported in previous outbreaks across East Africa.

The virus is likely to have first jumped to people from bats. It has the potential to reemerge again and again, even when one outbreak has been contained.

Tanzania President Forms Inquiry Commission to Probe Election Protests Killings

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan appears in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus on April 15, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

10:06 AM EST, November 14, 2025

DODOMA, Tanzania (AP) — Tanzania’s president announced on Friday that her administration has formed an inquiry commission to probe killings that occurred during election protests last month, and said she had ordered the release of some of the arrested youths.

During her first parliamentary address since the election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Friday that the commission would look into issues that led to the unrest and help inform the reconciliation and peace efforts the government was planning to undertake. The U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, had called for a probe into the killings and the alleged concealing of evidence.

Young people in Tanzania began demonstrating on election day on Oct. 29 to protest the exclusion of presidential candidates from the two main opposition parties. President Hassan was declared the winner with more than 97% of the total votes.

Hundreds of people were arrested during three days of protests, and some face treason charges. President Hassan said that “as a mother,” she had forgiven those who may have joined the protests out of peer pressure.

“For those who were just following the wave, let them be counselled and released,” she said.

President Hassan acknowledged the opposition party Chadema’s demands that, for any meaningful dialogue and reconciliation to happen, constitutional reforms were key, and she said that her administration would embark on a constitutional reform process within its first 100 days.

The Chadema party had been calling for constitutional reforms and was barred from taking part in the recent election after demanding basic electoral reforms before the polls.

The Chadema party leader, Tundu Lissu, remains in prison and is facing treason charges, and his trial is yet to resume following the election protests. His deputy, John Heche, was arrested on election day and released three weeks later.

Ex-Congolese Rebel Leader on Trial for War Crimes in Paris Begins Hunger Strike

By JEAN-YVES KAMALE and MARK BANCHEREAU

1:30 PM EST, November 14, 2025

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Ex-Congolese rebel leader Roger Lumbala began a hunger strike on Friday to protest his trial, which began this week over atrocities committed two decades ago during the Second Congo War.

Lumbala, who dismissed his lawyers and refused to appear in court after the first day of the trial on Wednesday claiming the French court has no legitimacy to try him, announced his hunger strike in a statement read by the head of the Paris criminal court, Marc Sommerer.

The ex-rebel leader has been charged with “criminal conspiracy to prepare crimes against humanity” and “complicity of crimes against humanity” during the conflict from 1998 to 2003.

He faces a possible sentence of life in prison. A verdict is expected Dec. 19 following the trial at the Paris criminal court.

Lumbala’s trial is made possible under a French law that recognizes universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity. His case marks the first time a Congolese political or military leader has been tried for mass atrocities before a national court under the universal jurisdiction principle.

Congo has been wracked by deadly conflict in its mineral-rich east since the 1990s, with more than 100 active armed groups. The conflict escalated earlier this year when the M23 rebel group seized two key cities with the help of neighboring Rwandan forces.

The 67-year-old led the Congolese Rally for National Democracy, a rebel group backed by neighboring Uganda and accused of atrocities against civilians, particularly targeting the Nande and Bambuti ethnic minorities in eastern Congo in 2002 and 2003.

The group committed widespread torture, executions, rape, forced labor and sexual slavery, according to U.N. reports.

Lumbala was arrested in Paris in 2020 and indicted by a French court in 2023. His lawyers have claimed that the Congolese government made an extradition request to France.

Henri Thulliez, an attorney who represents the victims in the case, said Congo made a first extradition request in 2013 but it addressed Lumbala’s alleged ties to the M23 rebel group, not the war crimes for which he is being pursued.

Thulliez said French authorities reviewed a second extradition request made this year but found it lacked essential legal elements and was submitted after judicial proceedings in France had already begun.

The Congolese and French ministries of justice didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

“Lumbala’s tactics are but a distraction and an attempt to escape accountability,” Daniele Perissi, head of the Democratic Republic of Congo program at TRIAL International, one of the groups representing civil parties, told The Associated Press. “The court should ensure that justice delayed is not justice denied.”

‘Lumbala has tried to obstruct a judicial process twenty years in the making,” Claire Thomas, Executive Director of the Minority Rights Group, another group representing civil parties, said. “He has disturbed survivors who have taken many risks to appear in court.”

___

Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal.

Islamic State-backed Rebels Kill 17 in Eastern Congo Hospital Attack

By JUSTIN KABUMBA

11:15 AM EST, November 15, 2025

GOMA, Congo (AP) — An Islamic State-backed rebel group killed at least 17 people in an attack on a hospital in eastern Congo, authorities said Saturday.

The attack by the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, took place in the village of Byambwe, in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province on Friday night, Col. Alain Kiwewa, the local administrator, told The Associated Press.

“Women who were breastfeeding were brutally slaughtered and found with their throats slit in their hospital beds,” Kiwewa said, adding that 11 women and six men were killed.

The rebels also attacked other villages, said Samuel Kakule Kagheni, a civil society leader in the Manzya area, which includes Byambwe, but could not confirm the number of casualties there.

Armed groups have carried out several deadly attacks in eastern Congo, including the ADF and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The ADF, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2019, operates along the border with Uganda and often targets civilians.

In August, ADF fighters killed at least 52 people during several attacks in the same week, according to the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo.

The group also killed nearly 40 people in Ituri province in July, when it stormed a Catholic church during a vigil and opened fire on worshippers, including many women and children.

The ADF was formed by disparate small groups in Uganda in the late 1990s following discontent with President Yoweri Museveni. In 2002, following Ugandan military strikes, the group moved to neighboring Congo and has been blamed for the killings of thousands of civilians.

DR Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Framework for Peace Deal in Latest Bid to End Decades-Long Conflict

By RUTH ALONGA and MARK BANCHEREAU

1:42 PM EST, November 15, 2025

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Congo and Rwanda -backed rebel group M23 on Saturday signed a framework agreement for a peace deal, the latest step in the so far unsuccessful efforts to end the decades-long conflict in eastern Congo.

Earlier this year, M23 seized Goma and Bukavu, two key cities in eastern Congo, in a major escalation of the conflict.

Backed by neighboring Rwanda, M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo’s mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced, the conflict in Congo has been described by the U.N. as “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”

The agreement signed in Doha on Saturday, following mediation by Qatar and the United States, is not yet a final peace agreement, but rather a framework outlining the measures required to reach one, the head of the M23 delegation, Benjamin Mbonimpa, said in a video posted on X.

“There will be neither any change in the situation on the ground, nor any activity whatsoever, until the measures are debated, negotiated and discussed one by one and a final peace agreement is reached,” Mbonimpa said.

The Congolese government said in a statement the framework agreement signed on Saturday includes eight measures that serve as a basis for a peace deal. Two of the measures — agreements on the release of prisoners and the creation of a ceasefire oversight body — were already signed in September and October.

The six other measures, which in part include the restoration of state authority in rebel-controlled areas, humanitarian access, and the resettlement of refugees, will be subject to discussion and negotiation in the next two weeks, the Congolese government said.

Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks since April between the Congo and M23, mainly to set preconditions for a peace deal and agree on confidence-building steps, but both sides still accuse each other of violating peace terms and fighting has continued.

In July, Congo and M23 signed a signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end the conflict and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement. They agreed to finalize the deal by Aug. 18 but missed the deadline, blaming each other for breaches of the agreement.

Massad Boulos, senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, attended the ceremony in Doha on Saturday and called the framework agreement a “starting point.”

“It is only the beginning, but we know the final outcome will be very fruitful,” he said, calling it a “historic” opportunity.

The Trump administration has also led mediation efforts between Rwanda — which is accused of backing M23 — and Congo, leading to the signing of a peace deal between the two countries in June.

———

Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.

Islamist Fighters in Mali Execute Social Media Influencer

Mariam Cissé’s TikToks of Her Daily Life Reached Thousands

Senior Sahel Researcher

Many of her videos showed laughter, music, and the color of daily life in Tonka, her hometown on the edge of Mali’s desert near Timbuktu. On TikTok, 20-year-old Mariam Cissé, besides sharing moments of joy, often voiced support for the Malian armed forces in a region ravaged by armed conflict since 2012. Last week, those videos, viewed by nearly 100,000 followers, had deadly consequences.

On November 6, Islamist fighters, allegedly from the Al Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen, or known as JNIM), abducted Cissé while she was filming at a local fair in Tonka. The next day, they brought her back to Tonka’s central square and executed her in front of terrified residents, accusing her of collaborating with the Malian army. 

A 30-year-old phone seller said that on November 7, he saw a group of heavily armed Islamist fighters heading toward the town center on motorbikes. He recognized Cissé on the back of one. “We followed them,” he said. “And when we reached the square, we heard gunshots.” The man said the fighters declared the execution a warning to anyone supporting the Malian army.

Residents said there are no Malian security forces stationed in Tonka, a town of 53,000, and that the nearest military base is in Goundam, 31 kilometers away. “Soldiers came on November 8, after Mariam had already been buried,” another local resident said.

The JNIM has recently tightened its grip over Mali. Since early September, the armed group has besieged the nation’s capital, Bamako, and cut off fuel supplies, disrupting transportation and access to electricity, and forcing the military junta to temporarily shut down schools and universities. 

All parties to the armed conflict in Mali are bound by international humanitarian law, notably Common Article 3 to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary laws of war. The laws of war prohibit summary executions as war crimes.

Islamist armed groups and Malian security forces and allied militias have long been responsible for massacres and other atrocities against civilians. Few on either side have been held to account, which only serves to foster further abuses. Perhaps the brutal killing of Mariam Cissé, whose work impacted the lives of thousands, will send the message of the war’s true cost to people beyond Mali’s borders.

Jihadist Takeover of Mali is Far-fetched, Foreign Minister Says

By Reuters

November 13, 2025 4:46 AM EST

Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop addresses the press during the BAMEX'25 Defense Expo, in Bamako, Mali, November 12, 2025. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

Summary

Al Qaeda-linked militants attempting to block fuel from capital

Top dipomat says insurgents 'no match' for security forces

Western countries have urged citizens to leave

BAMAKO, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Mali's foreign minister has dismissed as implausible the notion that jihadists could soon take the capital, in the first extensive government response to security fears that have spurred Western countries to urge their citizens to leave.

The landlocked West African country is battling al Qaeda-linked jihadists who in September announced what they described as a fuel blockade that has led to long lines at petrol stations in the capital and temporarily forced schools to close.

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The latest show of force by the group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), has raised concern abroad that it might eventually try to impose its rule over the country.

The African Union on Sunday called for an urgent international response to worsening security conditions, and Western countries including the U.S., France, Britain and Italy are urging their citizens to leave.

Yet despite such concerns, many schools have reopened this week and Bamako is hosting a defence exhibition featuring Turkish firms.

Speaking at a press conference at the exhibition late on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said Mali was successfully mitigating the effects of the fuel blockade and that JNIM was "no match" for the security forces.

"We are very far from the scenario being described to you outside our country, saying that the terrorists are here, they are in Bamako, they are going to take this, that," he said. "We are not at all in that scenario."

Those making such predictions "need to wake up from their dreams," he said.

The goal of the attempted blockade, he said, was to incite unrest that would lead to the overthrow of the military-led government that took power after coups in 2020 and 2021.

Diop also said the African Union's call for an international response, including intelligence-sharing, reflected a poor understanding of conditions on the ground.

And while he said he respected "the choice of certain countries that have asked their nationals to leave", he stressed that Mali remains welcoming to foreigners.

The military-led governments of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have withdrawn from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, distanced themselves from Western allies and turned to Russia for military support.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a framework agreement for a peace deal aimed at ending fighting in eastern Congo.

Diop said relations with the U.S. were improving under the Trump administration and that the two countries were engaged in "dialogue" on security and economic issues, without providing details.