Gunfire and explosions were reported shortly before midnight near the airport, and two security sources described the incident as a “terrorist attack.” Calm was restored by Thursday morning.

The airport area was cordoned off and patrolled, although schools and businesses in Niamey remained open.

Tiani named French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin President Patrice Talon, and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara as sponsors of the alleged attack. 

He made the statement after visiting an air base and warned that Niger would respond. “We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar,” he said. Niger state television reported that one of the attackers killed was a French national, but this claim was not backed by evidence.

Security officials told Reuters that an internal alert about a possible attack led to increased security measures around the airport prior to the incident. 

The officials also confirmed that a uranium stockpile, estimated at around 1,000 metric tons, was not affected by the attack. The uranium, stored at the airport since late last year, was previously moved from the Somair mine in Arlit after the Nigerien government took control of the site from the French company Orano.

Two commercial aircraft were damaged during the attack. ASKY Airlines reported minor damage to two of its planes. Air Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that its Airbus A319 sustained damage to the fuselage and right wing. “Its fuselage and right wing” were affected, the airline said, noting that the aircraft could be grounded for an extended period. No injuries were reported.

Tiani also expressed appreciation to Russian troops stationed at the base, thanking them for “defending their sector.” Niger, like neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, continues to experience violence linked to jihadist groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Earlier this month, Burkina Faso reported that it had foiled a coup attempt funded by Côte d’Ivoire to destabilise its government and assassinate military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Former leader Lt Col Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was arrested after being extradited from Togo, where he had fled to after allegedly masterminding the failed coup plot.

The incident occurred as López approached the parliamentary building and stopped to speak with a journalist. In the video, she is heard saying that lawmakers were being prevented from entering Congress, moments before the explosion. She was later taken to hospital, where doctors treated her for burns, severe pain, dizziness and hearing impairment.

Congress president Luis Redondo condemned the attack and ordered a review of the video footage, while security forces were deployed around the legislative complex. President-elect Nasry ‘Tito’ Asfura also denounced the violence , calling for respect for the rule of law. The attack comes amid heightened post-election tensions following the 30 November vote, after opposition parties rejected a parliamentary session called by the ruling Libre party to discuss a recount.

According to reports from Kenyans.co.ke, numerous schools throughout Kenya urged students to remain at home on July 7, due to anticipated Saba Saba protests. This precautionary measure, rooted in past protest-related disruptions on Thika Road, seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of students amidst concerns of civil unrest. A parent revealed that this decision reflects broader parental caution, acknowledging mixed sentiments towards the day. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku confirmed that July 7 is not a public holiday. Meanwhile, calls for peace accompanied the anticipation of the historically significant Saba Saba Day.

Kenya benefits from Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Kenya is poised to receive substantial benefits from a $450 million injection into the Global Polio Eradication Initiative announced at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary. This commitment comes from a collaboration between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Rotary International, aiming to combat vaccine shortages and bolster immunisation against polio. Insights from UNICEF Kenya’s Dr. Luigi D’Aquino highlight Kenya's strategic initiatives designed to expand vaccine access, address vaccine shortages, and reduce 'zero-dose' children – a challenge exacerbated by vaccine delivery and coverage gaps, especially in urban informal settlements.

Armed attack on Kenya Human Rights Commission preceding protests

An armed gang stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission headquarters during a press conference on escalating civil violence in Nairobi, ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba Day protests. This incident underscores the mounting tension surrounding economic and governance issues in Kenya, marked by recent violent crackdowns on protests addressing economic stagnation, corruption, and police brutality. Observers, including activist Nerima Wako, highlight the evolving socio-political landscape amid urbanisation, social media influence, and a youthful population, emphasising the changing dynamics in responses to state actions.

Beatrice Chebet's record-breaking 5,000m run

In a landmark victory at the Eugene Diamond League, Kenya's Beatrice Chebet smashed the women's 5,000m world record, clocking in at 13:58.06, becoming the first woman to complete the distance in under 14 minutes. Chebet's strategic preparation, fueled by motivation from the Rome and Faith Kipyegon's near-record performance, showcased her dominance in long-distance running. Her compatriot, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, finished second, raising the bar for international competition and demonstrating the formidable strength of Kenyan long-distance athletes.

Kenya's strategic water management plan

Kenya's water sector, managed by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), is tackling critical challenges through an ambitious strategic plan focusing on infrastructure expansion and enhanced water governance. With anticipated water demand skyrocketing by 2030, major dams and reservoirs, complementing household rainwater harvesting initiatives, are pivotal components of the national strategy to enhance water security, mitigate droughts, and boost agricultural productivity. Emphasising transparency and sustainability, this plan aligns with global environmental goals and exemplifies an integrated approach to water resource management amid escalating climatic and demographic pressures.

What they said

Human Rights Watch’s Juanita Goebertus condemned the attack as “a chilling reminder of Colombia’s darkest chapters,” calling for investigations and candidate protections, Jurist News reports. President Petro labeled it an “attack on democracy,” vowing transparency.

According to Sudan Tribune , Ibrahim Khater, Director General of the North Darfur Ministry of Health, said the RSF forces set fire to trucks carrying aid.

"The army has no interest in burning aid or targeting humanitarian convoys. What happened is a crime committed by the militia to choke the residents of El Fasher,” Khater said.

He added that the RSF had blocked the convoy for over 10 days before the attack.

In contrast, the RSF’s humanitarian wing, the Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations (SARHO), blamed the Sudanese army, accusing it of bombing the convoy with warplanes where the strike killed five WFP workers, injured four others, and destroyed nine trucks.

The RSF called the attack “a blatant breach of international humanitarian law,” claiming it reflects a broader pattern of targeting aid workers.

Darfur regional governor Minni Arko Minawi also blamed the RSF. He said the attack came after convoy officials refused to change course or offload supplies.

“As a result, a number of aid workers were killed, and the militia looted the remaining trucks,” Minawi said. He called the attack a “terrorist act” and accused the RSF of using the army’s strikes as cover to deflect blame.

The Sudanese government in a statement condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate obstruction of humanitarian operations.

In July 2023, heavy rains and flooding caused further distress when Ali Haider Dogar, a farmer, saw his crops submerged after India released water from the Sutlej River to address its own flood issues. Dogar described the situation as devastating, with losses totalling tens of thousands of pounds for his family alone.

Locals are now facing a dire future as India halted the treaty rights, following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir attributed by India to Pakistani involvement. Along with the treaty’s suspension, India has cut trade ties, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and stopped visas for Pakistani nationals. In response, Pakistan too has halted all trade and shut down its airspace to India.

The implications are severe, especially as Khalid Khokhar, president of the Farmers’ Association, highlighted , “Water is our life. We can’t compromise on it.” Farmers like him see water security threatened, fearing a future where India might cause floods or prevent water from flowing to their lands. This fear hinges on the lack of shared data concerning floods or dam projects, which could put their crops at risk.

Authorities in Pakistan are viewing the treaty's halt as an existential threat, invoking language like “an act of war.” It’s significant to note that the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has endured three wars between the two nations and is hailed as a successful example of international water-sharing.

At the time of partition in 1947, all the river sources were in India, leading to complex negotiations before the treaty was established. Farmers are increasingly anxious as rainfall is already low and water levels are dwindling.

Both countries’ officials and experts are cautioning that while India cannot immediately halt water flows due to the treaty’s strict regulations on dam construction, potential future disregard for these obligations poses severe risks.

Pakistani water expert Naseer Memon added that ignoring treaty obligations would lead to a humanitarian crisis with millions affected. A senior official in Pakistan, who chose to remain unnamed, claimed that India had long been contemplating a treaty withdrawal, and the recent Kashmir incident was merely a pretext. He urged the international community to intervene in this escalating situation, saying, “We can’t sit and allow India to do it.”

As of Friday morning, Farmasum Fuddang, an official with the Bokkos local government, reported that 48 bodies had been recovered — a significant increase from the initial count of 10. “Yesterday alone, we made a mass burial of more than 30 people,” Fuddang said.

A representative from the Red Cross confirmed the death toll had exceeded 40, noting that most victims were women and children .

Despite the peaceful coexistence of millions of Nigerians from various backgrounds, Plateau State remains a flashpoint for sectarian violence. Even in urban areas where Christians and Muslims live side by side, small-scale disputes have spiraled into large-scale massacres along community lines.

Maren Jushua, a resident of Manguna village, described the terrifying moment when gunmen stormed his village. “I and my other brothers managed to hide ourselves inside a small building behind our house. After they had gone, we came out to discover four people were killed,” he told AFP.

In neighbouring Daffo, John Mathew estimated the toll to be even higher. “The number of casualties would be more than 20,” he said.

Fuddang alleged on Thursday that the attackers were committing “ethnic and religious cleansing,” claiming they were heard speaking the Fulani dialect.

This assertion drew sharp criticism from a local herders' association. They denounced the characterization, arguing that Fulfulde — the formal name of the Fulani language — is widely spoken across Nigeria, including by criminals. In a statement, the Plateau chapter of the Gan Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria condemned the killings as “barbaric” but also contended that “herders should be the ones complaining about land grabbing” by farmers.

Military forces, alongside local vigilantes, reportedly engaged the attackers. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals,” said the military. The state police spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

History of Conflict

Experts say the root causes of violence in Plateau are complex. With Nigeria’s population booming, the demand for farmland has intensified, while traditional grazing routes are shrinking, partly due to climate change . Land disputes, political rivalries, illegal mining, and poor governance all contribute to ongoing tensions, with impunity remaining a persistent issue.

A similar attack in late March on the village of Ruwi left 10 people dead. “Unidentified men came into the community shooting sporadically and killed 10 people,” said village leader Moses John at the time.

Reacting to the recent violence, Plateau State Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap strongly condemned the killings and urged both religious and community leaders to “reinforce the message of peace , unity, and lawful engagement.” She also noted that “important arrests have been made,” though no details were provided.

Tensions in the region have been high since a brutal assault during Christmas 2023 left about 200 people dead in a mostly Christian community. Another deadly episode occurred in May last year in Wase, where around 40 people were killed and several homes burned.

Mao added that, according to information from the Chinese Embassy in the United States, no reports of Chinese casualties have been received.

The attack, carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US Army veteran, occurred on Wednesday as he drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year revelers. Jabbar, who had displayed an Islamic State flag, was described as "hellbent" on causing carnage. The FBI identified him as a Texas resident and former military IT specialist who worked in real estate in Houston.

The tragic event unfolded early on January 1, 2025, when Jabbar drove his truck into the crowded street, causing chaos and destruction. The attack, which is being investigated as an act of terrorism, also involved the discovery of explosives and an ISIS flag in Jabbar's vehicle.

Authorities have confirmed that Jabbar acted alone and was inspired by extremist ideologies.

Despite the severity of the attack, city officials and law enforcement worked tirelessly to secure the area and ensure public safety.

By the afternoon of January 2, Bourbon Street was reopened to the public, with increased security measures. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry emphasised the unprecedented level of law enforcement presence, declaring the area one of the safest places on earth.

"We were enjoying ourselves last night on Bourbon Street. We left around 1:30 a.m., but we have an Airbnb that we were staying at right here and so we kind of just went to bed. It was kind of a normal night. Everybody was having a good time and then I feel like after that I went to sleep. My brother came into the room at some point. He woke me up. He told me he heard gunshots and a car speeding, but he didn't actually see it, but he was like something was going on," Ethan said.

On the part of Tessa Duvall and her family, they might have had a "premonition" when they decided to have fun after the New Year's craze and buzz.

"So we had thought about coming out after New Year's, and this is the area we were going to come to: Bourbon because that's where all the music is and the fun, and we just decided to stay low-key and stay at our hotel, so yeah, a block away decision made probably saved our lives," she said.

Fifteen people were reported dead after an ISIS flag-flying man in a truck rammed into a crowd at the New Orleans' French Quarter on New Year's Day around 3:15 a.m. (09:15 GMT).

Thirty others, including police officers, were also injured in the attack.

Identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old US citizen from Texas was killed after a shootout with the police.

"An ISIS flag was located on the trailer pitch of the vehicle, and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations", special agent Alethea Duncan tells a press conference.

The attacker, identified as Francisco Wanderley Luiz, reportedly attempted to enter the Supreme Court building before detonating an explosive device outside its doors.

Authorities said the man was unsuccessful in gaining entry to the building, and the explosion took place right at the entrance, resulting in his death. Police believe this was a suicide bombing, with Luiz acting alone, though the full motive remains unclear.

Vice Governor Celina Leão confirmed the details of the attack, describing two explosions: one originating from a vehicle, and the second at the court’s doorstep.

"I would like to point out, China is one of the safest places in the world and has one of the lowest crime rates. The Chinese government has and will continue to take measures to ensure people’s safety and social stability, and will always earnestly protect the safety of all foreigners in China," Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry told reporters at a regular press briefing on Wednesday, November 13.

On the case of the Japanese Embassy in China issuing a high alert warning to its citizens in the country, Jian said: " It’s understood that so far, there are no foreigners among the casualties in this case. The Chinese government will never tolerate any illegal and violent acts and will, as always, safeguard the safety of all foreigners in China under the law."

The attack took place at the Zhuhai Sports Centre , where a 62-year-old man, identified by his surname Fan, drove his vehicle into a crowd of people exercising. According to initial police reports, Fan was dissatisfied with the division of property following his divorce, which may have motivated the attack.

He was apprehended at the scene but was in a coma due to self-inflicted injuries, preventing immediate interrogation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for severe punishment for the perpetrator and ordered an "all-out effort" to treat the injured. In a rare move, Xi also instructed a central government working group to oversee the response efforts, highlighting the seriousness with which the government is treating the incident.

"All localities and relevant departments should make an effort to ensure the safety of people’s lives and social stability," XI said in a statement.

He emphasized the strike's effectiveness in addressing the threat posed by Iran.

The director confirmed that the Rafic Hariri facility, the largest public hospital in Lebanon, sustained minor damage, with shattered windows and destroyed solar panels.

Nearby, four buildings were reportedly flattened, and rescuers continued to search for survivors on Tuesday, October 22 raising fears that the death toll could increase. An AFP correspondent at the scene reported hearing a cell phone ringing beneath the rubble.

Resident Ola Eid described the horror from her balcony, recalling how she watched the bombing unfold. "The children were playing in the courtyard... Before they could even catch the candy I tossed them, the first strike hit, then a second. I saw the children ripped apart," she said.

The strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs following evacuation warnings, marking the first hit on the Ouzai neighbourhood during the ongoing conflict . The area around Rafic Hariri Hospital, which has seen an influx of displaced individuals, did not receive an evacuation warning.

Nearly a month into the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, at least 1,489 people in Lebanon have died, according to an AFP tally, with over a million others displaced.

Hezbollah Spokesman Mohammed Afif said, "Hezbollah declares its full, complete and exclusive responsibility for the Caesarea operation targeting Netanyahu," during a press briefing with reporters.

Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, condemned the attack, expressing deep shock and calling for a thorough investigation. He stated that China had made stern representations to Myanmar and urged the junta to apprehend those responsible.

The junta, which has been in power since the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, has labelled the assailants as "terrorists" and announced an investigation in collaboration with consulate officials.

Reports suggest that a grenade may have been thrown at the consulate, which is typically guarded by Myanmar's security forces.

In response to the attack, the Chinese consulate issued a security warning to its citizens and businesses in Myanmar, advising them to remain vigilant and take appropriate security precautions.

Sullivan described the missile attack as a "significant escalation" in Middle Eastern tensions. According to AFP, he confirmed that discussions about potential consequences for Iran are ongoing but did not provide specific details.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the missile attack "unacceptable," urging the international community to condemn it. He noted that initial reports suggest Israel effectively countered the attack with substantial support from the U.S. and other allies.

"I am saddened by the news coming out of Lebanon," the Pope said, urging the international community to take action to stop the conflict. He conveyed his solidarity with the Lebanese people, who have already suffered greatly in recent times.

Pope Francis highlighted the urgent need for efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

In retaliation, Hezbollah fired missiles at Israeli military bases, with over 180 projectiles and an unmanned aerial vehicle entering Israeli airspace, triggering alarm in Haifa. The Israeli military reported intercepting more than 50 projectiles within 10 minutes on Tuesday morning.

The airstrikes have caused widespread panic in Lebanon, leading many to flee to Beirut.

This latest bombardment is the most severe in nearly a year and has raised international concerns. Israel's operation, termed "Operation Northern Arrows," signifies a shift in focus from Gaza to Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed serious concern over the escalation, while the EU’s chief diplomat warned of a potential full-scale war.

A recent Vice report speculates that the Islamic Republic may be responsible for the spoofing attacks, although no information has emerged about the entities accountable for the incident. Some diverted planes inadvertently entered Iranian airspace without clearance, posing a safety risk to passengers beyond the technical issues.

The substantial threat has led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. to release a warning memorandum outlining the safety hazards for civilian aircraft operating in the specified area. 

OPSGroup has documented over 50 such attacks in recent weeks, elucidating that, "In the worst cases, the impact has been severe: complete loss of on-board navigation requiring air traffic control (ATC) vectors, inertial reference system (IRS) failure, and unnoticed off-track navigation towards danger areas and hostile airspace." 

Evidence indicates that these disruptions come in three different types and are progressively increasing in complexity over time.

The aviation sector has not identified a dependable solution to address this issue. 

Currently, flight crews operating in regions experiencing such disruptions must depend on the directions provided by air traffic control centers, which is not a sustainable solution, especially along heavily traveled flight routes.