Recap: Trump pulls Canada invite from US ‘Board of Peace’, WHO exit, Africa diplomacy shifts dominate and other stories

Trump pulls Canada invite from US ‘board of peace’ after spat

Donald Trump, United States president, has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly created Board of Peace, deepening a public rift with Ottawa. Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, addressing Prime Minister Mark Carney directly without offering a clear explanation. Canada had earlier said it was open to joining the body but rejected the proposed $1bn membership fee. While Trump did not explicitly cite the fee dispute, it is widely seen as the trigger for the withdrawal. The move has raised questions about the credibility and cohesion of the new initiative. Canada has yet to formally respond.

United States completes withdrawal from World Health Organisation

The United States has formally exited the World Health Organisation, with its flag removed from the agency’s headquarters in Geneva. Trump ordered the withdrawal on his first day back in office, accusing the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic. The US had been the organisation’s largest single donor, providing about 18 percent of its funding. The exit has forced the WHO to cut its senior management team and plan major staff reductions. Global health experts have warned that the decision could weaken responses to future pandemics. The WHO says it is now seeking alternative funding sources.

Turkey identifies 76 artifacts believed to belong to Nigeria

Turkey has identified 76 wooden and metal artifacts believed to originate from Nigeria, opening the door for their possible repatriation. The discovery emerged during bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries. Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s minister of art, culture and creative economy, urged swift progress on a formal cultural agreement. She also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in film, fashion and women’s empowerment initiatives. Nigeria is Turkey’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Officials say discussions on the artifacts’ return are ongoing.

Oil prices fall as Trump eases stance on Iran

Oil prices slid more than two percent after Trump signalled he would avoid immediate military action against Iran. Brent crude fell to $64.15 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI dropped to $59.68. Trump said he hoped further conflict could be avoided, though he warned the US would respond if Iran revived its nuclear programme. The comments eased fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. Prices were further pressured by data showing a larger-than-expected rise in US crude inventories. Analysts said the combination reinforced bearish market sentiment.

Donetsk deadlock stalls Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Prospects for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine remain bleak as both sides remain divided over the future of Donetsk. A senior aide to Vladimir Putin said talks with US envoys showed no agreement was possible without resolving territorial disputes. Donetsk, part of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, remains partially under Kyiv’s control after months of fighting. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine president, said the issue would be discussed at US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi. He has rejected demands for Ukraine to withdraw from territory it still controls. Fighting continues across the region.

South African court allows sale of Nelson Mandela artifacts

South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has cleared the sale and export of items linked to Nelson Mandela. The court ruled that the heritage authority lacked legal grounds to block the auction. The items include personal belongings such as a Robben Island prison key, clothing, documents and gifts from world leaders. They belong to Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and former prison warden Christo Brand. The South African Heritage Resources Agency had argued the objects were part of the country’s national heritage. The ruling allows the items to be auctioned in the United States.

African Union lifts sanctions on Guinea

The African Union has lifted sanctions imposed on Guinea following the 2021 military coup. The decision follows December’s presidential election, which the AU described as a key milestone in the country’s transition roadmap. Guinea’s military authorities say the vote met conditions for a credible return to civilian rule. However, civil society groups and opposition figures have dismissed the election as flawed. The AU acknowledged differing views but praised what it called positive steps by the transitional authorities. Guinea remains under close regional scrutiny.

Morocco’s king calls for African unity after AFCON final unrest

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged African unity following clashes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final. The match between Morocco and Senegal was disrupted after Senegalese players briefly walked off in protest over a VAR decision. Senegal went on to win the final, but post-match clashes broke out involving fans and security forces. In a palace statement, the king described the incidents as deplorable but temporary. He stressed that historic ties between African nations would endure. The tournament was otherwise praised as a success.

South Africa to step back from G20 under US presidency

South Africa will scale back its participation in G20 activities during the United States presidency of the bloc, Enoch Godongwana, the finance minister, has said. Speaking in Davos, Godongwana said Washington had declined to grant South Africa accreditation for US-hosted events. He described the decision as a temporary setback rather than an expulsion from the group. The move follows comments by Trump last year saying South Africa would not be invited to US-hosted G20 meetings. Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent months. Pretoria says it will remain engaged in other multilateral forums.