WORLD IN BRIEF: British father kills daughter, UK PM under fire, Kenya to confront Russia and other stories

Kenya to confront Russia over secret recruitment for Ukraine war

Kenya says it will open talks with Russia over the covert recruitment of its citizens to fight in Ukraine. Foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi described the practice as illegal and damaging to bilateral ties. Nairobi estimates about 200 Kenyans have been recruited, though the true number remains unclear. Authorities say more than 600 illegal recruitment agencies have been shut down. At least 27 Kenyans have been repatriated, with psychological support provided. Families of missing fighters say they have struggled to recover bodies or obtain answers.

Botswana widens mining push beyond diamonds

Botswana is preparing to expand mineral exploration beyond diamonds, with about 70 percent of its territory still unexplored. Mines minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo said the government is targeting critical minerals as diamond revenues weaken amid global demand shifts. A new state-owned exploration company will lead geological surveys to reduce investor risk. Diamonds still account for around a third of government revenue and most foreign exchange earnings. The move reflects growing competition for minerals used in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The United States has expressed early interest in cooperation, though talks remain preliminary.

Eswatini criticised for hosting deposed Madagascar president

Madagascar’s military government has accused Eswatini of undermining its sovereignty after King Mswati III met ousted president Andry Rajoelina. The junta described the meeting as politically unacceptable and warned it could disrupt national reconciliation efforts. Rajoelina was removed in October following deadly protests linked to power and water shortages. Eswatini said the talks were part of regional diplomacy and were discussed with Sadc partners. Regional leaders are pressing Madagascar’s military rulers to present a transition roadmap. Elections have been promised within two years.

Somalia deepens Gulf ties amid Somaliland tensions

Somalia has signed a military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, weeks after a similar deal with Qatar. The move comes as Mogadishu seeks regional backing following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Somalia says the recognition threatens its sovereignty and regional stability. Officials have warned of potential security consequences, including concerns over foreign military presence. The agreements focus on defence cooperation, training and capacity building. Analysts say Somalia is seeking both diplomatic leverage and security support.

Zimbabwe cabinet backs plan to extend Mnangagwa’s rule

Zimbabwe’s cabinet has approved draft legislation that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years. The proposal would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. Other changes include electing the president through parliament and expanding the Senate. The government says the reforms would enhance political stability and policy continuity. Opposition parties have condemned the move as unconstitutional. Mnangagwa is currently due to step down in 2028.

Trump threatens to block US-Canada bridge opening

Donald Trump, United States president, has threaten to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Michigan and Ontario. He said the bridge would not open unless Washington is “fully compensated”, despite the project being funded by Canada. Canada prime minister Mark Carney said the bridge was paid for by Canada and built through bilateral cooperation. The bridge is expected to open later this year pending final approvals. Ontario officials said talks are ongoing to defuse tensions. The bridge is seen as critical to North American trade.

Macron urges Europe to act as a global power

French president Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to assert itself economically, militarily and politically. Speaking ahead of an EU summit, he said the continent faces growing pressure from China, Russia and the United States. Macron renewed calls for shared EU borrowing to fund large-scale industrial and defence projects. He said Europe must invest hundreds of billions of euros to remain competitive. The proposal remains contentious among member states. The debate comes amid wider concerns over Europe’s strategic autonomy.

UK PM Starmer rejects calls to quit amid Epstein fallout

Keir Starmer,  United Kingdom Prime Minister  has vowed to remain in office despite mounting pressure over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Critics cite Mandelson’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer has lost two senior aides in recent days, including his communications chief. Scotland’s Labour leader has called on him to resign. Starmer said he would not walk away from his mandate. He urged party unity against rising populist rivals.

EU approves deportations to ‘safe’ third countries

The European Parliament has approved new rules allowing migrants to be deported to designated “safe” countries outside the EU. The legislation passed with backing from centre-right and far-right lawmakers. Migrants can be sent to countries they transited through, even without citizenship ties. Deportations may also occur to countries with which the EU has new agreements. The rules are expected to take effect in June. Rights groups have raised concerns over safeguards.

British woman shot dead by father after Trump argument, inquest hears

A British woman who was shot dead by her father while visiting his home in Texas had argued with him earlier that day about Donald Trump, United States president, an inquest has heard.

Lucy Harrison, 23, from Warrington in Cheshire, was killed on January 10, 2025 in the town of Prosper, near Dallas, after being shot in the chest at her father’s home.

Police initially investigated the death as possible manslaughter, but no criminal charges were brought against her father, Kris Harrison, after a grand jury in Collin County declined to indict him.

The inquest into Harrison’s death opened at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, where her boyfriend, Sam Littler, told proceedings the pair had been involved in a “big argument” about Trump earlier that day.