Zelensky sacks Ukraine army chief after protests over defence shake-up

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President has dismissed army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, days after removing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in a decision that sparked nationwide protests.

The move confirms reports of a deep rift between the military leadership and the defence ministry. Fedorov, who earned public praise for modernising Ukraine’s armed forces and tackling corruption, had reportedly urged Zelensky to replace Syrskyi before his own dismissal.

Syrskyi has been replaced by 43 year old General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a battle-tested commander seen as more open to military reforms. Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his role in defending Kyiv during the early stages of Russia’s 2022 invasion and said he had offered Fedorov another senior government position.

Burnham unveils new cabinet and cost of living measures after taking office

Andy Burnham, British Prime Minister has begun reshaping his government with a series of cabinet changes and an immediate push to tackle the cost of living.

John Healey, former defence secretary was unexpectedly appointed chancellor after being dismissed from the previous government. Burnham also named Wes Streeting as defence secretary and Miatta Fahnbulleh as energy secretary.

Among his first policy moves was a cut in VAT on household energy bills, signalling a fast start to his premiership. The Conservatives backed the tax cut but questioned how the government intends to fund it.

Canada weighs response after Trump imposes fresh tariffs

Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister is facing pressure to respond after the United States announced a new 50 percent tariff on a range of Canadian goods despite ongoing trade talks.

The levies, which take effect on August 19, cover products including hockey sticks, candles and synthetic wigs. Washington said the move was a response to what it described as unfair Canadian trade practices affecting US exports.

Analysts say the tariffs are aimed at increasing pressure on Ottawa during negotiations to renew the US Mexico Canada trade agreement. While many Canadians favour a firm response, the government must balance defending domestic industries with avoiding a deeper trade dispute.

Israeli strikes kill 12 in Gaza as UN condemns renewed attacks

At least 12 Palestinians, including six members of the same family, were killed in separate Israeli air strikes across Gaza, according to local medics.

The dead included a couple and their four children after their apartment in Gaza City was hit overnight. Israel said it had targeted a Hamas operative and was reviewing the outcome of the strike.

The latest attacks come as the United Nations condemned the recent escalation in military operations, saying dozens of civilians, including women and children, have been killed in strikes on homes, shelters and other populated areas over the past week.

Brazil records sharp drop in Amazon fires in 2025

The area of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest destroyed by fires fell sharply in 2025, according to new figures from environmental monitoring group MapBiomas.

About 3.1 million hectares burned during the year, down from a record 15.8 million hectares in 2024 and the lowest level since records began in 1985.

Researchers attributed the decline to improved weather conditions following the end of the El Niño climate pattern and continued conservation efforts. While the figures mark significant progress, scientists cautioned that sustained prevention measures will be needed to keep fire levels low.

AFRICA

Ethiopia arrests alleged leader of $6.1 million trafficking network

Ethiopian police have arrested 17 suspects, including the alleged leader of an international human trafficking network accused of exploiting thousands of migrants.

Authorities said the group transported more than 40,000 Ethiopians through Djibouti and Yemen to Saudi Arabia, where many victims were allegedly tortured, sexually abused and extorted. Police say the network generated more than $6.1 million from the operation.

Investigators also allege the traffickers filmed abused migrants in Yemen and used the footage to demand ransom payments from relatives in Ethiopia.

South Africa secures $1.5 billion World Bank loan for infrastructure

South Africa has secured a $1.5 billion World Bank loan to support reforms in electricity, water and sanitation, and freight transport.

The National Treasury said the financing carries favourable repayment terms, including a 15 year maturity and a three year grace period, helping the government meet its foreign currency borrowing needs for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.

The World Bank said the funding is intended to improve infrastructure, strengthen public services and support economic growth and job creation.

Senegal’s Faye backs predecessor Macky Sall for UN secretary general

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s president  has endorsed former President Macky Sall’s bid to become the next United Nations secretary general.

The foreign ministry said Faye instructed the government to fully support Sall’s campaign, describing it as a candidacy that represents both Senegal and Africa.

The endorsement marks a notable political shift given the tensions between the two leaders after Faye succeeded Sall in 2024.

ECOWAS calls for release of Guinea Bissau opposition leader

The Economic Community of West African States has urged Guinea Bissau’s military authorities to immediately release detained political figures, including opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira.

The regional bloc said freeing political prisoners would strengthen confidence in the country’s transition ahead of a constitutional referendum scheduled for August and general elections later this year.

Pereira, a former prime minister, denies accusations linking him to economic crimes and an alleged coup attempt.

UN says 144 migrants dead or missing off Mauritania coast

The United Nations refugee agency says at least 144 migrants are dead or missing after several attempts to reach Europe by sea off the coast of Mauritania.

The deadliest incident involved a boat carrying Gambian migrants that drifted for 25 days before being rescued with only 38 survivors and dozens of bodies still onboard.

UNHCR called for greater investment in education and employment opportunities across West Africa, saying more legal pathways are needed to reduce dangerous migration journeys.