Zelenskiy says US security guarantees document is ready for signing
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukrainian President, says a US-backed document outlining security guarantees for Ukraine is “100 percent ready”, with Kyiv awaiting confirmation of the time and place for signing. The agreement would then be sent to both the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament for ratification.
Zelenskiy’s comments follow US-mediated talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi, where no breakthrough was reached, but both sides agreed to continue discussions. He said problematic issues in Washington’s 20-point peace framework had narrowed. Further talks are expected next weekend.
Read also:Â Donetsk deadlock blocks hopes of Russia-Ukraine peace deal
US judge blocks Trump’s move to end legal status of 8,400 migrants
A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke humanitarian parole for more than 8,400 migrants from seven Latin American countries. The ruling preserves family reunification programmes introduced under Joe Biden, allowing relatives of US citizens and green card holders to live in the country while awaiting visas. The injunction comes amid a sharp escalation in immigration enforcement under Trump, backed by a $170bn funding package through 2029. The administration had argued the programmes exceeded executive authority.
Winter storm leaves more than 1 million without power across the US
A major winter storm has cut electricity to over 1 million households across large parts of the United States, stretching from Texas to New England. Snow, ice, and freezing rain have triggered thousands of flight cancellations and widespread road closures. At least three deaths linked to hypothermia have been reported in Louisiana and Texas. Weather officials warn that dangerous conditions could persist for several days.
Bangladesh condemns India over ex-PM Hasina’s public address
Bangladesh has criticised India for allowing fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to deliver her first public address since fleeing into exile last year. Dhaka described the event as an affront to the Bangladeshi people, noting Hasina’s conviction and death sentence in absentia over the 2024 crackdown that killed more than 1,400 people. Speaking from New Delhi, Hasina accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of authoritarianism. Bangladesh is due to hold elections next month, with Hasina’s party barred from participating.
Read also:Â Bangladesh protesters want Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus as interim government leader, reject military rule
Minneapolis shootings intensify US immigration political battle
Two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis have sharpened political divisions over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Democrats have vowed to block funding for immigration agencies, accusing the administration of excessive force and endangering US citizens.
Republicans have largely defended the enforcement surge, despite concerns raised by gun rights groups after the death of a legally armed protester. Congress faces a January 30 deadline to avert a government shutdown.
50 feared dead after migrant boat sinks off Tunisia
One migrant has been rescued and 50 others are feared drowned after a boat capsized in the Mediterranean off Tunisia. The survivor spent 24 hours at sea before being picked up by a merchant vessel and taken to Malta. Tunisia remains a major departure point for migrants attempting the crossing to Europe. Authorities have not confirmed when the sinking occurred.
Mozambique reels from worst floods in a generation
Severe flooding has displaced tens of thousands of people across southern Mozambique, with rescue teams deployed from several countries. Rivers burst their banks after days of heavy rain, submerging towns and forcing residents to cling to rooftops and trees. Survivors say the scale of destruction rivals the floods last seen in the 1990s. Aid agencies warn of growing humanitarian needs.
Uganda opposition leader says soldiers attacked wife during raid
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine says soldiers raided his home and assaulted his wife while he remains in hiding following the disputed presidential election. Wine alleges his wife was choked and held at gunpoint as security forces searched for him. President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of a seventh term, a result Wine rejects as fraudulent. The military has yet to respond to the allegations.
Museveni’s son tightens grip on Uganda’s power structure
Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has emerged as a dominant force following his father’s election victory, fuelling speculation over succession. Allies say he played a central role in election security measures, including an internet shutdown and a crackdown on opposition supporters. His public threats against rivals have drawn widespread concern. Critics warn his growing influence signals a hardening of authoritarian rule.
Read also:Â Museveni tightens grip on Uganda after seventh election win
Ivory Coast president appoints brother as vice prime minister
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has reshuffled his cabinet, appointing his brother and defence minister Tene Birahima Ouattara as vice prime minister. The move signals continuity after Ouattara’s re-election and parliamentary victory. Most senior ministers retained their posts, suggesting no major policy shift. Ouattara says the focus remains on stability and leadership transition planning.
Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.
