Air Canada chief to step down after language row over condolence message
Michael Rousseau, Air Canada’s chief executive will retire later this year following backlash over an English-only condolence message after a fatal air collision in New York.
The incident, which killed two pilots including Quebec native Antoine Forest, triggered criticism from politicians and the public over Rousseau’s failure to speak French-an official language in Canada.
Despite later apologising and citing difficulty expressing himself in French, the controversy intensified scrutiny of leadership at the Montreal-based airline.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the message as lacking compassion, while Quebec Premier François Legault said the next CEO must be fluent in French as a matter of respect. Air Canada said Rousseau would remain through a transition period after nearly two decades with the company.
Spain blocks US military use of Airspace for Iran war
Spain has barred US aircraft involved in the Iran war from using its airspace and military bases, marking a sharp divergence from Washington.
Margarita Robles, the Defence Minister said Madrid would not authorise the use of bases at Rota and Morón for operations linked to the conflict, while José Manuel Albares, the Foreign Minister stressed the aim was to avoid escalating tensions.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the most vocal European critics of US and Israeli actions against Iran, previously describing them as “reckless” and “illegal”. A White House official downplayed the move, saying US operations did not depend on Spanish support.
Zelenskyy says allies urge restraint on strikes targeting Russian energy
Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that some allies are pressing Ukraine to scale back attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, amid concerns over global fuel prices.
Zelensky said Kyiv would only reduce such strikes if Moscow halted its own attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, framing the campaign as a reciprocal strategy. Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted key Russian export terminals, including Ust-Luga, disrupting supply.
The appeals from allies reflect mounting anxiety over energy market volatility, with countries heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas wary of further disruption as the Iran war drives prices higher.
UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon as violence intensifies
Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon after an explosion destroyed their vehicle, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The incident follows another deadly attack a day earlier, bringing renewed attention to the risks faced by international forces as Israel expands its ground operations in the country.
A third peacekeeper was severely injured, while a fourth sustained wounds.
Indonesia confirmed that one of its nationals was among the dead and called for a transparent investigation, urging all parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and avoid further escalation.
Missile strike hits Haifaa oil refinery as regional war expands
An oil refinery in Haifa has been struck by a missile amid escalating hostilities between Iran, Israel and allied forces.
The facility, operated by the Bazan Group, caught fire after the strike, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Authorities said the blaze was quickly contained and no casualties were reported, though it remains unclear whether the damage was caused by a direct hit or debris.
The attack underscores the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure as the conflict spreads, raising concerns about broader disruptions to regional supply.
AFRICA Markets wobble as Iran war fuels global growth concerns
The Euro weakened against the dollar as investors weighed the economic fallout from a prolonged Iran conflict, with rising oil prices stoking fears of inflation and slower growth.
Analysts say attention is shifting from immediate price shocks to longer-term risks for consumer spending and economic stability, particularly in Europe. The uncertainty reflects how geopolitical tensions are increasingly feeding into global financial markets.
Ex-Gambian minister appeals a landmark crime conviction in Switzerland
Ousman Sonko, a former Gambian interior minister has appealed his conviction for crimes against humanity in a Swiss court, in a case seen as a milestone for international justice.
Sonko was convicted in 2024 under the principle of universal jurisdiction for offences including torture and unlawful detention during the rule of former dictator Yahya Jammeh. His legal team argues that some alleged crimes predate the relevant Swiss laws.
The case marks one of the most significant efforts to hold former African officials accountable in European courts.
Somali forces seize Baidoaa as regional leadership crisis deepens
Somalia’s national army has taken control of the strategic city of Baidoa, prompting the resignation of the regional president in the South West state.
The move follows a breakdown in relations between the regional administration and the federal government, highlighting deepening political tensions. Residents described a heavy military presence, with parts of the city appearing deserted.
Baidoa hosts international agencies and peacekeepers, making its stability critical for humanitarian operations in a region already affected by drought and conflict.
Congo launches disarmament drive targeting genocide-linked militia
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has begun preparations for a disarmament campaign against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to implement a US-backed peace agreement with Rwanda and reduce cross-border tensions. Rwandan authorities have long demanded action against the group as a condition for lasting peace.
Military officials say operations are being planned from Kisangani, signalling a potentially significant shift in the region’s security dynamics.
Egypt likely to hold interest rates amid inflation risks from Iran war
Egypt’s central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged as policymakers assess inflation risks driven by rising energy costs.
A Reuters poll showed unanimous expectations that rates will remain steady, halting earlier plans for gradual easing. The Iran war has sharply increased Egypt’s import bill and put pressure on key revenue sources such as tourism and Suez Canal income.
Economists say the uncertainty surrounding energy prices makes any immediate policy shift unlikely, as authorities prioritise stability.