Africa
Rwanda cuts ties with Belgium
Officials in Rwanda have given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after Rwanda announced it is cutting diplomatic ties with Belgium. Rwanda made this move because it said it has been consistently undermined by Belgium during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sudan bans Kenyan imports
Sudan’s military government announced it is suspending imports from Kenya after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces was hosted in Nairobi. This group has been fighting the army in a two-year civil war. Sudan said imposing the ban was part of an effort to preserve the country’s sovereignty and protect its security.
Asia
Officials determine likely cause of plane fire in South Korea
Local authorities in South Korea said a portable power bank likely caused a plane fire that caused three people to sustain minor injuries. The fire occurred in January at Gimhae International Airport. Officials believe the power bank battery had broken down, causing the fire.
Hundreds of hostages freed from Pakistan train
At least 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants were released, according to Pakistan’s army. Around 33 militants were killed during the operation along with 21 hostages and four military personnel. Officials said anyone involved in the attack will be brought to justice.
Europe
Former Georgia president receives additional sentence
Former Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili was sentenced to four and a half-years behind bars for illegally crossing the border when returning to the country from exile in 2021. He is currently serving a sentence for embezzlement and abuse of power while in office. Saakashvili will now serve more than 12 years in prison.
Belgian actress passes
Émilie Dequenne, who was named the best actress at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999, has passed away at the age of 43 from cancer. The Belgian actress was known for her role in the film Rosetta and mainly acted in French-language films. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati said Dequenne was a talented actress who still had so much to offer.
Latin America
Student still missing in Dominican Republic
Officials are searching for a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh in the Dominican Republic. The student, Sudiksha Konanki, disappeared on spring break. She has been missing for two weeks, and officials indicated they are not ruling out foul play. Konanki was traveling with a group of five friends to a resort when she went missing.
Peru fisherman rescued after being missing for months
A Peruvian fisherman who was lost at sea for 95 days has been rescued and reunited with his family. The fisherman, Maximo Napa Castro, survived by eating turtles, birds and cockroaches. He had been missing since December when a storm blew his boat off course, leaving him adrift with few supplies. He was discovered dehydrated and in critical condition.
North America
Forever 21 files for bankruptcy
Retail store Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy protection. The firm said its stores and websites will remain open in the United States as it begins it process of “winding down.” Forever 21 has struggled to attract customers because of rising prices and growing popularity of online shopping. Forever 21 was founded in Los Angeles in 1984 by South Korean immigrants.
Canada swears in new Prime Minister
Mark Carney has been sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister. He replaces outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and vowed to never become a part of the United States. Carney previously held roles as governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. He is planning to visit the United Kingdom and France for his first foreign trip as Prime Minister.
