Trump withdraws Canada's invitation from US 'Board of Peace', exits WHO, changes dominate Africa diplomacy, other brief information
Trump withdraws Canada's invitation from US 'peace board' after controversy
United States President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada's invitation to join his newly created peace board, deepening public rift with Ottawa. Trump announced the decision on his Truth social platform, addressing Prime Minister Mark Carney directly without providing clear explanation. Canada previously said it was open to joining the body but rejected the proposed $1 billion membership fee. Although Trump did not explicitly cite the tariff dispute, it is widely seen as the trigger for the withdrawal. This move has raised questions over the credibility and cohesion of the new initiative. Canada has not yet responded formally.
The United States withdrew from the World Health Organization
The United States has formally exited the World Health Organization, removing its flag from the agency's headquarters in Geneva. Trump ordered the withdrawal on his first day back in office, accusing the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States has been the organization's largest single donor, providing about 18 percent of its funding. The exit has forced WHO to cut its senior management team and plan major staff reductions. Global health experts have warned that the decision could weaken the response to future pandemics. WHO says it is now looking for alternative funding sources.
Turkey identifies 76 artefacts believed to be from Nigeria
Turkey has identified 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to have come from Nigeria, opening the door to their possible repatriation. The discovery came to light during bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria's Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa urged rapid progress on a formal cultural agreement. They also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in film, fashion and women empowerment initiatives. Nigeria is Türkiye's largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Officials say discussions are ongoing on the return of the artefacts.
Oil prices fall as Trump softens stance on Iran
Oil prices fell more than two percent after Trump signaled he would avoid immediate military action against Iran. Brent crude fell to $64.15 a barrel, while the US benchmark WTI fell to $59.68. Trump said he hoped further conflict could be avoided, although he warned that the United States would respond if Iran restarted its nuclear program. The comments eased fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. Data showing a bigger-than-expected increase in US crude oil inventories put further pressure on prices. Analysts said this combination reinforced the market's bearish sentiment.
Donetsk standoff halts Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Prospects for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine remain bleak as both sides remain divided over the future of Donetsk. A senior aide to Vladimir Putin said talks with US envoys showed that no agreement was possible without resolving territorial disputes. Donetsk, part of Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, is partially under Kiev's control after months of fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the issue would be discussed at US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi. He has rejected Ukraine's demands to withdraw from the territory it still controls. Fighting continues in the entire area.
South African court allows sale of Nelson Mandela's artefacts
South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal has approved the sale and export of items associated with Nelson Mandela. The court ruled that the heritage authority lacked legal grounds to stop the auction. These items include personal effects such as keys to Robben Island prison, clothing, documents and gifts from world leaders. They are the children of Mandela's eldest daughter Makaziwe Mandela and former prison warden Christo Brand. The South African Heritage Resources Agency had argued that the objects were part of the country's national heritage. This decision allows the auction of items in the United States.
African Union lifts ban on Guinea
The African Union has lifted sanctions imposed on Guinea following a 2021 military coup. The decision follows December's presidential elections, which the AU described as an important milestone in the country's transition roadmap. Guinean military officials say the vote meets the conditions for a credible return to civilian rule. However, civil society groups and opposition figures have rejected the poll as flawed. The AU acknowledged the differing views but praised the positive steps taken by the transitional authorities. Guinea remains under close regional scrutiny.
Morocco's king calls for African unity after AFCON final turmoil
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has urged African unity after clashes at the Africa Cup of Nations final. The match between Morocco and Senegal was interrupted when Senegalese players walked off briefly in protest of a VAR decision. Senegal won the final, but clashes broke out between fans and security forces after the match. In a palace statement, the king described the incidents as condemnable but temporary. He emphasized that historical relations between African countries will continue. The tournament was otherwise praised as a success.
South Africa will withdraw from G20 under US chairmanship
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has said that South Africa will reduce its participation in G20 activities during the United States presidency. Speaking in Davos, Godongwana said Washington had refused to recognize South Africa for US-hosted events. He described the decision as a temporary setback rather than expulsion from the group. This step has been taken after Trump's comments last year in which he said that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 meetings organized by the US. Relations between the two countries have been tense in recent months. Pretoria says it will also remain active in other multilateral forums.
