Over 500,000 people have been displaced in January due to escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the country’s foreign minister told the UN Security Council. M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of large parts of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) has urged urgent international intervention as the humanitarian crisis worsens. The US has called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing respect for DRC’s sovereignty. The ongoing conflict, driven by control over the region’s rich natural resources, has now displaced over 7 million people nationwide.
GERMANY DEBATES STRICT ASYLUM LAW
Germany’s opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, has proposed strict asylum law changes, including permanent border controls and increased deportations. His plan follows a fatal knife attack in Aschaffenburg by an Afghan asylum seeker. Merz may seek support from the far-right AfD to pass the measures, sparking political backlash. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition parties warn that aligning with AfD threatens democratic values. Germany’s Protestant and Catholic churches have also criticized the move. The CDU’s proposal faces its first reading in parliament, with potential legal binding if approved. Migration has become a key issue ahead of Germany’s federal elections on February 23.
KIM JONG UN EXPANDS NUKES
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a nuclear facility and called for expanded nuclear capabilities following Donald Trump’s statement that he intends to “reach out” to North Korea again. This visit signals Pyongyang’s continued focus on military strength amid uncertain diplomatic relations. While Trump’s remarks hint at possible future negotiations, Kim’s move underscores North Korea’s commitment to its nuclear ambitions. The development raises concerns among global leaders, particularly in the US and South Korea, about escalating regional tensions. Experts suggest Pyongyang may leverage nuclear advancements in future diplomatic talks.
UKRAINE STRIKES RUSSIAN OIL, NUCLEAR SITE
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian oil and energy infrastructure, reportedly targeting a nuclear power plant, according to Russian officials and media. This marks an escalation in Ukraine’s strategy to weaken Russia’s energy sector, a key pillar of its war economy. While Moscow condemned the attack, Kyiv has not officially commented. Analysts suggest Ukraine is intensifying strikes on critical Russian assets to disrupt supply chains and pressure the Kremlin. The strike raises concerns about nuclear safety, with international bodies closely monitoring the situation. The attack follows months of heightened tensions and counteroffensives on both sides.
AUSTRALIAN SECT CONVICTED IN CHILD’S DEATH
Fourteen members of a religious sect in Queensland, Australia, were found guilty of manslaughter after denying insulin to 8-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, who had diabetes. Her parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, and sect leader Brendan Stevens were among those convicted. The sect believed solely in divine healing and refused medical intervention. The girl suffered for a week before dying, as members prayed and delayed seeking help for 36 hours. The court ruled they showed “grave moral guilt.” The judge, however, did not convict them of murder due to their state of mind. Sentencing is set for February 11.
