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Eritrea has withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), accusing the East African regional bloc of working against its national interests, as the United Nations voiced concern over rising tensions between Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia. In a statement issued Friday, Eritrea’s foreign ministry said it was leaving IGAD because the organization had “lost its legal mandate and authority,” offered no strategic benefit to member states, and failed to contribute meaningfully to regional stability. Eritrea previously exited the bloc in 2003 before rejoining two years ago. IGAD responded by saying Eritrea had not actively participated in the organization’s activities since its return. IGAD comprises eight countries — Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda — and focuses on cooperation in areas such as trade, transport, agriculture, natural resources and environmental policy. The withdrawal comes amid renewed friction between Eritrea and Ethiopia, with both sides accusing each other of interference. Concerns have grown over the possibility of another conflict despite a peace deal signed 25 years ago. Ethiopia has recently stated its desire to regain access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, which it depended on for trade before Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks calling the loss of sea access a “mistake” have been viewed by Eritrea as provocative. The United Nations urged both countries to recommit to peace, respect sovereignty and uphold territorial integrity. It cited the 2000 Algiers Agreement, which ended decades of border conflict, calling it a vital framework for maintaining stability. Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of harboring intentions to seize its Red Sea ports, while Ethiopia claims Eritrea is preparing for war and supporting rebel groups within Ethiopia.  

The Philippine Coast Guard said Saturday that three Filipino fishermen were injured after Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons and aggressive blocking tactics against Philippine fishing boats near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. According to the coast guard, at least 20 Philippine fishing boats were targeted Friday afternoon off Sabina Shoal. Two boats were damaged, while three fishermen sustained injuries during what officials described as a dangerous and unlawful assault. Chinese coast guard personnel operating smaller rubber boats also allegedly cut the anchor lines of several Philippine vessels, exposing them to strong currents and rough seas. Two Philippine coast guard ships were dispatched to assist the fishermen but encountered hazardous maneuvers from Chinese vessels. One Chinese ship reportedly came within about 35 yards of a Philippine coast guard vessel during nighttime operations, spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said during an online briefing. “The Chinese coast guard is now targeting ordinary fishermen and endangering civilian lives,” Tarriela said, condemning the actions. Despite the confrontations, the Philippine Coast Guard said it was able to reach the affected fishermen early Saturday, provide medical assistance to the injured and deliver essential supplies, indicating that tensions later subsided. China has not immediately responded to the latest incident. Beijing has consistently asserted its claims over much of the South China Sea and vowed to defend what it considers its territory, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that rejected China’s expansive claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. China has dismissed that ruling and continues to disregard it. The Philippine Coast Guard urged its Chinese counterpart to respect international norms and prioritize safety at sea, warning against actions that put civilian lives at risk. While the United States has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, it has reiterated that it is obligated under a mutual defense treaty to protect the Philippines if Filipino forces or vessels come under armed attack in the disputed waters. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also claimants in the long-standing maritime disputes, which remain a major regional flashpoint.

Iran on Saturday introduced a new, higher pricing tier for its heavily subsidized petrol, marking the first such increase since a 2019 hike triggered nationwide protests and a deadly security crackdown. Petrol has long been considered a social entitlement in Iran, but the government is under growing pressure from a weakening rial, high inflation and international sanctions linked to its nuclear program. Despite these strains, officials appear cautious, seeking to avoid public anger after months of economic hardship and a recent brief war with Israel. Under the revised system, motorists will continue to receive 60 liters per month at the lowest subsidized rate of 15,000 rials per liter, with the next 100 liters priced at 30,000 rials. Fuel purchased beyond that quota will now cost 50,000 rials per liter. Even at the new rate, Iranian gasoline remains among the cheapest globally. At gas stations in Tehran, there were no immediate signs of unrest, though some police presence was visible. Many drivers expressed frustration but resignation, saying the government made decisions without public consent. Iran’s vast fuel subsidies place a heavy burden on state finances. The International Energy Agency previously ranked Iran as the world’s second-largest energy subsidizer, estimating oil subsidies at $52 billion in 2022 alone. Economists argue repeated price hikes have failed to resolve budget deficits and instead fueled inflation, currently hovering around 40%. The move revives memories of 2019, when abrupt fuel price increases sparked protests in more than 100 cities. Amnesty International says at least 321 people were killed in the subsequent crackdown. Officials describe the new tier as a step toward curbing excessive fuel consumption and have signaled that prices may be reviewed every three months, raising concerns that further increases could follow.

The European Union on Friday moved to freeze Russian assets in Europe indefinitely, blocking any attempt by Hungary and Slovakia to prevent their use in support of Ukraine. Invoking a special economic emergency mechanism, the EU decided that the assets will remain immobilized until Russia ends its war against Ukraine and pays compensation for the damage caused during nearly four years of conflict. The decision bypasses the usual six-month renewal of sanctions, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. EU Council President António Costa said European leaders had pledged in October to keep Russian assets frozen until Moscow halts its aggression and provides compensation, adding that the bloc has now fulfilled that promise. He said the next step would be finalizing plans at a Dec. 18 summit to use the funds to help meet Ukraine’s financial and military needs in 2026–27. Around 210 billion euros ($247 billion) in Russian assets are frozen in Europe, most of them held at Belgium-based clearing house Euroclear. The move also prevents the funds from being used in any peace negotiations without EU consent. Hungary and Slovakia, both led by governments more sympathetic to Moscow, oppose further aid to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the decision, claiming it undermines the rule of law and accusing EU leaders of overstepping legal boundaries to prolong a war he said cannot be won. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that using the assets could undermine U.S. peace efforts. Russia’s Central Bank said it has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against Euroclear, calling the EU’s actions illegal and contrary to international law. EU officials dismissed the legal challenge, saying the decision is sound and that Russia is likely to pursue further court actions to obstruct EU policy. The decision came amid rising tensions with Moscow, hours after Germany summoned the Russian ambassador over allegations of sabotage, cyberattacks and election interference.

Hundreds of thousands of workers across Italy went on a 24-hour national strike on Friday, disrupting public transport, schools, healthcare, and other key services to protest the government’s draft budget for 2026. The strike was organised by Italy’s largest trade union, the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), opposing the 18-billion-euro (21.1 billion U.S. dollars) budget package approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet in mid-October. The draft budget still requires parliamentary approval and may be amended before the end of the year. Public sector operations, including education, healthcare, local transport, and postal services, were partially halted, and several private companies were also affected. Organisers reported around 500,000 people joined demonstrations nationwide, according to the ANSA news agency. Major rallies took place in Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence. In Florence, CGIL leader Maurizio Landini addressed an estimated crowd of 100,000, urging the government to adopt stronger fiscal measures to support working-class families, pensioners, and youth, and to improve access to affordable housing and public transport. The draft budget is currently under review by the Senate’s finance committee and will later be debated and voted on by both chambers of parliament.  

US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Germany this weekend to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders for high-level discussions on ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff, leading the White House’s mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow, is set to discuss the latest draft of a proposed peace agreement in Berlin. The Trump administration aims to finalise a deal by Christmas and has held multiple rounds of talks with Ukrainian and Russian representatives, though a breakthrough has yet to emerge. According to reports, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected to join the discussions. The talks come days after Ukraine submitted its revised 20-point peace plan to the US, building on proposals first circulated in late November. The plan remains contentious, particularly regarding eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv refuses to cede territory occupied by Russia, while Moscow insists on taking full control of the Donbas region unless Ukraine withdraws. Zelenskyy has expressed scepticism over the White House proposal, which suggests Ukraine pull back its forces and convert the area into a “special economic zone.” He questioned the plan’s ability to prevent Russian incursions. European allies have described the US-led talks as productive, noting improvements to an initial plan widely seen as favouring Russia. However, reports indicate growing frustration from Trump over the pace of negotiations with Zelenskyy and European partners. As diplomatic efforts continue, Europe is also focused on supporting Ukraine financially and militarily in the event of a peace deal. The Ukrainian government faces a funding gap of €135.7 billion over the next two years, while the EU has agreed to freeze €210 billion worth of Russian assets, potentially to be loaned back to Kyiv. The latest peace draft reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine to join the European Union by January 2027, accelerating its membership process, although it remains unclear whether Washington has endorsed this element.   With inputs from BBC

Football icon Lionel Messi’s much-hyped “GOAT Tour of India” began in Kolkata on Saturday but was marred by chaos and mismanagement at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, forcing the event to be cut short amid fan unrest. Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself earlier in the day, marking the start of his three-day India tour. The statue, installed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town, shows the Argentine great holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and is the first of its kind in India. However, moments after Messi appeared at the Salt Lake Stadium, the situation spiralled out of control as angry fans protested over alleged mismanagement and lack of access. Visuals showed vandalism inside the stadium, while security personnel rushed to escort Messi out as tensions rose. As a result, several scheduled activities were curtailed. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who were expected to attend the programme, could not take part after the event was abruptly ended. Promoter Satadru Datta and security officials whisked Messi away from the venue as fans shouted slogans and expressed frustration, calling the situation an “absolute disgrace” and blaming poor planning. Earlier in the day, Messi met Shah Rukh Khan and industrialist Sanjiv Goenka and expressed happiness over the statue, according to state minister Sujit Bose, who said Messi and his team had approved the installation. Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning and is scheduled to leave for Hyderabad in the evening, where he is set to take part in a football clinic and a celebrity match. The India tour will continue in Mumbai on December 14 and conclude in New Delhi on December 15. Despite the disorder in Kolkata, organisers said the remaining legs of the tour would go ahead as planned under tighter security arrangements.   With inputs from NDTV

King Charles III announced Friday that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year, highlighting the benefits of early detection and urging others to take advantage of screening programs that can catch the disease when it is most treatable. In a recorded message aired on British television, the 77-year-old monarch emphasized that early diagnosis can save lives. “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life even while undergoing treatment,” he said. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the king’s treatment is now in a “precautionary phase,” and his health will continue to be closely monitored to ensure recovery. Charles has consistently used his experience to raise cancer awareness since announcing his diagnosis in February 2024, prompting a surge in public interest in cancer information and screening, according to British charities. The king has not disclosed the type of cancer or specific treatment he is receiving, a deliberate choice intended to make his message relevant to all cancer patients. The palace explained that experts advised him to focus on supporting the broader cancer community rather than detailing his own condition. His cancer was discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate, with tests revealing a separate issue of concern. Following his diagnosis, Charles paused public appearances for about two months to focus on treatment, but continued to carry out his constitutional duties. He returned to public engagements in April 2024, visiting a cancer-treatment center at University College Hospital in London, where he met staff and patients, offering support and sharing his experiences. Charles, breaking with traditional royal discretion regarding health, encouraged compassion combined with action. “This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early. Your life — or the life of someone you love — may depend upon it,” he said.  

Supporters of Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi said Friday that Iranian authorities have arrested the prominent human rights activist. According to the foundation that bears her name, Mohammadi was detained in the northeastern city of Mashhad while attending a memorial service for a human rights lawyer who was recently found dead under unclear circumstances. Mashhad is located about 680 kilometers from Tehran. A local official reportedly confirmed that arrests took place but did not specifically identify Mohammadi, who is 53. It remains uncertain whether she will be sent back to prison, where she had been serving a sentence before being granted temporary medical leave in December 2024. Her detention comes amid an intensified crackdown by Iranian authorities on activists, intellectuals, and dissidents as the country grapples with economic hardship, international sanctions, and fears of renewed conflict with Israel. The arrest could increase pressure from Western governments at a time when Tehran has signaled interest in restarting nuclear negotiations with the United States. The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed serious concern over Mohammadi’s arrest, urging Iranian authorities to immediately clarify her whereabouts, ensure her safety, and release her unconditionally. Supporters said Mohammadi was forcibly detained by security and police forces during the memorial, where other activists were also reportedly arrested. The ceremony honored Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old lawyer and human rights advocate whose death was officially described as a heart attack, though its timing has raised questions amid heightened security measures. More than 80 lawyers have called for greater transparency surrounding his death. Human rights advocates condemned the arrests, describing them as an assault on basic freedoms. They said detaining people for attending a memorial reflects deep fear of accountability within the government and highlighted the courage of Iranians who continue to protest peacefully. Video shared by Mohammadi’s supporters showed her speaking to the crowd without wearing a hijab and leading chants in honor of Majidreza Rahnavard, who was publicly executed in 2022. Additional footage appeared to show anti-government slogans being shouted during the gathering. Mashhad’s governor said prosecutors ordered the temporary detention of several participants after what he described as the chanting of inappropriate slogans. He claimed the measures were preventive, though he did not address allegations that force was used during the arrests. Mohammadi had been on extended medical furlough for several months after her release from prison late last year. Although initially granted for three weeks, the leave was repeatedly extended, possibly due to international pressure. During that time, she continued her activism, participating in protests and speaking to international media, including appearing outside Tehran’s Evin prison. She had been serving a sentence of nearly 14 years on charges related to national security and propaganda against the state and was a vocal supporter of protests following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Mohammadi has suffered serious health issues while imprisoned, including heart attacks and surgery for a bone lesion that doctors feared could be cancerous. Medical professionals have warned that returning her to prison without adequate care could seriously endanger her health. An engineer by profession, Mohammadi has been jailed multiple times over the years, receiving sentences totaling more than three decades. Her most recent imprisonment began in 2021 after she attended another memorial linked to nationwide protests.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to restore a ceasefire after several days of deadly fighting, but officials from both countries indicated that hostilities had not fully stopped and that key issues remain unresolved. Trump announced the renewed truce on social media after separate phone calls with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He said both sides had agreed to halt all shooting and return to the original peace agreement reached earlier this year with support from Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry later challenged Trump’s claim that a ceasefire had been finalized, without offering further details. A spokesperson for Thailand’s defense ministry said clashes were continuing, while Cambodia’s defense ministry reported that Thai forces carried out strikes early Saturday. Those claims could not be independently confirmed. Before Trump’s social media announcement, Anutin said he had told the U.S. president that Thailand would continue military operations until Cambodia no longer threatened its sovereignty. He said Thailand wanted concrete actions from Cambodia, including halting attacks, withdrawing forces, and clearing land mines, rather than declarations alone. Trump credited Malaysia’s prime minister with playing a key role in efforts to prevent what he described as a potentially major war between two neighboring countries. The original ceasefire was reached in July through Malaysian mediation and U.S. pressure, with Trump warning of possible trade consequences if the deal was not accepted. The agreement was later formalized in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia. Despite that arrangement, tensions persisted, marked by propaganda campaigns and sporadic cross-border violence. The conflict is rooted in long-standing territorial disputes dating back to colonial-era maps from 1907, which Thailand disputes, and a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded disputed territory to Cambodia. Recent fighting has included Thai airstrikes on what it says are Cambodian military targets and Cambodia’s use of BM-21 rocket launchers. Thai media reported that at least six Thai soldiers were killed by rocket shrapnel, and the Thai military said Cambodian rockets damaged homes near the border. Thailand also reported destroying a crane near the historic Preah Vihear temple, alleging it was being used for military surveillance. Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for helping resolve multiple international conflicts since returning to office and has openly expressed interest in receiving a Nobel Peace Prize. Speaking to reporters later Friday, he said his administration had successfully eased the Thailand-Cambodia crisis and described the situation as stable. Other ceasefires Trump has cited as diplomatic successes are also facing difficulties. A recent peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda is under strain as violence has escalated in eastern Congo. The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes expressed deep concern and urged all parties to honor their commitments and de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Trump’s internationally backed plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza remains unresolved, with intermittent fighting continuing and negotiations over a key second phase still ongoing.