MALI: The military government has suspended all political party and association activities, citing “public order” concerns, following recent pro-democracy protests in Bamako.

The move comes amid increasing repression, with critics warning it signals a deepening authoritarian shift as the junta attempts to extend its rule.

Hundreds of activists defied threats from the military government and demonstrated in the capital, Bamako, against a Bill to dissolve political parties.

VATICAN: Cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel today to begin voting for a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis.

With 133 electors from 70 countries, it is the most diverse conclave ever, and a two-thirds majority is needed to elect the 267th pope.

US: President Donald Trump will announce during his trip to Saudi Arabia that the US will refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf,” following his renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

The move is aimed at pleasing Arab allies but has sparked condemnation from Iran, which views the traditional name as a core part of its heritage.

The change carries no international legal weight but underscores growing regional tensions.

SYRIA: Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Paris today for his first European trip since taking office, signalling a possible opening to the West.

He was expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss reconstruction, regional stability, and Syria’s future.

The visit follows deadly violence in the country, and as the EU begins easing sanctions despite reservations over Mr al-Sharaa’s ties to the Islamist group HTS.