Benin voters cast their ballots for the country's next president Sunday, with current Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni expected to win handily over the sole opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè. Results are expected earlier in the week. Benin election officials began counting votes after Sun»»»

Pope Leo XIV began on Monday a landmark visit to Algeria, where he called for forgiveness in a speech paying tribute to victims of the country's war of independence from France. It marked the first visit by a pontiff to the Muslim-majority country, which risked being overshadowed by public criticis»»»

Lawmakers in the National Assembly are set to debate draft legislation to facilitate the return of artworks and other prized artefacts looted during the country’s colonial era. The bill, which was backed by the Senate earlier this year, could help address requests already submitted by various count»»»

In tonight’s edition, violence continues in northern Nigeria, with killings and kidnappings reported in Sokoto State. Also, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) accuses Ethiopia’s government of violating the Pretoria peace deal that ended the 2020-2022 war, which killed hundreds of thousands»»»

Benin opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe suffered a bruising election loss on Monday after conceding to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential vote. Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe on Monday conceded defeat to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential election. Hounkpe offered "»»»

As Pope Leo XIV makes a historic visit to Algeria, in the spirit of interfaith dialogue, François Picard is pleased to welcome Father Fred Wekesa, Rector of the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba. From his experience of living over a decade in Algeria, he challenges inherited narratives shaped b»»»

Starting in September, legendary singer Celine Dion will perform 16 concerts in Paris. This will be Dion’s first performances after a lengthy break prompted by a rare health condition. As fans flock from overseas, ticket sales, hotels and restaurants could bring hundreds of millions of euros to the»»»

Dubai: Eight students from Abu Dhabi have completed the trek to Everest Base Camp after months of preparation for one of the toughest journeys in the world. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The students, from Private International English School, also known as Bhavans A»»»

The former head of the Sixth Department of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) for Issyk-Kul region, U.N., has been charged with corruption. Sources in law enforcement agencies informed 24.kg news agency. Photo Media It was also reported that the day before, the Pervomaisky District Co»»»

A former Orban loyalist, Peter Magyar carried his Tisza party to a crushing win in Sunday's high-stakes elections, ending 16 years of Fidesz rule. The 45-year-old has pledged to crack down on corruption and rebuild Hungary's damaged relationships with the European Union and NATO. Jus»»»

Europe’s energy dependence has been sharply exposed by the war in Iran. Although efforts have been made over the past four years to reduce reliance on Russia, disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted the EU’s continued vulnerability. The imp»»»

We speak to an influential voice on European reform, former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, author of a landmark report on the future of the Single Market, presented in April 2024. Two years on, he says many of its recommendations remain unimplemented, warning that continued fragmentation of t»»»

The election in Hungary had the highest turnout since the fall of Communism. Following Péter Magyar's landslide victory, FRANCE 24's Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Bálint Magyar, Author, Hungary's former Minister of Education and one of the founding members of the Alliance of Free Democrats. Acco»»»

Behind most card payments in Europe stand two American giants, Visa and Mastercard – a dependence recently thrust into the spotlight. After issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several judges at the International Criminal Court were sanctioned by Washington,»»»

As global attention remains focused on the Middle East, a parallel contest of influence is unfolding in the Far North, where NATO troops have recently carried out a large-scale exercise simulating a Russian invasion. Armoured vehicles, ships, helicopters, and thousands of soldiers braved sub-zero c»»»

Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Lukáš Macek, Director of the Greater Europe project at the Jacques Delors Centre, says on the question of Ukraine the new Hungarian government led by Peter Magyar is likely to stop obstructing aid for Ukraine and will be "a tough partner, but a partner nonethele»»»

Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Jean-François Bélanger, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Military Operations at the Royal Danish Defence College, explains that "what NATO does really well at the moment is aggregate the different threat perceptions of its members" and a standalone Europe»»»

Peter Magyar's landslide victory over Viktor Orban in Sunday’s Hungarian legislative elections marks a seismic shift for Hungary and the EU, but Brussels may need to temper its enthusiasm. On the rule of law, migration and LGBTQ rights, the road ahead is neither straight nor guaranteed. The images »»»

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption following a years-long investigation, a court ruling said on Monday. The probe, opened in 2024, examines whether she used her position for private gain, allegations she and Sanchez deny, increasing »»»

EU lawmakers and member states agreed on Monday to double tariffs on foreign steel to 50%, aiming to shield the bloc’s struggling industry from a surge in cheap Chinese imports. The deal also cuts duty-free import volumes by 47%. Trade chief Maros Sefcovic warned global overcapacity threatens Europ»»»

WASHINGTON: A majority of US Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential victory. Yet across the broad Catholic political spectrum – even among conservative-leaning bishops – there is dismay over Trump’s unprecedented verbal assault on Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead th»»»

The President of Kyrgyzstan announced the construction of a tunnel at Taldyk Pass. Sadyr Japarov made the announcement at a meeting with residents of Chon-Alai district during his working visit to Osh region. The head of state received complaints that Uch-Korgon—Daroot-Korgon road has not been comm»»»

Dubai: Eight students from Abu Dhabi have completed the trek to Everest Base Camp after months of preparation for one of the toughest journeys in the world. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The students, from Private International English School, also known as Bhavans A»»»

Prime Minister Mark Carney's party secured a majority in Canada's parliament on Monday after two by-election wins, boosting his Liberals as they work to bolster a country shaken by threats from the United States. Carney's Liberals won the most seats in elections a year ago, but fell just short of a»»»

Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chairman, Adylbek Kasymaliev, met with Beatrice Maser, World Bank Executive Director, in Washington, D.C. The parties discussed the construction of Kambarata-1 hydropower plant (HPP). Adylbek Kasymaliev reported the completion of the first round of negotiations under the interg»»»

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attack boats that approach the American naval blockade around Iran's ports would be destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire to be respected and negotiations to resume. The US military said the blockade, which took effect at 140»»»

US oil giant Chevron and the government of Venezuela signed two deals Monday that will expand oil production in the country, as the country seeks to boost private investment in the sector. A signing ceremony took place at Miraflores Palace, where interim president Delcy Rodriguez was joined by Chev»»»

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, on Monday announced that he will retire from Congress amid an investigation into his behavior with more than one of his staffers and a bipartisan move by the House of Representatives to expel him from the Congress. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Apri»»»

U.S. President Donald Trum nominated former congresswoman Michelle Steel (R) as ambassador to South Korea. In this April 2023 photo, Steel arrives at the White House for a state dinner with former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo U.S. President Don»»»

Share: A generational peace is within reach—but only if Israel abandons dominance and embraces full equality with a sovereign Lebanon By: Ya Libnan Editorial Board , Opinion Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks of a “lasting peace” with Lebanon—one that endures for generations. That vis»»»

The U.S. military under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Monday that it had attacked an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two people. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. military on Monday conducted another strike of an alleged »»»

The UAE’s health authorities have issued the National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment, designed to support school administrations, food suppliers, and service providers in making informed choices that ensure students have access to a diverse range of healthy and nutritious fo»»»

The UAE will see fair to partly cloudy skies with a chance of light rainfall today, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Light to moderate north-westerly to south-westerly winds are expected, freshening at times and causing blowing dust and sand, with speeds of 10–25 km/h, reachin»»»

Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Court of First Instance has overturned a one-year jail sentence issued in absentia against a 49-year-old Gulf national, replacing it with a Dh10,000 fine after accepting his opposition and citing medical evidence and gaps in the prosecution’s case. In its ruling d»»»

For over 40 days, talks about conflict punctuated daily life. Phones sent warnings at different times of the day and night, and most tried to adjust to a 'new normal' that slowly seeped into their routines. While adults searched for ways to get through each day, they also had to find ways to calm t»»»

Archaeologists in Oman have uncovered a series of ancient graves and artefacts dating back thousands of years along a coastal road, offering new insights into early burial practices in the region. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said survey and excavation works were carried out across three si»»»

Dubai: It’s mid-spring in the UAE, yet the weather still carries a distinct winter feel. Cooler temperatures, fresh winds and recent rainfall have extended what many residents believe as an unusually long winter, but has it finally come to an end? The short answer, experts say, is not just yet, but»»»

Ajman: When His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on citizens and residents to raise the national flag above homes, institutions and buildings, most responded by hoisting the UAE flag in a show of solidarity and n»»»

Ford CEO Jim Farley has issued a stark warning: Chinese-made electric vehicles, developed and manufactured with generous state subsidies, will crush US carmakers through low-cost offerings. In a recent interview, the auto executive urged the US government to block Chinese-made electric vehicles fro»»»

ABU DHABI: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed regional developments during telephone conversations with several foreign ministers of brotherly and friendly nations, following the unprovoked and terrorist Iranian missile attacks »»»

Oil futures have diverged sharply early on Tuesday morning (as per 8.28am Tokyo time, April 14, 2026) with WTI crude sliding even as Brent and Middle East benchmarks rally. This reflects a split between US and global risk sentiment amid ongoing Middle East conflict dynamics. The trend-busting WTI–B»»»

DUBAI: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marry, Minister of Economy and Tourism, met today with a high-level Uzbek delegation to discuss expanding bilateral economic and investment ties. The talks focused on fostering sustainable development partnerships across priority sectors including the new economy, tourism»»»

Share: FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators wave Lebanese flags during protests near the site of a blast at Beirut’s port area where 245 people were killed , 7000 were injured and 300, 000 became homeless after thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate that were illegally stored there by Hezbollah were detonated »»»

The United States and Iran are in active discussions about holding another round of face-to-face negotiations aimed at securing a longer-term ceasefire and preventing renewed conflict after recent talks in Pakistan ended without a deal, Bloomberg reported, citing "people familiar with the matter". »»»

LOS ANGELES: Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters in a crowded contest with no clear leader, injecting more turmoil into the campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state. Swalwell’s decis»»»

NEW YORK: A United Nations official has called for the necessity of strengthening multilateral cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, considering the partnership between the two sides as a fundamental pillar in supporting international peace and security in light of increasi»»»