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Famine is spreading in war-torn Sudan, according to UN-backed report

Africa • 5:18 PM

Famine is spreading in Sudan due to a war between the military and a notorious paramilitary group that has devastated the country and created the world’s largest displacement crisis, a global hunger monitoring group said.

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Pope Francis to mark Christmas Eve with launch of Jubilee year

Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Christmas Eve to kick off Jubilee 2025. The door, which is usually bricked up, will remain open for the year to welcome an expected 30 million pilgrims. By walking through the

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Five men jailed by Amsterdam court over violence against Israelis at November soccer game

Europe • 4:23 PM

An Amsterdam District Court on Tuesday imposed sentences of up to six months against five men who were involved in violence which erupted around a Uefa Europa League football match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. St

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Staying in office is the main challenge for troubled France's new government settling in

France’s president and prime minister managed to form a new government just in time for the holidays. Now comes the hard part. The most urgent order of business is passing a 2025 budget. Financial markets, ratings agencies and the European Commission are

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Germany: far-right AfD holds march in city hit by Christmas market attack

Europe • 2:05 PM

Germany's far-right AfD party on Monday held what it called a "memorial" rally for victims of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market that has newly inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Berlin, Jörd Tas

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France gets fourth new government of the year; it must fix the budget while avoiding collapse

French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced a new government, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country's budget. Analysis by Europe correspondent and columnist for Blick, Richard Werly.

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Five men convicted over Amsterdam football violence against Israelis

A Dutch court on Tuesday convicted five men for their part in last month's violence against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam that shocked the world and sparked accusations of anti-Semitism.

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France's ex-PM Elizabeth Borne named education minister

Among the familiar faces in France’s new government is Elisabeth Borne, who served as Macron's second Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024 when she resigned in a cabinet reshuffle. The installation of a former prime minister as head of the Education, is seen

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French politicians react to the nomination of the new government

In France, the country's new PM François Bayrou has named a new cabinet. It includes some serious political heavyweights of French politics, such as two former prime ministers, Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls. However, the new cabinet is also heavily st

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French far-right leader Le Pen predicts quick demise of new Bayrou govt

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Tuesday predicted an early presidential election, saying that President Emmanuel Macron "is finished" a day after his fourth prime minister in a year named a new government. Le Pen is seen as being in a strong pos

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Biden commutes sentences for 37 of 40 federal death row inmates

US President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 of 40 federal inmates, taking action ahead of the return of Donald Trump who oversaw a sweeping number of lethal injections during his first term.

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Bethlehem readies for sombre Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza

Palestinian security forces deployed around the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday with the war in Gaza casting a long shadow over the city's usual celebrations. Missing were the decorations, tourists and pilgrims t

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Sudan is 'largest humanitarian catastrophe in history': Head of International Rescue Committee

FRANCE 24 spoke to David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). According to the group's annual watchlist of global humanitarian crises, some 10 percent of people in humanitarian need around the world are in Sudan, which

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Voice of 'The Lion King,' Lebo M, returns for prequel 'Mufasa' with signature sound

Three decades after the original film, 'The Lion King' has roared back in movie theatres with its prequel, 'Mufasa.' A plenty has changed since the original film, but one thing has stayed the same: vocal performances by Lebo M. The legendary composer joi

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Nigeria: dozens die in stampedes at two separate food distributions

Africa • 10:50 AM

Stampedes during three Christmas charity events across Nigeria have left at least 67 people dead in the past week, many of them children. Families are struggling during the country's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Details by FRANCE 24 corre

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Mauritius holds out on Chagos deal despite US pressure

Africa • 10:46 AM

Mauritius is still holding out on a deal to regain control of the strategic Chagos Islands from Britain, despite pressure from the United States which has a key military base there.

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Mozambique's top court confirms Daniel Chapo's win in disputed election

Africa • 10:43 AM

Mozambique's top court confirmed the victory of ruling party Frelimo in the October election, which has sparked massive protests by opposition groups who say the vote was rigged. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in South Africa, Tom Canetti.

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Israeli military says intercepted projectile that was launched from Yemen

The Israel military said in a statement that sirens sounded in several areas in central Israel following the launch of a projectile from Yemen. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Jerusalem, Noga Tarnopolsky.

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Emmanuel Macron faces local anger in Mayotte

French President Emmanuel Macron faced widespread anger and frustration from residents of Mayotte during a visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago, which is reeling from the devastation wrought by the strongest cyclone to hit the region in nearly a century

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Germany probing possible security lapses after Christmas market attack

Europe • 10:32 AM

Germany searched on Monday for answers on possible security lapses after a man drove his car into a Christmas market, killing at least five people and casting a renewed spotlight on security and immigration ahead of a snap election. Story by Liza Kaminov

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Hundreds of Christians protest in Syrian capital after Christmas tree burned

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Christian areas of Damascus early Tuesday to protest the burning of a Christmas tree near Hama in central Syria.

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Will France's new government manage to pass a budget bill?

France unveiled a new government composed of former ministers and senior civil servants that Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will hope can oversee the passage of a 2025 budget and prevent a deepening of the country's crisis. Analysis by Renaud Foucart, se

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House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of 'regularly' paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl

The House Ethics Committee accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress, as lawmakers released the conclusions of a nearly four-year investigation that

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Germany's far-right AfD holds march after Christmas market attack

Europe • 9:40 AM

Germany's far-right AfD party held what it called a "memorial" rally for victims of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market that has newly inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. Story by France 2 and Emily Boyle.

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French PM says Mayotte cyclone likely to have killed 'dozens' not 'thousands'

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou hit out at "alarmist" claims about a significant death toll from Cyclone Chido, which hit the country's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. Report by Florent Rodo, Achraf Abid and Emily Boyle.

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French Christmas traditions: festivities that continue into the New Year

Christmas in France would not be complete without free-flowing champagne, oysters or a bûche de Noël. And the French holiday season is longer than most – stretching into the New Year with Epiphany (January 6) and its traditional galettes des rois into Fe

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France's Macron names new government after the previous one collapsed in a budget fight

French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced a new government, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country's budget. Story by Alexandra Quarini and Emily Boyle.

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Syrian Druze brigade reluctant to give up their arms in uncertain times

Syria's new rulers have called for the disbanding of all armed groups. But in the southwestern town of Suwayda, a small group of Druze fighters are reluctant to give up their arms. These fighters from the Druze religious minority say they prefer to rely

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Hundreds of Syrian Christians protest burning of Christmas tree

Video clips posted on social media of a public Christmas tree being burned in a Christian majority town near Hama in central Syria sparked a protest in Damascus early Tuesday. Syria’s victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group said the tree was burned by fore

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Syrian Druze brigade reluctant to give up arms in uncertain times

Syria's new rulers have called for the disbanding of all armed groups. But in the southwestern town of Suwayda, a small group of Druze fighters are reluctant to give up their arms. Fighters from religious minority say they prefer to rely on their own men

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German president calls for unity in Christmas address after market attack

Europe • 6:30 AM

In his traditional Christmas address, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for national unity days after a deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg reopened a debate on immigration and security weeks before a crunch federal election.

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Trump ally Matt Gaetz paid for underage sex, probe finds

A new report from the US House Ethics Committee details multiple allegations against former congressman Matt Gaetz, including paying for underage sex, using illegal drugs, and breaking Florida laws on sexual misconduct. Gaetz, who was initially chosen to

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Zelensky accuses Slovak PM Fico of aiding Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his stance on Russian gas imports, accusing him of helping President Vladimir Putin fund the war in Ukraine. This comes after Fico’s visit to Moscow, where he express

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Romania forms new pro-European coalition government amid political crisis

Romanian lawmakers narrowly approved a new pro-European coalition government on Monday, led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move seeks to end a political crisis sparked by far-right gains in recent elections and the annulment of the presi

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Syrian authorities say armed groups agree to disband, merge under defence ministry

Syria's new authorities announced Tuesday that they had reached an agreement with the country's rebel groups on their dissolution and integration into the regular defence forces.

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Yesterday

Former Medellin cartel boss Fabio Ochoa deported to Colombia, released upon arrival

Fabio Ochoa, once a top operator in Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel, was deported to Colombia after serving 25 years of a 30-year sentence in the US. He was released immediately upon arrival in Bogota, with Colombian authorities confirming he faces no pe

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Mozambique top court confirms ruling party’s disputed win

In tonight's edition, Mozambique's Constitutional Council greenlights the ruling party's controversial victory in October's election. Also, at least 67 people were killed in a series of stampedes that have rocked Nigeria. And, composer Lebo M, the iconic

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Israel admits to killing former Hamas leader Haniyeh in Tehran

Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday confirmed Israel's involvement in the July killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, marking Israel's first public admission of responsibility for the operation.

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Trump stirs tensions with remarks on buying Greenland, seizing Panama Canal

US President-elect Donald Trump has sparked international tension by reviving plans to buy Greenland, threatening to reclaim the Panama Canal, and joking about annexing Canada. While critics see these as disruptive stances against allies, others view the

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Valls, Darmanin, Retailleau, Borne: New French government is named

French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced a new government on December 23, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country's budget.

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🔴Ex-PMs Manuel Valls, Elisabeth Borne appointed as ministers in new French govt

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Europe's far right: Calls for EU to sanction Elon Musk for 'interference'

In recent weeks, Elon Musk has increased his presence on the European political scene, openly showing support for far-right parties. This involvement has raised concerns among some officials, who view it as foreign interference—particularly through his s

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Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges

The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on December 23 to state murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that comments coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough to receive a fair trial.

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France still waiting for 2024's fourth government on Monday

The cabinet of new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will be announced by Élysée secretary-general Alexis Kohler, Macron's office said. France 24's Antonia Kerrigan tells us more.

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Trump picks billionaire Stephen Feinberg to be deputy defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump said on December 22 he would nominate billionaire investor Stephen Feinberg to serve as deputy secretary of defense. France 24's Douglas Herbert tells us more.

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NASA’s Parker Solar Probe poised for Christmas Eve flyby of the Sun

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to make history Tuesday with the closest-ever approach to the Sun, coming within 6.2 million kilometres of the solar surface as it explores the Sun's corona, or outer atmosphere.

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How French soldiers train for trench warfare

Europe • 3:59 PM

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked the return of high-intensity warfare in Europe. Now, almost three years later and with the conflict showing no signs of abating, France is gearing itself up to fight. FRANCE 24 reports from a military camp in n

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Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO

Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty to state murder charges on Monday, including murder as an act of terrorism.

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Israeli hostages in Gaza: Controversy over Netanyahu interview with WSJ

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on December 20 that Jerusalem remains committed to its objective of ousting Hamas from power. France 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us more.

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Still no new government in France: Why does it take so long?

France's new government will not be announced before Monday evening, the presidency said in a statement, prolonging the political uncertainty in a major European power. Why does it take so long? France 24's Antonia Kerrigan tells us more.

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France mourns Mayotte victims amid uncertainty over government

France's leaders held a minute of silence to pay respect to those lost on the archipelago of Mayotte.

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Dozens killed in Israeli strikes, Gaza officials say

Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip overnight killed at least 20 people, Palestinian medics said on December 23.

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Jordanian, Qatari envoys meet Syria's new leader for reconstruction talks

Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, hosted high-level talks on Monday with Arab diplomats, including Jordan and Qatar, focusing on reconstruction and future cooperation. The meetings marked a significant shift in regional ties after Bashar al-Assad's ov

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No French government before Monday evening, presidency says

France's new government will not be announced before Monday evening to take into account a day of mourning for cyclone-hit Mayotte, the presidency said in a statement, prolonging the political uncertainty in a major European power. Director of Liberal Ar

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US: Donald Trump makes expansive promises for second term

In his speech on December 22, which amounted to something of a victory lap, Donald Trump made expansive promises for his second term - and drew a dark picture of the four years preceding it, under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the

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Trump pledges to 'stop transgender lunacy', threatens to retake control of Panama Canal

Donald Trump pledged to 'stop transgender lunacy' on day one of his presidency, threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal, and doubled down on his anti-immigration stance. The Republican president-elect made these comments during his first major r

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France: Day of mourning for victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte

France observed a minute of silence on December 23 for the victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte.

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Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa says state to control all weapons

Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is rebuilding his government following the fall of the Assad regime. At a meeting with the Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, he vowed that all weapons in the territory would be brought under government contr

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'Friendly fire' over the Red Sea highlights mounting tensions

Two US Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea in ‘an apparent case of friendly fire’ on December 22. Both pilots survived. The incident, though not a result of hostile fire, underscores how dangerous Yemen's Red Sea corridor has become. Yemen's Iran

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US: Donald Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' on day one of presidency

President-elect Donald Trump on December 22 pledged to 'stop the transgender lunacy' on day one of his presidency, as Republicans - set to control both chambers of Congress and the White House - continue their push against LGBTQ rights. David Smith tells

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North Korea suffers more than 1,000 casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, Seoul says

Europe • 10:21 AM

More than 1,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured on the battlefield since Pyongyang sent troops to back Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, South Korean military officials said Monday.

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