Uganda has commenced the phased withdrawal of its military forces from Somalia, marking the conclusion of a two-decade deployment that began in 2007 as part of the African Union Mission. This move follows the AU's directive for member states to begin reducing troop presence as Somalia's national army is expected to assume greater security responsibilities.
The United States government will cease its annual £300 million contribution to South Africa's HIV and AIDS programmes, citing the South African government's alleged failure to protect the white-minority Afrikaner community. This decision marks a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
A 68-year-old pétanque player has died in Mimizan, France, after an alleged assault involving a metal boule during a dispute between rival teams. An 81-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody, facing investigation into the incident.
