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Mauritania has kept relative peace while parts of the Sahel region face violence and instability. Female Islamic guides called mourchidates, trained by the government, talk with prisoners and young people to challenge violent interpretations of Islam and promote peace.
Key Facts
Mauritania is located in West Africa, near the Sahel, a region with growing armed conflict and instability.
Mourchidates are female religious guides trained since 2021 under Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The programme is modeled after Morocco's mourchidates, started after the 2003 Casablanca bombings to prevent extremism.
Mourchidates receive formal training in Islamic texts, law, and theology, enabling them to engage deeply on religious issues.
They work in schools, mosques, hospitals, youth centers, and prisons across Mauritania.
In prisons, mourchidates talk with inmates linked to armed groups to challenge violent beliefs and encourage peaceful alternatives.
Their approach builds trust through long-term relationships and culturally grounded religious guidance.
This program helps Mauritania maintain relative stability despite regional challenges in the Sahel.
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A video showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla has caused international anger and harmed Israel’s public relations efforts. Many countries criticized Israel’s treatment of the activists, exposing gaps in Israel’s attempts to shape how the world sees its actions.
Key Facts
The video posted by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed blindfolded and bound activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla being taunted.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters near Cyprus and detained 430 participants.
At least 87 of the detained activists started hunger strikes to support more than 9,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Countries including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain condemned Israel’s treatment of the activists and summoned Israeli ambassadors.
Israel has spent decades using “Hasbara,” a public relations campaign, to justify its policies internationally.
Israel’s Hasbara budget is expected to increase from $15 million in 2023 to $700 million by 2026.
Experts say the video damages Israel’s image because it reveals harsh treatment that contradicts the state’s positive messaging.
The US criticized Ben-Gvir’s video for harming Israel’s dignity but was seen as not addressing the human rights abuses directly.
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Air France and Airbus have been found guilty of manslaughter for a 2009 plane crash that killed 228 people. The Paris Appeals Court ruled that both the airline and aircraft maker were responsible for the crash of flight AF447, which fell into the Atlantic Ocean after stalling during a storm.
Key Facts
The crash happened in 2009 when an Air France flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris went into the ocean.
All 228 people on board died in the crash.
The plane stalled during bad weather before plunging into the water.
A court had cleared Air France and Airbus of blame in April 2023.
The appeals court later found both companies guilty of corporate manslaughter.
Each company must pay a maximum fine of €225,000 (about $261,720 or £194,500).
Some families of the victims said the fines were too small.
The victims were mainly French, Brazilian, and German citizens.
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The UK has summoned Israel’s top diplomat after a video showed Israel’s national security minister taunting activists detained during a Gaza-bound flotilla interception. Several countries and officials have condemned the minister’s actions and called for the activists’ release, while Israel is deporting the detained activists.
Key Facts
Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, posted a video taunting detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla.
The UK officially summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires to demand an explanation for the minister’s behavior.
Italy’s foreign minister called for EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the activists.
Poland is considering banning Ben-Gvir from entering the country because of the video.
Israel began releasing and deporting hundreds of activists who tried to break its naval blockade of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Ben-Gvir’s treatment of the activists, calling it against Israel’s values.
The US ambassador to Israel criticized Ben-Gvir for damaging Israel’s dignity.
Turkey is sending planes to bring back its nationals who participated in the flotilla.
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Five Italian divers died in an underwater cave in the Maldives after possibly taking the wrong tunnel, which had no exit. They were found by Finnish divers working to recover their bodies, and authorities are investigating why they dived deeper than allowed by local rules.
Key Facts
The five Italians died after entering a dead-end tunnel about 165 feet (50 meters) underwater.
Finnish divers from DAN Europe recovered their bodies in a narrow cave corridor.
The divers included scientists and a diving instructor on a scientific mission studying marine life and climate change.
The cave had a bright main chamber leading to a tricky sandbank that could confuse divers about the correct exit.
The divers used standard air tanks, giving them only about 10 minutes at that depth.
Maldivian authorities limit tourist dives to 30 meters, but these divers went around 60 meters deep.
A Maldivian military diver also died during the search for the missing Italians.
This is considered the worst diving accident in the Maldives’ history, a country made up of many small coral islands in the Indian Ocean.
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A Paris appeals court found Air France and Airbus guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the 2009 crash of Air France Flight AF447, which killed 228 people. Both companies were ordered to pay fines, marking a significant legal judgment after earlier acquittals.
Key Facts
The crash occurred on June 1, 2009, when Air France Flight AF447 flew from Rio de Janeiro to Paris and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
All 228 people on board—216 passengers and 12 crew members—died in the crash.
The Airbus A330 aircraft involved was built by the company Airbus; the airline was Air France.
The Paris appeals court ruled both companies "solely and entirely responsible" for involuntary manslaughter.
Each company was fined 225,000 euros (about $261,000), the maximum penalty allowed for corporate manslaughter.
Previously, a lower court had acquitted Air France and Airbus, and prosecutors initially wanted the case dismissed.
The eight-week appeal trial took place between September and December 2025.
The ruling may cause reputational damage for both Air France and Airbus despite the fines being symbolic.
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Europe removed a record 602 dams and barriers in 2025 to help restore rivers and support wildlife. This effort is part of a larger goal to reconnect over 15,000 miles of rivers by 2030 for better natural water flow and healthier ecosystems.
Key Facts
Iceland officially removed its first dam on the River Melsá in 2025.
Across Europe, 602 dams, weirs, culverts, and sluices were removed, an 11% increase from 2024.
The removals reconnected 2,324 miles (3,740 km) of rivers in Europe last year.
Sweden removed the most barriers (173), followed by Finland (143) and Spain (109).
More than three-quarters of removed barriers were less than 2 meters tall and mostly no longer served their original purpose.
River blockages have contributed to a 75% decline in Europe’s freshwater migratory fish population since 1970.
The EU’s nature restoration law from 2024 requires the removal of many obsolete barriers to restore water ecosystems.
Similar dam removal efforts are happening in the US and China to improve river health and wildlife habitats.
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Israel has started deporting hundreds of activists captured after intercepting a Gaza aid flotilla. The activists, from many countries, were taken to Israeli airports before being sent home amid international criticism.
Key Facts
About 430 activists were taken by Israeli forces after stopping more than 50 boats heading to Gaza.
Most activists are being sent from Ramon Airport, with others from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Ten foreign ministers, including those from Spain, Brazil, and India, condemned the Israeli actions as violations of international law.
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video mocking the detained activists, which caused further outcry.
Countries like France, Canada, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands summoned Israeli ambassadors to protest the treatment of activists.
Turkiye is organizing flights to take its citizens and others, such as Spanish nationals, back home.
Jordan reported two of its citizens have already returned via the southern Israeli crossing.
Israel’s quick deportations are seen as an effort to reduce international criticism, especially after the video posted by Ben-Gvir.
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Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, shared videos showing harsh treatment of detained activists by Israeli forces. The videos drew criticism from international leaders, but Israeli officials said the problem is the public showing of these actions, which are part of ongoing practices affecting thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
Key Facts
Itamar Ben-Gvir posted videos of detained activists being mistreated by Israeli security.
Activists were shown in stress positions and one was pulled by the hair and shoved.
The videos led to condemnation from Italy, Spain, and the United States ambassador to Israel.
Spain banned Ben-Gvir from entering its country and plans to seek EU sanctions against him.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Saar criticized Ben-Gvir’s public behavior but did not dispute the treatment shown.
Over 9,600 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel, including more than 3,500 held without trial.
Reports describe harsh conditions in prisons, including starvation, beatings, denial of medical care, and sexual violence.
Since October 2023, at least 84 Palestinian prisoners have died in custody due to mistreatment.
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Ukraine is increasing security near its border with Belarus because Russia is conducting joint nuclear missile drills with Belarus. Russia says it moved nuclear weapons into Belarus for training exercises, and Ukraine fears Russia might use Belarus to launch a new attack.
Key Facts
Ukraine is boosting security in northern regions near Belarus to prevent any attacks.
Russia and Belarus are holding joint military drills involving nuclear weapons.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that nuclear munitions were moved to missile units in Belarus.
Belarus showed a video of military vehicles handling items linked to nuclear weapons.
Russia’s missile brigade in Belarus is training with Iskander-M tactical missile launchers.
Ukraine and NATO are watching the drills closely and warn of serious consequences if nuclear weapons are used.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted over five years with no major changes recently.
Ukrainian forces have slowed Russia’s advances using drone technology and improved tactics.
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India and the African Union have postponed the 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi due to a growing Ebola outbreak in Africa. The first Ebola case was confirmed in South Kivu province, DR Congo, which is controlled by a rebel group.
Key Facts
The India-Africa Forum Summit was scheduled for May 28-31, 2026, but has been postponed.
The postponement is because of an emerging public health situation related to Ebola in Africa.
The first confirmed Ebola case in South Kivu province is in an area controlled by the AFC/M23 militia.
This Ebola outbreak is the 17th in DR Congo and has caused about 139 deaths from nearly 600 suspected cases so far.
South Kivu province’s capital, Bukavu, fell under AFC/M23 control in February 2025.
The infected person came from Kisangani, a city where no Ebola cases from this outbreak had been reported before.
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak an international emergency.
Ongoing conflicts in eastern DR Congo make controlling the Ebola outbreak difficult.
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Palestinian sisters Tala and Farah Mousa recycled the debris from their damaged home in Gaza into bricks that can be used to rebuild. They won the 2026 Earth Prize Middle East award, the first Palestinians to receive this honor.
Key Facts
Tala and Farah Mousa are sisters from Gaza.
Their home was damaged by bombing.
They transformed the rubble into reusable bricks.
These bricks can be used for reconstruction.
They won the 2026 Earth Prize Middle East award.
They are the first Palestinian team to win this award.
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The UK government said there was no formal security check or detailed background review before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was made a trade envoy in 2001. Documents show that his appointment was influenced by Queen Elizabeth II’s wish and that his role involved promoting British trade abroad without regular board duties.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed UK trade envoy in 2001 without formal security vetting or due diligence.
His appointment was influenced by Queen Elizabeth II, who wanted him in a prominent trade role.
The role involved overseas visits, hosting trade visitors in London, and leading trade missions occasionally.
He did not regularly attend trade board meetings or handle paperwork but was kept informed on developments.
His aide requested travel to more sophisticated countries and preferred ballet over theater during trips.
The role was unpaid and lasted from 2001 to 2011.
Andrew was the first modern royal to be arrested over misconduct claims and was linked by emails to Jeffrey Epstein, which he denies any wrongdoing.
The government published related historic documents after a parliamentary request from the Liberal Democrats.
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A couple in Brighton, U.K., Maddie McDonald and Liam Williams, adopted a unique puppy named Crash who is a mix of Dalmatian and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Crash had ringworm when they brought him home, but with careful treatment, he is now recovering well and has become a beloved pet.
Key Facts
Crash is a puppy with Dalmatian spots and the muscular build of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
He came from an accidental breeding when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier was left alone with a Dalmatian.
Crash had ringworm, a skin infection, when adopted, with pink sores all over his body.
The couple treated Crash with medicated baths, medication, pain relief, and vet visits while limiting his contact to prevent the infection from spreading.
Crash is now healthy, no longer infectious, and his fur and eyes have healed.
Maddie has been sharing Crash’s recovery journey on TikTok, where the story gained over 104,000 views.
The couple has connected with owners of Crash’s siblings and plans to reunite the puppies.
Crash is described as smart, cuddly, and friendly, and he enjoys learning tricks and meeting people.
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Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, said he supports major changes to the UK voting system if he becomes prime minister. He favors proportional representation to give smaller parties more power and wants politics to focus more on solving problems than winning points.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham plans to back big changes to the UK electoral system as prime minister.
He supports proportional representation, which would help smaller parties like the Greens.
Burnham aims for politics to focus on long-term problem-solving rather than short-term competition.
He has not said when or how he would start electoral reform if elected.
The Greens may reduce their election campaign if Burnham commits to proportional representation.
Critics worry proportional representation could cause unstable governments with coalitions.
Burnham wants politics to better represent parts of the UK outside London.
He said the UK should fix internal problems before trying to rejoin the European Union.
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ABC News reported on concerns that humanoid robots made in China might cause national security problems for the United States. Experts warn these robots could be used in ways that threaten U.S. safety.
Key Facts
Humanoid robots are robots designed to look and move like humans.
These robots are being produced by companies in China.
U.S. experts are worried about the security risks posed by these robots.
The main concern is that these robots could be used for spying or other harmful activities.
The issue is part of a larger conversation about technology and national security.
The report was released on May 21, 2026.
The discussion is connected to U.S. efforts to protect itself from foreign technology threats.
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Nectar Woode is a rising UK soul singer with British Ghanaian roots. She recently shared that her upcoming song, coming out in June, will feature Elton John playing the keyboard.
Key Facts
Nectar Woode is a new soul music artist from the UK.
She was raised by British Ghanaian parents.
She has released several music tracks, including one called "Naturally."
Her next song, due in June, will have Elton John playing keyboards.
She described herself first as a music fan, then as a musician.
The news was shared during an interview with FRANCE 24.
She is gaining recognition as a growing star in soul music.
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Israel intercepted a flotilla of about 430 international activists who tried to break the naval blockade of Gaza and began deporting them. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered their quick deportation and criticized the national security minister for mocking detained activists, which led to international protests.
Key Facts
Israeli naval forces stopped six vessels from a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza.
Around 430 activists were detained and are being sent to a civilian airport near Eilat for deportation.
One Israeli citizen activist, Zohar Regev, is facing legal charges related to illegal entry and stay.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted videos mocking the handcuffed and kneeling activists.
Prime Minister Netanyahu rebuked Ben-Gvir, saying the minister’s behavior does not reflect Israel’s values.
Countries including Britain, France, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Indonesia condemned the treatment of activists.
Some countries summoned Israeli diplomats to protest the handling of the flotilla detainees.
Turkey offered to send planes to help activists return home.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set new rules requiring flights from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan to land only at Washington-Dulles Airport. This is to help stop the spread of an Ebola outbreak occurring mainly in eastern DRC and parts of Uganda.
Key Facts
DHS will restrict flights from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan to land only at Washington-Dulles Airport for health checks starting after 11:59 p.m. ET on May 21, 2026.
The Ebola outbreak has caused at least 51 confirmed cases and about 139 suspected deaths.
The outbreak is mainly in eastern DRC, with cases also in major cities like Goma and Bunia, and at least two cases and one death in Kampala, Uganda.
South Sudan has no confirmed cases but is considered high risk because of its proximity to affected areas and limited healthcare.
This is the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC and involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to this outbreak.
Efforts focus on tracking infected people, isolating cases, and providing care to stop the disease from spreading.
The Bundibugyo strain has a death rate ranging from 30% to 50% in past outbreaks.
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Sexually transmitted infections gonorrhoea and syphilis have reached their highest levels in over 10 years in Europe in 2024. The European health agency says the rise is partly due to gaps in testing and prevention and urges people to use condoms and get tested if needed.
Key Facts
Gonorrhoea cases in Europe reached 106,331 in 2024, a 303% increase since 2015.
Syphilis cases more than doubled to 45,557 in the same period.
Spain reported the highest number of gonorrhoea (37,169) and syphilis (11,556) cases among European countries in 2024.
Congenital syphilis, where the infection passes from mother to newborn, nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024.
Chlamydia remains the most common bacterial STI but cases fell 6% since 2015 to 213,443.
The UK reported 71,802 gonorrhoea and 9,535 syphilis cases in England for 2024.
The UK started using a gonorrhoea vaccine in 2025 after record infection rates in 2023.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says untreated syphilis can cause heart and nervous system problems, and both infections can lead to chronic pain and infertility.
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