Africa Ethiopia Drivers in Ethiopia face a fuel crisis due to disruptions from the Iran war driving a booming black market; Diesel prices reach 300–500 birr (5-9 $) per liter with illegal resale networks and long queues straining transport and businesses
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Cobalt exports have resumed after a 10-month halt; introduced in February, the ban was designed to stabilise the market and stem falling prices due to global oversupply, and was initially imposed for four months
Europe Austria Inheritances in cryptocurrencies are becoming more frequent and questions for heirs and notaries raise; it is estimated that about 300.000 people own cryptos in Austria, but data is difficult to find also due to very low tax compliance
America Suriname Ambulance care in Suriname has deteriorated to such an extent that it is comparable to a taxi service and is far from meeting international standards, according to a physician affiliated with the Emergency Department of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo
Africa Mozambique The foundation stone of the future assembly plant for cell phones and electronic equipment in Mozambique has been laid; an investment by the company Moz-Source, it is a milestone in the country's technological industrialization process
Europe North Macedonia A 100 million euros investment in energy sector has been signed; agreements plan the realization of photovoltaic power plant "Bitola 3" and revitalization of hydropower plants
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Women from various districts of São Tomé and Príncipe will be prepared to mediate tensions before the 2026 elections: they took part in a workshop dedicated to the prevention and management of conflicts during election periods
Asia Syria Ceasefire is appearing to hold in Aleppo after a night of clashes in various neighborhoods resulted in civilian deaths, with more people wounded; in a tense stage of the relations between Syria and Kurdish-led SDF, medical facilities were also struck
Africa South Sudan Government spokesperson and Minister of Information said South Sudan seized control of Heglig oilfield after fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces SAF and the Rapid Support Forces RSF, which forced SAF units to withdraw toward the border
Africa Tunisia Tunisia has been included in the EU's provisionally approved list of safe countries that will allow fast-tracking asylum application rejections; critics from rights groups say it includes states accused of human rights abuses and political instability
America United States National Guard troops will not be deployed in Illinois following a Supreme Court decision that left in place a ruling by a federal judge in Chicago: the justices turned down government’s request in what is its second loss before a court in four days
Europe Luxembourg Grand Duke Guillaume urges solidarity in his first Christmas address, paying tribute to Ukrainians, volunteers and frontline workers, calling for compassion amid rising living costs and global instability
Europe Russia In Tiksi, Yakutia, the thermometer dropped to -56°C, the lowest temperature currently recorded in a populated area, and it could drop further as a snowstorm has paralyzed the village for three days burying streets and house entrances
Asia Yemen The International Committee of the Red Cross has welcomed the preliminary agreement reached between Yemen’s warring parties to release detainees held in connection with the conflict, while announcing its readiness to support and facilitate the process