**Summary:** The Philippine Senate has officially convened as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on charges of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and constitutional violations.

**Key points:**
- The impeachment follows a significant political rift between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties, who were previously allied in the 2022 election.
- A conviction in the Senate would remove the Vice President from office and potentially bar her from future public service, impacting her 2028 presidential aspirations.
- The trial proceedings are complicated by recent leadership instability in the Senate, which includes a new majority following the brief reappearance of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
- Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has denied all allegations, characterizing the impeachment efforts as politically motivated.

**Why it matters:** The impeachment trial represents a critical escalation in the power struggle between the Philippines' two most influential political families, with potential long-term consequences for the country's 2028 presidential landscape.

inquirer.net - Renee Co to Senate: Proceed with Sara Duterte's trial

straitstimes.com - Philippines opens impeachment trial of V-P Sara Duterte amid political turmoil

scmp.com - How fight for Philippine Senate presidency will shape Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial

Philippine Senate Opens Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

**Summary:** Gabon's Minister of Health, Professor Elsa Nkana Joséphine Ayo-Bivigou, attended the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva to address the rising prevalence of cancer and discuss national health system reforms.

**Key points:**
- The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, pledged continued support for Gabon's efforts to modernize hospital infrastructure and improve healthcare access.
- Discussions focused on strengthening community health, enhancing medical personnel training, and developing innovative health financing mechanisms.
- Public health experts highlighted that African nations face a critical epidemiological transition, requiring a shift from infectious disease management to complex chronic care for conditions like cancer.
- Gabon aims to reduce its reliance on foreign medical treatment by building local diagnostic and oncology capabilities.

**Why it matters:** The shift toward non-communicable diseases like cancer poses a significant challenge to African health systems, necessitating international cooperation and structural reforms to ensure sustainable care.

infosgabon.com - Gabon : Le cancer, la nouvelle fracture sanitaire africaine

gabonactu.com - Genève : l’OMS renouvelle son appui aux réformes sanitaires du Gabon

Gabon Addresses Rising Cancer Burden and Health Reforms at WHO Assembly

**Summary:** The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have conducted primary elections across Nigeria to select candidates for the 2027 House of Representatives race.

**Key points:**
- APC House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere confirmed his victory in the Owan Federal Constituency of Edo State, dismissing reports of his defeat.
- The PDP in Abia State utilized consensus and affirmation modes to select candidates for four federal constituencies, including State Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna.
- Kano State APC officials reported that 20 serving legislators secured tickets via consensus, while four constituencies held contested primaries.
- APC aspirants in Adamawa State protested against the alleged imposition of a candidate in the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde constituency.

**Why it matters:** These primary elections are critical for determining the candidate slates for Nigeria's 2027 general elections, reflecting ongoing internal party dynamics and disputes over selection processes.

dailypost.ng - Abia PDP Chairman clinches House of Reps ticket, as candidates emerge

dailypost.ng - APC aspirants protest alleged imposition of Reps candidate in Adamawa

dailypost.ng - APC returns 20 Kano Reps through consensus, holds four contested primaries

legit.ng - APC primaries: Reps leader Ihonvbere claims victory in Edo, rejects defeat claim

Nigerian Political Parties Conduct House of Representatives Primary Elections

**Summary:** Colombian President Gustavo Petro has characterized the ongoing protests in Bolivia as a popular insurrection and offered his government's assistance to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the political crisis.

**Key points:**
- Protesters are demanding the resignation of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz amid ongoing social unrest.
- The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), the country's primary labor union, has led two weeks of mobilizations initially sparked by wage demands.
- Bolivian authorities recently conducted operations to clear road blockades but later withdrew forces to prevent potential violence.
- The Bolivian government has initiated dialogue with various social organizations to address the escalating tensions.

**Why it matters:** The offer of mediation from a regional leader highlights the potential for the Bolivian crisis to impact broader Latin American stability and diplomatic relations.

unionradio.net - Petro afirma que Bolivia vive una «insurrección popular» y ofrece mediación ante la crisis

elcomercio.pe - Petro afirma que Bolivia vive una “insurrección popular” y ofrece mediación ante la crisis

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro Offers Mediation in Bolivia's Political Crisis

**Summary:** Following a visit to Beijing by US President Donald Trump, the White House announced that the United States and China have confirmed the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as a shared objective.

**Key points:**
- President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping reached an agreement on the goal during high-level meetings in Beijing.
- The White House statement follows reports that President Donald Trump also discussed regional security issues, including Iran and Taiwan, with Chinese leadership.
- The commitment to denuclearization comes amid broader international calls for nuclear disarmament.

**Why it matters:** The alignment between the US and China on North Korean denuclearization represents a significant diplomatic effort to address regional security and nuclear proliferation concerns in East Asia.

lenta.ru - Белый дом назвал общую цель США и Китая

vesti.ru - В Белом дома заявили, что денуклеаризация КНДР является общей целью США и Китая

US and China Affirm Shared Goal of Denuclearizing North Korea

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation to discuss the ongoing war in Iran, as the US evaluates its next steps regarding military action and diplomatic negotiations.

**Key points:**
- The call occurred ahead of a closed-door security meeting in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating he was prepared for any scenario.
- The US and Israel are reportedly preparing for potential new strikes against Iranian military and infrastructure targets.
- Iran has issued five conditions for ending the conflict, including the lifting of sanctions and the restoration of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
- US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that China has committed to not providing material assistance to Iran following recent talks with President Donald Trump.

**Why it matters:** The coordination between the US and Israel regarding potential military escalation in Iran, coupled with China's stance on material support, significantly impacts the stability of the Middle East and global energy transit.

news.mail.ru - Трамп обсудил с Нетаньяху ситуацию в Иране

profile.ru - Китай пообещал Трампу не оказывать материальную помощь Ирану

arabic.cnn.com - مسؤول إسرائيلي : اتصال بين نتنياهو وترامب بينما تدرس أمريكا خياراتها بشأن إيران

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Discuss Iran Conflict

**Summary:** High-level officials from several nations arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13). The event focuses on global urban development, sustainability, and international cooperation.

**Key points:**
- President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić held bilateral meetings with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to discuss economic and political cooperation.
- Staša Košarac, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, arrived in Baku to attend the forum.
- Discussions at the forum include the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and strategies for sustainable city infrastructure.
- President Vučić highlighted the importance of new direct flights between Baku and Belgrade to boost tourism and business ties.

**Why it matters:** The forum serves as a critical platform for international leaders to coordinate on urban policy and strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships.

day.az - Сербия считает Азербайджан истинной дружественной страной

trend.az - Deputy Chairman of Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina arrives in Azerbaijan on visit

International Leaders Convene in Baku for UN World Urban Forum

**Summary:** The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued secret arrest warrants for five Israeli officials, though the court has reportedly characterized the report as inaccurate.

**Key points:**
- The reported warrants allegedly target three political figures and two military officials.
- The ICC previously issued public arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.
- Israel has consistently challenged the ICC's jurisdiction, arguing it is not a signatory to the Rome Statute.
- The ICC maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed within Palestinian territories, which have been a member state since 2015.

**Why it matters:** The potential expansion of international legal action against Israeli leadership carries significant implications for their ability to travel abroad and the ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding the conflict in Gaza.

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