**Summary:** The Malian government has formally announced its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic stance. Concurrently, Mali has withdrawn its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

**Key points:**
- Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop confirmed the policy change during a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Bamako.
- The decision follows a recent United Nations Security Council resolution that identified the Moroccan autonomy proposal as a credible solution for the territory.
- The move occurs amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Mali and Algeria, a long-standing supporter of the Polisario Front independence movement.

**Why it matters:** This diplomatic realignment reflects a broader trend of African nations shifting support toward Morocco's sovereignty claims over Western Sahara, further isolating the Polisario Front.

jeuneafrique.com - Le Mali appuie le plan d’autonomie marocain pour le Sahara occidental

google.com - Mali resets Africa’s compass on the Western Sahara

Mali Withdraws Recognition of Sahrawi Republic and Backs Moroccan Autonomy Plan

**Summary:** Panic occurred in Juba on Friday after gunshots were heard near the Customs Freedom Hall, where the trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused was taking place.

**Key points:**
- The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.
- Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), stated the gunfire was an isolated dispute between soldiers near the Garang Mausoleum.
- Authorities have cautioned civil society members against speaking on behalf of the military regarding the event.

**Why it matters:** The incident occurred during a high-profile trial involving a key figure in South Sudan's fragile peace process, raising immediate security concerns in the capital.

sudanspost.com - BREAKING | Gunshots fired during Machar trial as SSPDF urges calm

eyeradio.org - SSPDF response to Customs Roundabout shooting: investigation underway

Gunfire reported near Juba trial of South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar

**Summary:** Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded a rare second set of twins born to a mountain gorilla named Nyiramurema. Additionally, aerial surveys indicate a significant return of elephant herds to the park.

**Key points:**
- The birth of twins to a single mountain gorilla mother twice is considered biologically exceptional for the species.
- The return of hundreds of forest and savanna elephants to the park's interior is attributed to improved security conditions.
- Conservationists emphasize that these wildlife gains result from long-term ranger efforts and community engagement despite ongoing regional conflict.

**Why it matters:** These wildlife milestones provide critical data on the recovery of endangered species in a region historically impacted by poaching and armed conflict.

Africa.com - Two of a Kind, Twice: Inside Virunga’s Extraordinary Wildlife Comeback

google.com - Two of a kind, twice: inside Virunga’s extraordinary wildlife comeback

Virunga National Park Reports Rare Gorilla Birth and Elephant Population Recovery

**Summary:** Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected reports that the Cuban government requested a five-year confidentiality agreement regarding humanitarian aid shipments from Mexico.

**Key points:**
- The newspaper El Universal reported that the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) claimed Cuba requested the secrecy to avoid potential civil unrest or opposition activity.
- President Sheinbaum stated that no such request was made and emphasized that Mexico has nothing to hide regarding its support for the Cuban people.
- Mexico has delivered over 3,125 tons of humanitarian aid, including food and supplies, to Cuba in recent months.
- The Mexican government previously suspended oil shipments to Cuba earlier this year due to concerns over potential United States sanctions.

**Why it matters:** The conflicting reports highlight the sensitive nature of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and Cuba amid ongoing international scrutiny and regional geopolitical tensions.

diariodecuba.com - Sheinbaum contradice a su Secretaría de Exteriores por la ayuda enviada por su Gobierno a Cuba

cubanet.org - La Habana habría pedido a México ocultar datos sobre su ayuda a la Isla; Sheimbaun lo niega

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Denies Cuba Requested Secrecy on Humanitarian Aid

**Summary:** U.S. First Lady Melania Trump held a rare press conference at the White House to deny any personal relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, labeling claims of a connection as defamatory lies.

**Key points:**
- Melania Trump stated she was never friends with Jeffrey Epstein and had never visited his private island or traveled on his aircraft.
- She clarified that her only contact with Ghislaine Maxwell was limited to casual correspondence.
- The First Lady called on Congress to hold a public hearing to address the needs of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.
- Official records, including a 2002 email, have previously linked the First Lady to Jeffrey Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

**Why it matters:** The statement addresses ongoing public and political scrutiny regarding the associations of high-profile figures with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking.

DIE ZEIT - Epstein-Akten: Melania Trump streitet engere Verbindung zu Epstein ab

Cyprus Mail - Melania Trump says she never had a relationship with Epstein

Diario Financiero - Melania Trump niega haber sido víctima de Epstein en una declaración desde la Casa Blanca

FAZ - Liveblog USA unter TrumP: Melania Trump weist Verbindung zu Epstein zurück

Melania Trump Denies Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

**Summary:** Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the Orthodox Easter holiday, spanning from 16:00 local time on April 11 to the end of April 12, 2026.

**Key points:**
- The directive instructs the Russian Ministry of Defense and the General Staff to halt combat operations during the specified period.
- Russian forces are ordered to remain prepared to respond to potential provocations or aggressive actions from Ukrainian forces.
- The Kremlin expressed an expectation that the Ukrainian side would reciprocate the ceasefire gesture.
- Ukrainian officials have not yet provided an official response to the announcement.
- Previous unilateral ceasefire declarations by Russia have been met with skepticism by Ukrainian authorities, who cited continued combat activity during past holiday periods.

**Why it matters:** The ceasefire announcement represents a significant, albeit brief, pause in active hostilities during a major religious holiday, though its impact on the ongoing conflict remains uncertain given past experiences.

day.az - Путин объявил пасхальное перемирие

pravda.com.ua - Путін оголосив "великоднє перемир'я" лише на півтори доби – Кремль

lenta.ru - Кремль обратился с призывом к Украине

espreso.tv - Путін оголосив Великоднє перемир'я з Україною

tsn.ua - Путін оголосив про великоднє перемир'я: що відомо

star.com.tr - Putin'den Paskalya ateşkesi: 11 Nisan'dan 12 Nisan sonuna kadar olacak

rmf24.pl - Władimir Putin ogłasza tymczasowe zawieszenie broni w Ukrainie

Russian President Vladimir Putin Announces Temporary Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine

**Summary:** The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is transitioning toward a strategy focused on local institutional partnerships, artificial intelligence, and women-centered development in Africa as traditional Western donor funding declines.

**Key points:**
- Foundation CEO Mark Suzman and Africa Director Paulin Basinga highlighted the shift during a partners convening in Nairobi, Kenya.
- The foundation is establishing AI hubs in Rwanda and Senegal and is in discussions to launch additional centers in Kenya.
- Investments include AI-enabled agricultural tools for smallholder farmers and support for local manufacturing, such as the Revital Healthcare syringe factory in Kilifi.
- The organization aims to build sustainable institutional partnerships before its planned endowment spend-down by 2045.

**Why it matters:** This strategic pivot reflects a broader trend in global development where major philanthropic entities are moving away from traditional donor models toward localized, technology-driven solutions to ensure long-term institutional impact.

africa.com - Gates Foundation Deepens Africa Commitment, Betting on Local Institutions and AI to Drive Health and Economic Outcomes

google.com - Gates Foundation Deepens Africa Commitment, Betting on Local Institutions and AI to Drive Health and Economic Outcomes | Africa News

Gates Foundation Shifts Strategy to Prioritize Local Institutions and AI in Africa

**Summary:** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered direct peace negotiations with Lebanon, aiming to secure the disarmament of the militant group Hezbollah and establish peaceful relations between the two nations.

**Key points:**
- The first round of direct talks is scheduled to take place next week at the United States Department of State in Washington.
- Israel confirmed the death of Ali Youssef Kharshi, a senior aide and relative of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, during recent military operations.
- The Israeli government reported that its forces targeted over 100 locations in Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties.
- Hezbollah announced it would resume rocket fire against Israel following the latest escalation.

**Why it matters:** The initiation of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon represents a significant diplomatic attempt to de-escalate a violent regional conflict that has persisted alongside broader tensions involving Iran and the United States.

Lenta.ru - Раскрыто место проведения переговоров Израиля и Ливана

Diario Financiero - Netanyahu instruye negociaciones directas con el Líbano tras haber intensificado los ataques

Vanguardia - Israel eliminó al secretario principal del líder de Hezbolá en nuevos ataques contra el Líbano

La Tercera - Netanyahu ordena negociaciones directas con Líbano para establecer la paz y “desmantelar” a Hezbolá

Israel and Lebanon to Hold Direct Peace Negotiations in Washington