Africa
Mali military recapture Konna
Mali’s army has recaptured the town of Konna from rebels, a week after France’s intervention. Reports say rebels were fleeing Konna, a central and strategically important town in the conflict. The African union commissioned an 100 strong African force, with backing from the U.N., who arrived yesterday to support the Mali administration. Nigeria has said it will add to peace efforts with 1,200 personnel due in the region at a later date. There is currently a refugee and IDP crisis in the region, with the U/N. reporting that 700,000 could be forced from their homes due to fighting.
Algeria gas plant: some hostages remain
Hostages are believed to still be with Islamist militants at a gas facility in the Algerian desert, some of whom are foreigners. Reports have confirmed four foreign workers and numerous militants dead during a bid to free them by Algerian military. This morning, addressing the House of Commons, David Cameron said that the number of British dead is expected to be less than the 30 speculated. Some 30-40 Algerians and 15-25 have reportedly escaped so far. The group of foreigners were captured on a bus and taken to the gas facility, after a Briton and Algerian were killed. Algerian Interior Minister told reporters “We reject all negotiations with the group”.
Asia
Pakistan PM Corruption case: Investigator found dead
An official in Pakistan, who was investigating a corruption case linked to Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, has been found dead in uncertain circumstances. Reports suggest he was found hanged in accommodation where he lived with other investigating officials. Earlier this week, an inquiry was set up after the Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant for the Prime Minister for allegations of corruption. The charges have been denied and include bribery in relation to bids for government commissioned energy projects. The international corruption watchdog, Transparency International, ranked Pakistan as the 139th most corrupt country in the world. All allegations are denied.
China’s economy begins to emerge
The world’s second largest economy has begun a trend in growth after a decade of relatively poor economic performance. According to official statistics, growth grew last quarter at 7.9%, up 0.5% from the previous quarter. The economy responded positively to an investment-led fiscal package which focused heavily on infrastructure projects. As new leaders begin to take control of the Chinese administration, economic performance seams paramount.
Europe
Cameron: UK could “drift” out of E.U.
David Cameron has said that the U.K. could “drift towards” an E.U. exist if current problems are not addressed. In a speech due today, Cameron was expected to set out a “positive vision” for a future relationship with the Union. Members of the ConLib government and opposition have expressed real concerns over a ‘sleeping walking exit’. The leader of the opposition said in an interview that Cameron was taking Britain to an “economic cliff” that would deter investors from the U.K.. Concerns have also been expressed by President Obama who’s administration said it would see the U.K’s break from Europe as highly unfavourable. The speech was postponed due to events in Algeria, for which the PM tabled an address to the Commons. A new date is yet to be set.
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