October 26, 2021

Daily News Brief

*) Several killed during violent military coup in Sudan Several people were killed during a violent military coup in Sudan while demanding the release of civilian leaders, including the prime minister. Hundreds were also injured as soldiers opened fire on citizens who took to the streets to try and stop the takeover. Sudan's top general declared a state of emergency and also dissolved the government. A move that sparked swift local outrage and international condemnation. *) ASEAN summit gets under way without Myanmar A summit of Southeast Asian leaders got underway without a Myanmar representative, after its junta leader was excluded for failure to follow a regional peace deal. Neither ASEAN’s chair Brunei, nor the bloc's secretary-general made a mention of the no-show in opening remarks at the virtual meeting. The ASEAN summit on October 15 excluded the junta chief who ousted a civilian government in February this year. *) Joint statement by 10 Western countries avert crisis with Turkey A diplomatic crisis has been averted after the US and nine other Western countries, including France and Germany, backed down from their joint statement a week ago, demanding the release of a Turkish prisoner. Turkey’s President Erdogan cautiously welcomed the move when the US Embassy in Ankara said "it maintains compliance with Article 41 of the Vienna Convention.” Erdogan warned that those who do not respect Turkey’s sensitivities and its independence, cannot live in the country. *) Over a dozen worshippers shot dead in Nigeria mosque At least 18 worshippers have been killed by gunmen who attacked a mosque in northern Nigeria during early morning prayers. The attackers, believed to be ethnic Fulani nomadic herders, were able to escape. Nigerian police said the attack was linked to a conflict between villagers and Fulani herders. And finally… *) Japan's Princess gives up her royal title Japanese Princess Mako has given up her royal title by marrying her university sweetheart. The couple wed in a low-key ceremony in Tokyo, following years of controversy over their relationship. The couple are expected to move to the US in the coming weeks to start their new life.