Mar 27, 2023

*) Israeli president urges immediate halt to judicial overhaul Israeli President Isaac Herzog is urging PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt its bitterly contested judicial overhaul. This comes a day after Netanyahu sacked his defence minister for opposing the move, sparking mass street protests. Tens of thousands of Israelis are staging protests in several cities in a spontaneous outburst of anger against the prime minister’s plans, deepening a months-long crisis that has drawn concern from the US and other close allies. *) US Vice President Harris visits Africa with eye on countering China US Vice President Kamala Harris vows that the US will increase investment in Africa and help spur economic growth. The US vice president is embarking on a week-long tour of the continent, aimed at offering a counter to the growing influence of China. China has been investing heavily in Africa in recent decades, including in infrastructure and resource development. The Biden administration seeks to strengthen ties with Africa, in part to offer an alternative to rival powers. *) Kiev slams Putin’s nuclear plans, calls for UNSC session Ukraine is calling for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over Russia’s announcement that it would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. The Ukrainian foreign ministry says: “Russia once again confirms its chronic inability to be a responsible steward of nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence and prevention of war, not as a tool of threats and intimidation.” Ukraine says it expects effective actions to counteract the Kremlin’s nuclear blackmail from the United Kingdom, China, the United States and France, further demanding an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council. *) Tunisia coast guard recovers dozens of bodies after migrant vessels capsize Tunisia’s coast guard announces the recovery of the bodies of at least 29 migrants and asylum seekers from sub-Saharan African countries after three vessels capsized. The Tunisian coast guard sa