RFI reveals that Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron have signed a "déclaration d'intention" for the acquisition of 100 Rafale jets by Ukraine. This agreement positions France as a long-term defense supplier to Ukraine, with delivery timelines projected over a decade. While symbolically reinforcing European solidarity, the deal also raises questions about financing via frozen Russian assets and the urgency of delivering military aid amidst escalating conflict.
In a historic decision, the UN Security Council approved Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, which includes deploying a force internationale de stabilisation and initiating a transitional governance committee led by Trump himself. Despite the resolution being seen as a step toward consolidating a fragile ceasefire, both Hamas and Israel have expressed strong objections, highlighting the political and operational complexities.
La Dépêche reports on the evacuation of two Romanian villages near the Danube, following a Russian drone strike on a Turkish-flagged tanker carrying liquefied gas. This unprecedented NATO-border incident underscores the risks of spillover effects from the Ukraine war, with Romania adopting precautionary measures amidst rising tensions.
Tensions between China and Japan have deepened, as Pékin reacted strongly to Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. RFI notes that diplomatic friction has escalated into economic retaliation, with mass cancellations of Chinese travel to Japan and cultural boycotts. Japan, in response, has issued cautionary advisories to its citizens in China.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), RFI highlights the fragility of the Doha accord between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels. Despite initial agreements on prisoner exchanges and ceasefire mechanisms, distrust persists, and violence continues. The situation reflects the persistent challenges of managing territorial authority and ensuring durable peace.
RFI Afrique reports that China has begun receiving shipments of Simandou iron ore from Guinea, signaling a shift in global supply chains. The project, operational after two decades of delays, strengthens China's strategic independence from Australian and Brazilian iron imports. This development also highlights Beijing's growing influence in Afrique de l’Ouest.
RFI (Afrique)
Politics
Criticism mounts in the UK over proposed asylum reforms modeled after Denmark's policies, according to RFI. The government's plans to impose stricter eligibility criteria and temporary refugee statuses have drawn sharp backlash from humanitarian groups, who argue these measures contravene international obligations.
RFI
Environment
At the COP30 in Belém, methane reduction has emerged as a central focus, with 160 countries pledging a 30% cut by 2030. RFI highlights this as a cost-effective and immediate strategy to combat climate change, though actual progress remains limited. Concurrently, the Pape Léon XIV has called for global leaders to demonstrate stronger political will, lamenting missed opportunities to implement the Accord de Paris.
RFI
La Croix
