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World

Eritrean troops reportedly enter Ethiopia’s Tigray region

Eritrean troops have deployed in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, multiple sources said Wednesday, threatening to turn an internal conflict into a wider regional war. Fighting broke out between the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian federal forces on September 23, sparking fears of a return to the devastating 2020-2022 civil war. Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing the rebels, and the two neighbours severed diplomatic ties last week.

World

African Union launches continent's first credit rating agency

The African Union launched the continent's first credit rating agency on Wednesday, seeking to provide an alternative to the "big three" global ratings agencies as debt burdens weigh on many African economies. The Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) — the creation of which African leaders endorsed in 2018 — was ​launched at a ceremony ‌attended by African officials in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, where it will be based.

Politics

France to release 10m barrels of diesel in bid to curb rising prices

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Wednesday that he would make ten million barrels of diesel available to distributors in France, in a bid to help ease pressure on fuel prices. The diesel, which was purchased before the recent price surge and would be made available at cost price, would "automatically lower prices at the pump by an estimated 12 to 18 cents per litre," he said during a televised address.

Politics

Anger mounts in Spain as woman whose eviction ignited housing protests dies

Maricarmen ​Abascal, the 87-year-old Spanish woman whose dramatic eviction last month sparked mass housing protests that led to an early election, has died, the Madrid tenants' union said on Wednesday, as thousands demonstrated over her death. France 24's correspondent in Madrid Sarah Morris has the details.

Politics

US: Award-winning Kashmiri filmmaker detained

Arfat Sheikh was detained by ICE agents in Washington on September 24, it was confirmed on Wednesday. Officials say he "illegally overstayed his lawful admittance" as US President Trump pursues an immigration clampdown.

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Politics

DNC sues Trump administration over taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting president

The Democratic National Committee sued President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday over taxpayer-funded television ads promoting his political message, alleging illegal government propaganda. The lawsuit seeks to halt federal funding for the ads, which have cost more than $12 million to air ahead of November’s midterm elections, according to AdImpact.

Politics

France suspends stun grenade use at student protests after pupil loses hand

France has suspended the use of stun grenades by police at student-led demonstrations, the interior minister said Wednesday, as allegations of police brutality mounted after days of sometimes violent demonstrations across the country. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Tuesday demanding better conditions in high schools. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis reports.

World

Evicted pensioner who sparked Spain housing protests dies: tenant union

Maricarmen ​Abascal, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked housing ​protests in Spain, has died, Madrid's tenants' union said on Wednesday. Abascal's eviction sparked a series of ​protests ‌across Spain in the past couple ⁠of weeks, including activists camping on one of Madrid's main ‌squares, and calls for tackling a ⁠mounting housing crisis. FRANCE 24's Sarah Morris reports from Madrid.

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Politics

Trump says 'we don't think' Russian plague is bio-weapon

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the death of a Russian plague laboratory worker did not appear to be linked to a biological weapon. "We don't think so. We're going to find out soon enough, but we don't think so," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if a "bio-weapon" was involved. Russia warned earlier against "false" information as reports emerged of a second suspected case. The US and UN have urged Russia to be more transparent. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson reports from Washington.