Mozambique’s new parliament was sworn in on Monday in Maputo under tight security, as opposition-led protests and a general strike turned the city into a ghost town.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who continues to challenge the results of the October 9 election, called for the strike to protest alleged electoral fraud.

The swearing-in saw about 30 seats left vacant as opposition parties Renamo and MDM boycotted the event, demanding a recount. However, members of the Podemos party attended, with MP Ivandro Massingue accusing the boycotting parties of “cowardice.”

Protests in the city featured barricades and burning tires, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. “We are tired of manipulation. Independence begins today,” said Osvaldo, a protester. Businesses in some areas remained closed due to fear of looting, though some, like shopkeeper Selzio, voiced support for the strike, saying, “Change requires sacrifice.”

Incoming President Daniel Chapo has called for unity, while new Speaker Margarida Talapa pledged a parliament “open to dialogue.” However, citizens remain skeptical, with many criticizing the government for ignoring the country’s worsening conditions.

At least 40 farmers have lost their lives in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state due to recent violence attributed to jihadists, according to a government official’s report on Monday.

The assault is believed to have been orchestrated by extremists linked to Boko Haram and its splinter faction that pledges allegiance to the Islamic State, according to the Borno state Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He urged residents to remain within designated “safe zones” that have been cleared of both militants and explosives by the military.

Zulum also called for a thorough investigation into the incident by the armed forces.

“I assure the people of Borno that this issue will be investigated comprehensively for appropriate action. I urge the armed forces to pursue and confront those responsible for this brutal act against our innocent citizens,” he stated.

Boko Haram, Nigeria’s indigenous jihadist group, began its insurgency in 2009, opposing Western education and seeking to impose a radical interpretation of Islamic law.

This conflict has become the longest-running militant struggle in Africa, affecting neighbouring countries as well.

According to the U.N., approximately 35,000 civilians have been killed, and over 2 million have been displaced in the north-eastern region.

The 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno state—the heart of the conflict—brought global attention to the crisis.

Pope Francis condemned the “scourge” of child labour and the various abuses that children endure, asserting that those who harm or exploit a child will ultimately face divine judgment.

In his inaugural catechism lesson of 2025, he focused on the struggles faced by children, urging the faithful to not turn a blind eye to the issue of child labour.

The pope expressed his intention to focus this and the upcoming catechesis on children, specifically addressing the issue of child labour.

He noted that while we can easily divert our attention to Mars or digital realms, we often fail to truly see the children who are marginalized, exploited, and mistreated.

He pointed out that even in an era of artificial intelligence and plans for life on other planets, we have not adequately confronted the plight of children who suffer humiliation, exploitation, and severe harm.

He urged everyone to reflect on this matter.

Known for his strong stance on child labour—particularly during his international visits.

During his 2023 visit to Congo, he criticized foreign powers and mining companies for exploiting children to harvest the country’s valuable natural resources, claiming they were ravaging the continent for their own selfish desires.

The 88-year-old Pontiff looked amused by a performance from CircAfrica, an African-themed circus troupe.

While in Rome, the group entertained the Pope in the Vatican auditorium with acrobats, robotic puppet elephants, jugglers, and dancers on roller skates.

Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, was back on the training court in Melbourne on Thursday.

The four-time Grand Slam winner is making her comeback after taking a break from tennis in 2023 for the birth of her daughter.

Osaka returned to competitive play last year, but the former world number one has not yet regained her previous form.

Her last title came from her win at the 2021 Australian Open.

For the second consecutive year, Osaka will compete against France’s Caroline Garcia in the first round of the Australian Open.

Garcia eliminated Osaka in their opening match at the 2024 Australian Open.

Last Sunday, Naomi Osaka had to retire due to injury after the first set of the ASB Classic final in Auckland, New Zealand, handing the title to Clara Tauson of Denmark.

Osaka won the first set 6-4 and seemed to be in control, but during the break, she received treatment for an abdominal injury and chose not to continue.

Mozambique’s main opposition leader returned from exile Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome him home.

Venancio Mondlane was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo. He had left the country in October following a disputed election that has sparked months of violent protests and thrown the country into turmoil.

Mondlane said he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a late-night shooting in the aftermath of the election.

Police on Thursday also blocked roads leading to the airport after Mondlane said on social media earlier this week he would return to the southern African country. Tear gas drifted over the airport and surrounding roads and a helicopter hovered overhead.

Thousands of Mondlane’s supporters were expected to gather in Maputo for his return, prompting the clampdown by security forces.

More than 100 people have been killed by security forces since Mozambique erupted in protests that Mondlane called for after the long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the Oct. 9 election. Mondlane and other opposition candidates accused the ruling party of rigging the election and international observers reported irregularities in the vote and the alteration of some results.

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory last month, making its candidate, Daniel Chapo, the president-elect. He is due to be inaugurated next week to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.

Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique for 50 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has often been accused of rigging elections since Mozambique held its first democratic vote in 1994. The latest street protests in several major cities have been the biggest threat to Frelimo’s rule.

At least six soldiers and 34 Islamic extremists died in a clash in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, the military said Wednesday.

The rebels, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, launched a surprise attack on the troops, who resisted and engaged them in a gun battle, Nigerian military spokesperson Edward Buba said in a statement.

Borno has been the center of extremist violence in Nigeria since the Boko Haram extremist group launched an insurgency in 2009 to enforce their interpretation of Shariah law. The insurgency, which has spilled over to Nigeria’s three neighbours in the Lake Chad region, has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced 2.6 million others.

The latest attack occurred Sunday in Sabon Gari village in the Damboa council area, a hot spot that has been mostly deserted by residents. “The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops,” Buba said.

The attack was seen as a setback for the Nigerian military, which often claims the rebels have been “degraded.” Despite such claims, deadly ambushes and suicide bombings have continued in the last year.

Ending the war has been challenging because of a lack of political will and the ability of the extremists to operate freely across the borders with Nigeira’s northern neighbours, said Senator Iroegbu, an Abuja-based security analyst.

He said the military has also struggled to obtain “accurate and timely intelligence on Boko Haram’s movements and plans.”

Boko Haram gained international attention in April 2014 when it abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok village in Borno. Dozens of the girls remain missing.

Ethiopia, one of the earliest nations to embrace Christianity, continues to honour its rich religious heritage. This year, thousands of Ethiopian pilgrims and international tourists gathered in the historic town of Lalibela to celebrate Orthodox Christmas at one of the world’s oldest and most unique churches.

Lalibela’s churches, built in the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remain a pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians each year. The churches, carved directly into solid rock, stand as a reminder of Ethiopia’s ancient connection to Christianity and its unique religious practices.

The Orthodox Christmas, known as “Lidet” in Ethiopia, takes place on January 7th. The three-day festival, filled with religious ceremonies and family gatherings, draws believers from across the country and around the world. This year, thousands of worshippers attended a church service in Lalibela to mark the birth of Jesus, showcasing Ethiopia’s enduring commitment to its Christian faith.

Samuel Choi, a tourist from Hong Kong, was among the visitors who marvelled at the cultural richness of the celebration. “You have such a wonderful, rich heritage. It’s very unique in the world,” Choi said. “There are no other places you can find that I am quite free, when I came and saw all these people all come in for one reason, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And so I’m actually very thrilled and very happy to be able to be in Ethiopia.”

For Ethiopian pilgrims like Masresha Misgana, the event is a yearly tradition that draws them closer to the country’s religious roots. “King Lalibela constructed these churches and heritage sites in the 12th century, creating the second Jerusalem in Africa,” Misgana explained. “Each year, Christians come to visit this second Jerusalem to celebrate, and we also join in the festivities.”

The Orthodox Christmas celebration is not only about faith but also about maintaining centuries-old traditions.

John Mike, a tourist from Jamaica, shared his thoughts on the experience: “Some of the clothes and the instruments and the traditions are the same that they have been for many hundreds of years. So it’s very historical. Even this morning, when we were downstairs in the church and we looked outside, we didn’t know it was 2025. It could have been anytime from the last thousand years. Lalibela is a place where the ancient and the modern come together.”

Unlike Catholic and Protestant Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopians observe the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind. This difference in dates is one reason why Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th, rather than December 25th.

The celebrations are marked by vibrant religious rituals, including a midnight mass and feasts where families come together after breaking a long fast. Traditionally, Ethiopians slaughter animals such as goats or cattle, as a symbolic gesture of sharing the joy of the occasion with family and friends.

Elon Musk has expressed interest in buying English football club Liverpool, his father says.

The Premier League club is privately owned by Fenway Sports Group, which has not indicated it wants to sell but has accepted external investment in the past.

Speaking to Times Radio, Errol Musk acknowledged that the Tesla CEO has shown an interest in the six-time European Cup champions.

“Oh yes, but that doesn’t mean he’s buying it,” Errol Musk said. “He would like to, yes, obviously, anybody would want to. So would I.”

He also said: “I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price.”

When contacted by The Associated Press, a spokesperson for FSG said there was “No truth to these rumours.”

In September 2023 FSG sold a minority stake to U.S. investment firm Dynasty Equity.

At that time, FSG president Mike Gordon said: “Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever. We have always said that if there is an investment partner that is right for Liverpool then we would pursue the opportunity to help ensure the club’s long-term financial resiliency and future growth.”

Under FSG, Liverpool has re-established itself as one of the leading clubs in Europe. The Merseyside club won its first English league title in 30 years in 2020 — one season after winning the Champions League title. It leads the Premier League and Champions League this season.

Errol Musk said they have relatives in Liverpool and that “we were fortunate enough to know quite a few of the Beatles because they grew up with us — my family.”

Elon Musk has gotten himself involved in British politics since the centre-left Labour Party was elected in July. Musk has used his social network, X, to call for a new election.

On Monday, Starmer condemned “lies and misinformation” that he said are undermining British democracy, in response to a barrage of attacks on his government from Musk.

Burkina Faso defender Issa Kaboré is set to do a stint at German club Werder Bremen for the rest of the season.

According to Manchester City, his move is subject to international clearance.

Werder stands at seventh place in the Bundesliga, two points behind where it needs to be to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.

Kaboré was at Portugal’s Benfica for the first half of the season, featuring in several games.

He has also played for Burkina Faso several times this season, helping the club to qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 23 year old is yet to play a game for Manchester City since joining the club in 2020.

He was a substitute for two games at the beginning of this season, but was ultimately not used in those games.

The opposition frequently organizes these protests, which are consistently prohibited by the junta, causing significant disruption in the Guinean capital and often resulting in violent clashes.

The Guinean capital Conakry experienced a day of high tension on Monday January 6.

Although banned by the authorities, a demonstration organized by the Forces vives de Guinée took place in Conakry to demand the departure of the junta that has been in power in the country for over three years.

According to initial reports, one person was killed and many injured in the crackdown.

Several people were also arrested.

The city experienced significant disruptions in transport and commerce, despite a heavy police presence and stern warnings that kept many potential protesters at home.

The Forces vives de Guinée (FVG), a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups, is calling for the junta that ousted President Alpha Condé in 2021 to step down and establish a civilian-led transition.

Over three years have passed since the upheaval, and the return to civilian governance remains uncertain.

Last Sunday, protesters clashed with law enforcement in Koloma, where a prominent figure from the Union des forces démocratiques de Guinée was taken into custody.