Iraq: new church at historic site of Ur
A bell has chimed for the first time at Ibrahim Al-Khalil Church in Ur, heralding its upcoming inauguration and marking a significant step in the region's religious and cultural landscape. The church, part of a larger complex honouring Abraham, aims to revive pilgrimage to the historic site and encourage the return of Christians to Iraq. It symbolises interfaith dialogue and offers a space for worship, social gatherings, and cultural activities. Designed with elements reflecting spirituality and history, the church hopes to attract tourists and strengthen ties between Muslims, Christians, and other minorities. Amidst challenges of war and sectarian violence, its completion signifies a new chapter, emphasising dialogue and reconciliation. With optimism for Iraq's reconstruction, the project's completion signals hope for a peaceful future, echoing the Pope’s message of peace and outreach amidst regional tensions.
Sudan: army gains control of broadcasting headquarters
Sudan's army has reclaimed the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman, marking a symbolic victory in its eleven-month civil war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF had held the building since the conflict began but had not been able to transmit from it; state television has continued to show pro-army content, broadcast from elsewhere in the country. Despite UN calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan, intense fighting has continued in several parts of Khartoum. This recapture signifies a major setback for the RSF, which had used the headquarters as a stronghold. The conflict, stemming from disagreements between military and RSF leaders over a political transition to civilian rule, has displaced millions, devastated Khartoum, and triggered ethnic violence in Darfur. International efforts to broker peace have faltered, and the humanitarian toll remains dire, with warnings of growing hunger and continued displacement.
South Africa: man arrested after murder of three Coptic priests
South African police have arrested a suspect following the murder of three Egyptian priests on 12 March. The Coptic Orthodox Church said that they had been subjected to a criminal attack in a monastery in Cullinan. The 35-year-old man is expected to appear before Cullinan magistrates' court on 14 March. All three victims were found with stab wounds, while a fourth victim who survived said that he was hit on the hand by an iron rod before fleeing and hiding in one of the rooms. The police said the suspect left without taking any valuable items or properties from the place, and his motive is unknown at this stage.
USA: it’s a Biden-Trump rematch
This week, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump secured their parties' nominations for the November election, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2020 presidential election. Biden, 81, expressed gratitude for the support amid what he described as a heightened threat from Trump. He asserted the US was in the middle of an economic comeback, but faced challenges to its future as a democracy, as well as from those seeking to pass abortion restrictions and cut social programmes. Despite persistent concerns from voters that his age limits his ability to perform the duties of the presidency, he faced no serious Democratic challengers. Meanwhile, Trump, 77, maintains popularity within the Republican voter base, focusing his campaign on immigration, crime, energy, and foreign policy. The results were expected, as both candidates have dominated their respective races, even though polling suggests dissatisfaction with the prospect of another Biden-Trump showdown. The nominations will be formalised at party conventions in the summer, leading to what is anticipated to be a closely-watched and contentious election in November.
