International
WHO Urges Trump To Reconsider Pulling Out USA from Membership
The World Health Organization, WHO, has urged United States President, Donald Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw the country from its membership.
Recall that the president, shortly after assuming office, yesterday, had signed an executive order to withdraw the country from the global health body.
He cited a string of reasons for his action, among which included WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its alleged failure to adopt urgently needed reforms.
Trump further alleged that while WHO demands what he referred to as “unfairly onerous payments” from the United States, China pays less.
Reacting to the action of the United States President, the World Health Organization, said it hopes “the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”
The WHO’s reaction read:” The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization. millions of people around the globe.”
The WHO’s reaction read:” The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.
“WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.
“The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.
“For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.
“Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.
“With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries.
This work continues. “We hope the United States will reconsider, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe. “
International
Death toll in South Africa bar shooting rises to 18, police say
The motive for the attack was not clear but the area is reportedly gripped by rivalry between gangs involved in illicit mining for gold.
• Forensic officers and the army at the scene of a mass shooting at a bar in Wedela township, 27 September, 2026 AP Photo
The death toll from a mass shooting at a South African tavern has risen to 18 after one person died in hospital, police said on Monday, announcing at least two of the dead were Lesotho nationals.
The shooting west of Johannesburg late on Saturday was part of a bloody weekend in the crime-weary country, with 10 people killed in another mass shooting in Cape Town on Sunday.
Eight gunmen armed with assault rifles stormed the bar in the semi-rural township of Wedela, around 80 kilometres from central Johannesburg, and killed13 men and four women, police said.
“One more victim has died in hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to 18,” they said.
“Only four of the deceased have been identified, two South Africans and two Lesotho nationals.”
The motive for the attack was not clear but the area is reportedly gripped by rivalry between gangs involved in illicit mining for gold.
Thousands of unregistered miners operate in abandoned mining shafts in South Africa, many coming from across southern Africa, including the kingdom of Lesotho which is within South Africa.
International
Congo military plane crash kills 13, including three officers
“All those on board died; 12 were burned beyond recognition, while the pilot’s lifeless body was found outside the aircraft.”
Thirteen people including three army officers were killed on Friday when a military plane crashed in Democratic Republic of Congo, an official said.
Reuters reported that the plane was travelling to the capital, Kinshasa, from the southwestern city of Kikwit when it experienced a technical problem and attempted to land in Kenge, in Kwango province, said Remy Saki Bokinda, the Kwango vice governor.
“With no landing strip available in Kenge, the plane crashed into a residential plot,” he said.
The passengers included General Likulia Bakumi, the army’s auditor general, as well as a major, a captain and other military personnel and civilians, Bokinda said.
“All those on board died; 12 were burned beyond recognition, while the pilot’s lifeless body was found outside the aircraft,” he said.
Congo’s aviation accident investigation authority is launching a probe of the crash, a government statement said.
Congo’s army suffered significant setbacks last year at the hands of Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels who seized large swathes of the east.
International
At UN, 80 countries demand reopening of Hormuz, condemn Iran, Houthi attacks
“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” said a joint statement read out by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani at the United Nations.
• UN General Assembly
Some 80 countries at the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday demanded the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and condemned Iran and its Houthi allies for attacks in the region and disruption to international trade and energy security.
“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” said a joint statement read out by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani at the United Nations.
“We also strongly condemn the Houthis’ decision to resume conflict in Yemen, their continuous strikes on Saudi Arabia, and their reckless attacks in the Red Sea,” the statement said.
The statement’s backers included Gulf Arab states and major Western powers.
It added that the Houthis’ advance towards Bab el-Mandeb Strait would also only heighten risks to international shipping, maritime security and global trade.
Both Iran and the Houthis frame their actions as defensive.
Credit: REUTERS
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