International
Biden, and Trump pay last respect as Carter is buried
The funeral gathered political figures across the spectrum, celebrating a statesman whose impact resonated globally.
▪︎ Biden touched Carter’s coffin/ Getty Image
The funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday was marked by heartfelt tributes from leaders, family, and close associates, ABC News reports.
President Joe Biden highlighted Carter’s unwavering commitment to dignity, justice, and integrity in his eulogy, emphasising lessons of character and respect.
“We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor and to stand up to — [what] my dad said, the greatest sin of all — the abuse of power,” Biden said, as all of the former presidents looked on.
“It’s not about being perfect, none of us are perfect.
We’re all fallible.”Jimmy Carter, throughout his life, he showed us what it means to be a practitioner of good works and a good and faithful servant of God, and of the people,” Biden said.
Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, called him the “definition of integrity,” reflecting on his grandfather’s consistency in private and public life, as well as his pioneering environmental and humanitarian efforts.
Carter’s domestic policy adviser, Stuart Eizenstat, praised his moral compass and bipartisan approach, noting Carter’s role in advancing civil rights and prioritising human rights in US foreign policy.
Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young spoke to Carter’s sensitivity and spirituality, recalling his efforts to foster unity and equality.
“I don’t mean this with any disrespect, but, it’s still hard for me to understand how you could get to be president from Plains, Georgia, Young noted prompting a big laugh from the crowd in the cathedral.
“He never wavered from his commitment to God almighty and his love of all of God’s children,” Young added. Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, was remembered as a leader whose vision transcended his time.
His legacy, including the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease, stands as a testament to his lifelong service.
The funeral gathered political figures across the spectrum, celebrating a statesman whose impact resonated globally.
Former US Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence, Karen Pence, former US President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former US President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former US President Barack Obama, US President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump, US President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden US Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff attend the state funeral for Carter at Washington National Cathedral.
International
‘128 journalists killed worldwide in 2025’,says IFJ
Meanwhile, the IFJ said that across the globe, 533 journalists were currently in prison – a figure that has more than doubled over the past half-decade.
• Journalists at work
A total of 128 journalists were killed around the world in 2025, more than half of them in the Middle East, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said Thursday.
The grim toll, up from 2024, “is not just a statistic, it’s a global red alert for our colleagues,” IFJ general secretary Anthony Bellanger told AFP.
The press group voiced particular alarm over the situation in the Palestinian territories, where it recorded 56 media professionals killed in 2025 as Israel’s war with Hamas ground on in Gaza.
“We’ve never seen anything like this: so many deaths in such a short time, in such a small area,” Bellanger said.
Journalists were also killed in Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru, India and elsewhere.
Bellanger condemned what he called “impunity” for those behind the attacks. “Without justice, it allows the killers of journalists to thrive,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the IFJ said that across the globe, 533 journalists were currently in prison – a figure that has more than doubled over the past half-decade.
International
In pictures: New Year welcomed around the world
The London Eye is illuminated by the fireworks display in central London. Credit: PA Media
Fireworks lit up the midnight sky over Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Day celebrations in Australia. Credit: AFP via Getty Images.
The UK rings in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display over London’s Big Ben. Credit: EPA
The London Eye is illuminated by the fireworks display in central London. Credit: PA Media
Scotland welcomes 2026 with world-renowned fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. PA Media
Fireworks light up the sky over the Brandenburg Gate during celebrations in Berlin. Credit: EPA
Crowds on Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France enjoy a light show and fireworks on the Arc de Triomphe. Credit: EPA
A firework display from the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower welcomed in the New Year. Credit: Shutterstock
Then Australia lit up the sky over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Credit: Shutterstock
Source: BBC
International
Doumboya wins Guinea presidential election
Doumbouya, 41, faced eight rivals for the presidency but the main opposition leaders were barred from running and had urged a boycott of the vote held over the weekend.
•Guinea President Mamady Doumbouya (C) greets supporters during his final campaign rally ahead of the country’s presidential election in Conakry on December 25, 2025. (Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT / AFP)
Guinea’s junta chief Mamady Doumbouya, who had pledged not to run for office after he seized power four years ago, has been elected president.
Doumboya secured a sweeping majority of the vote – 86.72 percent of the first-round vote, according to the General Directorate of Elections, well over the threshold that would trigger a runoff vote.
Voter turnout stood at 80.95 percent, according to Djenabou Toure, head of the General Directorate of Elections, on Tuesday
Doumbouya, 41, faced eight rivals for the presidency but the main opposition leaders were barred from running and had urged a boycott of the vote held over the weekend.
Doumbouya had placed well ahead in districts of the capital Conakry, often winning more than 80 percent, according to official partial results read out by Toure earlier on RTG public television.
He had a similar lead in several other areas, including Coyah, a town near Conakry, and in other parts of the country, such as Boffa and Fria in the west, Gaoual in the northwest, northern Koundara and Labe, and Nzerekore
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