UN Chief condemns Houthi attacks on civilian vessels in Red Sea
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned renewed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on civilian ships in the Red Sea. According to his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, the recent sinking of two commercial vessels resulted in at least four deaths, multiple injuries, and 15 crew members reported missing.
Guterres urged the Houthis to refrain from obstructing ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. He stressed that such attacks violate international law, endanger maritime safety, and threaten severe environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences, according to UN News.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to de-escalation in the region and to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen through engagement with all stakeholders.
Cameroon sets presidential election for October 12
Cameroon will hold its presidential election on October 12, according to a decree signed by President Paul Biya, leader of the Central African nation. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, according to Xinhua.
Candidates must submit their applications by July 21, with the final list to be published by August 11. The official campaign period will run from September 27 to October 11.
France Investigates X Over Alleged Data Misuse and Algorithm Abuse
French prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into social media platform X, citing allegations of data system interference and unauthorized data extraction by an organized group.
The investigation follows complaints filed in January by a French MP and a senior public official, who alleged that X’s algorithm was exploited for foreign interference, according to Reuters.
The case is being handled by the National Gendarmerie’s cybercrime unit, based on expert input and findings from public institutions.
X France CEO Laurent Buanec has denied the allegations, stating the platform enforces strict rules against hate speech and disinformation, Reuters reported.
Mexico condemns US immigration raids on farm workers
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denounced recent US immigration raids on California farms, calling them unfair and harmful to the US economy. She highlighted the essential role of Mexican and Latino migrant labor, warning that without them, key agricultural states risk seeing crops go unharvested.
Following the raids, Mexican consular staff began visiting detention centers to identify detained nationals. Sheinbaum also announced increased funding for consulates in the US to boost legal aid for affected Mexicans, according to Xinhua.
