Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Rafah – The Biden administration expressed sympathy for the civilian casualties resulting from an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, which killed at least 45 Palestinians. But it indicated it would await the results of an Israeli investigation before taking further action. National security communications adviser John Kirby acknowledged the tragic loss of lives while also recognising Israel’s right to target Hamas, noting the strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists. The incident has sparked international outrage and increased pressure on the Biden administration to reconsider its military support for Israel. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to the violence.
Dakhla – The port of Dakhla in the disputed Western Sahara region controlled by Morocco is transforming from a kitesurfing hotspot into a major trade hub with the construction of a $1.2-billion port. The 1,650-hectare port will include an oil terminal, fishing dock and shipyard, handling 35-million tons of goods annually, and is set to be completed in 2028. Director Nisrine Iouzzi highlighted the port’s strategic location and significant foreign investment. The project is part of Morocco’s strategy to modernise its ports by 2030 and enhance its role in global trade.
US – In his closing argument, the lawyer defending former president Donald Trump attacked witness Michael Cohen’s credibility, calling him the “greatest liar of all time”. Prosecutors countered by emphasising the strong evidence against Trump despite Cohen’s flaws. The jury will soon decide if Trump falsified business records to hide a hush-money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The prosecution argues this was done to unlawfully influence the election. Legal experts are divided on whether the prosecution’s lengthy arguments will persuade the jury. The jury must unanimously agree to convict; otherwise, a mis-trial will be declared.
Thailand – Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been indicted on charges related to a 2015 interview in which he allegedly insulted the monarchy. He must appear in court on 18 June but missed a recent hearing due to Covid-19. Thaksin denied the charges and pledged loyalty to the monarchy. After serving as prime minister from 2001 until a 2006 coup, Thaksin returned to Thailand in August after 15 years in exile and was detained. His eight-year sentence for corruption was reduced to one year, and he was paroled after six months. Thailand’s strict royal defamation laws carry severe penalties, and the recent death of an activist in pre-trial detention has sparked calls for reform. Thaksin’s political party, Pheu Thai, now governs in coalition with former military rivals led by his daughter Paetongtarn.
Pictured above: Joe Biden.
Image source: X
