Mali: The government has removed French history from Mali’s school curriculum, refocusing lessons on Mali and African history to strengthen national identity.

Donald Trump says US pressure on Venezuela is about drugs. But a more convincing explanation is oil.

Not just any oil, but heavy crude. Although the US is the world’s largest oil producer, most of its output is light shale oil. Many American refineries—especially in Texas and Louisiana—are designed to process heavy, dense crude, and retrofitting them would cost billions.

As a result, the US still relies heavily on imports, mainly from Canada. Venezuela, meanwhile, sits on some of the largest heavy oil reserves on the planet. Even with production in decline, that resource gives the country outsized strategic importance.

Seen this way, US pressure on Venezuela may have less to do with narcotics—and far more to do with securing the kind of oil America’s refineries actually need.

Source: Sky News

U.S. officials say more than 25 countries will take part in planning talks in Doha on Dec. 16 to design a U.N.-authorized international stabilization force for Gaza.

The discussions will cover the force’s size, command structure, rules of engagement, and logistics, with deployment potentially beginning early next year as part of the next phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan.

Source: Reuters

Sudan: UAE-backed RSF carried out a drone strike on the Abu Al Ghar area in North Kordofan, east of El Obeid.

Turkish President Erdogan:

The Black Sea should not be seen as an arena for confrontation.

Such a situation would only cause harm to Russia and Ukraine and bring no benefit.

Everyone needs maritime navigation security in the Black Sea.

Turkish President Erdogan on Russia-Ukraine:

Peace is not far away; we can see it.

Mali: JNIM said it seized control of a Malian army post in the town of Niono in the Ségou region late at night.

Ukraine plans to disband the Ground Forces’ International Legion units by the end of 2025 and reassign foreign fighters into regular assault units.

Three combat battalions and one training center will be dissolved (non-public order).

The GUR (military intelligence) International Legion stays intact.

A number of foreigners may leave rather than transfer.

The United States is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, according to Belarusian state media, citing U.S. envoy John Coale.

The richest 10% of people earn more than the other 90% combined.

They own 75% of global wealth, while the poorest half owns just 2%.

On average, women earn 61% of what men earn.

Source: World Inequality Lab

Incoming Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the Czech Republic will not provide guarantees for financing Ukraine, urging the European Commission to find other ways to support the country.

NEW: Cambodia has suspended all entry and exit at its border crossings with Thailand, effective immediately, amid ongoing deadly clashes between the two countries.

Source: AFP

NEW: Members of a US-led coalition delegation and Syrian security forces were injured in a shooting near Palmyra while on a mission related to plans to fight ISIS.

US helicopters evacuated the wounded to the al-Tanf base.

Source: Al Jazeera

DR Congo: At least 10 bodies were recovered from the streets of Uvira after M23 rebels advanced into the city, according to security and local sources.

Senegal: The government has suspended its extradition agreement with France, citing Paris’ refusal to extradite two Senegalese citizens wanted in Senegal.

Marco Rubio:

Rwanda's actions in eastern DRC are a clear violation of the Washington Accords signed by President Trump, and the United States will take action to ensure promises made to the President are kept.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 123 citizens of various countries who were convicted of “espionage,” “terrorism,” and “extremism.”

An American soldier was wounded in gunfire targeting a U.S. delegation in central Syria.

Source: AFP

NEW: An Israeli drone strike hit a vehicle in western Gaza City on Saturday, reportedly targeting Raed Saad, a senior Hamas military commander.

Police detained the chief organiser of Lionel Messi’s India tour after fans ripped up seats, threw objects and invaded the pitch at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium when the football star made only a brief appearance at a ticketed event.

Messi stayed about 20 minutes instead of the planned 45, prompting angry scenes from disappointed fans.

The Philippine coast guard said three Filipino fishermen were injured and two boats badly damaged after Chinese coast guard ships used water cannon and blocking tactics near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.

Manila said nearly two dozen fishing boats were targeted and accused China of dangerous and unlawful actions.