US sanctions target AFC/M23 intelligence officer and FDLR commander in DRC

DRC: why are the US imposing new sanctions?

Three months after targeting the Rwandan army and several of its senior officials, Washington has taken fresh action. This time, the United States is going after two individuals: an intelligence officer from the AFC/M23 rebel group and a commander of the FDLR militia, both actively involved in the conflict tearing apart eastern DRC. Why have these two figures come under scrutiny? Could these sanctions be seen as a direct message to Kigali? And might additional names be added to the list in the months ahead?

Sudan: what rights for Sudanese refugees of the Four ethnic group?

In France, a landmark ruling has been handed down. The National Court of Asylum (CNDA) granted full refugee status to a Sudanese national belonging to the Four ethnic group. To support its decision, the court cited the February report from the UN Human Rights Council. Why is French justice now acknowledging a risk of persecution against this community? How many individuals could potentially qualify? And what concrete rights does obtaining refugee status in France actually unlock?

Space: what will the two French astronauts do?

Thomas Pesquet and Arnaud Prost are set to travel to space in 2027. The announcement came from Emmanuel Macron during the Choose France summit. Through an agreement with the US company Vast, both astronauts will take part in upcoming space missions. What details are known about these expeditions? What specific goals have been set? And why is France increasingly asserting its ambitions in the realm of space exploration?

Cuba: is the country on the brink of a new economic shock?

The deadline set by Donald Trump expired on June 5. Foreign companies operating in Cuba faced an ultimatum: cut all ties with the GAESA conglomerate—a military-run group controlling key sectors such as tourism, supermarkets, and telecoms—or risk being cut off from the US financial system. What are the potential consequences for Cuba’s economy? Can Havana secure alternative partners to make up for these departures?