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Zuma Family Rift Deepens Over Alleged Russia Recruitment

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South Africa is facing a political storm after Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, filed a criminal complaint accusing her sister, MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, of recruiting South African men to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Zuma-Mncube alleges 17 men were deceived into believing they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for Jacob Zuma’s political party, Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK).

Police have confirmed they are investigating the claims, while Zuma-Sambudla has not responded publicly. The South African government previously acknowledged distress calls from citizens who said they had been lured into mercenary groups with promises of lucrative jobs. Analysts warn that high unemployment—over 30% nationally and even higher among youth—makes many vulnerable to such schemes.

The allegations come as Zuma-Sambudla already faces terrorism-related charges connected to unrest in July 2021, when violent protests after Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment left more than 300 people dead. She denies wrongdoing and says the case is politically motivated. The accusations add new pressure on the MK party, which Zuma formed after his presidency and led to third place in last year’s elections.

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Finland Tops Happiness Despite Economic Strain

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Finland has retained its title as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the annual World Happiness Report, despite facing economic challenges. Rising unemployment, stagnating growth, and a strain on public finances are testing the Nordic nation, yet citizens like 33-year-old Juho-Pekka Palomaa remain resilient. Palomaa, who has been unemployed for over 1,000 days, credits Finland’s social safety net for helping him cope, even as some welfare benefits are being trimmed.

The Finnish economy has struggled since Nokia’s collapse in 2014 and has faced further pressure from sanctions on Russia, disrupted trade, and weaker tourism. The Bank of Finland forecasts minimal growth of 0.3% this year, down from 0.4% last year, while unemployment hovers near 10%, and youth unemployment among 15- to 24-year-olds reaches 21.2%.

Despite these challenges, pensions remain largely protected, reflecting the country’s enduring commitment to social security. Experts attribute Finland’s continued happiness to a strong collaborative spirit and resilience among its citizens, helping the nation maintain high levels of well-being even amid economic headwinds.

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Spread of gang violence wrecks Sweden’s peaceful image

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The surge in gang-related violence, including shootings and bombings, once confined to Sweden’s major cities, has now spilled into quieter suburbs and towns, challenging the nation’s reputation for safety. Upplands-Bro, a community north of Stockholm, has witnessed a series of incidents, including the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in August and multiple shootings and bombings since January.

The shift in violence from impoverished urban areas is attributed, in part, to gangs targeting the relatives of their rivals. Law enforcement suspects that some of the recent violence is coordinated by criminal leaders based in other countries, such as Turkey and Serbia. The toll has been significant, with nearly 50 fatalities and over 140 explosions in 2023 alone, surpassing the previous year’s record of over 60 deaths from gun violence.

Gangs have evolved beyond street-level criminal activities, forming connections with higher-level criminals. Innocent bystanders, including a 70-year-old man and a 24-year-old teacher, have fallen victim to the violence. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged the severity of the situation in a rare national address, promising stricter penalties for deadly violence.

Children as young as 13 or 14 are being recruited into gangs through promises of money and designer clothes on social media. Concerned individuals are taking action, organizing street patrols in affected areas. Community engagement, like night walks and support for families affected by violence, is seen as a way to enhance safety.

In areas like Jarva, where unemployment rates are high, individuals like Libaane Warsame have taken it upon themselves to patrol the streets after losing a family member to gun violence. Despite a lack of fatal shootings this year, residents remain on edge.

The rise in gang violence has prompted the government to reevaluate immigration policies. The right-wing coalition government, elected in 2022, believes that the increase in violence is linked to past immigration policies. Steps include making it harder for immigrants outside the EU to receive social benefits and introducing compulsory preschool to improve Swedish-language skills in certain areas. Legislation against recruiting children for criminal activities has been enacted, and plans for stop-and-search zones and increased prison sentences for offenses, such as gun crimes and explosions, are in progress.

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German man arrested in France for allegedly imprisoning wife 12 years

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A German man has been taken into custody in France after his wife was allegedly held captive for a period of 12 years in their residence. The woman, also of German nationality, was discovered in a bedroom within the apartment, partially clothed and with a shaved head, according to an AFP report citing French police sources.

The bedroom in which the woman was found had been sealed off with wire mesh within their home located in Forbach, near the border with Germany. The 55-year-old man is under suspicion for charges related to abduction and other offenses.

Authorities revealed that the 53-year-old woman had managed to access a phone and contacted German police, who then alerted their French counterparts.

Local prosecutor Olivier Glady described the woman’s health as “not good” after an initial examination. He also noted the presence of around nine cats in the apartment, dismissing claims from French media that the apartment contained bars used for confining the wife, clarifying that these were intended to prevent the cats from escaping.

Contrary to earlier reports, Glady stated that no signs of violence or blood were found at the scene. The unemployed suspect had previously worked in the German industry. He is currently held in Metz, an eastern French city, according to BFMTV.

Neighbors interviewed by Germany’s Bild newspaper indicated that the man had informed them of his wife’s cancer diagnosis, explaining her screams of pain as a result of the illness. A neighbor named Alicia characterized the man as “polite and nice,” while another witness, Erika, had not seen the woman in approximately a decade.

Reports from French media mentioned the discovery of a diary-like notebook within the apartment, suggesting the man had documented his actions, including instances when he provided food to his wife.

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