Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Friday, Jan 16, 2026

UN Urges Action Amid Sudan's Sexual Violence Crisis; EU Commits €1 Billion Post-Quake Aid to Morocco; Russia Engages Taliban for Regional Security

UN highlights sexual violence crisis in Sudan as EU pledges €1 billion for Morocco's earthquake recovery; Russia seeks ties with Taliban amidst U.S. political shifts and OPCW's Syria concerns.
The United Nations is sounding the alarm over an "epidemic of sexual violence" against women in conflict-ridden Sudan, with UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher urging global action during his visit to Port Sudan amid a dire humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, the European Union is stepping up its aid to Morocco, pledging a €1 billion package to support reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake in September 2023.

As the EU and Morocco work to rebuild, Russia is looking to strengthen ties with the Taliban, seeking to boost regional security and economic cooperation despite the group's non-recognition internationally. In the United States, political tensions arise as Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin blocks the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who led the Afghanistan withdrawal, leaving his future in limbo amid criticism from former President Trump.

Speaking of the U.S., prosecutors are dropping federal cases against President-elect Donald Trump due to Justice Department policy constraints, as he prepares to assume office on January 20, 2025, after his election victory. This legal maneuvering comes just as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is raising serious concerns about Syria’s unresolved chemical weapons issues, despite ongoing international efforts to ensure compliance.

The European Union has increased its earthquake aid to Morocco with a €1 billion package, aiming to bolster reconstruction efforts after the country's deadliest quake since 1960 caused over 2,900 deaths and extensive damage.

Russia explores prospects with the Taliban to enhance regional security, signaling potential cooperation despite the lack of formal recognition, emphasizing constructive political dialogue and economic partnerships.

In a shift within Washington, U.S. prosecutors have dropped federal cases against President-elect Trump, citing DOJ guidelines as the former president prepares to resume office, amid international alarms from the OPCW over Syria’s unresolved chemical weapon concerns.
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