Ethiopia
As Ethiopia’s ruinous civil war between the government and Tigrayan rebels continues, the UN today said 16 of its Ethiopian staff members were detained in the capital Addis Ababa with no explanation. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said he understood that the detainees were Tigrayan. There have been numerous reports since Ethiopia declared a state of emergency last week of Tigrayans being rounded up and arrested in Addis. The UN said it was working to secure the release of the UN staffers, while the Ethiopian government has yet to comment.
More from Al Jazeera here.
Benin
France has given back 26 treasures that it looted from Benin during colonial times. Tens of thousands of artefacts were stolen from African nations by Western powers during the colonial era and, in recent years, African countries have been increasingly demanding their return. Several institutions have begun returning items but others, such as the British Museum, are largely resisting the demands. Benin’s President Patrice Talon said he felt “overwhelming emotion” at a ceremony in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron. “This is our soul,” he said.
More from Africa News here.
Pakistan
I’m aware I rarely include good news in Proximities but let’s end today’s newsletter with something heartwarming. Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai was married today. Malala wed Asser Malik in the UK, where she settled after being shot by the Taliban in 2012. "Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life," she tweeted. “We are excited to walk together for the journey ahead."
More from BBC here.