Libya
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, once former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s heir apparent, today registered as a candidate in a presidential election set for December. Gaddafi was captured by one of the country’s many militia groups during the 2011 war that toppled his father and hadn’t really been seen in public since. Photos shared on social media showed the 49-year-old signing registration papers, dressed in traditional robes reminiscent of those worn by Muammar in his later years. Gaddafi is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
More from Al Jazeera here.
Ethiopia
Diplomatic pressure is mounting on all sides in Ethiopia’s civil war to call a ceasefire as the conflict threatens to tear the country apart. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa today for a surprise visit. Kenyatta has previously expressed concern about the lack of dialogue between the government and Tigrayan rebels, and Kenya this month closed its border with Ethiopia as fighting intensified. The African Union’s envoy, Olusegun Obasanjo, also visited Ethiopia this week, meeting with both Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and rebel leaders.
More from TRT World here.
Japan
Japan’s now former Princess Mako has arrived in New York for a new life after being forced out of the imperial family for marrying a non-royal (I refuse to use the absurd term “commoner”.) The departure of Princess Mako, now known as simply Mako Komuro, and her husband Kei Komuro was a huge event in Japan and was broadcast live by all of the country’s major TV channels. “He is someone I cannot do without,” Mako said when announcing her decision to wed Komuro. “Marriage is that decision needed for us to live on, staying true to our hearts.”
More from AP here.