Sudan, Kenya, India.

Today's three stories you should know.

Apr 16, 2023

Sudan

Sudan’s government and a powerful militia have agreed a “humanitarian truce” after two days of fierce battles in the capital Khartoum, but it appears the deal was not respected and fighting continued. Fighter jets pounded the bases of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group with a series air raids, sending dark plumes of smoke billowing over the city. At least 56 civilians have been killed so far, according to a local doctors’ union. The roots of the conflict lie in disagreements over how to go about a promised transition to civilian rule following a military coup in 2019.

Kenya

A Kenyan cult leader has been arrested after four of his followers starved to death, apparently because he told them it was a quicker route to meeting Jesus. Eleven more of Makenzie Nthenge’s followers are in hospital seriously ill. Some of them are reported to have not eaten for 21 days. Nthenge, who has a popular YouTube channel, was charged last month in connection with the deaths of another two children whose parents were members of his church. He had pled not guilty and was out on bail.

India

A controversial Indian former MP was shot dead today live on TV along with his brother while surrounded by police and journalists. Atiq Ahmed, who had recently been convicted of kidnapping, was being escorted by police in full glare of the cameras when a man stepped forward and shot him in the head. Three men, who had been posing as journalists, surrendered themselves at the scene. Before entering politics and becoming an MP, Ahmed had a prolific criminal career in the city of Allahabad, racking up several charges including kidnapping, murder and extortion.