The G20 summit in Johannesburg, hosted by South Africa, concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration addressing global challenges such as climate change, despite a boycott and strong objections from the United States. The White House accused South Africa of 'weaponizing' its G20 presidency after proceeding without US participation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson stated that the declaration, developed over the past year, would not be reopened for negotiation. The US criticized the inclusion of climate change commitments, which the Trump administration rejects, and objected to the leadership handover process. Argentina, led by right-wing President Javier Milei, also abstained from endorsing the document, citing geopolitical concerns about references to the Middle East conflict. The declaration emphasizes renewable energy goals, debt relief for poor nations, and global cooperation. South Africa defended its approach, saying the majority of members supported the text and that the summit reflected Africa’s growing role in global governance.

At least 10 people were killed and 31 others injured when an interstate bus collided head-on with a truck on the N-8 highway between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo in South Africa’s Free State province early Saturday, November 15. Among the deceased were seven men and three women. According to Sifiso Toya, chairperson of the Free State Road Incident Management, six of the injured are in critical condition and all have been taken to the Pelonomi Trauma Unit for treatment. The crash occurred about five kilometers from Mandela View, causing severe damage to both vehicles and disrupting traffic on the busy route. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which is one of the deadliest road incidents in the region this year.

The al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is intensifying attacks across West Africa, especially in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Despite military coups in these countries, JNIM has expanded control, imposing strict Sharia law and increasing violence. The group finances operations through livestock theft, taxation, and smuggling. Efforts by regional and international forces have so far failed to contain JNIM’s growth, raising fears of long-term instability and insecurity in the Sahel region.

At least 49 people, including several schoolchildren, have died in devastating floods caused by heavy rain and snowstorms in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Premier Oscar Mabuyane described the situation as “catastrophic,” warning that the death toll is expected to rise. Earlier this week, a bus attempting to cross a bridge in Mthatha was swept away by floodwaters, killing six, including four children. Rescue operations are ongoing for four missing children.

A training aircraft has crashed in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, killing three people, including a female trainee pilot. Fortunately, two other pilots on board survived with minor injuries, although the aircraft was significantly damaged.

The Piper Cherokee, registered as ZS-KFB, had taken off from Durban’s Virginia Airport around 3 PM on Sunday before the fatal crash.

On the second day of the ICJ hearing into genocide allegations against Israel, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation stated that Palestinians are being subjected to atrocities, oppression, and genocide with global impunity. Representative Zane Dangor said Israel faces no accountability despite violating international law. He also alleged that entities attempting to hold Israel responsible are often met with retaliatory pressure. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s actions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza as clear breaches of international law. Israel has boycotted the hearing, labeling the case biased.

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, has claimed responsibility for attacks on two military bases in northern Benin, reportedly killing 70 soldiers. This marks one of the deadliest assaults in the region in recent years. Jihadist violence in the Sahel began after a Tuareg uprising in Mali in 2012 and has since spread to Burkina Faso, Niger, and more recently, coastal nations like Benin, leading to thousands of deaths and mass displacement.