South Africa's debt burden is stabilising for the first time in nearly two decades, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced Wednesday, as Africa's most developed economy shows cautious signs of recovery and pledges increased spending on security.

Eleven South African men allegedly tricked into fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine returned home Wednesday, as political fallout intensifies over recruitment claims linked to former president Jacob Zuma's party.

Iran pushed back Wednesday against U.S. President Donald Trump's pressure tactics ahead of critical nuclear talks in Geneva, with Tehran's parliament speaker warning that negotiations may yield an agreement through "honorable diplomacy".

Pope Leo XIV will embark on his first major overseas trip of 2026 from April 13-23, visiting Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon—including a historic first-ever papal visit to Muslim-majority Algeria, the Vatican announced Wednesday.

The UFC White House card goes down on June 14 from the south lawn at the White House.

Carlos Prates hasn’t been offered anything by the UFC but he’s down to fight Conor McGregor.

Valter Walker believes he should be healthy for his UFC Seattle return.

Paddy Pimblett reveals a slew of fighters he’d like to face after suffering first promotional loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

There were a lot of violent finishes at UFC Houston but only two fighters were handed indefinite suspensions

Nigeria's government has denied it paid ransom money to free dozens of schoolchildren kidnapped from a catholic school in November. The coments come in report to an AFP report released Tuesday.

Concern is growing over Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye's health. Having been behind bars for more than a year now, he has been rejected bail a string of times. Human rights groups argue he is facing political persecution.

The President of Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, is visiting his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, in Paris. According to the Elysée, their discussions will focus on humanitarian aid to the cyclone-battered island.

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has pledged to increase the punishment for same-sex relations to up to ten years in prison. The move has been condemned by human rights groups.

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has sounded the alarm about the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, where fighting rages on.

Future matchups are discussed for Sean Strickland, Uros Medic, and more after UFC Houston.