About this Episode
A drone strike targeting a funeral procession in El Obeid, Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to several others, according to rights groups Sudan Doctors Network and Emergency Lawyers, who attribute the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This assault is part of a series of drone strikes that have claimed at least 23 lives since yesterday, amid ongoing violence in Sudan’s three-year civil war. The conflict, which erupted after a power struggle between the army and RSF, has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 11 million people and causing a death toll estimated at over 50,000. The RSF and involved parties have not commented on the recent attacks, which have included strikes on civilian homes and critical infrastructure in the city.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, expressing concerns that the government’s planned military spending increases are insufficient to address rising security threats. In his resignation letter, Healey criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Treasury officials for committing only a minor increase in defense spending from. The resignation adds pressure on Starmer’s administration amid ongoing disputes over the defense investment plan (Dip), which has faced delays. Healey’s decision comes at a critical time as Starmer prepares for a G7 meeting, raising concerns about internal cabinet relations and future defense strategy. With several ministers supporting a more robust approach to defense funding, the government will need to appoint a new defense secretary quickly to maintain stability.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its main deposit rate from 2% to 2.25% for the first time since 2023, in response to rising inflation driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran. This decision comes as eurozone consumer price inflation reached 3.2% in May, prompting concerns that elevated energy costs could lead to further price increases throughout the summer. ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated that the uncertain economic outlook, influenced by the Middle East conflict, necessitated the rate hike, with forecasts for eurozone growth being downgraded to 0.8% this year. Analysts suggest that while markets expect additional rate increases, the weakening economy may limit how far the ECB can go with tightening measures.
