Afghan Taliban appoint first envoy to India since return to power https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/01/13/afghan-taliban-appoint-first-envoy-to-india-since-return-to-power/6. Afghan Women Face Hardship Amid Forced Returns from Pakistan, Iran https://www.khaama.com/afghan-women-face-hardship-amid-forced-returns-from-pakistan-iran/7. Afghan women launch global campaign against worst gender discrimination https://www.radio.gov.pk/11-01-2026/afghan-women-launch-global-campaign-against-worst-gender-discriminationMiddle East9. Protestors in South Africa condemn US intervention in Venezuela, call for Maduro’s release https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-venezuela-protest-trump-maduro-3e0c96fe8a241202a5d5a8f2364909a521. South Africa welcomes U.S. House approval of Africa trade programme renewal https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-welcomes-us-house-approval-africa-trade-programme-renewal-2026-01-13/

Source: CNN January 16, 2026 05:19 UTC