I'm in charge of our website at RFI English this weekend, so much going on!
A summary, in brief:
Trump tells Cuba to 'make a deal, before it is too late'
Washington, United States, Jan 11, 2026 (AFP) - US President Donald Trump urged Cuba on Sunday to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to Havana would now stop.
"THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO!" Trump said on his Truth Social channel. "I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE."
Trump said that "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'Security Services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!"
President Trump also reposted a social media message on Sunday suggesting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, born to Cuban immigrant parents, would become the next leader of Cuba.
Trump republished a Truth Social message from user Cliff Smith, posted on January 8, that read "Marco Rubio will be president of Cuba," accompanied by a crying laughing emoji.
Cuban president replied to US: 'No one tells us what to do'.
Israel says supports Iranian people's 'struggle for freedom'
Jerusalem, Jan 11, 2026 (AFP) - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday that Israel supports the Iranian people in what he described as their "struggle for freedom", as major protests shake the Islamic republic.
Iran has been gripped by days of deadly protests, initially ignited by anger over the rising cost of living but rapidly evolving into a broader movement challenging the theocratic government that has ruled the country since the 1979 revolution.
"We support the Iranian people's struggle for freedom and wish them success," Saar said in a video interview posted on his X account.
Iran protests New protests hit Iran as alarm grows over crackdown 'massacre'
Paris (France) (AFP) – Iranians took to the streets in new protests against the clerical authorities overnight despite an internet shutdown, as rights groups warned on Sunday that authorities were committing a "massacre" to quell the demonstrations.
Read more here: https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20260111-new-protests-hit-iran-as-alarm-grows-over-crackdown-massacre
'Rioters' must not disrupt Iranian society: President Pezeshkian on state TV
Paris, France, Jan 11, 2026 (AFP) - "Rioters" should not be allowed to disrupt Iranian society, President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday in his first remarks after three nights of intensified protests against the authorities.
"The people (of Iran) should not allow rioters to disrupt society. The people should believe that we (the government) want to establish justice," he told state broadcaster IRIB.
Syria US and EU urge fresh talks between Syria govt, Kurds after deadly clashes
The United States and the European Union on Saturday urged the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities to return to negotiations after days of deadly clashes in the northern city of Aleppo.
Syria govt forces detain 300 Kurds, evacuate 400 fighters from Aleppo
Aleppo, Syria, Jan 11, 2026 (AFP) - Syrian government forces evacuated more than 400 Kurdish fighters from the last district in Aleppo to fall to the army and detained 300 Kurds, an interior ministry official told AFP on Sunday.
Kurdish forces said the combatants were evacuated "through the mediation of international parties to stop the attacks and violations against our people in Aleppo".
Greenland 'American? No!' says Greenland after latest Trump threat
Greenland's political parties said they did not want to be under Washington as US President Donald Trump again suggested using force to seize the mineral-rich Danish autonomous territory, raising concern worldwide.
Read on from here: https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20260110-american-no-says-greenland-after-latest-trump-threat
Africa
Benin heads to polls after failed coup shakes political landscape
Benin votes on Sunday in legislative and local elections that come just over a month after an attempted coup shook the commercial capital Cotonou. The vote follows weeks of campaigning and comes ahead of a presidential election in April.
South Africa
USA Why the new US ambassador to South Africa could strain relations even further
Leo Brent Bozell III, the conservative activist picked by President Donald Trump to represent the United States in South Africa, is preparing to begin his new role as ambassador after being confirmed by the US Senate. A history of opposition to the country's ruling party during its struggle against apartheid makes him a controversial choice.
Details: https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20260110-leo-brent-bozell-iii-new-us-ambassador-to-south-africa
Somaliland
The risky calculations behind Israel's recognition of Somaliland
Israel's decision to formally recognise Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, has drew criticism from most African countries – most of all Somalia, which has long opposed Somaliland's efforts to secede.
I look at what's driving Israel to pursue the partnership, and why it is causing concern throughout the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region here:
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