Understanding Washington’s latest sanctions on armed groups in eastern DRC

Journalists and experts also address questions about Sudanese refugee status in France, a new French space mission in 2027, and the departure of foreign companies from Cuba.

Why is the US imposing new sanctions on the DRC?

Three months after sanctioning the Rwandan army and several of its senior officials, Washington hits again. This time, the United States targets two men: a senior intelligence official from the AFC/M23 and a commander from the FDLR, two groups embroiled in the conflict tearing apart eastern DRC. Why are these two officials in the crosshairs? Do these sanctions send a message to Rwanda? Could other figures be targeted in the coming months? With Patient Ligodi, an Africa correspondent.

Sudan: what rights for Four ethnic refugees in France?

In France, a landmark ruling by the National Court of Asylum (CNDA) granted full refugee status to a Sudanese national from the Four ethnic group. The court based its decision on the UN Human Rights Council report published last February. Why does French justice now recognize the risk of persecution for this community? How many people could benefit? What rights does obtaining refugee status in France actually confer? With Amélie Beaucour, a journalist covering France.

Space: what will the two French astronauts do?

Thomas Pesquet and Arnaud Prost will travel to space in 2027. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement at the Choose France summit. As part of an agreement with the American company Vast, the two French astronauts will take part in new space missions. What do we know about these future expeditions? What are their objectives? Why is France showing ever-stronger ambitions in space exploration? With Simon Rozé, head of the environment-climate desk.

Cuba: is the country on the brink of another economic shock?

The ultimatum set by Donald Trump expired on June 5. Foreign companies operating in Cuba faced a Friday deadline to sever all ties with the GAESA group, a military conglomerate managing many strategic sectors of the Cuban economy, including tourism, supermarkets, and telecoms, or risk being shut out of the US financial system. What are the risks for Cuba’s economy? Can Havana find new partners to compensate for these departures? With Pascal Drouhaud, a geopolitical expert, researcher, and president of the LatFran association, specializing in Latin America.