The Latest Breaking News from RFI

‘He refused to say that there was no radiation and no danger to the population'

The events of 26 April, 1986, changed the lives of millions of Ukrainians, and people beyond Ukraine’s borders, when Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant underwent a catastrophic failure during a safety test. RFI spoke with Dr Andrei Kindzelski, son of Professor Leonid Kindzelski, chief radiologist of the…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 26

Delon, a dead body and a Corsican gangster: new book unravels the Markovic Affair

In 1968, Alain Delon’s former bodyguard Stevan Markovic was found dead, a bullet in his head, wrapped in plastic, wearing the actor’s clothes. The scandal took France by storm, with Delon questioned by police and his friend, gangster François Marcantoni, spending a year in prison charged with the killing before…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 25

Latin American migrants deported from US await their fate in DRC

The first group of Latin American migrants deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of Congo has arrived in Kinshasa, under a controversial US scheme to transfer undocumented foreign nationals to third-party countries. They told RFI they feel "scared" in DRC.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 24

Civilians count costs of war as they return to southern Lebanon

People displaced by weeks of airstrikes have begun returning to Beirut and southern Lebanon as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took hold on Friday. Residents described scenes of destruction and fears of further conflict as they arrived home.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 18

Iran’s ambassador to France backs Lebanon truce, tells RFI ‘we prefer dialogue’

Iran has welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, calling it a chance to reduce tensions after months of conflict. Tehran's ambassador to France, Mohammad Amin Nejad, told RFI his country supports dialogue with Washington and insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, while leaving the door open to…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 17

Women victims of Sudan's war bear scars of 'indescribable' violence

Sudan's civil war, now in its fourth year, has been described by the UN as the world's worst humanitarian crisis for women and girls. Sexual violence has reportedly been used as a weapon of war, notably by paramilitaries fighting the Sudanese army. RFI hears from women who have suffered or…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 15

Sudan’s war reshapes loyalties as civilians see ‘no option’ but the army

As Sudan’s war enters its fourth year, the army has retaken much of the country, shifting the balance on the ground. But the gains have also reshaped public opinion – with some Sudanese now backing the same military they once opposed, even as analysts warn the conflict remains deeply entrenched…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 15

French lawyers protest justice reform introducing plea bargains

France's lawyers have been striking in protest over a criminal justice reform that would introduce a guilty plea procedure in order to help reduce court backlogs. Lawyers warn that the procedure undermines the justice system and deprives victims of their day in court.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 14

DRC peace talks open as violence shifts to remote highlands

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebel delegates were meeting in Geneva on Tuesday to try to end a war that has devastated the east of the country, as fighting shifts into remote highland areas that are difficult to access and increasingly dangerous, despite repeated ceasefire…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 14

Blockade on Iranian ports must be lifted, French foreign minister tells RFI

In the wake of the US blockade on Iranian ports, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called for freedom of navigation in international waters to be respected. He spoke to RFI about France's proposal for a peaceful, multinational mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the necessity…

Radio France Internationale · Apr 14