SUDAN: Military leaders and pro-democracy forces in Sudan vowed to begin establishing a new civilian-led transitional government on April 11, a spokesperson representing both parties said on Sunday.

Khalid Omar said that a finalised political settlement, first agreed upon last December, would be inked on April 1.

A new transitional constitution would be signed days later, he said.

THAILAND: The Thai parliament was dissolved today by a government decree, setting the stage for a May general election, which has the potential to reduce the military’s influence in politics.

The dissolution, just a few days before the end of the four-year term of the House of Representatives, was initiated by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is seeking a fresh mandate in the vote provisionally set for May 7.

NEW ZEALAND: Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will visit her counterpart Qin Gang in Beijing this week in the first trip by a New Zealand minister to China in four years, officials said on Monday.

“China is integral to New Zealand’s economic recovery but our relationship is far broader, spanning cultural, educational and sporting links,” Ms Mahuta said.

China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner and New Zealand exporters rely on China to buy milk products and other agricultural goods.

SOMALIA: A new report says that an estimated 43,000 people, half who were children, died amid the longest drought on record in Somalia last year.

At least 18,000 people are forecast to die in the first six months of this year unless humanitarian aid can be provided.