Do Chinese firms in Africa employ convicts from China? The allegation has resurfaced in Nigeria. But so far, no facts have been produced. There are reasons, though, for the rumor to persist across Africa.

The New York Times looks at Dubai's particularly fragile position in terms of climate change.

We take a look at French President Emmanuel Macron's unexpected and controversial proposal to mount an international coalition against Hamas. We also see why comments by freed Israeli hostage Yocheved Lifshitz have sparked debate in the Israeli press. Meanwhile, the war in Gaza has also stoked existing tensions in the West Bank. We finish with the passing of the man widely seen as America's first Black action movie hero.

Herman Andaya's resignation comes as officials face increasing scrutiny over their response to the deadliest wildfire in recent US history. Hawaii's Attorney General has announced an independent review of the response.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to be the guest of honor at France's traditional Bastille Day parade, reflecting growing strategic ties between the two nations. But the planned visit has its share of critics.

One of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's first promises after his election in 2018 was to build the Mayan train, a long railway that would criss-cross 1,554 kilometres of tropical forests in the eastern Yucatan peninsula. The goal is to connect major tourism centres. While the idea appears good on paper, it has engineers on edge and environmentalists crying foul. Meanwhile, its initial cost has already tripled. Our correspondents report.

In his victory speech, the 69-year-old newly re-elected President Erdogan pledged to unite a country deeply divided. Claiming 52.1 per cent of the run-off vote, Erdogan emerged victorious yet again. His challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, however, accused the President of deploying state machinery to his advantage, including the alleged denial of airtime on state television.

The restitution of looted Benin bronzes from Germany to Nigeria sparked a heated debate. DW explains the differing perspectives.