The Latest Breaking News from Radio France Internationale

Sébastien Lecornu on Wednesday became France's fifth prime minister in less than two years. The former defence minister is seen as a consummate strategist and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, who is hoping Lecornu can forge some much needed consensus in a fractured parliament.

France is coming to terms with its biggest-ever wave of the chikungunya virus, with outbreaks from the Riviera to Paris highlighting the growing impact of the spread of the tiger mosquito.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen sketched a harder-edged Europe in her state of the union address on Wednesday, setting out plans to fortify the bloc's eastern flank, keep Ukraine funded and reframe ties with Israel.

For the first time, more school-aged children are obese than underweight around the world, with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The warning came in a report released on Wednesday by the United Nations children’s agency Unicef.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu told European lawmakers that Russia is carrying out extensive interference in an attempt to pull her country back into its orbit ahead of this month’s crucial parliamentary elections.

Poland shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a widespread attack on neighbouring Ukraine on Wednesday, marking the first time a NATO member has fired weapons during the three-year conflict.

The National Rally initially backed François Bayrou as prime minister and helped him survive a vote of no confidence earlier this year. But its MPs withdrew their support in Monday's vote, ensuring his downfall. RFI looks at what changed and why RN's leaders are now pushing for early elections.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, has finally been inaugurated. While many celebrate its potential to boost the country’s economy, concerns persist in neighbouring Egypt and Sudan over possible water shortages.

Nearly 300 people were arrested in France on Wednesday as “Block Everything” demonstrations disrupted transport and public services in cities across the country, authorities said. The unrest coincided with the inauguration of Sébastien Lecornu, the country’s fifth prime minister in under two years.

Kylian Mbappé scored and set up a goal as France came from behind to beat Iceland 2-1 to take control of Group D in the European qualifying pools for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Virunga, Africa’s first national park, is home to endangered wildlife, including the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas. Situated in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the park is marking its centenary despite continuing threats from armed groups and regional instability. Photographer Brent Stirton’s powerful series, “Virunga National Park. DRC:…