The Democratic Republic of Congo has adopted decrees that grant ministers lifetime salaries and other benefits.
The two decrees, which grant former ministers benefits worth at least $2,000 (around AED 7,346), is not "to enrich the officials" the government explained in a statement.
The payments "are to stop them [ministers] from falling into destitution", it added.
The decision has been widely criticised, especially since the majority of the population in DR Congo lives in poverty.
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
Hopes grew on Friday for peace between Iran and the US after President Donald Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact.
Ukraine and Russia trade overnight drone strikes, officials say
Ukraine and Russia exchanged overnight drone strikes into early Friday, with Ukraine targeting a major oil processing and petrochemical region while Russia attacked railway stations and electrical substations.
UN says Taliban arrest 30 women for violating hijab rules in Afghanistan
Authorities in Afghanistan's western city of Herat arrested at least 30 women, accusing them of violating dress rules imposed by the Taliban government, the UN agency for women's rights said, but added that some were later released.
Trump cancels US strikes on Iran, citing progress in talks
US President Donald Trump called off plans for renewed military strikes on Iran at the last minute on Thursday, saying negotiations with Tehran had advanced to the highest levels of Iran's leadership and had been approved by a broad coalition of regional powers.
South Korea court sentences ex-President Yoon to 30-year jail term in drone case
A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison on Friday for charges linked to his ordering an incursion of military drones over North Koreato help create a pretext for his failed December 2024 martial law declaration.
Thai king's eldest daughter dies, aged 47, after long illness
Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest child of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at 47, the royal palace said on Friday, after multiple health problems and nearly four years in a coma.
US confirms third strike on Indian-crewed tankers this week
A US jet fired two missiles into the engine room of the tanker Jalveer off Oman on Thursday, US Central Command confirmed, as authorities said the 20 crew members were safe after the third strike on Indian-crewed tankers this week.
UK defence minister Healey quits, says PM Starmer's plans fail to keep country safe
British defence minister John Healey quit on Thursday in a dispute over military spending, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to commit the government resources that are needed to defend the country at a time of heightened threat.
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Pinoy Expat Corner
Why did they choose bowling as their hobby, and what makes it unique compared to other activities?
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What’s the difference between fishing here in the UAE compared to the Philippines?
