Serbia’s prime minister resigns as anti-corruption protests swell

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia’s populist prime minister, Milos Vucevic, has resigned in an attempt to calm political tensions stoked by weeks of massive anti-corruption protests sparked by the deadly collapse of a concrete overhang at a recently renovated train station. The November collapse at the station in Novi Sad killed 15 people and happened months after it reopened, fueling accusations that the construction was unsafe. The tragedy has become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with Serbia’s authoritarian rule and has led to growing public demands for transparency. The protests resumed Tuesday evening with tens of thousands taking to the streets in Novi Sad. The country’s most powerful figure, President Aleksandar Vucic, is expected to address the media later Tuesday.

Congo tries to slow the assault of Rwanda-backed rebels

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Congolese security forces have tried to slow the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who say they have captured Goma after entering eastern Congo’s largest city. U.N. officials reported an unspecified number of bodies on the streets. The officials said Tuesday that hospitals are overwhelmed in Goma. The regional trade and humanitarian hub is a refuge for hundreds of thousands now fleeing gunfire and shelling in the major escalation in one of Africa’s longest conflicts. The M23 rebels are one of about 100 armed groups vying for a foothold in the conflict-battered North Kivu province. It includes Goma and is rich in minerals critical to much of the world’s technology.

Deportation flights from the US to Colombia resume after a diplomatic spat

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian migrants deported from the United States are returning home on Colombian military flights following a diplomatic dispute between the two countries over the flights. They have described being shackled during earlier U.S. flights that were blocked by their country’s leader in a dispute with President Donald Trump that nearly sparked a trade war. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro initially refused to accept two U.S. military planes with migrants, prompting Trump to threaten 25% tariffs on Colombian exports and other sanctions. Colombia then relented and said it would accept the migrants, but fly them on Colombian military flights that Petro said would guarantee dignity for the migrants.

Israel’s prime minister says Trump has invited him to the White House on Feb. 4

WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says President Donald Trump has invited him to visit the White House on Feb. 4. This would make Netanyahu the first foreign leader to do so in Trump’s second term. There was no immediate comment from the White House on Tuesday. Israel’s announcement comes as the United States pressures it and Hamas to continue a ceasefire in Gaza’s devastating 15-month war. Talks about the ceasefire’s more difficult second phase should begin on Feb. 3. A White House meeting would be a chance for Netanyahu to remind the world of the support he has received from Trump over the years.