Major General Kariuki Kibochi is set to lead Kenya through two significant events: the withdrawal of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from Somalia in 2021 and the country's political transition in 2022 following the end of President Uhuru Kenyatta's term. The KDF has been part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since 2011, combating the Alshabaab militants. The article mentions the challenges faced by the KDF, including the loss of soldiers' lives, particularly during the El Adde attack. The transition of power within the KDF coincides with the launch of a book detailing Kenya's military involvement in Somalia from 2012 to 2020.

The Grand al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul, a historical site where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate in 2014, was destroyed. Iraqi forces accused IS militants of the destruction, while IS blamed the US-led coalition. The US denied involvement. The mosque's destruction is seen as a symbol of the impending defeat of IS in Mosul. Iraqi forces have been advancing in the Old City, with the UN warning of over 100,000 civilians being used as human shields. Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the act a sign of IS's defeat.

The White House is seeking Supreme Court intervention to reinstate a travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries, previously blocked by lower courts for being discriminatory. The Trump administration argues the ban is necessary for national security, while opponents have successfully challenged it in Maryland and Hawaii federal courts. The Supreme Court's decision will determine the ban's future implementation.

Republican Senators, led by Mitch McConnell, unveiled the Better Care Reconciliation Act Of 2017, aiming to repeal most of Obama's Affordable Care Act. The bill proposes major cuts to Medicaid, eliminates taxes on the wealthy, and stops funding for Planned Parenthood. It ties federal subsidies to income rather than age and gives states more freedom in health insurance requirements. The bill needs 50 votes in the Senate before moving to the House and then to President Trump for approval. The proposal has faced opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans.

French President Emmanuel Macron's La Republique en Marche party, along with its ally MoDem, secured a majority in the National Assembly with around 355 seats. This victory allows Macron to implement his plans for labor law reforms and budget savings. The Socialist Party suffered significant losses, while the far-right Front National won only eight seats. Marine Le Pen, despite her presidential vote count, failed to capitalize on it. Macron's party includes many newcomers, with a significant representation of women. The low voter turnout was noted, and Macron is expected to use this win to fulfill his campaign promises.