Global News Today, 7 November 2026: Miller named chief of staff, US strikes Qeshm, Paraguay president removed
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Saturday 7 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Good morning. Washington is reshuffling after the midterm defeat, the US and Iran are talking and trading fire at the same time, and a South American president has been removed over a bank collapse. Here are the world stories that matter most, with what each one means for Nigerians at home and abroad.
Today at a glance
- Trump names Stephen Miller White House chief of staff after the midterm losses.
- US strikes an Iranian air-defence site as Trump claims progress in talks.
- Russia, US and Ukraine to resume talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
- Paraguay’s Senate removes President Santiago Peña over the Ueno Bank collapse.
- Kenya jails cult leader Paul Mackenzie for 200 years over the Shakahola deaths.
- Copernicus: 2026 is virtually certain to pass 1.5°C of warming.
- Ebola in DR Congo passes 5,100 deaths; new vaccines head to trial.
1. Trump replaces his chief of staff after the midterm defeat
What happened
President Donald Trump said on Friday that Stephen Miller, his deputy chief of staff and the main architect of his immigration crackdown, will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff from Monday. Wiles moves to Trump’s political operation. Trump said he wanted to “make moves” and has signalled more Cabinet changes. Latest counts give Democrats about 253 House seats to the Republicans’ 157, and 54 Senate seats to 44, with a handful of races still open.
Why it matters
Miller is closely tied to tougher visa, deportation and travel rules that have affected Nigerians. With Democrats now holding both chambers of Congress, expect a tug of war over immigration policy that families planning US travel, study or work should follow closely.
2. Iran: strikes on Qeshm Island, talk of a deal
What happened
Trump confirmed what he called “minor strikes” on an Iranian anti-aircraft system on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, while saying Washington had made a lot of progress in talks with Tehran. Iranian state media reported two explosions and said its forces downed a US drone. Qatar, which mediates with Pakistan, rejected reports that talks had failed; a Qatari proposal reportedly includes easing the US blockade and a temporary reopening of the strait. Iran disputes Trump’s claim that the US controls the waterway, and US media reported that a resumption of major operations is being discussed.
Why it matters
Hormuz carries a large share of the world’s oil. Every swing between war and deal moves crude prices, which feed into Nigeria’s oil earnings, the naira and the pump price of fuel at home.
Source: Al Jazeera; Anadolu.
3. Ukraine peace talks resume in Abu Dhabi
What happened
President Vladimir Putin confirmed that a new round of talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine will start on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi and run for two days, the first since February. Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead Russia’s team. US envoy Steve Witkoff said the agenda covers security guarantees, de-escalation and humanitarian issues. European officials insist a ceasefire must come before any wider security deal, and territory remains the hardest question.
Why it matters
The war has pushed up global wheat, fertiliser and fuel costs that Nigerian farmers and families still feel. Any real progress could ease those prices over time.
Source: Middle East Monitor; The Straits Times.
4. Paraguay removes its president over a bank collapse
What happened
Paraguay’s Senate voted unanimously on Friday to remove President Santiago Peña over the collapse of Ueno Bank, a digital lender that left nearly three million customers unable to reach their savings. Vice-President Pedro Alliana was sworn in to serve until 2028, and prosecutors placed Peña under house arrest pending questioning. Lawmakers accused him of conflicts of interest and of letting the state pension fund place $355 million at the bank; Peña denies wrongdoing.
Why it matters
It is a sharp reminder of what happens when a fast-growing digital lender fails and regulators look away. Nigerians with savings in fintech apps should check that their provider is licensed and that deposits are insured.
5. Kenya: Shakahola cult leader jailed for 200 years
What happened
The High Court in Mombasa sentenced Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, to a total of 200 years in prison for the deaths of 190 children and one adult in Shakahola Forest between 2021 and 2023. His co-accused received long terms of up to 160 years. The judge declined the death penalty sought by prosecutors, and Mackenzie’s lawyers say he will appeal.
Why it matters
The case has driven debate across Africa, including Nigeria, about how to regulate religious groups that put followers’ lives at risk without limiting freedom of worship.
Source: RFI; Sky News; Nation.
6. 2026 set to break the 1.5°C mark
What happened
The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said on Friday that 2026 is virtually certain to average more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, only the second year after 2024 to do so, and will most likely be the second-warmest year on record. A strong El Niño is adding to human-driven warming. A single year above 1.5°C does not by itself mean the Paris goal has been formally breached.
Why it matters
Hotter years bring heavier floods, longer dry spells and pressure on farm output in Nigeria, which push up food prices.
7. Ebola in DR Congo: new vaccines head to trial
What happened
DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, the largest in its history, had recorded more than 10,500 confirmed cases and 5,126 deaths by 1 November. The WHO says two vaccines designed for this strain, from Oxford with the Serum Institute of India and from Moderna, will join the ongoing Tumaini trial once national approvals are in place, with results expected in early 2027. Cases linked to the outbreak have also been confirmed in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.
Why it matters
Nigeria has already seen linked cases, so travellers to and from Central and East Africa should follow health screening rules and report symptoms early.
Source: WHO; Channel Africa; BBC.
What to watch next
- Miller’s first moves as chief of staff on Monday and any Cabinet changes.
- Whether the US and Iran agree a deal, or whether major strikes resume, and what that does to oil prices.
- The Abu Dhabi talks on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Peña’s questioning by Paraguayan prosecutors.
For how world events are moving the naira, see our dollar to naira rate today page.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new White House chief of staff?
Stephen Miller, previously deputy chief of staff, takes over from Susie Wiles on Monday, according to President Trump.
Why do Iran and Hormuz matter to Nigeria?
Tension in the strait moves global oil prices, which affect Nigeria’s revenue, the exchange rate and fuel prices.
Has the world broken the Paris 1.5°C limit?
Not formally. The Paris goal is measured over many years, but 2026 is set to be the second single year above 1.5°C.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
