Chinese police have shot dead 8 Uighurs who attacked a police station in Xinjiang province.

According to state officials, the men attacked the police station with knives and explosives, before being repulsed by armed police.

Two weeks ago 16 people were left dead after riots, blamed on “extremists” by Beijing.

Cuba has eased restrictions on loans to small businesses and individuals, in a move to boost the country’s economy.

The measure was initially launched by President Rahul Castro 2 years ago, but the lower limit for the borrowing amount has been lowered to 1,000 pesos, from 3,000 pesos.

The maximum period of the loan has also been extended from 5 years to 10 years.

Human Rights Watch has criticised the decision by Egypt’s military-run government to list the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, slamming the move as “politically driven”.

The killing of former Lebanese minister Mohamad Chatah in a car bomb in Beirut has been condemned by the United Nations Security Council, Secretary General and the United States, as his allies blamed the attack on Hezbollah.

A statement from the 15-member UN Security Council, stated their,

The leader of the South Sudanese rebels, currently embroiled in clashes with troops loyal to President Kiir, has said there would need to be negotiations before a truce can be agreed.

Riek Machar, a former vice-president, was sacked after the president accused him of plotting a coup against Kiir. He said his side had a negotiating team ready but that a ceasefire would have to be credible and monitored.

A military offensive in Nigeria that killed over 50 militants has also destroyed four villages and an unknown number of civilians, reports AFP.

The raids were launched by the army in response to an attack on Friday by Islamist group Boko Haram. A defence ministry spokesperson identified those killed as terrorists although villagers have reported civilians killed in the bombardment.

Egypt’s military run government has declared the Muslim Brotherhood a “terrorist” organisation on Wednesday, vowing to crack down on its members, as unrest in the country continues.

In a statement released by the Egyptian cabinet, they stated,

Pope Francis in his Christmas message called for an end to violence around the world, focusing on Syria but also drawing attention to conflicts in Africa and the Middle-East.

“Too many lives have been shattered in recent times by the conflict in Syria, fuelling hatred and vengeance,” the Pope said, and urged “the parties in conflict to put an end to all violence and guarantee access to humanitarian aid.”

The president of South Sudan Salva Kiir has called for an end to tribal atrocities as clashes continued between Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups.

"Innocent people have been wantonly killed. People are targeting others because of their tribal affiliation. This is unacceptable," Kiir said.