Here are some of the stories we're covering from around the world:

As Putin Pitches His Vision, Voters Avert Their Gaze From the War

Vladimir Putin, casting himself as the only leader able to end the war in Ukraine, is all but assured another term in a rubber-stamp election this weekend.

Senegal’s Leading Opposition Politicians Freed From Jail Just Before Election

Two opposition party politicians were released from jail in Senegal on Thursday night, just 10 days before a nationwide election in which one of them is running for president.

Shabab Gunmen Penetrate Heavy Security to Besiege Hotel in Somalia

Five assailants with the terrorist group Al Shabab stormed a hotel in a highly fortified area close to Somalia’s presidential palace on Thursday night, engaging security forces for about 12 hours in sustained fighting that left three people dead and injured 27 — including members of parliament — before the militants were finally killed, according to Somali officials.

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