Somalia’s humanitarian crisis has reached a boiling point: 6.5 million people face acute food insecurity , 2 million at emergency hunger levels. Central and northern Somalia, along with Jubaland State are the worst affected. Jubaland alone hosts half a million distressed people, many of whom are still reeling from lost plantations and hundreds of livestock to prolonged drought and disease.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that approximately 62,000 people have been displaced by drought across five districts in Somalia since the beginning of 2026, with at least three out of every four new displacements attributed to severe climatic events.

“The positive forecasts bring hope that there will be rain in the coming weeks, but even with these rains, it is unlikely that we will see significant improvement in food insecurity and malnutrition, because this comes after multiple failed rainy seasons across the country,” notes Francesca Sangiorgi, Save the Children’s Humanitarian Director. She emphasises the damage that Somalia’s erratic rains inflict on critical infrastructure, which hampers service delivery. 

Francesca’s concerns are echoed in IOM’s projection that about 125,000 more people will likely be displaced by drought in the second quarter of 2026 despite the expected rains between April and June. 

Additionally, a Save the Children report estimates that 1.8 million children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2026, including severe cases, while millions lose access to critical services like immunisation as foreign-funded programmes are suspended due to budget gaps.

Foreign aid cuts have left over 80% of humanitarian services unfunded , impeding people’s access to healthcare, nutrition and education in the camps. The US-Israel-Iran conflict has also diverted global attention and disrupted global trade routes, fuelling food insecurity, given that Somalia imports more than 70% of its food. A recent spike in fuel prices and the cost of staple foods like maize and sorghum has worsened the problem.

“There’s no assistance on the horizon. Nothing we’re expecting as of today. I don’t know tomorrow. There’s no sight of any assistance from any quarter or from any humanitarian actor,” says Ali Aden Ali, Jubaland’s Commissioner for Refugees and IDPs. 

The spectre of devastation is evident across several IDP camps in the East African country. In Kismayo, which hosts about half a million people – the majority of them women and children – a cloud of anguish and hopelessness hangs over displaced families at risk of secondary displacement in search of the basic necessities of life.

Somalia’s situation highlights the need for strategic investment in climate change mitigation. Countries facing drought-induced displacement must prioritise disaster preparedness, post-disaster management, and climate‑resilient agriculture in the hardest-hit regions. This could boost local food production and help curb forced migration and food insecurity.

The article solely represents the views of Simpson Muhwezi,  a Ugandan freelance writer and development practitioner.

Lara said prosecutors would review whether the evidence was strong enough to justify arrest warrants. He added that if governors or senators were involved, Mexico would first need to begin proceedings to remove their legal immunity.

The prosecutor also criticised U.S. authorities for publicly revealing details of the case, saying the process should remain confidential under bilateral rules. Rocha Moya has denied the allegations, calling them baseless, while Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said documents provided by the U.S. Embassy did not include enough evidence to establish responsibility.

The World Health Organisation requires that patient data be collected with informed consent, used only for healthcare purposes, and kept confidential. Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012, also provides similar protections for personal data.

Ghana declined the proposal, citing concerns over data privacy and the protection of its citizens’ information.

Questions have also been raised about the purpose of the data request.

Experts have warned that the arrangement could go beyond health cooperation. The data and biological samples could potentially be used for research and development of drugs, vaccines , and gene therapies, which may later be commercialised.

The proposal has received mixed responses from other countries. Zimbabwe and Zambia rejected the offer. Kenya initially signed but faced legal challenges after a petition was filed in court. Other countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho, Eswatini, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Cambodia, are reported to have signed similar agreements, with a total of 32 countries participating.

Press freedom remains sharply uneven worldwide in 2025, with Nordic countries maintaining their dominance at the top of global rankings, while dozens of nations continue to operate under constrained or reduced media conditions, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The index, which scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, shows Norway once again leading globally with a score of 93, followed closely by Estonia and the Netherlands at 89, and Sweden at 88. Finland, Denmark and Ireland also rank among the highest performers, each scoring 87, reinforcing Northern Europe’s longstanding position as a stronghold for independent journalism.

European countries dominate the upper tier of the index, with several nations, including Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and Czechia, scoring in the mid-80s, indicating a broadly stable media environment. The United Kingdom and Canada sit slightly lower at 79, reflecting what RSF describes as “moderate but notable pressures” on press independence.

Despite Europe’s overall strength, the index highlights variations within the region. Countries such as Hungary (63) and Greece (55) fall into lower categories, underscoring concerns about political influence, media concentration and journalist safety.

A large group of countries falls into what RSF classifies as “moderate” or “constrained” press freedom. These include major economies such as the United States (65), Japan (63), and South Korea (64), where structural and political challenges continue to affect journalistic work.

In Africa, the picture is mixed. Ghana (67) and Namibia (75) perform relatively well, while others, such as Zambia (57) and Niger (57), face tighter constraints. Similarly, Latin American countries show divergence, with Uruguay (65) and Costa Rica (73) outperforming regional peers like Bolivia (54) and Ecuador (54).

Asia-Pacific nations also display a broad spectrum. Australia and New Zealand remain in the moderate category, while countries such as Papua New Guinea (58) and Malaysia (56) highlight ongoing struggles with regulatory and political pressures.

At the lower end of the index, countries including Benin, Bolivia, Ecuador and Tanzania all score 54, placing them in the “reduced press freedom” category. Serbia, Brunei, Eswatini, Kosovo and Angola follow closely with scores of 53.

These rankings point to systemic issues such as censorship, legal intimidation, limited access to information and threats to journalists’ safety, factors RSF identifies as key barriers to a free press.

Sharif said Pakistan remained in contact with Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who recently visited Islamabad before travelling to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The prime minister also warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz were putting pressure on global oil prices, forcing Pakistan to reassess domestic fuel costs.

The first round of U.S.-Iran talks ended without a breakthrough, while a planned second round has yet to take place. Tensions have remained high since joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered retaliatory attacks and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The ICJ is set to begin oral hearings on May 4 in the dispute over Essequibo, a resource-rich region administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela. Guyana is asking the court to uphold the 1899 arbitral award that fixed the current boundary, while Venezuela insists the matter should be handled under the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

Rodriguez also announced an oil production agreement with Italian energy firm Eni, saying it would support Venezuela’s economic recovery and public welfare. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, speaking at the same event, blamed U.S. sanctions for damaging the country’s economy and rejected claims that he holds assets abroad.

Lawmakers voted 128 to 11 in favour of the bill during a plenary sitting on Tuesday. The proposed law seeks to revise rules around ineligibility linked to criminal convictions, potentially changing who is permitted to stand for election under existing legislation.

The reform was tabled by the ruling majority, Pastef-Les Patriotes, which controls the National Assembly following the latest legislative cycle. The party is also central to the current administration, shaping both legislative and executive agendas.

Opposition groups have questioned the intent behind the proposal, pointing to its timing and scope. They argue that the changes could directly affect the eligibility of political figures ahead of the 2029 presidential contest, including Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

“This law is for one person only,” said Aissata Tall Sall, who leads the Takku Wallu Senegal Parliamentary group. She added that the bill introduces retroactive provisions which, in her view, lack a clear legal foundation.

Government officials have defended the reform, presenting it as a step to broaden democratic participation rather than restrict it. They maintain that the changes align with constitutional principles and aim to remove barriers to political engagement.

“I agree that democracy should not accept the idea of preventing people from standing for election or from exercising their right to vote,” said Interior Minister Mr Bamba Cisse. “It is time for Senegal to open itself to a new era.”

The debate comes against the backdrop of recent political developments. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in 2024, is a member of the same ruling party, although reports suggest tensions have emerged between him and Mr Sonko.

Mr Sonko was previously barred from contesting elections due to a criminal conviction, which he has described as politically motivated. The proposed changes could alter how such convictions are treated under electoral law.

The bill now moves to the president, who will decide whether to sign it into law. It may also face legal scrutiny, as opposition parties retain the option of referring it to the Constitutional Council for review.

Roads form the most extensive system, stretching across continents in vast, intricate lines. According to the World Bank , road networks account for the majority of global transport infrastructure, carrying over 80% of passenger travel and a significant share of freight worldwide.

Railways, though less widespread, trace concentrated corridors across Europe, North America and parts of Asia. The International Energy Agency notes that rail remains one of the most efficient modes of land transport for moving bulk goods, particularly in industrial economies such as China, the United States and across the European Union.

Air travel, by contrast, appears as a constellation of points. Airports cluster around major cities, forming global hubs that connect distant regions in hours rather than weeks. Data from the International Civil Aviation Organisation shows that more than 4 billion passengers travel by air each year, making aviation a cornerstone of global mobility and trade.

At sea, the pattern shifts again. Seaports line coastlines and major shipping routes, reflecting the dominance of maritime trade. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), around 80% of global trade by volume is carried by sea, linking production centres and consumer markets across continents.

Cities now emerge as the brightest nodes, dense clusters where infrastructure converges. The United Nations estimates that over 60% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. These urban centres act as anchors for global connectivity, concentrating economic activity, transport and population.

What this really shows is not just infrastructure , but dependence. Each network supports the others. Roads feed into ports, railways connect industrial zones, and airports link global markets. Disruption in one part of the system can ripple across the entire network, as seen during supply chain shocks in recent years.

Wameso said the policy also aligns with efforts to comply with anti-money laundering rules and international sanctions , including measures targeting individuals linked to conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He added that the reforms were important as the country seeks to attract significant foreign investment, Viory reports.

Under the new rules, which took effect on April 9, individuals can still hold foreign currency but must use Congolese francs for cash transactions. Dollars can be deposited into bank accounts and used electronically. The policy is part of efforts to reduce dollarisation, which has persisted since the hyperinflation era of the 1990s.

The central bank said the reforms come amid improving economic indicators , with growth reaching 5.8% in 2025 and projected to rise further, alongside stable inflation and stronger foreign reserves.

“Fabricating excuses and spreading rumours cannot justify the US's barbaric blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba, nor can they conceal the fact that the US has seriously violated Cuba's right to survival and development,” Lin said.

Rubio had earlier accused Cuba of enabling intelligence operations by rival powers, warning that such activities posed a threat to US national security .

The Malian leader described the attacks as part of a broader effort to destabilise the country, alleging support from both internal and external actors.

“These attacks are not isolated acts,” he stated. “They are part of a broader destabilisation plan designed and carried out by terrorist armed groups, with internal and external sponsors providing them with intelligence and logistical support.”

He declared that the country’s security situation is “under control”, stating that the military response dealt a “strong blow” to armed groups and also called on fellow Malians to trust in the security forces "now more than ever" as they are "engaged in a complex fight against terrorism".

Equatorial Guinea is forecast to record the weakest performance, with its economy expected to contract by around 2.7%. The IMF has repeatedly pointed to the country’s heavy reliance on declining oil production as a key factor behind its prolonged downturn, with limited diversification constraining recovery prospects.

Elsewhere, growth is expected to remain subdued rather than negative. Mozambique is projected to expand by just 0.5%, reflecting ongoing fiscal pressures and vulnerability to external shocks. South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, is forecast to grow by only 1.0%, underscoring deep-rooted challenges including energy shortages, logistics constraints and high unemployment. The IMF has flagged these structural issues as major drags on the country’s growth potential.

Lesotho is expected to post growth of about 1.1%, while Seychelles, heavily dependent on tourism, is projected at 1.5%, a pace that reflects a gradual but uneven recovery in global travel demand.

Further along the list, Malawi and Senegal are both forecast to grow by around 2.2%, followed closely by Angola at 2.3% and Namibia at 2.4%. While these figures represent positive growth, they fall well below the regional average and highlight limited economic momentum.

The Central African Republic, projected at 2.6%, rounds out the group of slowest-growing economies, reflecting ongoing fragility linked to conflict, infrastructure gaps and reliance on subsistence sectors.

What stands out is the contrast within the region. While some African economies are expanding rapidly, others are struggling to gain traction. The IMF notes that Sub-Saharan Africa’s overall growth outlook remains uneven, shaped by commodity dependence, debt burdens and exposure to global financial conditions.

Countries reliant on a narrow range of exports, particularly oil, are among the most vulnerable. In Equatorial Guinea and Angola, fluctuations in global energy prices continue to have an outsized impact on economic performance. Meanwhile, economies like South Africa face domestic constraints that limit their ability to capitalise on global demand.

The implications extend beyond headline growth figures. Slower expansion can constrain job creation, reduce fiscal space and limit investment in infrastructure and social services. For many of these countries, sustaining even modest growth will require structural reforms, diversification and improved governance.

OPEC, founded in 1960, has 13 member countries and collectively accounts for around 30% of global oil supply. Its role has been to coordinate production quotas to influence prices. The UAE, which joined in 1967, has been producing close to 3 million barrels per day in recent years, placing it among the bloc’s top producers.

The decision to leave reflects a change in strategy. According to reports, the UAE is stepping away “in favour of national interest”, signalling a move towards independent control of its oil output.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei says in an interview with Reuters that, “This ​is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production”.

Why the UAE is stepping away

The UAE has expanded its production capacity to approximately 4 million barrels per day, with plans to increase this further. However, OPEC quotas have limited its ability to produce at full capacity.

This gap between capacity and allowed output has been a key source of tension. Analysts note that remaining within OPEC would continue to restrict the country’s ability to maximise revenue, particularly during periods of high oil prices.

The move also comes at a time of global uncertainty. Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel amid supply disruptions linked to regional instability. These conditions have strengthened the case for flexibility in production decisions.

Impact on OPEC and global markets

The UAE’s departure reduces OPEC’s combined output and spare capacity. As one of the larger producers, its exit weakens the group’s ability to manage supply through coordinated cuts or increases.

Reports say the move is seen as “a blow to the world’s largest oil cartel”, highlighting concerns about the group’s cohesion. With fewer members adhering to quotas, OPEC’s influence over global prices may decline.

Despite this, the immediate impact may be limited. OPEC and its allies, often referred to as OPEC+, still control a significant share of global supply. Short-term price movements are also being driven by external factors, including geopolitical tensions and disruptions to shipping routes.

A shift towards independent strategy

Outside OPEC, the UAE will be free to adjust production without quota restrictions. This could allow it to increase output beyond current limits and take advantage of favourable market conditions.

The country’s approach aligns with its broader economic plans. Oil remains a major source of revenue, and the ability to produce closer to full capacity could strengthen its fiscal position. At the same time, the UAE continues to invest in diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons. 

The decision reflects a wider trend among producers. As global energy markets evolve, countries are increasingly prioritising domestic economic goals over collective agreements.

What this means for the future of the cartel

OPEC’s influence has depended on unity among its members . The UAE’s exit raises questions about whether other countries may reconsider their position, particularly if quota disagreements persist.

The organisation will continue to play a role in global energy markets, but its ability to act as a unified force may face greater challenges. The UAE’s move underscores a shift in the balance between cooperation and competition among oil-producing nations.

Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, this shift is accompanied by a more confident political posture. The government has signalled willingness to challenge major powers, regulate global tech platforms and pursue strategic autonomy. At the same time, long-term investments in aerospace and defence—highlighted by the development of advanced fighter jets—underscore ambitions to strengthen hard power capabilities. Analysts such as Richard Heydarian, from Global South Voices, describe this approach as “progressive realism”, reflecting a broader trend among Global South nations aiming to balance cooperation with independence in an increasingly multipolar world .

“Very good ideas were put forward, and there are now very good grounds for cooperation,” he said, adding that Putin praised the resilience of the Iranian people .

According to Araghchi, the Russian leader said that “not only Russia, but the whole world is studying the Iranian people for their steadfastness in the face of America and, in essence, for their victory in this unequal and unfair war.”

Recent export-import data shows India leading the global market with roughly $3.9 billion in spice exports, representing about 37% of the global share. Vietnam follows closely with nearly $3 billion, capturing around 30%, underscoring a duopoly that now controls well over half of global spice exports.

Industry data confirms the trend. India remains the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, shipping products to more than 150 countries and generating over $4.7 billion in export value in recent years. Vietnam, meanwhile, has carved out a strong position through high-volume exports of black pepper and cinnamon, with exports reaching billions of dollars annually.

What this really means is that the global spice trade is no longer broadly distributed. Instead, it is increasingly concentrated in a handful of high-performing economies.

India’s strength lies in scale and diversity. The country produces more than 60 of the world’s recognised spice varieties and exports a wide range of products, from chilli and turmeric to cumin and spice oils . Its long-established supply chains and strong agricultural base have allowed it to maintain leadership even as competition intensifies.

Vietnam, by contrast, has taken a more specialised approach. Its dominance in key segments, such as black pepper, has enabled it to rapidly expand its global footprint, supported by efficient production systems and export-focused policies .

Beyond the top two, the market drops sharply. Mexico ranks third with about $1 billion in exports, followed by Peru, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, each contributing a far smaller share. Other players such as Chile, Turkey and Colombia maintain niche positions, while Ethiopia rounds out the top ten with a minimal share of the global market.

Global spice production has reached more than 6 million metric tonnes in recent years, with demand driven by shifting consumer preferences, growing interest in health-focused ingredients, and the growth of processed foods.

At the same time, the trade remains vulnerable to disruption. Climate change, supply chain bottlenecks and quality control issues continue to pose risks, particularly for countries heavily reliant on agricultural exports.