Abortions remain illegal in the predominantly Catholic country, with both patients and providers facing prison terms of up to six years. As a result, many Filipinas rely on informal networks and online forums where unlicensed sellers advertise abortifacients, often without proper medical guidance.

“It was very painful, as if my abdomen was being twisted,” Jane said, recounting how a purported doctor inserted a pill into her cervix without anaesthesia during a follow-up visit.

She added that she was warned not to disclose the abortion if complications arose. “I heard stories that some women were reported to the police , ignored or left to die when they reached the hospital,” the 31-year-old said.

Although post-abortion care has been legal for more than a decade, access remains limited. Many healthcare providers are reluctant to offer treatment due to fears of legal repercussions or losing their professional licenses.

According to Junice Melgar of the Likhaan Center for Women's Health , which serves low-income communities in Manila, the situation places both patients and providers in a difficult position.

“I believe that a lot of providers would like to help. They might find it ethical, but it’s a scary proposition for them,” she said.

The ongoing restrictions continue to drive vulnerable women toward unsafe alternatives, raising concerns among health advocates about the risks to women’s lives and wellbeing.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini told senators the clause had been “smuggled” into the bill. “The clause was smuggled in; it was not there originally,” Kwidini said during the debate.

The proposed amendment would have allowed abortions on request up to 20 weeks for adults and minors without parental consent, removed spousal notification requirements, and permitted a single medical practitioner to authorise the procedure.

Kwidini distanced the ministry from the provision, saying it was not part of the original draft presented in the Lower House. “When the Bill was introduced in the Lower House at First Reading, there was no Clause 11, it ended at Clause 10,” he said. “As the Ministry, we are saying Clause 11 cannot be part of this Bill.”

Most senators indicated they were unwilling to support the clause in its current form. The government suggested that if abortion law reforms are to be considered, they should be introduced under a separate bill.

The World Health Organisation estimates that about 73 million abortions occur each year, where laws are restrictive, unsafe procedures rise and account for an estimated 4.7–13% of maternal deaths, while deaths from safe, regulated abortion are exceedingly rare.

In Europe, the European Abortion Policy Atlas compares 49 countries and territories, grading both the letter of the law and real-world access by providing availability, waiting periods, and cost barriers.

France made global headlines in March 2024 by explicitly protecting abortion in its Constitution, a move described by the government and international media as a world first for constitutional stature.

In the United States , the Supreme Court in June 2024 rejected a high-profile challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone on standing grounds, leaving federal access rules in place while other litigation continues.

In Mexico, a September 2023 ruling ordered federal decriminalisation, requiring national facilities to provide care, an inflexion point in Latin America’s “green wave” as implementation spreads across states.

Elsewhere in Europe, Poland remains one of Europe’s most restrictive jurisdictions despite a change in government; 2025 has seen intensified civil-society pressure and new services opening to support those seeking care, underscoring the legal stalemate.

In Germany, debate over removing abortion from the criminal code (Section 218) has gathered momentum, with the governing coalition studying reforms in 2024–2025 and public discussion intensifying this summer.

The proposal comes just two years after Chileans rejected a draft constitution that would have made abortion a guaranteed right.

In a 2022 referendum, 62% of voters rejected the progressive charter, which included broader abortion access as one of its most controversial measures.

Currently, abortion is only allowed in Chile under very limited circumstances, when the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, in cases of rape, or when the fetus is diagnosed with a fatal condition.

That law was passed in 2017, ending a strict ban that had been in place for nearly three decades.

The new proposal, which aims to allow abortion for any reason within the first trimester, has reopened a deep divide in the country.

Supporters argue it is about ensuring health and equality for women, while critics say it ignores the will of the majority.

Minister for Women and Gender Equity, Antonia Orellana, said the bill would soon be formally submitted to Congress.

She described it as a historic step forward, more than three decades after Chile banned therapeutic abortion during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.

But conservative lawmakers quickly pushed back, accusing the government of promoting policies that do not reflect public priorities.

“Chile rejects the culture of death,” said Deputy Roberto Arroyo. “This is not what the people want.”

President Boric, who was elected in 2021 on a progressive platform, had promised to expand access to abortion. His campaign included plans to promote reproductive health , improve access to contraception, and guarantee voluntary abortion as a basic health service, but is still yet to achieve that.  

Nawrocki's win, with 50.89% of the vote, marks a significant setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European Union (EU) government and signals potential policy clashes ahead.

As a conservative historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, Karol Nawrocki campaigned on a platform which emphasised national sovereignty, traditional Christian values, and scepticism towards deeper European Union integration. His alignment with the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party and endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump bolstered his appeal among conservative voters.

This victory is expected to extend the legislative deadlock experienced under outgoing President Andrzej Duda, as he is likely to use his veto powers to block liberal initiatives from Tusk's government, particularly efforts to reverse PiS-era judicial reforms criticised by the EU.

Nawrocki has vowed to oppose liberalisation of abortion laws and the recognition of same-sex partnerships, reflecting his commitment to conservative social policies . He also supports nationalist economic measures favouring Polish citizens over refugees, including those from Ukraine.

On foreign policy, while Nawrocki backs military aid to Ukraine against Russia's invasion, he opposes Ukraine's accession to NATO, citing concerns about entangling Poland in broader conflicts . His stance may strain Poland's relations with both Ukraine and the EU.

Financial markets, however, responded negatively to Nawrocki's election, with Poland's blue-chip WIG20 index falling 2.14% amid investor concerns over potential legislative gridlock and fiscal uncertainty. Analysts warn that political polarisation could hinder fiscal consolidation efforts, especially given Poland's significant budget deficit and upcoming spending demands.

President Julius Maada Bio has introduced the Safe Motherhood Bill, which would legalise abortion up to 14 weeks into pregnancy. The move aligns with global shifts in reproductive rights, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to roll back abortion protections.

Currently, an estimated 90,000 abortions occur annually in Sierra Leone, contributing to a high maternal mortality rate of 717 deaths per 100,000 births.

Healthcare professionals argue that restrictive laws force women to seek unsafe procedures, leading to severe medical complications.

Nurse Hawanatu Samura described cases where women suffered life-threatening infections and injuries due to illegal abortion attempts. Medical workers stress that legalizing abortion would ensure safer options for those in need.

However, the bill faces opposition from religious leaders and conservative groups. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles has condemned the legislation as "ungodly" and accused supporters of exaggerating abortion statistics to push an agenda. Opponents also claim foreign influence is driving the reform, though the U.S. embassy in Sierra Leone has denied any involvement.

Women’s rights groups continue to push for the bill’s passage, arguing that it is a necessary step toward improving healthcare and gender equality. Last year’s ban on child marriage demonstrated progress in advancing women’s rights, but the fate of the Safe Motherhood Bill remains uncertain as debates intensify in parliament.

In a 2025 Lenten Pastoral Message, CABICOL, led by Most Rev. Anthony Fallah Borwah, President of the conference, joined forces with the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the National Muslim Council to call for the bill’s outright rejection.

“We emphatically reject this bill and its subsequent provisions, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and euthanasia,” the bishops stated. “The Church’s perennial teaching, as inscribed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is that ‘human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception till its normal end.’ The commandment of God is clear: ‘Thou shall not kill’ (Exodus 20:13),” he is quoted by the Liberian Observer .

The religious leaders stressed that legalising abortion and euthanasia contradicts Liberia’s cultural and faith-based values, urging lawmakers to uphold the sanctity of life. They called on all religious and civic groups to oppose the legislation and advocate for policies that align with traditional family and moral principles.

In their annual Lenten message, the bishops joined hands with the Liberia Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council to push for the bill’s rejection.

“We emphatically reject this bill and its subsequent provisions, such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage and euthanasia,” they were quoted by the Liberian Observer .

The Church has always stood against abortion and euthanasia, which is the act of ending a life to relieve suffering.

The bishops said human life must be protected from the moment of conception until natural death. They believe that passing this bill would undermine Liberia’s religious and moral foundations.

The bishops also raised concerns about how the government spends public money.

According to them , too much of the budget goes to government expenses instead of development and social programs.

Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe criticised the way funds are allocated.

“The high allocation for recurring government expenditures at the expense of development and social welfare must be addressed,” he said.

In addition, the bishops warned that political issues in the House of Representatives could harm Liberia’s democracy.

The bishops also repeated their long-standing call for a War and Economic Crimes Court to bring justice for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil war.

They welcomed President Joseph N. Boakai’s support for the court and said justice is necessary for peace and national healing.

President Rodrigo Chaves and his team say the goal is to protect unborn life.

The proposed law would set different penalties based on how far along the pregnancy is and whether the woman agreed to the abortion.

If an abortion is done before six months of pregnancy, the penalty could be between four and eight years in prison.

However if a woman chooses to end her own pregnancy, she could face between four and six years behind bars.

Costa Rica currently allows abortion only when a woman’s life or health is at serious risk.

A legal guideline was introduced in 2019 to help doctors decide when the procedure is necessary. However, President Chaves has strongly opposed any efforts to make abortion more accessible.

Local reports say his government wants to unite conservative groups and push back against international pressure to loosen restrictions.

According to the Minister of the Presidency Laura Fernández, the government believes harsher punishments are needed to protect the most vulnerable, in this case, unborn children.

President Chaves also insisted that while saving a mother’s life is a priority, the rights of the unborn must also be defended.

If approved, the new law would make the country’s abortion rules one of the strictest in Latin America.

President Donald Trump reinstated the "Mexico City Policy," which bans U.S. government funding for foreign organisations that provide or promote abortions. This executive order revokes former President Joe Biden's directive that eliminated the policy, originally established by Ronald Reagan in 1985. According to CNA , the rule prohibits taxpayer support for foreign NGOs involved in abortion-related activities, though foreign governments are exempt. Pro-life advocates praised the reinstatement, while Democratic leaders, like Sen. Patty Murray, criticized it as a dangerous restriction on reproductive health services. Trump also targeted Biden's policies linked to the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions in the U.S.

Migrants in shackles led on to US military plane

US military aircraft, under orders from President Donald Trump, have begun flying detained migrants out of the country, marking a rare use of military planes for this purpose. The first deportation flights carried about 160 migrants to Guatemala, while another flight intended for Mexico was denied access by Mexican authorities. The operation aligns with Trump’s commitment to combat illegal immigration, highlighted by increasing arrests across the US, nearly doubling ICE's daily average. Additionally, Trump plans to deploy more military personnel to the southern border and prioritise the deportation of migrants with criminal backgrounds. Critics have raised concerns over ICE's methods, including conducting workplace raids without warrants, Sky News reports.

Mexico denies US deportation flight landing after miscommunication

A miscommunication regarding a Defense Department manifest led to Mexico rejecting a U.S. deportation flight this week, although Mexico was otherwise prepared to accept the deportees, according to a senior State Department official. While two Air Force C-17 flights deported approximately 160 illegal immigrants to Guatemala, a third flight to Mexico never took off. As reported by Fox News , tensions surrounding the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, including the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy, have strained U.S.-Mexico relations. Despite this incident, the State Department noted that Mexico has cooperated effectively throughout the week, and Trump has deployed 1,500 troops to the southern border as part of his immigration crackdown.

US officially renames Gulf of Mexico and Denali Peak

The US Department of the Interior has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali Peak in Alaska to Mount McKinley, following an executive order by President Trump. This decision aims to honour US heritage and historical figures. The renaming has elicited mixed responses, particularly from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who criticised US dominance and humorously suggested renaming the US to "Mexican America." She emphasised the importance of dialogue and asserted that Mexico will not be subordinate to the US, Shafaq News reports.

Mexican sailor returns home after 14 months in Houthi rebel captivity

Mexican sailor Arturo Zacarías Meza returned to his hometown of Misantla, Veracruz, on January 24, 2025, after being held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen for 14 months. He was part of the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, seized by the rebels in November 2023 while transiting the Red Sea. Celebrations welcomed Zacarías home, where neighbours prepared his favourite dish, carnitas, and a band played his favourite song. AP highlights that the crew, consisting of members from various countries, was initially held aboard the ship before being moved to a safe house as they gained the trust of their captors. Their release was facilitated by Oman, and Zacarías expressed gratitude for his safe return, wearing a shirt featuring the Virgin of Guadalupe.

This judicial ruling aims to address the dangers women and girls face from unsafe abortions, which often arise due to restrictive legal frameworks.

Currently, Zimbabwean legislation permits legal abortions in very limited circumstances, thereby pushing many women toward illegal procedures that can lead to severe health risks and fatalities.

The judge noted the serious implications of forcing a child to carry a pregnancy to term, especially in a society where, statistically, one in every four girls becomes pregnant between the ages of 10 and 19.

“There is no doubt that it is torture, cruel and degrading treatment for a child to carry another child, for a child to give birth to another child, or for a child to be forced to illegally abort because of cruel circumstances,” the judge was quoted by ABC News .

He explained that the pressing issue of high rates of teenage pregnancies, which are exacerbated by poor enforcement of laws, cultural norms, and widespread poverty, makes access to contraceptives and reproductive health services challenging. To improve the health and safety of young girls and alleviate the burden of unsafe abortions, a move towards granting them access to safe and legal abortion services is imperative.

Despite the government ’s failure to contest the women’s rights group that brought forth the case, the ruling awaits approval from the Constitutional Court before it can take effect.

The African nation records approximately 77,000 unsafe abortions annually, a number that might not capture the complete picture of this issue.

"It's time for America to sing a new song," Beyoncé was quoted by AFP.

"I'm not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I'm here as a mother. A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies," she added.

While the rally primarily focused on the implications of abortion restrictions in Republican-led states, it sought to elevate the issue ahead of the election.

Harris, addressing the audience, highlighted the stakes involved in the upcoming vote, stating, "We are 11 days out from an election that will decide the future of America, including the freedom of every woman to make decisions about her own body."

In a contrasting event, Trump was in Austin, recording a lengthy interview for "The Joe Rogan Experience." Although the discussion covered various topics, including UFOs and JFK's assassination, it largely steered clear of policy issues and completely bypassed the subject of abortion.

Trump's follow-up rally in Michigan was delayed due to the podcast taping, leading to some attendees leaving before he arrived.

The political rivalry intensified as Harris and Trump exchanged sharp accusations earlier that day, with Harris labelling Trump a "fascist," a characterization that sparked backlash from Republican leaders. They condemned her comments, alleging that she was inciting further threats against Trump, who survived an assassination attempt earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Trump referred to the U.S. as a "garbage can for the world" during his remarks in Austin, continuing his provocative rhetoric.

Both candidates are adapting their strategies to connect with younger, undecided voters by prioritizing platforms like podcasts and YouTube over traditional media outlets.

“This day is about pushing the right to choose,” said Lilian Reyes Gutierrez from Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir.

Brenda Gutierrez of Fondo Maria added, “Abortion should be treated as a medical procedure, not a crime .”

The protest saw brief clashes with police . Similar protests took place in Chile and Peru.

On August 30, 2023, Mexico’s National Supreme Court ordered the Aguascalientes state Congress to decriminalise voluntary abortion. Just a week later, on September 6, the Court eliminated all federal criminal penalties for abortion.

Protesters called for broader access to abortion services, in line with President Gabriel Boric's recent promise.

In June, Boric announced plans to introduce a bill by the end of 2024 that would expand the legal grounds for abortion in the country.

The demonstrators, made up of students, activists, and supporters, called for the implementation of free, public, and safe abortion services, arguing it is essential for public health and women's rights.

Mariana Perez, a 20-year-old student, said, "Free, public, and safe abortion has yet to be implemented in Chile, and I believe it is necessary as a matter of public health, beyond the ideals one may have."

Women's rights activist Angelica Salas, 34, echoed the sentiment, advocating for the decriminalisation of abortion. "I think it is very important that we women have the right to decide. And that the only important thing is that it is our decision," she said.

The protest featured dancing, drum performances, and chants demanding change. 

However, its laws vary significantly across the globe, with some countries offering more liberal access to abortion services than others.

Here are five countries known for their progressive stance on legal abortion as provided by the Pew Research Centre :

Sweden

Sweden is renowned for its liberal abortion laws. The country has 95% tolerance for this process as women in Sweden can access abortion services on request up to the 18th week of pregnancy. After this period, abortions can still be performed with the approval of the National Board of Health and Welfare if there are serious reasons, such as health risks to the mother or severe fetal anomalies.

France

France allows abortion with an 87% score on request up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond this period, abortions are permitted if two physicians certify that continuing the pregnancy would pose a serious risk to the woman's health or if there is a high probability that the fetus has a severe and incurable condition. France's healthcare system ensures that abortion services are accessible and covered by national health insurance.

Netherlands

With the Netherlands known for its comprehensive and accessible abortion services and an 86% scorecard, women can request an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with a mandatory five-day waiting period after the initial consultation. The Dutch healthcare system ensures that abortion services are widely available and covered by health insurance, making it easier for women to access the care they need.

Germany

With a score sheet of 84%, abortion is permitted within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in Germany. This is after the woman has undergone mandatory counselling at a state-approved centre at least three days before the procedure. This counselling is intended to ensure that the woman is making an informed decision.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under the Abortion Act 1967, provided certain conditions are met, such as risks to the physical or mental health of the woman or existing children. The UK shares the same score sheet with Germany; 84% and in exceptional cases, such as severe fetal abnormalities or risks to the woman's life, abortions can be performed beyond 24 weeks. The National Health Service (NHS) provides abortion services, ensuring they are accessible and free at the point of use.

Low water levels at the Paraguay and Paraná rivers are affecting transportation capacity and causing concern for foreign trade operators in Paraguay. The reduced levels are limiting operations for businesses that rely on these routes, which handle 80% of the country's trade, including iron ore and soybean shipments, MercoPress reports. Weather forecasts are not promising, with continued downpours causing floods in some areas and leaving others dry, according to MercoPress. These conditions are leading to higher costs and longer procedures for carriers. The situation has been exacerbated by back-to-back downpours in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and 2024 is expected to be tough as well.

Regulation of Bitcoin mining

Paraguay lawmaker María Constancia Benítez has proposed a new bill to regulate Bitcoin mining, emphasising the industry's potential to boost the country's economy and technological development. The bill includes anti-money laundering measures and aims to ensure miners adhere to strict environmental regulations.

Building of Olympic Aquatic Centre

Paraguay will build a new National Olympic Aquatic Centre in Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay in preparation for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. The construction of a New Olympic Aquatic Centre was decided upon during a meeting between the President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, Camilo Pérez, the Minister of Sports, and the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña. According to Panam Sports , the $12 million sports infrastructure will be finished in time for the games in the summer of 2025, which will take place in Asunción, Paraguay, for the first time ever.

Shutdown of largest illegal Bitcoin mining farm

Paraguayan authorities have shut down an illegal bitcoin mining farm in Saltos de Guaira, eastern Paraguay involving over 2,700 miners connected to the country's power grid. The operation deemed the largest of its kind, involved the use of supervisory and control systems and AI software to monitor load current peaks. According to reports, the farm bypassed the connection to the electric metre, obtaining energy without being accounted for by the National Power Administration.

UN suggestion to legalise abortion

Paraguay has rejected the UN's suggestion to legalise abortion, citing conflicts with the Constitution. The ruling party is firm in its stance to protect life from conception. The UN also urged changes in the age of consensual marriage and gender orientation for children, but Paraguay's government emphasises the importance of protecting the family and prioritising other issues. “We went and gave very emphatically our position, respect for our Constitution of the Republic of Paraguay that guarantees the right to life from conception. They are free to make the recommendation they want, but we are also free as a sovereign and self-determined people to respect our regulations,” Paraguay's Minister of Childhood and Adolescence, Walter Gutiérrez said .

Chile is seeking to become the world's top lithium producer, but environmentalists are concerned about the impact of lithium extraction on the fragile ecosystems in the Atacama desert. The extraction process involves pumping water from salt flats, leading to concerns about water scarcity and environmental degradation. Indigenous Colla people are also at risk of losing their traditional way of life due to dwindling water sources, as reported by France24 .

Increased internet users

Internet usage in Chile has seen a significant surge in the first quarter of 2024, with both fixed and mobile internet traffic experiencing a 12% year-over-year increase, as reported by Subtel's latest statistics. Notably, fixed traffic continues to dominate, accounting for nearly five times the volume of mobile traffic, with a substantial total of almost 7.9 million terabytes. This growth highlights the expanding online presence in Chile, with both fixed and mobile internet services contributing to the upward trend, according to Telecompaper .

Strides in fruit exports

Over the last week, the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) in collaboration with Frutas de Chile has engaged in strategic discussions with plant health officials from Japan, Korea, and China. These meetings are part of a concerted effort to gear up for the 2024-2025 fruit export campaign and to facilitate the introduction of new varieties of Chilean fruits into these Asian markets. According to Fresh Plaza , the team, spearheaded by SAG's national director José Guajardo, comprises experts from SAG and stakeholders from the private sector. Their dialogue has centred on the progress and plant health prerequisites necessary for the exportation of Chilean agricultural products, including apples, to these nations.

World's largest astronomy camera

Boasting a resolution surpassing 3.2 gigapixels, the heaviest digital camera in optical astronomy, tipping the scales at nearly three tons, is poised for a groundbreaking ten-year survey and is set to be mounted beneath the pristine skies of northern Chile. As reported by Reuters , The components necessary to construct the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, encompassing both a terrestrial telescope and the colossal camera, have been transported via multiple conveyances to the peak of Cerro Pachón in the Coquimbo region, situated at the fringe of the Atacama desert and approximately 565 kilometres to the north of Santiago.

Bishops against abortion and euthanasia advocacy

Chilean bishops have expressed strong disapproval of President Gabriel Boric's intention to support legislation that would decriminalise euthanasia and advance another bill to regulate legal abortion within the nation. President Boric publicised these legislative initiatives on June 1, in the course of the customary presidential address to Congress, an event akin to the State of the Union address in the United States. “I am convinced of the need to have a democratic debate on sexual and reproductive rights. That is why, during the second half of this year, we will introduce a bill on legal abortion. (…) The women of Chile deserve their right to decide,” Boric declared according to Catholic World Report .

A magnitude 4.0 quake hit 38 km northeast of Al Hoceima, Morocco early morning on May 27, 2024. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 20 km and may have been felt in nearby towns. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) subsequently released a second study in which they classified the earthquake's magnitude as 3.9.

Booming online abortion pill market

Moroccan women are turning to the thriving online market for abortion pills due to the country's strict abortion laws. The illegal pills are sold on social media platforms, with sellers offering no guarantees on the medication or proper usage. According to reports, many women are seeking the help of organisations that provide free abortion pills imported from abroad. Amnesty International has called for the decriminalisation of abortion in Morocco, but the conservative society and lack of political will remain barriers.

Morocco, Senegal forge stronger partnership

Morocco and Senegal are strengthening their partnership, aiming to serve as a model for inter-African cooperation. Both countries emphasised the importance of solidarity and working together for the development of the African continent, as well as the role of the private sector in promoting investment opportunities, according to APA News . They also agreed to support each other's candidacies within regional and international organisations and continue collaborative efforts in promoting peace and development across Africa.

US, Morocco nuclear response demonstration

US and Moroccan forces conducted a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response demonstration during the exercise African Lion 2024. The joint training involved the 53rd Ordnance Company and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, according to the U.S. Army . The exercise aims to enhance readiness and strengthen partnerships between the US military, African armed forces, and NATO allies. This is the 20th anniversary of the exercise, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations. The exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability and setting the theatre for strategic access.

UK parliamentarians support Morocco’s control over Western Sahara

British parliamentarians, mainly from the Conservative Party, have urged the UK government to support Morocco's control over the disputed Western Sahara region. They believe Morocco's autonomy plan offers a practical and pragmatic path to stability and is supported by many Western allies. "The autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco for Western Sahara, balanced with respect for local traditions and democratic aspirations, offers a viable path toward lasting peace and stability," they wrote in a letter. However, the Polisario Front and Sahrawis argue that the plan undermines their right to self-determination, according to the Middle East Eye . The US and France support the Moroccan plan, while the Polisario Front demands the UN follow through on its promise for a referendum on self-determination.

A pilot program to attempt a four-day workweek in the Dominican Republic will begin in February. Some employees of private and public companies will transition from a 44-hour workweek to a 36-hour workweek, from Monday to Thursday. According to the government, salaries will remain the same. This is the first time the Caribbean country has taken such a measure. Among the participating companies are the Latin American telecommunications firm Claro and the state-owned National Health Insurance, as reported by Voz de América .

Bilateral cooperation with China

On Tuesday, January 16, the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, met with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Tang Renjian, to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries, as reported by El Nuevo Diario . Tang Renjian also met with the Dominican Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing agricultural and technical cooperation, as well as providing support to other areas. This includes the introduction of new technologies for rice cultivation and aquaculture in the Caribbean country.

France interested in the construction of a new metro line

On Tuesday, January 16, the Presidency of the Dominican Republic announced, through a press release, “France's interest in contributing to infrastructure and urban mobility projects” in the country, as reported by Listín Diario . According to the statement, France expressed its interest in participating in the construction of a third metro line in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital, through a letter sent to the President of the Dominican Republic in December. President Emmanuel Macron also announced that a government official would visit the Caribbean country in early 2024 to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The statement reads, “Macron celebrates the trust placed by the Dominican Republic’s government in French companies for the development of important projects such as metro lines in Santo Domingo".

Abortion arrest

The National Police have arrested a woman accused of aborting at five months of pregnancy in the municipality of Gaspar Hernández, located in the province of Espaillat, as reported by El Nuevo Diario . The Dominican Republic is one of the Latin American countries that maintain a prohibition on abortion without exceptions.

Political advertising in a military facility

The Central Electoral Board (JCE), the entity responsible for organising the electoral process, condemned the events that occurred on Sunday, December 14, when vehicles advertising a political party were captured entering a military facility in Azua, as reported by Al Momento . In a statement, the JCE stated that the armed forces are "non-partisan" according to the constitution and reminded of the law that prohibits military, police, and electoral officials from advertising political candidates or parties.