The embassy said the aid came from the People ’s Republic of China and framed it as a sign that Cuba was not alone as it faced mounting external and domestic pressures.

The shipment comes as Cuba has been plunged into crisis following a collapse of its national power grid, which left the country of about 10 million people without electricity.

Cuba’s state power utility, Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba, said the country suffered a “ complete shutdown of the national grid ,” while the Ministry of Energy and Mines reported a “complete disconnection” of the national electrical system and said it was investigating the cause.

State media later said power had been restored to about 5% of Havana’s residents, or roughly 42,000 customers, as well as several hospitals, although officials warned that the small circuits restored so far could fail again. It was Cuba’s third major blackout in the past four months.

The blackout unfolded against the backdrop of what Chinese and Cuban officials have described as continued U.S. pressure on the island.

Trump, speaking at the White House on Monday, said he believed he would have “the honour of taking Cuba.”

“Whether I free it, take it — think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation right now,” he said.

China has repeatedly said it will continue its “ support and assistance ” to Cuba and has condemned Washington’s pressure, saying it undermines regional peace and stability.

The Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, recently denounced the impact of the U.S. blockade on the Cuban people and said Beijing would continue backing Cuba’s sovereignty and national security while deepening cooperation in areas such as energy and food.

Chinese-backed projects cited by the ambassador included solar parks donated by China, solar energy systems for isolated homes and community centres, and food assistance, including shipments of rice.

The countries at greatest risk in Asia include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand , Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Asia’s large population , the study noted, makes the region particularly vulnerable. 

"Asia's scale means that when health systems fail, the human cost is immense, and in 21 countries across the region, decades of development gains are now at risk of being reversed," said Deepali Khanna, senior vice president and head of Asia at the Rockefeller Foundation.

“These outcomes are not inevitable, but avoiding them requires country-led financing and resilient, self-reliant systems that can protect the most vulnerable and save lives,” Khanna added.

Children most affected

Millions of lives, the study warned, could be lost if development gains achieved over the last two decades are reversed, with children being especially vulnerable to the effects of a potential aid pullback. 

Without sustained aid, around 5.4 million children under the age of five could die, according to the study.

Dr. Davide Rasella, study coordinator at ISGlobal, said that development assistance is “among the most effective global health interventions available,” adding that withdrawing support now could reverse decades of progress, leading directly to millions of preventable deaths.

Over the past 20 years, aid has saved millions of lives across the 93 countries analysed. 

Child mortality fell by 39%, deaths from HIV/AIDS by 70%, and deaths from malaria and nutritional deficiencies by 56%. Aid has also strengthened healthcare systems and improved preparedness for disease outbreaks.

The study models two scenarios for the period 2025–2030. A mild defunding scenario, with a 10.6 per cent yearly reduction, could result in 9.4 million preventable deaths, including 2.5 million children under five. A severe scenario could see the loss of 22.6 million lives.

The study builds on previous research showing the potential impact of dismantling USAID, which alone could have caused 14 million preventable deaths by 2030. The new analysis includes all OECD donor countries, offering a comprehensive assessment of global aid defunding.

According to the agency, chronic underfunding has already led to the scaling back or suspension of key programmes. Many women are being left without safe childbirth services , emergency obstetric care, contraception or protection support. In 2025, UNFPA received only about $4 million of the $38.1 million it requested for Ethiopia.

UNFPA’s Executive Director, Diene Keita, warned that funding cuts are translating into closed clinics and survivors of sexual violence being turned away without help, calling these services “non-negotiable and life-saving.”

The situation is being worsened by overlapping crises, including conflict, climate-driven droughts and floods, and large-scale displacement. Ethiopia is also under additional strain from the war in neighbouring Sudan, as it hosts refugees fleeing violence and collapsing health systems.

UNICEF, on the other hand, says its humanitarian appeal for Ethiopian children remains heavily underfunded, putting essential services such as nutrition, health care and clean water at risk.

Anwar said the move showed Israel’s disregard “not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”

“I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion,” he wrote on social media . 

He vowed to pursue legal action to free the Malaysians and hold Israel to account.

“Malaysia will use all legitimate and lawful means at our disposal to ensure that Israel is held to account, especially in matters concerning Malaysian citizens,” he said. “The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity.”

As of writing, 40 boats had been seized by Israel, with only 12 still evading its naval forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is described as the largest maritime mission of its kind, with delegates from 44 countries forming the crew. Among them is climate activist Greta Thunberg. 

The vessels are carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice, biscuits and milk powder, considered vital as international agencies warn of famine in Gaza.

In September, a United Nations (UN) commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza , citing evidence it imposed destructive conditions on the Palestinian people, including blocking food and water.

Anwar’s criticism comes at a time of growing unease in Asia over Israel’s actions. At the UN General Assembly, many countries in the region reiterated support for a two-state solution.

Malaysia has long been one of Israel’s fiercest critics. Anwar has previously said his country’s position has made it a target of Israeli intelligence, and at one point Kuala Lumpur even called for Israel’s expulsion from the UN.

The Malaysian premier vowed his country would continue to stand undeterred against Israel. 

“As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them,” he said. “We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations.”

“In Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti, we see the consequences of arriving late,” André said, pointing to mass displacement and human rights abuses in Latin America and the Caribbean. “We could have acted in time; we could have prevented the repeated and systematic violation of human rights and the exodus of millions of people who today seek refuge and other forms of international protection, and we did not.”

André accused world powers of lacking political will rather than financial resources, calling humanitarian aid “the price we pay for not taking timely preventive action.” He urged countries to strengthen real-time information-sharing, harmonise regulatory frameworks, and coordinate regional responses to prevent future crises, according to The Tico Times newspaper.

Costa Rica, long recognised for its role in regional peace and human rights advocacy, linked Latin America’s instability to broader global security concerns. André warned that migration corridors across the Americas are being exploited by organised crime and drug trafficking , compounding humanitarian pressures.

The foreign minister also expanded his appeal to global challenges, calling for the “complete, verifiable, and irreversible elimination” of nuclear weapons, warning that the risk of nuclear conflict is at its highest in decades and the urgent collective action on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change , pollution, and biodiversity loss, including advancing energy transitions, ocean protection, and finalising a global plastics treaty.

Costa Rica's intervention highlights an escalating frustration among small and mid-sized nations regarding the perceived inability of larger powers to respond decisively to both regional and global crises.

“Humanitarian security requires shared responsibility and coordinated action to preserve the stability our peoples deserve,” André said.

Botswana has declared September 29 a public holiday to celebrate its men’s 4x400m relay team’s historic gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The victory marks the first time an African nation has ever won the event. President Duma Boko hailed the team’s triumph over 10-time champions USA as “electric” and a symbol of Botswana’s growing global stature. The country also achieved its best-ever championship finish, ranking fifth overall with four medals.

UAE sends aid as Botswana faces health crisis

The United Arab Emirates has delivered 91 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to Botswana, offering urgent relief as the country struggles with a nationwide health emergency. The shipment arrived Sunday and was hailed by Botswana’s Health Ministry as critical support amid severe shortages that have forced hospitals to delay non-urgent surgeries. President Duma Boko declared a national health emergency last month after a breakdown in the Central Medical Stores disrupted access to treatments for chronic and life-threatening conditions. 

Botswana launches sovereign wealth fund to spur growth, jobs

Botswana has unveiled a new sovereign wealth fund aimed at diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and improving management of state-owned companies. The move comes as the country struggles with a prolonged diamond market downturn that has drained the central bank-managed Pula Fund, traditionally used to stabilize finances. Board chair Farouk Gumel said the new fund will focus on growth, investing in both cash assets and state enterprises. Deputy chair Emma Peloetletse stressed that only returns — not capital — will be used. Officials say the fund may invest abroad as well as domestically to boost performance and reduce reliance on diamonds.

UN expert calls on Botswana to act against indigenous marginalization

A United Nations special rapporteur has urged Botswana to adopt a clear strategy and dedicated budget to address the marginalization of indigenous peoples. Following a 12-day visit to 12 cities and meetings with President Duma Boko and community representatives, Albert Barume reported that groups like the San face exclusion from public services, cultural erosion, and discrimination, particularly in schools. The report recommends constitutional recognition of indigenous status and greater public education to combat stigma. Botswana recently ratified ILO Convention 169, and the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to address these issues. 

Acting president Gaolathe warns students against financial crimes

Acting president Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has urged students to steer clear of financial crimes , warning that offenses like money laundering and fraud threaten Botswana’s economy and international standing. Speaking at the Financial Intelligence Agency’s 10km walk in Francistown on September 20, he stressed that blacklisting for financial misconduct can cripple access to loans, trade, and business growth. Gaolathe praised the FIA’s outreach, calling on youth to champion integrity and help protect Botswana’s economy by rejecting illegal financial activities and fostering a culture of responsibility.

The GSF, consisting of dozens of boats and hundreds of activists from 44 countries, departed from Barcelona, Spain, on September 1 and is expected to reach Gaza in mid-September. Organisers say the effort is aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver food, medicine, and other aid.

The joint statement called on all parties to respect international law and refrain from any unlawful or violent acts against the flotilla. It warned that violations, including attacks in international waters or illegal detentions, would be met with accountability.

“Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments,” the statement read.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coordinated, nonviolent fleet of small vessels sailing from Mediterranean ports in a bid to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It unites a diverse coalition of international activists, including participants from earlier land and sea initiatives such as the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and the Global Movement to Gaza. 

Nauru’s Minister for Commerce and Foreign Investment, Maverick Eoe, led a delegation to Washington, where they held high-level discussions at the White House. Talks focused on deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and development, with particular emphasis on deep-sea mining partnerships and Nauru’s role in supplying critical minerals for clean energy. U.S. officials expressed interest in strengthening ties with Pacific island states as part of Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

$1 billion development deal

Nauru has signed a $1 billion socio-economic development agreement with the China Rural Revitalisation and Development Corporation (CRRDC). The deal will support renewable energy projects, marine fisheries, and eco-tourism, while also creating jobs and promoting cultural exchanges. Government officials said the partnership reflects Nauru’s commitment to building sustainable industries and reducing dependence on foreign aid. The CRRDC agreement is one of the largest foreign investment pledges ever made to the island nation.

Global climate partnership

In a bid to confront the existential threat of rising sea levels, Nauru has joined a global climate resilience initiative. The program aims to channel technical support and funding into Pacific island nations vulnerable to climate change. Under the plan, Nauru will receive assistance in developing coastal protection systems, renewable energy grids, and community-based adaptation strategies. Leaders said the move is crucial for safeguarding the nation’s future amid worsening climate risks.

Fisheries cooperation

Nauru has renewed and expanded its fisheries partnership with Japan, granting Japanese vessels greater access to Nauru’s exclusive economic zone in exchange for technical training and infrastructure support. The deal also includes investments in sustainable fishing practices to ensure long-term resource management. Fisheries remain one of Nauru’s most valuable economic assets, and officials hailed the agreement as a balance between revenue generation and conservation.

Australian aid

Australia has committed new funding to improve infrastructure in Nauru, including upgrades to the island’s main port and road networks. The aid package also covers educational programs and healthcare support, reflecting Canberra’s pledge to maintain strong ties with Pacific island nations. Nauru’s government said the projects will help improve connectivity, enhance trade logistics, and deliver vital services to its citizens.

The small vessels are carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice, biscuits, and milk powder, which are crucial, especially at a time when international agencies have reported clear signs of famine in Gaza.

Activist Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri said the initiative demonstrates solidarity with civilians in Gaza.

“We are preparing the humanitarian aid. We are bringing on the ships to Gaza to break the siege and feed our children , our brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip,” he said.

“This is a mission that we are going to go together. We are going to go as one strong power.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coalition of activist groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement for Gaza, and the Sumud Nusantara.

The ships are expected to travel through Italy and Tunisia before reaching Gaza in mid-September.

Previous flotillas have attempted similar missions. Some succeeded in delivering aid, while others were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, resulting in fatalities.

A flotilla is a group of vessels organised to transport essential supplies such as food and medicine to areas where conventional delivery routes are blocked or restricted. 

Humanitarian flotillas usually operate under international maritime law and with the backing of global organisations.

Israel has repeatedly stated that “unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.” 

Officials have also previously criticised flotillas bound for Gaza, describing them as “selfie yachts of celebrities,” “stunts,” and “Instagram activism,” and alleging possible links to Hamas.

He also urged Malaysian businesses to contribute to the cause.

“I will ask friends from our national companies to also show concern. They have helped before, some have already provided various forms of assistance,” he added.

Anwar strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his speech, calling him “cruel” and accusing his government of justifying violence against children .

“Netanyahu and his group are truly not sane! Cruel! They even justify [their wrongdoings] by claiming that children are Hamas. A two-year-old running [they say] is Hamas. They are sick,” he said.

Malaysia has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause, maintaining its position of not recognising Israel and consistently voicing opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Anwar's pledge comes days after the declaration of famine in Gaza, where more than half a million people are on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

Ramaphosa said the tariff dispute reinforced the need for Africa to diversify its export markets and build deeper ties with Asian partners.

“Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners, partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation,” he told delegates in Yokohama.

He further indicated that South Africa’s strength as an exporter of agricultural goods, vehicles, and industrial components, and urged Japan to cooperate on easing market access.

Ramaphosa called for Japanese investment in infrastructure , energy and digital development, as well as in skills training, youth innovation and small business growth.

“Recent tariff actions by the United States on African goods have highlighted the need to diversify our export markets,” he said. “We call on our Japanese counterparts to support tariff cooperation to ease market access for African goods.”

Launched in 1993, TICAD is Japan’s main platform for building economic and development partnerships with Africa. This year’s session in Yokohama has focused on sustainable growth, digital transformation and industrialisation.

How $500m in missing aid threatens millions in Sudan

Famine threatens several areas south of Khartoum, warns the World Food Programme, which has reached one million people in seven parts of the city. Ongoing conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF since April 2023 has displaced millions and split the country into rival zones. Read more here .

Malawi's army implicated in death of Vice President

A German investigation has blamed the Malawi Defence Force for the June 10, 2024, crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The MDF-operated Dornier aircraft was found 'not airworthy' due to expired certification and ignored mechanical issues. Read more here .

Senior Kenyan policeman arrested over death of blogger in custody

Kenyan authorities arrested a senior officer over blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in custody, which sparked protests. Police had claimed suicide, but an autopsy suggested assault. Read more here .

Asia

Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 240

Over 240 people died when an Air India flight to London crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, marking the worst aviation disaster in a decade. The Boeing 787 hit a medical college hostel, leaving one survivor—a British national of Indian origin—who described hearing a loud noise after takeoff. Read more here .

China to make all hospitals offer epidurals to incentivise childbirth

China will require all large hospitals to offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth by year-end to support a 'friendly childbearing environment.' Smaller hospitals must comply by 2027, as authorities seek to reverse declining birth rates. Read more here .

Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to fly to the International Space Station

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS, launching June 10 on Axiom Mission 4 via SpaceX. He’ll join a four-member crew for up to 14 days of research and outreach. Read more here .

Latin America

From peace negotiator to prisoner: Salvadoran artist in exile fights for his father's freedom

Atilio Montalvo Valiente, a musician and activist, fled El Salvador after his father, a key figure in the 1992 peace process, was kidnapped and jailed by the government. Facing threats, Valiente now lives in exile, continuing his fight against autocracy. Read more here .

Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval dips to 28%, Datafolha poll shows

Brazilian President Lula’s approval dipped to 28% in June, while disapproval rose to 40%, according to Datafolha. Despite the drop, ratings remain better than February’s record lows. Read more here .

Mexican president condemns violence in Los Angeles protests

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned violence during Los Angeles protests against U.S. immigration raids and urged respect for the rule of law in migration. Demonstrators rallied citywide, denouncing U.S. policies. Read more here .

What they said

“We are living in a time of intense volatility… marked by acute human suffering,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He blamed the rise in displacement on prolonged conflicts and lack of meaningful diplomatic efforts to end them. David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, also warned that cutting aid to fragile states will only fuel more displacement, "without international support, crises will deepen and populations will continue to flee.”

According to Sudan Tribune , Ibrahim Khater, Director General of the North Darfur Ministry of Health, said the RSF forces set fire to trucks carrying aid.

"The army has no interest in burning aid or targeting humanitarian convoys. What happened is a crime committed by the militia to choke the residents of El Fasher,” Khater said.

He added that the RSF had blocked the convoy for over 10 days before the attack.

In contrast, the RSF’s humanitarian wing, the Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations (SARHO), blamed the Sudanese army, accusing it of bombing the convoy with warplanes where the strike killed five WFP workers, injured four others, and destroyed nine trucks.

The RSF called the attack “a blatant breach of international humanitarian law,” claiming it reflects a broader pattern of targeting aid workers.

Darfur regional governor Minni Arko Minawi also blamed the RSF. He said the attack came after convoy officials refused to change course or offload supplies.

“As a result, a number of aid workers were killed, and the militia looted the remaining trucks,” Minawi said. He called the attack a “terrorist act” and accused the RSF of using the army’s strikes as cover to deflect blame.

The Sudanese government in a statement condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate obstruction of humanitarian operations.

What they said

"For a third day running, people were killed around an aid distribution site run by the 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation," the spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights , Jeremy Laurence, told reporters in Geneva. The head of the U.N. agency, Volker Turk, urged a prompt and impartial investigation into attacks on Palestinians trying to receive food aid. "Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law, and a war crime," Turk said in a statement.

"We found most of them in decile 6 and above. This means that their economic conditions have improved and they are more independent. So, they are no longer in decile 1, 2, or 3," said Yusuf in his statement .

The government uses a decile-based system to classify socioeconomic status, with deciles 1–4 representing the poorest 40% of the population.

The data-driven overhaul is guided by the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) system, now the central reference point for social aid allocation. The reallocated funds will now be directed toward extremely poor families deemed more in need of support.

“This means that we are diverting social assistance to those who are more entitled to receive it,” said Yusuf, adding that data will be updated regularly to keep the program responsive to current needs.

The DTSEN update process incorporates both formal and participatory mechanisms. The formal process involves data integration across government agencies, while the participatory path relies on public input through the Cek Bansos mobile app, which allows individuals to propose themselves or others for aid or to contest existing data.

“We ask the public to complete the requirements in the app if they want to propose or refute data,” said Yusuf. If validated by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the changes will be reflected in future distribution cycles.

In South Kordofan, renewed fighting in Dibebad forced around 2,800 people, mostly women and children, to flee last week. Many are now scattered across Al Quoz locality and into West Kordofan, with limited access to basic services. Conditions in the state capital, Kadugli, have significantly worsened amid heavy shelling and restricted humanitarian access, the Sudan Tribune reports.

Authorities in Northern State said 6,000 people displaced from North Darfur, Khartoum, and West Kordofan arrived in Dabbah locality between May 12 and 22.

Health conditions are also deteriorating, with Dujarric noting an 80% rise in suspected cholera cases in Khartoum over the past two weeks, now exceeding 8,500. The World Health Organisation has delivered supplies, but “much more is needed,” he said. An inter-agency assessment also identified widespread respiratory infections, malaria, and skin conditions, driven by inadequate shelter, sanitation, and access to clean water.

With the rainy season looming, the UN and partners are working to preposition aid, establishing storage hubs in Geneina, Nyala, and Tawila in Darfur. Cross-border operations from Chad will support West and Central Darfur.

Around 250,000 children in North Darfur have lost access to education since the war began in April 2023. Humanitarian partners have only reached 14% of the targeted children due to insecurity and lack of funding.

The UN renewed calls for “increased, flexible and timely funding” and “unimpeded access” to ensure aid reaches those most in need across the country.

Umar called for greater grassroots-level preparedness, emphasising the need to build community resilience to minimise future losses. She said NEMA had developed a national framework for climate-related risk assessment and mitigation in line with seasonal predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“We have embarked on various activities aimed at preventing and mitigating the expected impacts of the disaster with a view to reminding stakeholders about their responsibilities in flood disaster management. Today’s downscaling exercise of the 2025 seasonal climate prediction is further aimed at acquainting major emergency management stakeholders with the predictions and what is expected of them, to mitigate the expected impacts of the disaster,” she said.

NEMA identified Imo State as one of the high-risk flood zones, with Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema local government areas listed as the most vulnerable.

Nnamdi Igwe, Head of NEMA Operations for Abia and Imo states, called for enhanced remote sensing for flood mapping and improved coordination through community liaison systems.

Local traditional authorities also expressed willingness to support disaster preparedness strategies.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo de León announced that on May 22, Guatemala will sign an agreement with the U.S. to modernise its ports, beginning with the expansion and renovation of Puerto Quetzal. He called it a historic step toward creating better commercial conditions for both Guatemalans and international investors.

India to donate 600 artificial limbs to Guatemala in humanitarian effort

India will provide around 600 artificial limbs in a humanitarian initiative set to begin in October 2025 in Guatemala. The 50-day camp, organized by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), will take place at Guatemala’s Ministry of Defence and marks the 33rd global camp under India’s India for Humanity programme. The initiative coincides with the 53rd anniversary of India–Guatemala diplomatic ties and aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Community culinary tours in Guatemala

Martsam Travel’s “From Market to Mayan Table” offers an immersive culinary journey through Guatemala, blending gastronomy, heritage, and regenerative tourism. Starting in Antigua, travellers join Mayan women for market tours and home-cooked meals, exploring traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. The experience includes hands-on preparation of ancestral dishes in a restored colonial home and features handmade aprons from a Maya sewing cooperative, symbolising cultural connection and community support.

Central America Festival highlights literature and dialogue in Guatemala

The Central America Festival kicked off in Guatemala , spotlighting literature, cultural exchange, and democratic values. Featuring over 60 writers and artists from Latin America and Europe, the event includes book launches, panel discussions, and artistic dialogues. Highlights include Nicaraguan author Gioconda Belli’s new novel, a panel with EU and Costa Rican leaders, and a tribute to Nobel laureate Miguel Ángel Asturias. Expanding beyond Guatemala City, events also take place in Totonicapán to engage broader communities. The festival runs through May 24.

IDB Invest finances Laki to strengthen SCF in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras

IDB Invest has approved up to $50 million in financing for Laki and its subsidiaries to boost short-term funding access for MSME suppliers in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The package includes a $10M supplier factoring facility, a $20M revolving import credit line, and a $20M uncommitted facility for future capital and sustainability projects. Advisory support will also help enhance ESG practices and operational transparency.

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed the suspension of aid to Zimbabwe ahead of the EU-African Union Ministerial Meeting, which opened this week in Brussels, the News Day reports.  

Despite the aid suspension, the EU continues to pursue economic engagement with Zimbabwe. At the inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Harare, EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening long-term trade and investment ties.

“Our main goal with this platform is to elevate our trade relationship and, for the first time, bring EU firms to Zimbabwean shores to strengthen our relationships,” Von Kirchmann said, noting that bilateral trade already exceeds US$1 billion.

The forum, focused on key sectors including horticulture, mining, and renewable energy , was attended by European investors and Zimbabwean officials. Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) CEO Tafadzwa Chinamo described the forum as a confidence-building step for foreign investors.

“The EU firms were able to see first-hand opportunities in all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and we’re glad they managed to see for themselves what Zimbabwe has to offer,” Chinamo noted.

The €500 million package is intended to support vulnerable populations across Africa, with priority given to crisis-affected regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin.

The aid cut affects a portion of the approximately $128 million the U.S. provides annually for medical procurement and health supply chain support in Zambia. These supplies are intended for free distribution to patients through public healthcare facilities.

According to the U.S. Embassy , an investigation between 2021 and 2023 found that 95% of the 2,000 private pharmacies visited across Zambia were selling stolen medical goods. Nearly half were selling products directly donated by the U.S. government. The remainder involved supplies funded by the Zambian government, the Global Fund, and other international partners.

Despite repeated alerts to Zambian authorities, including a formal briefing to senior government officials in April 2024, the U.S. says the response has been inadequate. While some low and mid-level arrests have occurred, there has been no substantial action taken to identify or prosecute high-level actors behind the thefts.

Gonzales emphasised that the U.S. had offered technical and law enforcement support to assist Zambia’s efforts to safeguard medical aid but saw “little tangible action” in return.

“This reduction is not connected to the broader review of U.S. foreign assistance funding,” the ambassador clarified, referencing the ongoing Trump Administration-led aid review. “This decision is solely the result of Zambia’s failure to address the theft of U.S.-donated medical supplies.”

The funding reduction will be phased in, with full procurement continuing through January 2026 to give the Zambian government time to develop a transition plan and prevent stock-outs. After that, the U.S. will provide only technical and logistical support for humanitarian efforts.

The United States remains one of Zambia’s largest donors, contributing roughly $600 million annually, including significant investments in health, playing a major role in helping Zambia reach HIV epidemic control, with over 1.3 million people living with HIV now on treatment and 98% of those achieving viral suppression.

The remarks, made by senior Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim, came after Israel reportedly approved a military strategy that includes the long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to an Israeli official.

The ongoing conflict , triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents at least once.

A two-month blockade, in place since early March, has significantly deepened the humanitarian crisis.

“There is no point in discussing ceasefire proposals while the hunger and extermination war persists in Gaza,” Naim told AFP.

Speaking to Global South World , Del Re argued that the EU’s true strength lies not in military might, but in the enduring power of humanitarian and development support.

"Humanitarian aid and development cooperation are our distinctive aspects because... the European Union is the main provider at the global level, which gives the European Union a profile, a very important profile," Del Re said. "We have to reinforce our positive aspects, our credibility, our capability of influence without, of course, imposing our influence."

Del Re warned against following the trend of cutting aid budgets, as seen in the United States and parts of Europe. Instead, she urged the EU to embrace its soft power identity more fully. "I think that the European Union should go in the opposite direction because both humanitarian aid and development cooperation are a distinctive aspect and profile of the European Union," she told GSW.

"Soft power is absolutely necessary in the global system and also, of course, favours a system that really goes straight within the communities rather than only thinking about restructuring and redefining the defence system," she added.

Del Re also discussed the challenges facing EU engagement in the Sahel. She described the EU as "the main partner of each country of the Sahel," but noted ongoing struggles with coherence and perception. 

"The European Union has found itself in a difficult position, being considered still very much related to the former colonialist country, France and also being considered as a partner that imposes rather than discusses the way forward," she said.

The legacy of colonialism continues to affect relationships with African countries, the Italian diplomat noted, "We have not developed what I call a European-African or African-European language that can really favour the canalisation of common messages."

Videography: Anoir4art

Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 56-year-old Nigerian national, Uchechukwu Chima, in an intelligence-led operation at Oyarifa, Accra. The operation carried out on March 18, 2025, uncovered 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, with a combined street value of $2.1 million, Graphic Online reports. According to NACOC, Chima has been under surveillance for some time and is suspected to be linked to previous drug trafficking cases in Ghana. A statement signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, confirmed that the suspect is in custody as investigations continue. “NACOC, through this seizure, has removed a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation, preventing countless lives from being ruined by drug abuse,” the commission stated.

Vice President challenges perception of foreign aid

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has pushed back against the global perception that foreign aid to Africa is a mere act of charity, stating that the continent loses more wealth than it receives. Speaking at Jubilee House to students from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on March 17, 2025, she responded to a question regarding foreign aid and US President Donald Trump’s remarks about cutting assistance to Africa. “They think it’s just charity. It is not. If even a fraction of what is taken from our continent remained, we wouldn’t have issues with unemployment, sanitation, or many other challenges,” Graphic Online quotes. She cited Niger’s renegotiation of mineral contracts, which increased national revenue from $1 billion to over $10 billion in a year, as an example of Africa asserting economic control.

Police leadership overhaul

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced a major reshuffling of the Ghana Police Service leadership. Among the key changes, COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Director-General/R&P, and COP/Mr. Paul Manly Awini, Service Workshop, Accra, have been appointed to the newly restructured 31-member Police Management Board, Citinewsroom reports. A statement signed by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, and Director, of Public Affairs, noted that the restructuring aims to ensure effective management and operational efficiency within the Police Service.

Forest reserve reclaim

The Ghanaian government has successfully reclaimed seven of nine forest reserves that were overrun by illegal miners, according to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. During a press briefing in Accra, the minister praised the efforts of a joint security task force—comprising the military, police, and Forestry Commission’s rapid response team—in reclaiming the forests. “With the cooperation of the security agencies and the military, we have taken back seven of these nine forests, and we are working very hard to ensure that the remaining two are fully reclaimed,” Graphic Online quotes him. The minister called for continued public cooperation to protect Ghana’s forests and ensure sustainable mining practices.

Ghana’s 4% GDP growth target

A new economic review by Deloitte has described the government’s 4% real GDP growth target for 2025 as realistic but cautioned about key risks. Despite recording 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, the firm warned that the projected slowdown would stem from fiscal tightening and aggressive expenditure cuts, limiting policy rollout. Deloitte stressed the need for the government to reverse high budget deficits, which averaged 7.5% between 2021 and 2024, Citinewsroom reports. With the projected 3.1% deficit for 2025, the firm said this signals fiscal prudence under Ghana’s IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.

The cuts, which have impacted key health programs including HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal and child health services, and disease surveillance efforts, have left what the minister described as a "huge gap" in both funding and service delivery.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said the funding shortfall has already begun to strain hospitals and clinics across the country, many of which relied heavily on US-backed initiatives to maintain basic service levels.

"Yes, the gap that has been created is huge because we are talking of between 300 and 400 million US dollars and we are working towards covering that gap gradually. It's not like it's today we need 300 million, but up to the end of the year. So we cover it as we go," he said.

Two Malaysian men and six Myanmar nationals were detained by Immigration Department officers in Kelantan, a rural state in the northeast of peninsular Malaysia following operations against a people-smuggling syndicate on February 21. According to local media The Star , the officers tracked a vehicle believed to be transporting undocumented foreigners and detained three men and three women aged 17-25 without valid travel documents. Malaysian law enforcement disclosed in a statement on February 27 that the syndicate placed undocumented migrants in transit homes before moving them to Seremban, a town in west Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital.

Expansion of Malaysia-Cambodia flight routes

Malaysia and Cambodia have agreed to explore new flight routes to enhance air connectivity and tourism, during a bilateral meeting on February 27 between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet following the Cambodian’s visit to the Southeast Asian nation, local media the New Straits Times reports. "On the suggestion of the Cambodian Prime Minister, we have agreed to look into new routes to expand this air connectivity between Malaysia and Cambodia since there is huge potential in both countries," Anwar said in a press statement. According to New Straits Times, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar disclosed that there are currently 47 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Cambodia.

Disaster relief to households

Compassionate aid worth over RM170 million (approximately $35.7 million) has been given to 168,959 Malaysian households impacted by the Northeast Monsoon season in 2022–2023. Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that the government of the Southeast Asian nation has allocated RM 232 million (about $48.7 million) to aid all states in the country. "This is not a form of compensation for the losses suffered by disaster victims, but it is more a sign of the federal government's concern to ease the burden of disaster victims," she is quoted by Malaysian national news agency Bernama .

Airport expansion

The Malaysian government has approved a RM1 billion (approximately $210 million) expansion and upgrade of Penang International Airport, located on the Northwest coast of the nation, the New Straits Times reports. According to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the project is expected to start in 2024 and be completed in four years. "The actual figures (cost) will only be determined after the tender process as there are also plans to expand and upgrade the facilities and infrastructure near the airport," the transport minister told reporters.

Introduction of “kill switch” to improve digital safety

The Malaysian government is drafting new legislation to establish a "kill switch" to improve digital safety.  According to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, this move by the Southeast Asian government aligns with advancements in technology like AI and combats rising cybercrime in the country. She added that the legislation was discussed in a meeting with 16 government agencies and statutory bodies on February 5.  "Through the meeting, we identified that the current laws to combat cybercrime are not in tandem with the rapid development of technology, leading to an increasing online fraud due to the loose security in online platforms,” she is quoted by the New Straits Times .