Severe flooding and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais have left at least 64 people confirmed dead, with more still missing and emergency crews continuing search and rescue operations. The cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá have been hardest hit, with large swathes of residential areas inundated and infrastructure damaged including roads and bridges. Authorities reported that heavy rainfall since earlier this week has forced more than 4,700 residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

President promises free housing and financial aid for flood victims in Minas Gerais

During his visit to Juiz de Fora, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced immediate assistance measures for families impacted by torrential rains that have killed at least 70 people in Minas Gerais. Addressing residents in the worst-affected city, he pledged free housing for those who lost their homes and access to funds from employment guarantee schemes. The president outlined a purchase assistance system allowing families to choose replacement homes anywhere in the state. Stressing that no victim would be left unsupported, Lula urged authorities to avoid bureaucratic delays in responding to the crisis. According to the state fire brigade, the majority of fatalities occurred in Juiz de Fora, with additional deaths reported in nearby Uba.

Bolsonaro’s son draws level with Lula in new presidential poll

A new electoral survey published by El Pais shows one of Jair Bolsonaro’s sons statistically tied with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the first time in a hypothetical presidential race. The poll marks a significant shift in Brazil’s political landscape, suggesting the Bolsonaro family retains strong support despite ongoing legal and political challenges. Analysts cited by the newspaper point to growing polarisation and dissatisfaction among segments of the electorate as factors behind the narrowing gap. While Lula remains a central figure in Brazilian politics, the emergence of a Bolsonaro heir as a competitive contender underscores the enduring influence of the former president’s political movement ahead of future elections.

Lula hails Women’s World Cup, calls for greater recognition of women’s football

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has publicly praised the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, which Brazil will host, and called for the sport to receive greater institutional and cultural recognition. Speaking at an event tied to the Women’s World Cup trophy tour in Brasília, Lula underscored the importance of elevating women’s football in Brazil and globally, linking the tournament to broader efforts for gender equality in sport. He said the heightened visibility offered by the World Cup presents an opportunity to address longstanding disparities, including in pay and professional support, between male and female athletes. Brazilian officials and sports representatives at the ceremony echoed his remarks, highlighting how the tournament could inspire future generations and advance recognition of women’s achievements on the pitch.

São Paulo initiative offers hygiene and legal aid to crack cocaine users

A programme in São Paulo is providing free showers, legal advice and social support to people struggling with crack cocaine addiction. The initiative operates in areas long associated with open drug use and seeks to restore dignity while connecting individuals with public services . By offering basic hygiene facilities and access to lawyers, organisers aim to rebuild trust between vulnerable populations and authorities. The scheme reflects a harm-reduction approach that prioritises social reintegration over punitive measures, amid ongoing debate in Brazil over how best to address chronic drug dependency and urban marginalisation.

The demonstration reflected ongoing anger over Bolsonaro’s recent conviction and a broader backlash against Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Protest imagery included symbolic representations criticising the judiciary and government, underscoring persistent political polarisation in Brazil since Bolsonaro left office in 2023.

Brazil ’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vetoed a controversial bill that would have dramatically shortened the 27-year prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving time for his role in plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The bill, passed by Congress in December 2025, would have cut Bolsonaro’s sentence to just over two years and reduced penalties for others convicted over the January 8, 2023 attacks on government buildings in Brasília. Lula says the convictions were based on fair trials and substantial evidence. Congress could still override the veto. Bolsonaro began his sentence in November 2025 and remains barred from running for office until at least 2030.

Brazil pork exports hit a record and poised to overtake Canada

Brazil’s pork industry achieved a new milestone in 2025, exporting 1.51 million tonnes of pork, an 11.6% increase from the previous year, and is set to surpass Canada as one of the world’s top exporters. Export revenues climbed to US$3.62 billion, up nearly 20% year-on-year. The Philippines emerged as Brazil’s largest buyer, while China, Chile, Japan and Hong Kong also took significant volumes. The boom is credited to diversified international demand and strengthened market access.

Beekeepers warn lithium mining threatens bees in Brazil

Beekeepers in Brazil’s Jequitinhonha Valley are raising alarms that expanding lithium mining, driven by global demand for battery minerals, is disturbing traditional ecosystems where wild beehives once thrived. Local farmers and apiarists, including Aécio Luiz, report that bees are harder to find and honey production is declining as mining activities grow. This region hosts a large share of Brazil’s lithium deposits, which are critical for electric vehicle and renewable energy markets, but the environmental impacts are increasingly prompting community concern.

Neymar extends Santos deal to chase World Cup return

Brazil forward Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 as he targets a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup. The 33-year-old, who rejoined Santos in January 2025, has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to injury setbacks. He helped the club avoid relegation last season, scoring five goals in their final five matches, before undergoing knee surgery to repair a damaged meniscus. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar, is working to regain full fitness to meet coach Carlo Ancelotti’s recall criteria. Brazil will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C when the World Cup begins on 11 June in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Roberto Carlos hospitalised, recovering

Brazil and Real Madrid great Roberto Carlos says he is recovering well after undergoing a planned preventative medical procedure. The 52-year-old shared an update on Instagram, posting a photo from his hospital bed and dismissing reports that he had suffered a heart attack. He said the procedure was successful and carried out in advance with his medical team. Carlos thanked supporters for their messages and said he expects to return to full fitness soon.

Supporters of the measure described it as a response to what they view as excessive or abusive sentencing related to the events of 8 January, when government buildings were attacked following Bolsonaro’s defeat in the 2022 election. Backers argued that reducing penalties would address serious injustices affecting individuals who, in their view, received disproportionate prison terms under an overly punitive judicial approach.

Some senators backing the bill also rejected the characterisation of the events as a coup attempt, instead portraying them as acts of disorder. They stressed that accountability should focus on individual responsibility, arguing that those who caused damage or invaded public buildings should be held to account without broad political generalisations.

Opponents warned that the legislation risks minimising the gravity of the attacks on democratic institutions. Critics in the Senate said that weakening sentences could undermine accountability and deterrence, cautioning that downplaying what occurred on 8 January may encourage similar challenges to Brazil ’s constitutional order in the future.

The bill had already been approved by the lower house and now moves to President Lula, who has previously indicated that he intends to veto it. Bolsonaro began serving his sentence last month after being convicted of plotting a coup following his election defeat. Earlier drafts of the proposal included full amnesty, but lawmakers later excluded that option, opting instead for a substantial reduction in prison terms, a move that continues to draw domestic and international scrutiny.

De Moraes, a key figure in Brazil’s judiciary, previously placed Bolsonaro under house arrest in August 2025 for violating a court order banning him from using social media during his trial over an alleged coup attempt. At the time, the US justified its sanctions by accusing the judge of orchestrating “oppressive censorship, arbitrary detentions violating human rights, and politically motivated prosecutions,” including actions against Bolsonaro.

The decision to lift sanctions comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Brazil over the independence of the country’s judicial system. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had criticised the original sanctions as an “interference” in Brazil’s justice system, while Bolsonaro’s son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, praised the US for its support, describing the move as a defence of strategic American interests.

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro is now required to begin serving his 27-year prison sentence at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília, following his conviction for an attempted coup in September 2025. The removal of sanctions on De Moraes underscores the complex international and political pressures surrounding Brazil’s high-profile judicial cases and their broader diplomatic implications.

“Yesterday, this country gave the world a lesson in democracy,” he said, praising Brazil’s judiciary for demonstrating its “strength” without “any fanfare.”

Lula also claimed Brazil faced significant commercial pressure from the United States during the proceedings but “did not allow itself to be intimidated by external threats,” insisting that the trial was conducted “impeccably.”

Trump said he had spoken with Lula and expected an in-person meeting soon. The meeting could signal a shift in tone, following months of elevated tensions between their administrations over trade and sanctions .

On Bolsonaro’s detention, Trump expressed surprise, claiming he was initially unaware of the arrest. He added that the move raises serious concerns about political persecution, given Bolsonaro’s long-standing role in Brazilian politics .

Trump’s remarks come amid a broader realignment in US–Brazil relations. Earlier this year, he imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian exports, measures some analysts saw as support for Bolsonaro. The potential upcoming meeting with Lula could mark a return to diplomatic engagement, depending on how both sides navigate past grievances.

Bolsonaro had been sentenced in September to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in a coup attempt after losing the 2022 election. Authorities pointed to evidence that his ankle monitor had been tampered with, raising fears he could flee the country. His lawyers strongly objected to the detention, claiming the planned event was a “prayer vigil” and citing his constitutional right to religious gathering.

In the court’s ruling, Justice de Moraes warned that an encampment by Bolsonaro’s supporters could jeopardise public security and obstruct the terms of his house arrest. Bolsonaro’s appeal against his sentence is currently under consideration by a panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court, which has refused to reduce his term to date. The arrest marks a critical moment in Brazil’s political landscape, underscoring deep divisions and continuing international attention on the rule of law in Latin America .

Judges Alexandre de Moraes and Flávio Dino have already signalled support for the charges, citing evidence that Eduardo Bolsonaro pressured Supreme Court justices from abroad. According to prosecutors, he even boasted about the sanctions that could be applied against them.

The case is closely connected to Bolsonaro’s own legal troubles. Jair Bolsonaro was recently convicted by the same court for plotting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat and received a 27-year prison sentence. The potential prosecution of his son adds a new dimension to the ongoing political-judicial drama in Brazil.

From a global perspective, the proceedings highlight the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of populist political networks. The international community is closely watching if Brazil’s judiciary can maintain its independence under pressure from powerful political figures and their allies abroad.

If Eduardo Bolsonaro is formally charged, it may deepen political polarisation in Brazil and raise significant questions about accountability, rule of law and the separation of powers in one of Latin America ’s most influential democracies.

His lawyers argue that some of the charges overlap and contend that enforcing cumulative penalties violates his rights. They filed an 85-page motion asking for the sentence to be reduced or the ruling reviewed, citing the dissenting vote and what they describe as “accusatory excess”.

Bolsonaro remains under house arrest and awaits the outcome of the appeal process. The next step will be a full court decision on whether the appeal will be accepted by all eleven Justices of the STF. Analysts say even if the appeal is denied, the political impact of the ruling will continue to reverberate throughout Brazil’s upcoming 2026 elections .

China's Tang Renjian (death sentence)

China’s Changchun Intermediate People’s Court handed Tang Renjian, the former minister of agriculture and rural affairs, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve for corruption on Sunday, September 28.

According to the court , over the period from 2007 to 2024, Tang abused both central and local positions to assist companies in securing project contracts, adjust personnel placements, and also leverage his influence in exchange for money and valuables.

The total value of bribes was reported at 268 million yuan($37.6 million).

Tang, however, received a suspended death sentence, which allows for the punishment to be reduced to life in prison after two years if he commits no other offences.

China’s Communist Party expelled Tang in November 2024, just six months after an anti-graft probe removed him from office.

His arrest comes on the back of President Xi Jinping’s sweeping purge of security and political elites, which was launched in 2020 to enforce absolute loyalty. Before becoming agriculture minister, Tang served as governor of Gansu from 2017 to 2020.

DR Congo's Joseph Kabila (death sentence)

Joseph Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019, met his fate on Tuesday, September 30, when the country's high military court sentenced him to death in absentia.

Although he was not in court and represented by no lawyers, he was convicted of treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, sexual assault and other grave offences, with the court highlighting his alleged collaboration with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, which seized a part of Congo..

Alongside the death sentence, Kabila was ordered to pay $50 billion in damages to the Congolese state and victims.

Kabila was the president of DR Congo from 2001 to 2019. His tenure is reported to have been fraught with chronic instability, resource conflict, and regional interventions in the country.

Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro (27-year sentence)

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court convicted ex-President Jair Bolsonaro of conspiring to orchestrate a coup after his 2022 election defeat and sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison on September 11.

He was found guilty of leading a criminal organisation, attempting to abolish democratic rule by force, plotting a coup, committing violent damage, and degrading government property.

Evidence included his alleged role in planning the January 8, 2023, attacks on federal buildings in Brasília, pressuring the military, and even plotting assassinations of President Lula and Supreme Court justices.

The trial was historic, making Bolsonaro the first former Brazilian president convicted for directly attacking democracy. He remains under house arrest in Brasília, denies all charges as political persecution, and has filed an appeal seeking release.

Although Tarcísio included the trip to Brasília in his official schedule, he made no mention of the meeting with Bolsonaro. According to Brazilian media , discussions centred on the 2026 candidacy to succeed Bolsonaro, as well as a proposed bill in Congress that would reduce sentences for those convicted over the attempted coup.

A month ago, Tarcísio was considered a strong contender for the presidency, backed by centrist leaders. However, his chances now appear to be shifting towards seeking re-election in São Paulo, particularly as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva may put forward his vice-president, Geraldo Alckmin, a three-time governor of the state.

For some, delaying until 2030 could open a path for the right to regain power in a post-Lula scenario. Tarcísio is viewed favourably by business circles and centrist blocs, but loyalists within the Bolsonaro movement remain sceptical, questioning whether he is radical enough and noting that he has not pledged to pardon Bolsonaro.

Meanwhile, the Bolsonaro family is weighing its own options. Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro has signalled she could run with the family’s full backing, while Eduardo Bolsonaro, currently based in the United States , positions himself as a representative of the movement’s hard-line wing, despite polling poorly.

The accusation alleges that Eduardo threatened Supreme Court justices and officials by promising to secure U.S. sanctions that would “ruin their lives” unless the court blocked his father’s conviction. Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced earlier this month to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after refusing to accept his 2022 election defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal legislator, moved to the United States earlier this year and claimed credit for persuading Donald Trump ’s administration to impose steep tariffs on Brazilian products. Prosecutors argue that his lobbying aimed to pressure Washington into influencing Brazil’s judiciary in favour of his father.

The case surfaced on the same day the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his wife, and Brazil’s attorney general under the Magnitsky Act, accusing them of censorship and political persecution. The Lula government denounced the sanctions as an attack on Brazil’s judicial independence.

“We are here precisely to protest. This approval of this bill cannot happen. This is an attack on the Constitution. They are not better than us. And we, as the Brazilian people , are outraged by a ‘shielding’ amendment proposal that exempts them from any crime and even gives them a power that no other constitution has. This is an attack on our Constitution. This is an attack on the Brazilian people,” said De la Vega, a protester.

Another demonstrator, Tchaka, added, “Today we show the world that yes, we are plural and diverse, but we shake the world so that it can also see us as active and as political and show that the National Congress does not fully represent us. We want criminals to go to jail. Against the ‘Shielding’ amendment proposal, against amnesty. No amnesty for coup plotters.”

Reports confirmed that confrontations broke out between protesters and Bolsonaro supporters during the march. 

Last week. Brazil’s lower house approved an urgent procedure to discuss an amnesty bill for those involved in the January 2023 riots, when government buildings were stormed. 

Lawmakers have considered extending the measure to cover Bolsonaro himself, following his 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup.

The Chamber of Deputies voted 311 in favour, 163 against, and 7 abstentions, allowing the bill to bypass committee review. The decision came hours after Bolsonaro’s doctors announced he had been diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer.

More than 600 people have already been sentenced for their involvement in the January 8 riots.

What Trump’s new ‘America First’ Global Health Strategy means for Africa

The U.S. State Department’s new “America First Global Health Strategy” refocuses health aid on U.S. interests, citing inefficiency and a “culture of dependency” despite decades of successes like PEPFAR, which has saved 26 million lives. Read more here .

Could Guinea ever return to civilian rule?

Guinea will hold a constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025, that could shape its democratic future. The draft extends presidential terms to seven years, allows two terms, and lifts the ban on junta members, including General Mamady Doumbouya, running for office. Read more here .

In Cameroon elections, anyone but the 42-year Biya regime

Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, in power for 42 years, is seeking yet another term, a move that could keep him in office until nearly 100, affecting the lives of 29 million citizens. Read more here .

Asia

Why September 21 is significant for the Philippines’ past and future

Thousands of Filipinos are set to protest on September 21, marking 53 years since Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law, a period from 1972 to 1981 marked by mass arrests, torture, and thousands of deaths and disappearances. Read more here .

Here’s why Japan is cracking down on tourists

At least 20 Japanese municipalities, including Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Tokyo’s Ota Ward, have introduced ordinances to curb unruly tourist behaviour, according to the Research Institute for Local Government. Read more here .

Japanese grandmother challenges age barriers to become finalist in Miss Universe

Junko Sakai, a former homemaker and grandmother of three, began competing in pageants two years ago after discovering Miss Universe Japan’s no-age-limit rule — and won the 60-and-over division with her husband’s encouragement. Read more here .

Latin America

Bolivia Elections: Fragmentation, protests, and a weakening MAS

Tiziano Breda of ACLED told Global South World that Bolivia’s elections mark a turning point, with a fractured MAS and rising protests driving deeper polarisation. He warned that the power struggle between Morales and Arce risks institutional paralysis and obstructs the country’s recovery. Read more here .

Venezuela accuses U.S. of waging ‘undeclared war’ in Caribbean: Video

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez on September 19 accused the U.S. of waging an “undeclared war” in the Caribbean, condemning its warship deployments and deadly operations. Read more here .

Brazil dismisses US pressure after Bolsonaro ruling, calls tariffs a political measure

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira rejected international calls, including from the U.S., to free ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, sentenced to 27 years for an attempted coup. He told CNN Lula cannot intervene in judicial matters, calling such demands interference in Brazil’s internal affairs. Read more here .

House Speaker Hugo Motta defended the move, saying the goal is to “seek national pacification and respect for institutions”. A rapporteur is expected to be appointed on Thursday to shape the final draft. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, however, vowed to veto the proposal if it passes Congress, warning in an interview with BBC News : “If they send it to me, I will veto it”.

Bolsonaro, remains under house arrest as he appeals his conviction for coup plotting, criminal conspiracy, and attacks on democratic institutions. He was briefly hospitalized this week with anemia and kidney complications but discharged after treatment. The amnesty debate now adds another layer of political tension to Brazil’s already polarized landscape, testing whether Congress will shield a former president convicted of undermining democracy.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers announced plans to appeal the Supreme Federal Court ruling, describing the sentence as “absurdly excessive and disproportionate”. They also indicated they may take the case to international courts.

The conviction has sparked diplomatic friction, particularly after former US President Donald Trump denounced the ruling as a “witch hunt” and imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian products in protest. Trump also compared Bolsonaro’s case to his own legal battles, claiming both were victims of political persecution. Lula responded firmly: “This country is an example of how democracy is practised”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s remarks, calling the verdict “unjust” and warning that Washington would “respond accordingly”. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s supporters in Brazil and the US continue to demand an amnesty, while protests in Brazilian cities show a divided public opinion between calls for his release and rejection of a pardon.

On trade, Vieira criticised Washington’s recent tariff hikes on Brazilian goods, labelling them “clearly political”. He said a US official privately admitted the measures were not based on commercial reasons, urging Brazilian business leaders to lobby against them.

“There is no economic basis for these tariffs”. Vieira said, noting Brazil runs a $25 billion annual trade deficit with the US and already applies lower duties on American products than Washington imposes on Brazilian exports.

Vieira warned that if new sanctions are introduced under Trump, Brazil could use its recently approved Reciprocity Law, which allows retaliatory tariffs against countries using trade measures “for political or other purposes”.

Despite the tensions, Vieira said Brazil remains open to dialogue but reiterated that Bolsonaro’s conviction is not negotiable. “He is condemned and will serve his sentence. This is in the hands of justice, and nothing can be done”, he stated.

Brazil has already cut its 2025 growth forecast from 2.5% to 2.3%, citing high interest rates and the potential negative impact of US tariffs.

The proposal has sparked intense polarisation. Some lawmakers are pushing for a broad amnesty, arguing for legal forgiveness across the board, while others—including leaders in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate—seek a more limited approach that would exclude Bolsonaro and the key orchestrators of the coup. Critics of the bill stress that such an amnesty could undermine the country’s democratic framework and be seen as unconstitutional, while supporters contend that Parliament has the authority to debate the scope of forgiveness.

Legal experts note the tension between the STF’s stance—that crimes against democracy are unforgivable—and the political manoeuvring within Congress. The controversy highlights the deep divisions within Brazil’s political landscape, raising questions about the resilience of its democratic institutions and the rule of law .

“This is a victory for democracy,” one demonstrator said.

Claudia, holding a placard, turned her message outward: “The message I send to Trump is that Brazilian democracy is doing very well, thank you. And it is much better, much more solid than American democracy.”

The celebrations followed Thursday’s landmark ruling from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, which sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months behind bars. Judges found the former leader guilty of orchestrating a plot to annul the 2022 election results, dissolve the courts, empower the military, and even target president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The ruling marks the first time in Brazil’s history that a former head of state has been convicted for attempting a coup, a decision many protesters described as long-overdue justice .

In the majority decision, Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the evidence showed Bolsonaro presided over a “criminal organisation” throughout his presidency. “What was seen during the four years of the mandate was the implementation of a criminal organisation, led by the defendant Jair Messias Bolsonaro, to put into practice the plan of institutional rupture through a coup d’état and the end of the Democratic State of Law,” Moraes declared.

The final sentence, which combines multiple convictions, was set at 27 years and three months in prison under Article 69 of Brazil’s Penal Code. “Considering all the sentences established above and the existence, as recognised by the majority of the panel, of the material concurrence of crimes … the final sentence for the defendant Jair Messias Bolsonaro was set at 27 years and three months,” Moraes confirmed.

Many placards called for justice over the riots of January 2023, which prosecutors allege were incited by Bolsonaro and senior allies.

“There was an attempted coup d’état, there was a threat to the democratic rule of law , and the accusations were proven,” said Marcio, a protester. “He even has a broad right of defence, and now we will reach the end of this trial with the conviction.”

The mobilisation also voiced support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government, which is challenging recent tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian products imposed by the Trump administration. The measures affect exports including coffee, meat, eggs, sugar, honey, tropical fruits and timber.

“We will not accept any kind of attack from US imperialism on our sovereignty and the wealth produced by our class,” said Juliana, one of the demonstrators.

She also called for accountability beyond the attempted coup. “We need to hold Bolsonaro and his entire troop from the armed forces accountable, not only for the attacks of January 8 and threats to democratic freedoms, but also for the genocide promoted during the pandemic and for so many other crimes that have been ignored.”

Alcides, another protester, said the act was not only against Bolsonaro but also against foreign interference.

“We are in the streets protesting against the intervention of the Trump administration in our country. This act is in defence of democracy and sovereignty. Wearing yellow and green is about defending sovereignty and democracy, so once again the Brazilian people shout loudly: ‘Long live democracy, long live sovereignty!’”

While left-wing groups demonstrated in São Paulo, right-wing supporters also staged rallies in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, calling for amnesty and expressing support for Bolsonaro.

The Lula government has filed a consultation with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to challenge the US tariffs, arguing that the measures are politically motivated and linked to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles.

Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire under threat as Sahel insurgencies creep south: Eigenrac analysis

Militant reach from Burkina Faso is eroding buffers to wealthier coastal states. A recent attack in northern Côte d’Ivoire highlights how extremist violence is spilling into Benin, Togo, and Ghana, fueling displacement and cross-border threats. The southward push raises wider concerns for Europe and the West over migration, humanitarian crises, and insecurity along the Gulf of Guinea. Read more here .

Emerging markets news: Morocco’s bet on digital and green energy assessed

Leveraging its position between Europe and Africa, Morocco is emerging as a centre for digital innovation and renewable energy, driven by major solar, wind, and hydrogen projects to meet local and European demand. Read more here .

Why food prices are surging everywhere

Global food prices are surging, squeezing households, straining farmers, and threatening food security worldwide. Read more here .

Asia

Xi Jinping leads China’s largest military parade in decades: Video

China marked Victory Day with its biggest military parade in decades, showcasing advanced weapons and projecting global influence. Read more here .

Japan PM Ishiba resigns after bruising election losses

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba resigned Sunday, raising policy uncertainty for the world’s fourth-largest economy. Read more here .

How Taiwan could revive nuclear power, step by step: Video

Taiwan closed its last nuclear reactor in August, but debate over the future of nuclear power and its impact on health, safety, and energy security continues. Read more here .

Latin America

Bolsonaro supporters rally in Brazil as coup trial nears verdict

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters protested across Brazil on Sunday, days before his trial over alleged coup plotting after the 2022 election. Read more here .

Global South Politics: The ‘collapse’ of Bolivia’s ruling MAS party - Video

Bolivia’s ruling MAS party faced a major setback in the August 17 elections, driven by economic troubles and internal divisions. Read more here .

COP30 comes to the Amazon — But will it help the people who live there?

Amid Brazil’s Amazon’s illegal activities, the world often overlooks the harsh social and economic realities facing indigenous people. Read more here .

The leaders of the BRICS nations will hold a virtual meeting next Monday to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Trump has imposed tariffs on all BRICS countries, with Brazil and India facing the highest rates. The meeting is being organised by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who aims to address the tariffs and strengthen multilateral cooperation. Washington pushed for trade deals favourable to America, but India’s resistance in key sectors has delayed an agreement. Trump responded by adding a 25% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil, bringing its total tariffs to 50%.

Brazil starts process to impose reciprocal tariffs on US

Brazil has initiated the process of imposing reciprocal tariffs on the U.S. following Washington’s 50% duties that took effect on August 6. Vice President and Development Minister Geraldo Alckmin said the country’s foreign trade chamber, Camex, has 30 days to decide on countermeasures. A new economic reciprocity law allows Brazil to apply tariffs on goods, services, and intellectual property. The government had earlier sought negotiations and requested World Trade Organisation intervention. 

Bolsonaro’s coup trial enters final phase 

The trial of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro is entering its final stage ahead of the verdict expected by September 12. Bolsonaro is accused of attempting a coup to stay in power after his 2022 election defeat, leading to the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings in Brasília. He faces charges including leading an armed criminal organisation, attempted coup, and damage to federal property, which could result in more than 40 years in prison. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated. His cause has been supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, who labelled the trial a “witch-hunt.”

Brazil calls for ‘COP of Truth’ at COP30 in the Amazon

Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva has urged that COP30, scheduled for November in Belém, be a “COP of truth” to guide the next decade of climate action. Speaking at the Asia Dialogue of the Global Ethical Stocktake in New Delhi, Silva said the summit must review Paris Agreement commitments, assess new national pledges, and strengthen climate finance. She criticised past actions such as the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris accord, warning that tariff wars undermine cooperation. Silva outlined Brazil’s priorities, including tripling renewable energy, doubling efficiency, halting deforestation, and phasing out fossil fuels. 

State dev’t bank launches $3.3 billion green economy fund initiative

Brazil’s state development bank BNDES has launched a programme to boost climate-focused investment funds, offering 5 billion reais ($912 million) in seed capital to generate 18 billion reais ($3.28 billion) in total investments. The initiative, the largest public call in BNDES’s history, aims to support projects in industrial decarbonisation, energy transition, green agriculture, and forest conservation. 

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers die in military helicopter crash

Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed died in an August 6 crash of a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi. Read more here .

Mission 300: The bold plan to bring power to half of Africa by 2030

Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity—more than the populations of the U.S., Canada, and Brazil combined. The African Development Bank and the World Bank’s Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people by 2030, linking half of unserved communities to the grid within five years. Read more here .

What should US deportees expect from Rwanda?

Rwanda will take in 250 immigrants deported from the US, becoming the third African nation after Eswatini and South Sudan to accept such arrivals. The country has struggled to secure similar migration deals. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest before his coup plot trial, citing violations of prior restraining orders and alleged attempts to involve U.S. President Donald Trump. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order despite recent U.S. sanctions against him. Read more here .

Sarah Sanabria: Humour, activism, and journalism in the digital age

Bolivian journalist Sarah Sanabria, with degrees in communication, journalism, and audiovisual production, has built a following on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by mixing humour with sharp political critique, carving out a unique space beyond traditional media. Read more here .

Oil find could bring $$$ for BP and $ for Brazil but what will it cost the planet?

BP has announced its largest oil and gas discovery since 1999, uncovering the Bumerangue field off Brazil. The find could boost its fossil fuel portfolio and mark a shift away from renewable energy investments. Read more here .

Hong Kong hit by heaviest August rainfall since 1884

On August 5, Hong Kong saw its fourth top-tier rainstorm warning in just over a week, with over 355 mm of rain—the highest August daily total since 1884—causing severe flooding and shutting hospitals, schools, and courts. Read more here .

Indonesia warns ban of ‘One Piece’ flag, seen as symbol of protest vs President Prabowo

Indonesia is restricting public displays of the One Piece “Jolly Roger” flag, which has become a symbol of dissent against President Prabowo Subianto. Authorities warn it must not be flown alongside the national flag. Read more here .

Inside India’s temple ritual, where priests smash coconuts on worshippers’ heads for blessings

For generations, thousands have travelled to Mahanadapuram Temple from across southern India to fulfil vows and seek blessings. Locals say the tradition, often tied to personal milestones, deepens their connection to the deity. Read more here .