These two countries join a host of others, like Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Gabon, among others.

Madagascar

After weeks of violent and deadly protests powered by Madagascan Gen Z over alleged corruption, the country's Army Personnel Administration Centre (CAPSAT) seized the sovereign power led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina . The Gen Z demonstrations grew beyond service issues into a broader rejection of the leadership of then-President Andry Rajoelina, who became the world's youngest head of state at 34 through a coup in 2009. The situation reached a tipping point when an elite military unit defected and joined the protesters, refusing orders to fire on civilians, effectively cutting Rajoelina off from core state security support.

This shift in military allegiance significantly undermined his ability to remain in power. Facing explicit threats to his life amid the rebellion and the loss of military backing, Rajoelina left Madagascar for a “safe location,” later confirmed to be outside the country, while claiming an attempted illegal power grab was underway. Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been in power since declaring a two-year transition exercise.

Guinea-Bissau

Army officers in Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday, November 26, that they had deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló , accusing him of mismanaging the political crisis and undermining democratic stability. The officers declared that the existing government had been dissolved and pledged to restore order and constitutional governance, though details about a transition timeline were not immediately clear. The announcement came amid heightened tensions following contested elections on the 23rd and reflected longstanding military influence over the country’s political landscape.

On the same day, sustained gunfire erupted near the national election commission headquarters amidst tensions over a tightly contested presidential election, with residents fleeing the area as shots were heard near multiple government buildings. The outbreak of gunfire occurred just as provisional results were expected. However, protesters took to the streets in Guinea-Bissau on Friday, December 12, to denounce the military coup and demand the restoration of democratic governance , highlighting deep public frustration with the political instability that has plagued the country.

Benin could have become the third country, but for the swift intervention of Nigeria and the country's loyalist forces that protected President Patrice Talon's sovereignty. Armed soldiers went on national television on December 7 to declare they had taken power in a coup , but by evening, the situation had calmed, and everywhere was clear.

Since August 2020, Africa has experienced ten coups.

The move marks a significant shift in a country that maintains a strict ban on dual citizenship. For decades, those with mixed heritage or long-term family connections to Indonesia have been forced to choose between legal status and emotional belonging, often leaving many feeling distanced from the country despite deep roots.

The policy is aimed particularly at former Indonesian nationals and members of the Indonesian diaspora who have either lost or never held Indonesian citizenship. It also addresses long-standing challenges faced by foreigners married to Indonesian citizens, who have historically been restricted by complex residency rules.

Announcing the programme, Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Agus Andrianto said the GCI was designed to resolve the longstanding debate around dual nationality. 

“GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals (WNA) who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations,” he said.

He added that the new policy demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity to keep pace with global migration trends. 

“GCI is a solution addressing the polemic of dual nationality by granting extensive residency rights to foreigners closely connected to Indonesia, without changing their foreign citizenship status and without violating national regulations,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Immigration, eligible individuals include former Indonesian citizens; their descendants up to the second generation; spouses of Indonesians or former Indonesians; and children born to a legally recognised mixed-nationality marriage.

The programme will not be universally available. Those excluded include applicants from countries once within Indonesia’s territorial borders, foreign military personnel, intelligence officers and individuals involved in separatist movements.

The GCI sits alongside Indonesia’s existing visa categories, including the much-publicised Golden Visa, which targets major investors and highly skilled professionals and offers residency for five to ten years. For tourists or short-stay visitors—particularly in popular destinations such as Bali—the 30-day e-Visa on Arrival remains the standard option and can be extended once.

Minister Andrianto said the ministry would ensure that the GCI offers legal clarity, administrative simplicity and international competitiveness. 

He pointed to similar schemes overseas, such as India’s Overseas Citizenship of India programme, as evidence that such policies can succeed without compromising sovereignty.

For Andrianto, this reform signalled a shift in Indonesia’s immigration philosophy. 

“Indonesian Immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. GCI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but will continue to transform following the development of the times,” he said.

As Iraq prepares for its parliamentary elections scheduled for November, the country’s electoral commission has introduced new restrictions on campaign activities to ensure fairness and orderliness during the pre-election period. These restrictions include limitations on public rallies, a ban on hate speech and sectarian propaganda, and stricter financial disclosure requirements for candidates and parties. The commission’s decision aims to minimise tensions that often accompany Iraq’s high-stakes political contests and to address the growing public demand for transparency and accountability. Observers note that this move reflects lessons learned from past elections marred by allegations of vote-buying, violence, and foreign interference. However, some political actors view the restrictions as overreach that could stifle opposition voices, adding another layer of complexity to Iraq’s fragile democratic process.

Badr bloc threatens to sever ties with Turkey over water crisis

The Badr bloc, one of Iraq’s most influential political factions, has issued a stern warning to Ankara, threatening to cut diplomatic ties with Turkey if it does not address the ongoing water crisis affecting Iraq’s Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The bloc accuses Turkey of hoarding water through dam projects that have drastically reduced Iraq’s water supply, leading to severe agricultural damage and growing discontent among farmers. The threat underscores the broader regional tensions surrounding transboundary water rights in the Middle East, where upstream nations like Turkey wield considerable leverage. The crisis has already sparked protests in southern cities such as Basra, where water scarcity has led to both environmental and public health challenges. Iraq’s government is now under pressure to negotiate more assertively with Turkey to secure water flow agreements that protect its national interests while maintaining regional stability.

Iraq's political enigma: The unpredictable man oeuvre s of Muqtada al-Sadr

Muqtada al-Sadr continues to confound Iraq’s political establishment with his unconventional and unpredictable manoeuvres. The populist cleric, who commands vast grassroots support and a disciplined movement, has oscillated between political engagement and withdrawal, shaping Iraq’s political narrative at every turn. His recent statements and actions have reignited speculation about whether he will re-enter the political fray ahead of the 2025 elections or continue his role as an outsider influencing from the sidelines. Al-Sadr’s strategy has consistently centred on portraying himself as a reformist and nationalist voice against corruption and foreign domination—particularly Iranian and American influence. Analysts suggest that his unpredictability is both a strength and a source of instability in Iraqi politics, as his sudden shifts can alter alliances and derail institutional processes. His next move could significantly influence Iraq’s path toward either reform or renewed gridlock.

Iraqi MP announces completion of impeachment process for PM Al-Sudani

A dramatic development unfolded in Baghdad’s political circles as an Iraqi Member of Parliament announced the completion of the impeachment process against Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. The move marks a critical juncture in Iraq’s internal power dynamics, with critics accusing the prime minister of mismanagement, political favouritism, and failure to deliver on key reforms promised after his election. Supporters of Al-Sudani, however, argue that the impeachment is politically motivated, orchestrated by rival blocs seeking to destabilise the government ahead of the elections. If pursued, the impeachment could plunge Iraq into another round of political uncertainty, threatening to derail public administration and reform programs. The development has also sparked concerns among international partners, who view Iraq’s political stability as essential for regional security and economic progress.

President Barzani urges Kurdish candidates to prioriti s e unity ahead of Iraq elections

In a speech aimed at the Kurdish political leadership, President Nechirvan Barzani called for unity among Kurdish candidates and parties as Iraq approaches its national elections. Barzani emphasised that internal divisions within the Kurdish political spectrum have weakened their collective influence in Baghdad, particularly during crucial negotiations over budgets, oil revenue sharing, and security arrangements. He urged Kurdish factions to focus on common goals rather than partisan rivalries, warning that fragmentation could marginalise Kurdish interests at a time when the central government in Baghdad is consolidating power. His message resonated strongly in the Kurdistan Region, where growing dissatisfaction over governance, corruption, and public service delivery has fueled voter apathy. Barzani’s appeal reflects a broader recognition that Kurdish unity is pivotal not only for electoral success but also for maintaining leverage in Iraq’s complex federal system.

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.

The proposed constitution extends the presidential term from five to seven years, allows two terms, and crucially removes a ban preventing junta members, including General Mamady Doumbouya, from standing for office.

Additionally, it introduces a new Senate, one-third of whose members the president would appoint.

The vote comes ahead of planned general and presidential elections in December 2025, which the referendum is meant to enable legally.

The stakes

In September 2021, Doumbouya seized power in a coup, which dissolved the constitution with a vow to return the country to civilian rule. He initially promised that no junta member would run in future elections. That promise is now in shambles.

Opposition leaders, including Cellou Dalein Diallo, are either under suspension, in exile, or stripped of political space, and are calling for a boycott of the referendum.

The media landscape is also experiencing the heat with severe restrictions. Private outlets have been shut, websites suspended, and campaign coverage tightly regulated.

The AFP, however, reports that some media restrictions have been eased ahead of the vote.

Critics argue these conditions support a process that looks democratic on paper but is deeply curtailed in practice

What September 21 means

If the draft passes, Doumbouya is almost certain to run in December. A “Yes” vote would mark a legal framework that elevates executive power, leverages a compliant legislature, and further limits opposition.

If the referendum fails or if turnout is very low, legitimacy instantly becomes the issue. The junta would face internal pressure and external scepticism.

Delay or reform of the election schedule might follow. Unrest, protest, or resistance which have been banned in the country since 2022 could grow.

The strategy rests on three pillars: “making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous by prioritising U.S. interests; protecting Americans by preventing global outbreaks from reaching U.S. shores; saving lives abroad while helping partner countries build 'resilient and durable' health systems.”

According to the fact sheet from the Department of State, only 40% of foreign health aid currently reaches frontline workers and supplies. Roughly 25% funds commodities such as diagnostics and drugs, 15% supports 270,000 health workers, while 60% goes to overhead and technical assistance.

“We will keep America safe by monitoring and helping quickly contain infectious disease outbreaks before they reach U.S. shores,” the document states, adding that the U.S. will continue supporting a global surveillance system and be prepared to “surge resources” when outbreaks emerge abroad.

How is Africa affected?

Africa has benefited for decades from U.S.-backed health programs targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and emerging diseases.

The strategy suggests that while Africa will remain “a focus,” U.S. health investments may increasingly shift toward the Western Hemisphere, raising doubts about whether African countries with the greatest need will continue receiving robust support.

“Africa is going to continue to be a focus, but we’re going to invest more in the Western Hemisphere,” a senior official told Semafor.

Officials say the new model will channel more resources into direct, results-driven bilateral agreements and cut waste.

That long, narrow nation stretches into South America’s Pacific coast for 4,270 kilometres. This comparison shines a light on Chile’s extraordinary geography and the sheer variety of climates contained within its thin boundaries.

From the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the far south, Chile stretches over 33 degrees of latitude. It occupies a narrow strip of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, measuring 4,270 kilometres from north to south while averaging only about 175 kilometres wide.

The country’s present shape emerged from a combination of rugged topography and historical events: the Andes formed a natural barrier to the east, and colonial expansion, followed by 19th‑century wars, extended Chile’s reach north and south.

Travelling the length of Chile is like journeying from London to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso or from New York to Bogotá—it’s that long.

This extreme length produces remarkable environmental contrasts. In southern Chile, including Tierra del Fuego, a maritime climate prevails; some parts receive up to 4,000 millimetres of rain a year, though cities such as Punta Arenas get a much more modest 410 millimetres.

Central Chile around Santiago enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, averaging around 275 millimetres of annual rainfall. At the northern extreme, the Atacama Desert sees almost no rainfall because the cold Humboldt Current suppresses cloud formation.

In just a few thousand kilometres, you move from snow‑capped Andean peaks and fjords to fertile valleys and some of the driest landscapes on Earth.

Understanding the Moon’s Scale

Placing Chile and the Moon in the same sentence invites curiosity about the Moon’s true size. Astronomers describe the Moon as a mid‑sized natural satellite: Universe Today reports its diameter as approximately 3,474 kilometres.

Space.com , citing NASA data, notes that the Moon’s mean radius is 1,737.5 kilometres, giving a mean diameter of about 3,475 kilometres, and that it orbits Earth at an average distance of roughly 384,400 kilometres.

In other words, the Moon spans just over a quarter of Earth’s width and sits about thirty Earth diameters away. If our planet were scaled to the size of a nickel, the Moon would be no bigger than a coffee bean.

Local and international stakeholders gathered at the Delegation of the European Union in Liberia for the presentation of a political economy analysis on inclusion and exclusion in Liberian politics. The study, conducted by the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, was commissioned by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy. Presenting the findings, Dr. Aaron Weah, Executive Director of the Ducor Institute, noted that decision-making within parties is highly centralised. “Opportunities for meaningful engagement by women and young people remain limited as senior leaders dominate decision-making processes,” the New Dawn Liberia reports. The report called for reforms to expand participation and foster greater inclusivity.

Detoxification program

Liberia’s anti-drug campaign has suffered a major setback after 485 out of 600 youths enrolled in a government-backed detoxification program abandoned the initiative. Jewel Tarpeh Kollie, Montserrado County Health Officer, confirmed the numbers. “From the start, we had about 600 youths in the program. But as of yesterday, the number dropped to 115 (105 males and 10 females). Sometimes you see the number increase, and other times it decreases, because the process is voluntary and many of them walk away,” he said. The program was designed to provide treatment and recovery services to vulnerable youth, but officials now face questions about sustainability and effectiveness, the New Dawn Liberia reports.

Liberia hosts anti-illicit financial flows workshop

Liberia hosted the fifth Anti-IFFs Policy Tracker workshop in Monrovia from September 1–3, 2025, bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, and international partners to assess efforts to curb illicit financial flows. The workshop focused on identifying high-risk areas in the financial system and strengthening national strategies. Harold Aidoo, Executive Director of Integrity Watch Liberia, welcomed participants, “We are very happy that you could join us here in Liberia. I know it’s your first time here for many of you, and please permit me to formally welcome you. This is a very loving and peaceful country striving to grow and develop like many African countries.” The Anti-IFFs Policy Tracker is designed to help African governments evaluate responses and develop policy reforms, the Liberian Observer reports.

GAC audit flags $2.8m in irregular spending

The General Auditing Commission has flagged $2.8 million in budget irregularities in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s audit of the Consolidated Funds Account for the 2024 fiscal year. The audit revealed overspending by multiple entities, including the Ministry of Public Works, which spent $40.34 million against a budget of $38.01 million. It also found payments made without adequate documentation. The GAC warned that such practices could undermine financial discipline. Responding to the findings, the MFDP denied any missing funds, “All transactions were executed with proper authorisation and supporting records. However, some documentation could not be immediately located due to limitations in the inherited filing and document storage system,” Liberian Observer reports.

Boakai criticised for missing Grigsby’s U.S. funeral

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is facing backlash for failing to attend the U.S. funeral of his late Chief of Staff and longtime confidant, Sylvester Mondubue Grigsby, who died on August 9 while on a medical checkup. Opposition figure Wantoe Teah Wantoe called the absence inexcusable, “Did he attend? No. Wasn’t Grigsby his Chief of Staff and Minister of State? Yes. Wasn’t Grigsby his best friend and childhood companion? Yes. These are the facts. Missing Grigsby’s burial is not just a personal failure. It is a public betrayal of friendship, duty, and the values the presidency should uphold,” Wade Williams, another critic, argued the burial should have been treated as a state matter. “So President Boakai’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs dies and is buried outside Liberia. He is not present at the funeral. Something isn’t right. Shouldn’t this have been a state funeral?” Smart News Liberia reports.

Constitutional Court judges openly criticised suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Hlalefang Motinyane for delaying her own legal case against Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s attempt to remove her from office. The situation has been further complicated by the Law Society of Lesotho, which filed an urgent application against her suspension.

Heated debate over parliament’s M1 billion budget bid

Lawmakers sparked controversy after proposing that Parliament receive 3% of the national budget, over M1 billion. Critics, including the Minister of Law and Justice, argued the move would be fiscally irresponsible and excessive, especially given Lesotho’s fragile public finances.

Opposition questions defence force reappointment

Opposition parties raised alarm over Prime Minister Matekane’s decision to reappoint Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela as Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force. Critics argue the move reflects a lack of transparency and highlights Matekane’s close ties with the military leadership.

Lesotho–South Africa water deal under review

Lesotho and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a key regional infrastructure initiative. Ministers from both countries discussed ways to manage cost overruns and delays, signalling a potential overhaul of project agreements.

Controversial citizenship bill sparks debate

Law and Justice Minister Lebohang Hlaele defended a proposed amendment to the Citizenship Order, which would reserve high-ranking government positions exclusively for indigenous Basotho. While supporters say it protects national identity, critics warn it risks undermining inclusivity and merit-based governance.

According to the graphic:

While these figures illustrate the incredible size of modern megacities, recent population data shows that the actual numbers are often even larger..

The global significance of megacities

Megacities are more than just population centres. They are hubs of economic power, cultural exchange, and innovation. Yet, their rapid expansion also creates pressing challenges:

Under the deal, Nairobi will pay a monthly retainer of $175,000 (Sh23–27 million), in addition to travel and related expenses.

Who is behind Continental Strategy?

Continental Strategy is led by Carlos Trujillo, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation of American States under Donald Trump. Other signatories on behalf of the firm include senior partners Alberto Martinez, Alejandro Garcia, and John Barsa.

The firm describes itself as having “extensive knowledge of the White House, Capitol Hill, and federal agencies,” including the Departments of State, Treasury, Homeland Security, and Transportation. Its track record highlights influence in trade, security, and diplomatic relations.

What does Kenya want from the deal?

The lobbying firm is tasked with direct outreach to U.S. policymakers, government relations consulting, and the dissemination of informational materials to promote Kenya’s interests in Washington.

The agreement lists priorities such as enhancing bilateral relations between Kenya and the U.S., advocating on trade and tourism, and supporting security and diplomacy initiatives. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei signed on behalf of Kenya.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has recently pushed for a review of Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).

The move suggests that Nairobi’s foreign and domestic policies are under growing scrutiny in Washington, increasing the stakes of its lobbying efforts. But Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the agreement as a strategic investment, stressing that such contracts are “legitimate practice by governments worldwide.” In his statement on August 28, Mudavadi dismissed media reports of impropriety, saying, “This is a legitimate practice by governments worldwide. They are undertaken to advance foreign policy, trade, investment, and security interests in Washington, D.C., where competition for visibility is intense and highly structured.”

Despite the hefty price tag, Trujillo has cautioned that outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Lobbying statements, he noted, should be viewed as opinions rather than promises.

China’s Ministry of Transport reported that the country saw 11.9 billion cross-regional trips between July 1 and August 31, averaging 192 million trips daily, up 4.3 percent year-on-year. Road-based self-driving trips accounted for 8.7 billion journeys, or 73 percent of the total, People's Daily reports. Rural self-driving tours surged in popularity, while student travel, tourism, and study tours helped fuel consumption. An official projected that domestic tourism trips this summer would surpass 2.5 billion, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an ranking among the top destinations. The rail system set a new summer record with 940 million passenger trips, and civil aviation carried 147 million passengers, a 3.6 percent year-on-year rise. On August 15 alone, flights carried 2.56 million passengers, marking a new single-day high.

President Xi unveils Global Governance Initiative

President Xi Jinping, at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus” meeting in Tianjin, proposed a new Global Governance Initiative (GGI) to reshape international cooperation. “I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity,” Xi said . He outlined five guiding principles for the GGI, including sovereign equality, adherence to international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, adopting a people-centered approach, and focusing on concrete action.

China leads the world in nanotechnology patents

A white paper released in Beijing revealed that China holds 43 percent of all nanotechnology patents granted globally over the past 25 years, amounting to 464,000 patents. This surpasses the combined total of the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The White Paper : China Nanotechnology Industry 2025 highlights key areas of China’s patent portfolio, including semiconductors, catalytic chemistry, biomedicine, and new materials. The Chinese Academy of Sciences topped the global rankings with 23,400 patents. As of May 2025, China had more than 34,500 nanotech enterprises employing nearly 10 million people, with the global market projected to reach $1.5 trillion by year’s end.

China’s summer box office nears 12 billion yuan

The China Film Administration announced that the 2025 summer box office grossed 11.96 billion yuan ($1.68 billion), surpassing last year’s total. More than 100 films were released, drawing 321 million viewers nationwide. The top-grossing film, Dead to Rights - a historical drama on the 1937 Nanjing Massacre - earned 2.89 billion yuan since its July 25 release. Other major hits included animated feature Nobody, Jackie Chan’s crime action film The Shadow’s Edge, the historical drama The Lychee Road, and Universal’s Jurassic World Rebirth.  

Chinese Embassy issues warning in South Korea

The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has urged Chinese citizens to avoid carrying offensive weapons in public after South Korea revised its criminal law earlier this year. The embassy noted that carrying knives, hammers, or other potentially dangerous items without a legitimate reason could now result in up to three years’ imprisonment or fines of 10 million won ($7,300). “Chinese citizens in South Korea or those planning to visit the country should avoid carrying objects that could be regarded as offensive weapons in public. If unavoidable, they must be properly concealed to reduce legal risks,” the embassy said in its statement .

In the Pacific, India is making a strategic move in Fiji.

India is establishing a new defence wing at its High Commission in Suva. That comes with a defence attaché, maritime security support, equipment, training, and even a cybersecurity training cell.

It was announced during Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to New Delhi. Both he and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised their shared commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific.

The move isn’t just about Fiji’s security. It’s about global politics. India is stepping up in the Pacific at a time when China has been building influence in the region. By helping Fiji secure its Exclusive Economic Zone, India positions itself as a partner of choice and signals its presence in the wider Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Respect in school

Now to Central America, where El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is back in the headlines. This time it’s about schools. A new regulation, called the “Promotion of School Courtesy,” will take effect on September 1. It requires students to use polite phrases like good morning, please, and thank you.

If they don’t, they could face penalties ranging from warnings to suspension of privileges, or in extreme cases, even being held back a grade. Though there’s also a redemption system to regain points through positive actions.

It might sound like a small cultural policy, but it speaks volumes. Bukele is pushing a vision of social order that complements his tough security agenda. He’s saying: discipline isn’t just about gangs on the streets, it’s about behaviour in classrooms too.

And it is happening while his approval ratings are sky-high. Bukele has just been ranked the most popular leader in the world, 91% approval, higher than Putin, Modi, even Trump.

His popularity is directly linked to those hardline security measures—like the mega-prison known as CECOT, but also social measures like this, which resonate with parents and teachers. The bigger question is: at what point does such overwhelming support blur the lines between democracy and authoritarianism?

Military and development

Finally, to Southeast Asia where Indonesia is planning a massive expansion of its military’s role in development.

The government wants to establish 500 territorial development battalions by 2029, with 100 already in place. These aren’t just combat units, they’ll help implement government programmes, from economic downstreaming to national self-sufficiency projects.

And they have full budget backing from the Ministry of Finance, so this isn’t just a proposal.

The move reflects how Indonesia views its military not only as a defence force but also as a tool for state-building. But it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can accelerate development in remote areas; on the other, it risks entrenching military influence in civilian governance.

Morocco's green bridge

Again this week we’ve been offered some insights from Eigenrac , the security and intelligence consultancy, this time relating to Morocco.

Less than 15 kilometers off mainland Europe, Morocco is the only African country which has a land border with the European Union, thanks to the two Spanish enclaves on the coast. These facts make it an ideal bridge between the continents. And when this is coupled with Morocco’s other geographical strengths, that would allow it to become a renewable energy superpower, there’s definitely a partnership to be made.

With plenty of sun for solar, mountains for hydroelectric and empty land for wind turbines, Morocco could fill the holes which are emerging in the EU’s net zero plans as a result of domestic resistance. It also has the potential to produce significant amounts of green hydrogen and even host some of the data centres which will be needed to power Europe’s digital transformation.

However, there are some risks to this vision.

Morocco has been a largely stable country in a region that is anything but. The risks are primarily around its government failing to maintain the confidence of its citizens. Climate change is a factor here, especially if clean energy or thirsty data centres start to compete with farmland for water. Inflation and unemployment have the potential to disrupt the economy if external factors hit the standard of living of ordinary people. And if wealth from these new investments are concentrated in a few urban centres that may also provoke unrest.

Then there’s the risk that bets in green hydrogen may not pay off with an uncertain demand for the fuel. And finally, risks that complicated regulatory processes will deter foreign investors

So it’s far from a done deal, but on the other hand, many African countries will be looking enviously at the position Morocco has got itself into through forward thinking and relationship building. Signs that the green and digital transitions may not leave Africa behind.

Divided by religion?

Let’s talk about religion in Africa. It’s a big subject and its importance runs deeply. The map shows the biggest religion in each nation. And its a very stark division showing states which are dominated by Islam in the north and states dominated by Christianity in the south. And there is a belt between the two where both religions are common.

There are also many other religions practiced in Africa, primarily traditional religions often described as animist. But the map recalls a point made in an essay by Ethiopian academic Seifudein Adem, who has written for Global South World this week about how Africa can improve its political systems. He says that the import of Christianity into Africa helped link western values with both modernisation and moral rectitude -in other words, good things tended to be associated with western practices.

The contrast he makes is with Japan where traditional religions were not replaced by an imported religion which meant modernisation could happen without having to adopt a foreign culture. He also suggests that the polytheism practiced in Japan meant that if one god stood in the way of adopting a new practice, a different god’s guidance could simply be sought instead. That doesn’t work with the monotheistic religions of Islam and Christianity and Adem lists this among a number of other reasons for holding back Africa’s ability to pick and choose different aspects of western practices to build its own modernisation.

Who's backing Ukraine?

Our final story this week is our World Visualized graphic which shows the amounts of aid given to Ukraine by its allies since 2022. Now the top donor in dollar terms is the USA at $126 billion, although Donald Trump has signed deals which he says will allow his country to claw back some of this spending. The European Union, as an entity has given only a little more than half that at $70 billion, although if you were to add up all the EU countries as a bloc the total would exceed America’s.

Japan, at $15 billion, is only a little behind the UK’s $20 billion despite being on the other side of the world. And Canada has also topped every EU nation aside from Germany. Despite Emmanuel Macron’s very vocal support for Kyiv, in financial terms his country has offered less than Denmark and Netherlands, according to these figures from the Kiel Institute. And what’s clear from that list is that this really is a battle of the Global North, which is not to say its consequences are not acutely felt in the Global South.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

No genocide, no refugee claim

Lamola stressed that the Afrikaner community does not face persecution that would qualify them for refugee status under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

“We don’t agree that this is a refugee programme, because there’s no genocide in South Africa,” he said. “Afrikaners do not fit the definition of refugees under the UN Convention. This is, in reality, a fast-tracking process of immigration by the US.”

The United States has framed the programme as a humanitarian measure, citing concerns over crime and economic insecurity in South Africa. But Pretoria sees the move as politically charged and unjustified.

Preferential treatment?

South Africa argues that by creating a pathway only for Afrikaners, the US is engaging in preferential treatment that recalls the racial hierarchies of the apartheid system.

“With our history as a country, a preferential treatment of Afrikaners who are not fleeing genocide amounts to Apartheid 2.0,” Lamola said.

South Africa thus maintains it has no duty to assist with the programme, since it does not constitute a legitimate refugee initiative.

In May, the first group of about 50 Afrikaners - descendants of South Africa’s first European settlers - were flown to the US on a chartered flight after former President Donald Trump authorised the move, Viory reports.