What they said

Mosbah’s lawyer, Hela Ben Salem, told Reuters, “The verdict is a major shock, and it is part of a broader effort to dismantle civil society groups and shift responsibility for the state's failure to address the migrant issue onto these groups.” She also described the ruling as “a shocking judgment that has nothing to do with the case” and said it sends “a clear message: community work is suspect in the eyes of the current regime.” The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and the World Organisation Against Torture said her prosecution is “part of a broader pattern of intensifying repression of civil society in Tunisia,” citing cases against rights defenders, media “smear campaigns” and restrictions on NGOs working on migration.

Since the accident, Rana has remained in a persistent vegetative state with no meaningful interaction or prospect of recovery, according to medical assessments.

The court’s ruling followed evaluations by two medical boards, which concluded that Rana’s condition was irreversible and that continued artificial nutrition could sustain biological life but could not improve his condition. 

Thus, his parents had petitioned the court seeking permission to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, arguing that their son was being kept alive artificially with no hope of recovery.

While widely described as a landmark, the case is notable for another reason: India has technically recognised passive euthanasia since 2018. 

In the landmark Common Cause v. Union of India ruling, the Supreme Court held that the constitutional right to life under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. The judgment also introduced the concept of “living wills,” allowing individuals to specify in advance whether life support should be withdrawn if they become terminally ill or incapable of giving consent.

Yet for years the right remained largely theoretical. The procedures set out in the 2018 ruling were widely criticised as too complex for families and hospitals to implement. In 2023, the Supreme Court simplified the process, removing several bureaucratic requirements and clarifying the role of hospital medical boards in end-of-life decisions.

Rana’s case is the first time that framework has been applied to an individual patient by the Supreme Court.

The ruling also underscores how India’s jurisprudence on end-of-life care has evolved over decades. Earlier judgments had rejected the idea of a constitutional “right to die,” but later rulings gradually reframed the issue as one of dignity at the end of life. 

Passive euthanasia — allowing death by withdrawing medical treatment — is now permitted under strict safeguards, while active euthanasia, in which substances are administered to cause death, remains illegal.

Even so, the Supreme Court has noted that India still lacks comprehensive legislation governing passive euthanasia. The current system operates largely through judicial guidelines, leaving many ethical and procedural questions unresolved.

For now, the Rana ruling demonstrates that a right recognised by the courts eight years ago is finally beginning to function in practice — bringing India’s legal promise of a dignified death closer to reality.

The bill still requires a vote in the National Assembly, but Sonko’s party controls parliament.

Sonko said the government could toughen penalties without reclassifying the offence as a more serious crime. “We can achieve the intended objectives without going so far as to elevate the acts,” he said.

The proposed amendments also relate to child sexual abuse, an issue that campaigners say is often conflated with same-sex relations in public debate. Sonko told lawmakers, “If the act is committed with a minor, the maximum sentence will be imposed.”

Rights groups have warned that conditions for LGBTQ+ people have worsened in recent years. Human Rights Watch said the detention of 12 men in Dakar in February on charges including “acts against nature” has heightened fears and stigma, particularly amid sensational media coverage.

This assessment was echoed on Tuesday in The Hague, where an ICC official described the campaign as disproportionately targeting society’s most marginalised.

“Duterte’s response was a selective, violent crackdown on the most vulnerable,” said Paolina Massidda, principal counsel at the ICC Office of Public Counsel for Victims. 

“Rather than addressing the root causes of drug addiction, such as poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and inequality, the Duterte administration framed the issue as a criminal one, focusing on punitive over social responses,” Massidda added.

Human rights organisations estimate that more than 30,000 people may have been killed during the drug war — far higher than official police figures of more than 7,000 deaths. 

Victims were overwhelmingly men from poor urban communities, many of whom were unemployed or reliant on informal work.

Among those left behind is Cheryl (not her real name), whose live-in partner was killed during a police anti-drug operation in Payatas, Quezon City, in 2017. His death abruptly left her family without its main source of income.

Cheryl said that while grief was overwhelming, economic necessity quickly took precedence.

“Unang tanong ko noon, ‘Paano na kami?’ Siya ‘yung source of income. May anak kaming nagsisimula pa lang mag-aral,” Cheryl said.

(My first question then was, ‘What will happen to us?’ He was our source of income. Our child was just starting school.)

She now works as a barista at Silingan Coffee, a café in Metro Manila that employs relatives of drug war victims and provides a space for them to share their experiences with the public.

Another employee, Sharon Angeles, lost her brother during the early years of the campaign. He was 20 years old.

“Wala talaga siyang kinalaman sa droga,” Sharon said, citing an autopsy that found no evidence of drug use. “Nag-iisa pa naming lalaki ‘yon.” 

(He really had nothing to do with drugs. He was our family’s only son.) 

Despite the scale of the killings, only a small number of cases have resulted in convictions, most involving low-ranking police officers. Families of victims have long criticised domestic investigations as inadequate and biased in favour of security forces.

“Habang may buhay, may pag-asa. [Pero] ‘yung sasabihin nilang may hustisya? Sa aming mahihirap? Walang hustisya – sa mayayaman lang ‘yun,” Sharon said. 

(As long as there is life, there is hope. But when they talk about justice —for us poor people? There is no justice. That is only for the rich.)

At the ICC, prosecutors have repeatedly cited Duterte’s public statements encouraging police to kill suspected drug users and dealers as potential evidence of responsibility at the highest level of government . 

Although Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC during his term, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Duterte has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him.

But for families like Cheryl’s and Sharon’s, the ICC investigation represents a rare opportunity for accountability beyond the Philippine institutions they say have failed them.

“Sa bibig niya mismo nanggaling na magpupursigi talaga siya dyan sa war on drugs,” Cheryl said. “Ebidensya na ‘yon.”

(It came directly from his own mouth that he would persist with the war on drugs. That is already evidence.)

NOTE: Quotes in the story were originally reported through an interview conducted in 2023 with family members of drug war victims in the Philippines. They have been edited for clarity, length, and timeliness as the ICC conducts the confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte.

Yet on Monday in The Hague, that record of statements was cited back to Duterte.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity at the  International Criminal Court (ICC) linked to his anti-drug campaign. During the confirmation of charges hearing, prosecutors outlined a series of public remarks they said demonstrated his knowledge of, and intent behind, a campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths.

In his opening statement, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang argued that Duterte’s own speeches showed awareness of the scale of the killings and the assurances extended to police officers and alleged vigilantes.

“Duterte's criminal plan and his intent were no secret,” Niang said. “He not only shared them with his co-perpetrators and members of the death squad (Davao Death Squad) but also made them abundantly clear to the general public in the numerous public statements that he made time and again.”

These are some of Duterte’s statements cited by the ICC prosecution:

“ The shoot-to-kill order is a legitimate tool of the government to combat lawlessness.”

The ICC said evidence indicated “the Davao City Mayor’s Office provided some members of the DDS with regular salaries. Financial rewards were also given to direct perpetrators in the form of cash per killing.”

“ For as long as there is the power to pardon in the Constitution, that’s my weapon against crime. If you massacre a hundred people, and there are a hundred of you, then I’ll pardon all of you. You’ll be restored to full political and civil rights, plus a promotion on top of that. That’s how it is — especially for high-profile cases.”

Niang said such statements “reassured the physical perpetrators,” citing an insider witness who said he felt confident killing under Duterte because he expected immunity. “Direct perpetrators were further emboldened to commit crime by Mr. Duterte's repeated promises of immunity,” he added.

“ Those of you who are still sober, those who haven't tried illegal drugs, if you don't want to die or get hurt, don't rely on the priest, including human rights advocates. They won't be able to prevent death, so don't do it. And then there you are, sprawled on the ground, and you are portrayed in a broad sheet like Mother Mary cradling the dead cadaver of Jesus Christ. That's how they are creating dramas here.”

The statement referenced a widely circulated photograph by Filipino photographer Raffy Lerma showing a woman cradling her partner’s body with a placard reading, “Pusher ako (I’m a drug pusher).”

Though not a primary focus of the hearing, Duterte also made statements during the COVID-19 lockdowns that prosecutors described as potentially threatening, including instructions to shoot violators if their lives were in danger. 

The Philippines implemented one of the world’s longest pandemic lockdowns, which had significant social and economic impacts.

“ If there is any trouble, or occasions when there’s violence and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead!”

Duterte faces three counts of murder and attempted murder spanning his mayoral and presidential terms. The ICC links him to 78 killings and attempted killings, which prosecutors argue were neither “random” nor “isolated.”

“They were part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population of the Philippines,” Niang said. “The murders and attempted murders were carried out across the Philippines and over a substantial period of time.”

Yet even without citing his statements, the ICC prosecution maintains it has enough evidence to proceed.

“For purposes of this confirmation hearing, disregard every speech ever made by Mr. Duterte. Throw them all out,” said senior trial lawyer Julian Nicholls. “There is still ample evidence of substantial ground based on the other evidence which we have put on our list."

The charge is linked to provisions in Cuba’s penal code that criminalise actions deemed to undermine the state’s constitutional system. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific content or actions that led to the decision, but both individuals are known online for sharing commentary critical of official policies and the country’s political direction.

Human rights organisations have described the move as part of an escalating pattern of legal action against activists, journalists and digital content creators in recent years. Cuban officials, however, have consistently defended the application of such laws as necessary to protect national sovereignty and public order.

The case comes at a time of heightened economic strain and social tension on the island, with dissent increasingly expressed through social media platforms. The decision to impose provisional detention means both influencers will remain in custody while investigations continue and the legal process moves forward.

The government and landowners had attempted to negotiate a solution that would allow part of the land to be developed for formal housing cooperatives. While 100 hectares were set aside for this project, the remaining 115 hectares remain subject to eviction orders.

Chile’s high housing costs and shortage of affordable homes have led many low-income citizens to occupy public or private land, creating large informal settlements known as tomas. According to Techo Chile, 2024 figures show 1,428 such settlements nationwide, housing over 120,000 families, or nearly half a million people .

Mange Kimambi, Tanzania

The US-based Tanzanian activist became one of the most influential and controversial voices who challenged President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government. Using her massive social media following, Kimambi mobilised protests against alleged human rights abuses and election irregularities. Her activism drew international attention, but also criminal charges in Tanzania. Her activism against the ruling government began long before the elections. Consequently, her Instagram page with millions of followers was deactivated. Without the effort of Mange Kimambi, the international community would not have known about the post-election unrest and killings in Tanzania.  

Truphena Muthoni, Kenya

Kenya’s climate movement gained global visibility after Muthoni broke her own record by hugging a tree for 72 hours in a peaceful protest against deforestation and climate inaction. Her act, carried out in Nyeri, resonated far beyond Kenya and emphasised how non-violent protest can cut through political divisions.  

Ahmed al-Ahmed, Australia

Now popularly known as the ‘Bondi Hero,’ a fruit seller in Sydney, al-Ahmed became an unlikely activist after tackling and disarming a gunman during a deadly attack at Bondi Beach. Though not a campaigner in the traditional sense, his actions generated a global conversation about courage. He was widely praised for embodying community resistance to extremism.

Greta Thunberg, Sweden

In 2025, amongst many other activists, 22-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg shifted much of her focus to pro-Palestinian activism, taking part in aid flotillas bound for Gaza and leading protests in London against companies linked to Israel. Her involvement led to arrests under the UK Terrorism Act in December, after which she was released on bail and is expected to appear in court in 2026.

Malala Yousafzai

The 27-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai launched her new memoir, Finding My Way, in which she reflects on personal growth beyond her years of activism, exploring themes of friendship, identity and finding a sense of normalcy. Alongside the book, she continued her global advocacy through the Malala Fund, championing girls’ education, and expanded into sports investment with her venture Recess, linking education and empowerment through sport. Malala also returned to her hometown in Shangla, Pakistan, for the first time in 13 years, visiting family and reaffirming her commitment to her country.

The boys, aged between 11 and 15, disappeared during a military security operation in the southern neighbourhood of Las Malvinas on 8 December 2024. Witness testimony and evidence presented at trial indicated that the children were detained by soldiers and later found dead in a rural area outside Guayaquil, with severe injuries prior to their deaths.

Five additional soldiers received shorter sentences of 2.5 years for their cooperation with prosecutors, while one officer was acquitted. The trial, which followed months of investigation and international attention, highlighted both procedural scrutiny and demands for accountability from civil society groups and rights organisations.

The convictions come amid wider debate in Ecuador over the use of military forces in civilian security operations. The case has drawn attention beyond the country’s borders, underscoring broader global concerns about human rights and the conduct of armed forces in internal security roles. Observers say the ruling could have implications for how other nations address allegations of abuse during counter‑crime operations.

New support has been announced for rugby development across Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, highlighting the continued importance of the sport to Pacific identity, youth engagement and regional cooperation. The assistance is aimed at strengthening grassroots structures as well as elite pathways, ensuring that rugby continues to provide opportunities for social development, international representation and economic activity across the three island nations.

Veteran journalist raises concerns over Samoa’s proposed media rules

A senior journalist in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, has publicly questioned proposed changes to media regulations, warning that they could have implications for press freedom and journalistic independence. The concerns centre on how the new rules may affect reporting standards, oversight and the ability of the media to operate without undue restriction, sparking broader debate about transparency and democratic safeguards in the country.

Prime Minister calls for human rights to be part of everyday life in Samoa

Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has urged citizens and institutions to treat human rights not as abstract principles but as values embedded in daily life. The call emphasises respect, inclusion and accountability across society, reinforcing the government’s commitment to aligning national development with fundamental rights and social justice.

Samoa releases its updated national climate plan

The Samoan government has released an updated national climate plan, outlining revised strategies to address climate change, resilience and sustainability. The plan reflects the country’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather, while setting out policy priorities for adaptation, emissions reduction and international climate cooperation.

Prime minister meets with doctors and nurses on health sector priorities

The Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has held discussions with doctors and nurses to address key issues within Samoa’s health sector. The meeting focused on workforce conditions, service delivery and strengthening healthcare systems, underscoring the government’s focus on improving public health outcomes and supporting frontline medical professionals.

Last winter, doctors diagnosed the man with primary biliary cirrhosis and warned that without a liver transplant, he was unlikely to survive beyond a year. His parents sold their home to help cover medical costs, while his wife remained at his side as his primary carer.

Tests later showed that the wife was an almost perfect donor match, with compatibility exceeding 95%. But when asked to undergo surgery, she refused, telling doctors and relatives that she suffered from a severe fear of needles and surgical procedures.

The refusal caused a rift within the family, with he husband accusing her of wanting him to die and dismissing her caregiving, while his parents pressed her to reconsider. He later claimed to have uncovered evidence that she had previously undergone surgery and routine blood tests without difficulty.

A suitable liver from a brain-dead donor was eventually found, and the husband survived after a successful transplant. 

When confronted afterwards, the wife admitted that her claimed phobia was an excuse, saying she feared surgical risks and worried that their children would be left without a mother if something went wrong.

The husband subsequently filed for divorce, arguing that her refusal amounted to abandonment and a failure of marital duty. The case went to court, where judges rejected his claim.

In its ruling, the court said organ donation was a matter of personal bodily autonomy and could not be forced, even between spouses. It also found that the husband’s coercion and verbal abuse had undermined the marriage.

The couple later agreed to divorce, with the wife retaining custody of their children. According to local media , she also continued to provide financial support for the husband’s recovery, as the case sparked widespread online debate, much of it in defence of her decision.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, now facing a potential Interpol red notice request, has claimed that the ICC has issued a war rant for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa over his role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war. Roque offered no source for his information.

“Sen. Bato, your warrant of arrest is out! Don’t let yourself be kidnapped!” Roque said in a Facebook post, urging the senator to insist on being brought before a Philippine court first. His warning also echoed the “kidnapping” narrative that supporters tried to frame Duterte’s arrest in.

The Department of Justice has yet to confirm the claim. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed in November that an ICC warrant already existed, though the document has never been made public. Since then, Dela Rosa has stopped attending Senate sessions.

Dela Rosa asked the Supreme Court to compel the Ombudsman to release the supposed warrant, but the high court rejected his petition. The Office of the Solicitor General maintains there is no official basis for fears of an ICC arrest.

Dela Rosa, Duterte’s former police chief, is considered one of the architects of Oplan Tokhang , the anti-drug campaign that killed at least 6,000 people according to government data. Human rights groups estimate the death toll at up to 30,000.

On Monday, Dela Rosa’s lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, said the senator is simply waiting for official procedure before facing any ICC order — if it exists. He said neither Dela Rosa nor his legal team has seen an actual warrant.

“We should have clear-cut implementing rules,” Torreon said, adding that cooperation with the ICC must follow both the Rome Statute and Philippine law . He said he believes a warrant may already have been issued but cannot confirm it.

Torreon also defended Dela Rosa’s continued absence from the Senate, saying it stemmed from legitimate concerns for the senator’s safety. He warned that Dela Rosa could be picked up and taken to the ICC without legal safeguards, which he called unacceptable.

Despite criticism, Torreon said they welcome public scrutiny: “It means they are really keeping an eye on Sen. Bato.”

Families described dire conditions inside the prison, saying inmates have been left without access to food, medicines or basic supplies. “You cannot pass him food, you cannot pass him supplies, you cannot pass him anything… The people there have nothing,” said one mother of a detainee with tuberculosis, breaking down as she spoke. Others recounted how their relatives entered the facility healthy but have since become bedridden due to malnutrition and untreated disease.

Several relatives also reported days of uncertainty as they sought updates on sick or missing detainees. One woman said she learned of her brother’s death only after repeated visits to the prison, claiming officials had delayed informing the family. Others described inmates suffering from additional infections and a lack of water for basic hygiene.

According to the Permanent Committee for the Defence of Human Rights of Guayaquil, 592 detainees have died in the Litoral Penitentiary so far in 2025, surpassing the total number of inmates killed in prison massacres nationwide between 2021 and 2024. Between January and September alone, an estimated 8% of those deaths were linked to tuberculosis and chronic malnutrition, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding inside the facility.

Ekane was arrested on October 24 in Douala following the post-election protest and was detained at a military garrison in Yaoundé on charges of hostility against the state, incitement to revolt, and calls for insurrection. Ekane denied all accusations.

The arrest came after the contested presidential election on October 12, in which President Paul Biya, aged 92, was declared the winner. Ekane, along with other opposition figures, rejected the results. 

Rival candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary also claimed victory and urged the population to reject the official outcome.

Ekane's party said he was in poor health during detention and lacked access to vital medical equipment. According to his lawyer, Ngouana Ulrich Juvenal, Ekane was barely able to speak during a recent visit. His sister, Mariane Simon-Ekane, confirmed his death on Facebook.

On November 30, Manidem issued a statement requesting his urgent transfer to a hospital that could provide more suitable care. The party had previously reported that essential medical equipment, including Ekane’s oxygen concentrator, was locked in his impounded vehicle at a military police station in Douala. Efforts to retrieve the equipment were allegedly blocked by the station commander. 

Ekane’s detention, along with that of fellow Manidem member Florence Aimee Titcho and other Tchiroma supporters, was condemned by opposition groups. These groups had called for their immediate and unconditional release.

In its November 30 statement, Manidem warned that it "would hold the Yaoundé regime responsible for the consequences of refusing the transfer".

Cameroon’s defence ministry confirmed Ekane’s death on Monday, citing "an illness" and announcing that an investigation had been opened into the circumstances.

Ekane had been active in Cameroonian politics since the early 1990s. He initially supported Maurice Kamto, who was later banned from contesting the election, and subsequently backed Issa Tchiroma.

Tchiroma, following the unrest, has since fled to Gambia, where he is being hosted on humanitarian grounds, according to Gambian authorities.

President Paul Biya was sworn in for an eighth term on November 6 in Yaoundé. Despite the youthful population of Cameroon’s 29 million citizens, where the median age is 18, Biya—who has ruled for more than four decades—will continue in office for another seven years.

The reform follows a ruling by the Corte Constitucional de Colombia, which demanded that the registry adapt its systems to allow gender markers beyond the traditional “male/female” binary. Implementation involved extensive technical adjustments, updating databases, printing systems and digital ID frameworks, to ensure that both physical and digital documents reflect the new options: “NB” for non-binary and “T” for trans.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this legal recognition goes beyond paperwork. It represents official validation of identities historically invisibilised by the state. According to advocates, having identity documents that reflect one’s self-perception is fundamental to accessing other civil rights , from employment and healthcare to political participation.

This reform also places Colombia among a growing list of countries seeking to modernise the concept of gender in state administration. By decoupling legal identity from rigid binary norms, the country signals a shift towards more inclusive policies a change that could set a precedent for other nations navigating the complexities of gender, identity and rights in a globalised world .

According to official reports, 27 inmates were found hanged in their cells, apparently asphyxiated in one of the most chilling episodes of prison violence in the country. The prison oversight body (SNAI) stated that the deaths are being thoroughly investigated. Earlier that day, four prisoners died and more than 40 were injured during a riot, in an incident attributed to the reorganisation of inmates.

Analysts point to a broader pattern of instability in Ecuador’s detention system. Since 2021, more than 500 inmates have died in comparable clashes, often linked to gang rivalries and systemic overcrowding in prisons. The El Oro facility is reported to be overfilled, and internal power struggles among criminal organisations such as Los Lobos and Sao Box continue to drive violence.

The social organisations demanding accountability are calling for an immediate declaration of a national prison emergency, warning that without urgent intervention, such episodes will continue to put inmates’ fundamental rights at risk.

The massacre has not only fuelled domestic criticism but also attracted international attention. Observers warn that the crisis highlights serious governance failures and underscores the need for Ecuador to cooperate with global partners to reform its penal system.

Here’s what you should know about Hasina:

Beginnings

Political career

Struggles and exile

Sentenced to death

The ruling marks a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s politics. Hasina, a three-time prime minister and daughter of the country’s founding father, has been a central figure in Bangladesh for decades, credited with major economic and social reforms. 

The tribunal’s decision fulfills a promise by interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus to hold former leaders accountable for the “July Revolution,” which began peacefully but turned violent after government suppression.

Several human rights associations issued a strong public appeal demanding the release of opposition leader Succès Masra, whose arrest and sentencing have sparked widespread criticism. The groups accused the Chadian authorities of perpetuating “arbitrariness and terror” through politically motivated detentions and the repression of dissenting voices. The arrest has deepened concerns about Chad’s democratic trajectory following the transition period. Activists argue that detaining political opponents undermines commitments promised during national dialogues and transitional reforms.

“Chad Connection 2030” Plan

In contrast to the political tensions, the National Assembly issued a statement congratulating President Mahamat Idriss Déby for the progress of the PND “Chad Connection 2030” development program. Lawmakers highlighted what they described as significant financial mobilisation and major achievements in infrastructure and governance reforms. The endorsement signals strong parliamentary support for the president’s long-term national development agenda, which aims to modernise key sectors and improve economic resilience. Observers note that the praise comes at a time when the government is looking to strengthen political legitimacy amid rising criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

Intercommunal violence

The opposition party Les Transformateurs publicly condemned recent outbreaks of intercommunal violence, urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities and prevent further escalation. The party emphasised the need for justice, accountability, and dialogue, saying that repeated cycles of violence—often triggered by disputes over land or resources—are becoming a pressing national security issue. Party leaders accused the government of failing to address the root causes of the clashes and warned that without stronger action, localised conflicts could destabilise broader regions of the country.

Special status of teachers

In governance and education reform news, the government adopted a new decree revising the special status of teachers. The reform aims to improve working conditions, streamline career management, and address long-standing grievances raised by teachers’ unions. The decree is expected to impact teacher recruitment, promotions, and remuneration frameworks. Education stakeholders say the changes could help reduce recurring strikes and strengthen the education sector—but also caution that implementation will be key to restoring trust between educators and the state.

Detention of LTDH team in Lac Province

Human rights groups united to denounce what they described as the “sequestration” of a team from the Chadian League of Human Rights (LTDH) in the Lac province. Reports indicate that LTDH members were detained while conducting field investigations. The coalition of associations condemned the incident as a violation of humanitarian and civil liberties protections and demanded an immediate explanation from authorities. They warned that obstruction of human rights monitoring undermines transparency, accountability, and public trust—especially in regions affected by security tensions.

The meeting lasted about three hours, according to the aides present, and was spent preparing for the budget meeting later that morning. In Takaichi’s own words, the meeting caused her staff “inconvenience” but was necessary to rework drafts of answers to lawmakers’ questions. 

Clarifying the circumstances behind the meeting, Takaichi added that her fax machine at home had malfunctioned, prompting her to stay at the prime minister’s residence and review the briefing materials there.

While 3 a.m. meetings are far from common, they are especially cautionary for people in Japan, where there have been several high-profile cases of deaths linked to overwork and unforgiving working conditions . 

It is so apparent that the Japanese have even coined specific terms for it: karoshi , meaning death from overwork, and karojisatsu , or suicide due to overwork and cruel working conditions.

A government survey in 2016 showed that 20 percent of the Japanese workforce is at risk of death from overwork. 

Of the companies surveyed, 22.7 percent reported employees clocking 80 hours of overtime each month. A fifth of employees averaged 49 or more hours each week, or nearly 10 hours across five working days.

What’s more daunting is the fact that Japan is not the only country in Asia notorious for its harsh working conditions. 

In China, the government is working to put a stop to the “996” culture, an illegal labour practice where employees have to work 72 hours a week, or from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week. 

Takaichi’s unusual meeting also drew the ire of a former Japanese premier, Yoshishiko Noda.

“It’s fine for her to work, but she should not be getting other people involved,” he said. “Everyone is in bed at that time of day. It’s a very sad attitude for the top leader of the country to show.”

"To protest against violence , to take action against violence, and also obviously to protest so that right-wing groups, opportunistic parties, and scavengers do not use the rightful anger of the protest," said one participant.

Organisers, mostly young demonstrators, voiced frustration that political groups had adopted the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger symbol for their own purposes. 

"Many times right-wing groups, fascist groups, are the first to criminalise protest , the first to take rights away from the LGBT community, to ignore structural or systemic problems, etc. So it is even incongruent for them to take a symbol that has nothing to do with them," said another protester.

Participants also denounced U.S. anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, likening them to past interventions in Latin America . 

"This narco narrative of 'they are narcos, let's kill them,' which is the same one the United States has used for interventions in Venezuela ," said one protester. 

Police monitored the demonstration, which briefly disrupted traffic along Paseo de la Reforma, but no major incidents were reported.

Officials claim they killed armed criminals who resisted arrest, captured over 80 suspects, and seized dozens of rifles and drugs.

Rio’s governor described the operation as a fight against narco-terrorism and declared the city “at war .”

However, human rights groups and witnesses paint a far darker picture, calling the incident a “massacre.” Locals reported seeing bodies in the streets, some apparently shot execution-style. Others described injuries consistent with stabbings and even decapitation.

The raid comes just days before major global events in Brazil, including the Earthshot Prize and COP30 climate talks.

Unanswered questions remain, including how many of those killed were gang members and how many were innocent residents caught in the crossfire.

Critics fear the operation marks yet another escalation in Rio’s long cycle of violence between police and gangs, leaving already traumatised communities in deeper distress.

Venezuela’s human rights crisis continues to deepen as NGO Foro Penal confirmed that the number of political prisoners has risen to 875, marking one of the highest tallies in recent years. The organisation reported a surge in detentions targeting opposition figures, student activists, journalists, and civil society members. Analysts say this reflects a renewed campaign to suppress dissent and intimidate political movements ahead of upcoming electoral milestones. Human rights advocates warn that the trend showcases the government’s intent to maintain tight control over political life.

HRW calls for international pressure

Human Rights Watch issued a strong condemnation of conditions inside Venezuelan detention facilities, accusing authorities of intensifying the isolation and mistreatment of political detainees. According to HRW, prisoners are being held incommunicado, denied medical care, and subjected to psychological intimidation and overcrowded cells. The rights organisation urged foreign governments, particularly in the Americas and Europe, to increase diplomatic pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s administration and pursue accountability measures through international legal channels.

US Military activity heightens

Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate as the United States boosts its military presence in the Caribbean as part of an effort to disrupt what Washington describes as Venezuelan-linked narcotrafficking networks. The move forms part of a broader strategy to pressure the Maduro government and counter regional security threats. Venezuela's leadership has denounced the deployment as provocative and politically motivated, while observers warn that rising military posturing raises the risk of miscalculation in an already volatile regional environment.

Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize

Opposition leader María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition sparked cautious celebration worldwide, yet public reaction inside Venezuela remained subdued. Citizens and activists largely refrained from public gatherings or displays of support, citing fears of retaliation by security forces and pro-government groups. The restrained mood underscores the climate of surveillance and repression that persists despite international attention and recognition of Venezuela’s democratic opposition.

Regional activists criticise Nobel award to Machado

Machado’s Nobel Prize also sparked sharp criticism from regional left-leaning organisations and social movements, particularly in Latin America. Critics argue that her political stance and alliances align with conservative agendas and do not represent transformative peace-building values. While international institutions hailed her role in advocating for democratic freedoms, detractors insist the award overlooks Venezuela’s complex political landscape and risks reinforcing ideological polarisation in the region.

“It was a massacre with several premeditated killings, those where there is intent to kill,” said Alex Castro, a resident of the community. “Mothers have lost their children , wives their husbands, and children their parents. The only thing we ask for is peace.”

Neusa, another resident, expressed frustration at the state’s repeated use of violence while failing to invest in long-term solutions. “The State knows how to make us cry, because we are mothers. But the State doesn’t come with projects,” she said. “Everything that happened today should not have happened,” she said.

The community is still reeling, with reports that several bodies remain in the forested areas surrounding the favela. Residents have taken it upon themselves to organise searches, with some travelling by motorcycle deep into the woods to recover the dead.

Claudia, who witnessed one of the killings, described how a man who had already surrendered was executed. “He said, ‘I surrender.’ That’s what he did. And they shot him anyway,” she said. “Not even criminals should be killed. This shouldn’t be happening in our favela.” 

The operation has once again put Brazil’s militarised policing strategies under scrutiny, especially in poor, predominantly Black communities that say they are treated as enemy territory.

“They want to end violence in the favela, but who robs more?” asked resident Adailton. “They rob more than we, the poor. They even want to cancel our 13th salary, but instead of filtering their own thefts, they come to oppress us.”

So far, authorities have not released an official death toll or detailed account of the operation.

Now there are widespread demonstrations across the country following the close of polls.

President Samia, who took office in 2021 following the death of former leader John Magufuli, is seeking her first full term. Since then, she has positioned herself as a reformer and bridge-builder, especially in international circles, but at home, her government has been criticised for systematically sidelining opposition figures and dissent.

The main opposition party, CHADEMA, has seen its most prominent leaders, including Tundu Lissu, being disqualified or detained in the run-up to the polls. The party’s vice chairperson, Tanzania Halima Mdee, has also faced legal pressure, while opposition rallies and media coverage have reportedly been restricted. These moves have left voters with limited choice and undermined the credibility of the democratic process.

United Nations Human Rights experts have expressed concern over “enforced disappearances, harassment of critics, and shrinking civic space,” warning that the political environment is becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent. In this context, the CCM’s overwhelming dominance - having been in power since independence in 1961 – appears set to continue largely unchallenged.

Despite these concerns, Samia has made new promises to address economic challenges, including youth unemployment, infrastructure development, and regional trade integration. Her administration has also pushed for reforms to attract foreign investment, framing the election as a mandate for stability and growth.

Meanwhile, as polls have closed, several hundred youth have begun demonstrations across the country, decrying the alleged lack of transparency in the voting process, internet shutdown across the country, among others.

The imbalance has prompted critics to question whether the poll represents a genuine democratic contest or simply a formality to extend CCM’s near five-decade rule.

Opposition sidelined

Tanzania’s two largest opposition parties, CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, are not taking part after accusing the government of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on dissent. Several of their key leaders have been barred from running, while others face ongoing court cases or arbitrary detention.

In April, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disqualified CHADEMA’s presidential candidate on what the party described as “manufactured technicalities.” International news agency Reuters later confirmed that other opposition figures were similarly struck off ballots at local and parliamentary levels.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have reported a “climate of fear”, citing arbitrary arrests, media restrictions, and enforced disappearances in the lead-up to the vote.

“Authorities have intensified repression ahead of the elections, instilling fear among activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens,” Amnesty said in an October report .

When Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, she was initially praised for loosening restrictions on the opposition and reopening civic space. But over time, that image has faded.

Opposition activists say the state has perfected a softer, procedural form of authoritarianism — one that relies less on overt violence and more on bureaucratic obstacles, judicial harassment, and control of the media landscape.

Economic background

Beyond the political contest, Tanzanians continue to grapple with everyday struggles; unreliable electricity, water shortages, unemployment, and poor healthcare.

Still, many voters feel there is little space for genuine alternatives, with the ruling party dominating the political narrative and state machinery.

What’s next

Election observers from the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union have deployed missions across the country, but analysts remain skeptical about whether their presence will ensure transparency.

In 2021, China’s government officially outlawed 996 after several high-profile cases of worker deaths, including one involving a young employee from e-commerce giant Pinduoduo. Major tech companies such as ByteDance and Tencent followed with promises to curb overtime.

Still, long hours remain widespread. Weak enforcement of labour laws, low wages, and cultural pressure to perform continue to drive overwork. In cities like Shenzhen, the legal minimum wage is far below the average cost of living , forcing some workers to rely on overtime to make ends meet.

China’s overall productivity remains lower than that of developed economies, leading some firms to rely on longer hours to boost output quickly.

To address growing discontent, the government has launched public campaigns against excessive work. A popular TV show, “Overtime No More,” featured celebrities and workers discussing how to balance career demands and personal life.

Some analysts believe these efforts are also linked to international pressure. The European Union recently passed a regulation banning products made with forced labour, which includes “excessive overtime” as a key indicator. Aligning with such standards could help China protect its export markets and improve its global image.

However, others argue that China’s crackdown has more to do with domestic concerns, including social stability and a changing workforce. Younger employees, disillusioned with the promise of hard work leading to success, are increasingly rejecting 996 culture in favour of more balanced lives — a movement known locally as tang ping, or “lying flat.”

Despite the government’s push, many companies still find ways around the rules, and long hours remain deeply rooted in China’s corporate life. The change, experts say, will take time and stronger enforcement.

Ironically, while China moves to restrain its punishing work culture, the 996 mindset is spreading abroad. In the United States , some tech startups now encourage 70-hour work weeks, framing them as a path to rapid innovation and success.

Entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley have begun to praise the discipline and intensity of China’s once-criticised system, arguing that it fuels ambition and competitiveness. Some even advertise long hours as part of their company identity.

As China tries to create a healthier balance between work and life, the rest of the world seems eager to adopt the very culture it is now trying to leave behind.

“The Ghanaian authorities have no legal basis to continue to detain these persons, much less in military custody,” he said. “We are hoping the court pronounces on the legality of the government’s action.”

He estimated that 42 individuals have so far been brought into the country, though his team has only verified the identities of 14. “We’re not in a position to say whether or not among those individuals are also Ghanaian nationals,” he added.

Barker-Vormawor described conditions at Bundase Military Camp, where several deportees are reportedly held, as “terrible,” citing lack of healthcare and poor food. “Bundase is a military training camp, not designed or habilitated for keeping civilians,” he said, noting that the situation may breach international detention standards such as the UN Mandela Rules.

He also warned that Ghana may be violating the Convention Against Torture, which prohibits returning people to countries where they face risk of harm.

Tanzania is seeking to diversify its tourism markets by attracting more visitors from the Asia-Pacific region after welcoming a record 2.14 million tourists in 2024, up from 1.81 million the previous year. Visitor spending reached US$3.9 billion, a 15.7% year-on-year increase, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Traditionally reliant on European and North American visitors, Tanzania is now focusing on Australia, China, Singapore, and Malaysia following successful promotional campaigns, including the 2024 China-Tanzania Culture and Tourism Year.  Arusha-based tour operators say Asia-Pacific travellers are showing growing interest in safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, and beach holidays. “Asia-Pacific is a relatively new market for us, but we are keen to engage,” said Zephania Abduel, of Tanzania Roadside Expeditions.

Amnesty warns of growing repression ahead of general elections

Amnesty International has accused Tanzanian authorities of intensifying repression against opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society ahead of the October 29 general elections. The organisation’s report cites “arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances”, with 83 individuals reportedly missing as of August 2024, according to the Tanganyika Law Society.  Regional director Tigere Chagutah said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government had “dashed hopes for reform” and instead deepened authoritarian practices. Political dissidents told Human Rights Watch they faced constant harassment, while Amnesty called on the government to end its “unacceptable campaign of repression against dissent.”

Tanzania achieves new digital milestone with 56.3 million internet users

Tanzania has recorded 56.3 million active internet subscriptions as of September 2025, according to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). This marks rapid growth from 52.9 million three months earlier, pushing internet penetration to 87% of the population.  The surge is attributed to expanded 4G and 5G mobile broadband coverage, affordable data packages, and smartphone adoption. Mobile internet accounts for over 99% of usage, underscoring its role in Tanzania’s digital transformation. The TCRA report links this progress to the government’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), which promotes e-government, online learning, and financial inclusion. Tanzania now ranks among East Africa’s leading digital economies.

Catholic church calls for justice amid disappearances and election anxiety

During Holy Mass on Nyerere Day on October 14, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi urged the government to address the ongoing abductions and disappearances plaguing the country. Speaking ahead of the general elections, the Archbishop emphasised that “every life is sacred” and called on authorities to uphold citizens’ rights and ensure accountability. He also appealed to Tanzanians to vote conscientiously and resist coercion or bribery, reminding them that “the government’s authority is derived from the people and accountable to them.” The Justice and Peace Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference will monitor the upcoming elections.

Tanzania’s largest bank eyes regional expansion 

Tanzania’s largest bank, CRDB, is expanding its regional footprint after establishing subsidiaries in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chair Neema Munisi Mori told Semafor that the bank is now eyeing markets in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia, as well as partnerships in the Middle East and China.  With assets valued at $6.5 billion at the end of 2024, CRDB has opened a representative office in Dubai and created a China desk to attract cross-border investment. The bank aims to position itself as a regional financial powerhouse by leveraging partnerships similar to its collaboration with Norway’s sovereign fund in DR Congo.

One such couple is Hitomi Inoue, a 46-year-old veterinarian, and Junko Urimoto, a 45-year-old veterinary nurse, who live together in Osaka. Though they held a wedding ceremony and pledged to spend their lives as partners, the census refuses to recognise their relationship.

In past surveys, Inoue listed herself as “head of household,” while Urimoto tried to register as “spouse.” Instead, census officials changed her status to “other relative.” “We are not just cohabiting,” Inoue said. “We are life partners. But the census makes us disappear,” she told The Asahi Shimbun.

A ministry official said the policy exists because same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in Japan, and to prevent people from incorrectly registering friends or roommates as spouses. As a result, the census form still enforces a definition of “family” rooted in heterosexual marriage.

Professor Saori Kamano of Waseda University warned that removing LGBT households from official data has real consequences. “The census covers everyone, it guides national policy. If LGBT families are not counted, their needs will never be reflected in laws or services,” Kamano said.

Although over 530 municipalities across Japan now issue partnership certificates to same-sex couples, covering 92.7% of the population, the national government still does not recognise these unions.

The government of President Alassane Ouattara has banned opposition demonstrations and moved aggressively against media seen as sympathetic to the opposition, drawing condemnation from organisations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

“If you want to say something about him, it must be something good. If you say something bad, you go to jail,” an Ivorian journalist told Global South World in a confidential interview. “All the journalists here, if you see them talking about this guy, it means their mouth is open to say something good about the president. In this case, no problem.”

His concerns mirror reports from press freedom groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, both of which have documented assaults, detentions, and surveillance of the media.

Most recently, 237 protestors were arrested during demonstrations on October 11, some of them journalists. “Some people from the media have been caught by him… they did not want them to be there to take some pictures or to take notes… some have been sent to jail,” the journalist said.

Those on the frontlines of documenting these events – journalists – have themselves become targets. Press freedom monitors report multiple cases of reporters being assaulted, arrested, or intimidated while covering the political unrest.

In early November 2020, amid the post-election crisis of that year, police raided the home of former President Henri Konan Bédié (then an opposition leader) and arrested at least 20 people, including a journalist on the scene.

Yao Alex Hallane Clément, a reporter for the privately owned PDCI 24 TV (aligned with Bédié’s opposition party), was taken into custody during that raid despite identifying himself as press.

He was held without charge for seven days – much of it at the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST), a facility typically used for terror suspects – and interrogated about his coverage, as authorities accused him of being an opposition “propagandist”

Although Côte d’Ivoire passed a press law in 2017 abolishing prison terms for journalists, authorities have found other means to punish media content. In July 2022, investigative journalist Noël Konan was convicted of defamation and fined 3 million CFA francs (about $4,600) over a tweet alleging corruption, using a legal provision (Article 89 of the press law) that press advocates say should not be used to criminalise reporters’ speech

Authorities have shown little willingness to compromise, maintaining that the election will proceed as planned and warning that further “illegal” protests will be prevented. Interior Minister Diomandé justified the ban by saying it was necessary to “maintain public order” during the tense pre-election period.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that it is still unable to verify the whereabouts of those 80 people and is comparing its records with police data to ensure accuracy. A team led by the second vice-foreign minister is being sent to Cambodia this week to coordinate search and rescue efforts with local authorities.

The disappearances mark a sharp escalation in cases involving South Koreans in Cambodia. Parliamentary data shows that only a handful of incidents were recorded in 2023, but the number surged tenfold in 2024 and grew even further this year. 

Lawmakers say the majority of victims were misled by online job postings offering unusually high salaries, only to be coerced into fraudulent work after arrival.

Many victims are believed to have been taken to compounds run by organised criminal groups. Once inside, they are forced to run online scams targeting foreign victims, sometimes including fellow South Koreans. Those who refuse to cooperate are often subjected to violence , confinement, or extortion, according to officials familiar with the cases.

The issue drew national outrage after the death of a young South Korean student in Cambodia, who investigators say was kidnapped and tortured before he died. His case has fuelled demands for stronger government protection and more decisive action against criminal operations abroad.

President Lee Jae Myung has ordered urgent measures to safeguard citizens, describing the situation as deeply distressing and warning that the number of victims is “not small.” He told ministers that the government must act quickly to reunite families and prevent further incidents.

South Korean authorities say they are also seeking the release of about 60 nationals currently detained by Cambodian police and are believed to have been forced to participate in illegal schemes run by larger criminal networks.

In response, the Foreign Ministry is tightening travel restrictions to parts of Cambodia known for scam activity. Officials are also considering raising the country’s travel warning and urging job seekers to be wary of overseas offers that appear unusually generous.

The crisis comes amid a regional surge in online fraud operations, many of them based in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Thousands of people from across Asia have been trafficked into such compounds, where they are compelled to work under harsh conditions .

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on the authorities to ensure that its upcoming mass rally proceeds without obstruction , describing it as a peaceful exercise of democratic rights amid an increasingly charged political climate. The rally, expected to draw thousands from across the atolls, is being organised to protest what the MDP calls “erosion of institutional independence” and “selective application of justice.” The party has urged the government and police to uphold constitutional freedoms, warning that attempts to disrupt the event would deepen political divisions. Analysts see the rally as a crucial test of public sentiment ahead of local elections and as a reflection of the widening rift between the ruling coalition and the main opposition.

MDP launches campaign demanding release of Lootuvaifi rally detainees

The MDP has launched a nationwide campaign demanding the immediate release of detainees arrested during the earlier Lootuvaifi rally, where dozens were taken into custody amid allegations of excessive police force. The campaign combines street demonstrations with a digital outreach strategy aimed at international human rights organisations. Party leaders argue that the arrests were politically motivated and form part of a broader pattern of suppression against opposition voices. The government, in response, has defended the arrests as necessary for maintaining public order. The situation has reignited debates over the Maldives’ democratic backsliding, with activists calling for judicial oversight and accountability in handling political protests.

ECM schedules 25 October referendum to decide governance of southern islands

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that a referendum will be held on 25 October to determine the administrative governance of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo. The vote will decide whether these southern islands will remain part of their current administrative structure or be reorganised for improved local governance. The ECM will deploy 18 ballot boxes across the region to ensure full voter participation. Officials say the referendum aims to strengthen local autonomy and address calls for greater representation. Political observers note that this decision comes at a time when the government is emphasising decentralisation as a pillar of its development strategy, even as critics argue that it risks politicising regional administration.

Maldives president demands accountability for Gaza, rejects 'principles for profit'

In a striking foreign policy statement, President Mohamed Muizzu demanded international accountability for the crisis in Gaza, condemning what he described as the global community’s failure to act out of “principles for profit.” Speaking at a regional forum, Muizzu asserted that moral consistency should define international relations, not economic or political convenience. The Maldives has long positioned itself as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, and the President’s comments reinforce that stance amid renewed global outrage over escalating civilian casualties. His remarks have been widely shared across social media and have drawn praise domestically for affirming the Maldives’ humanitarian diplomacy.

Revised Foreign Investment Act expands opportunities for local businesses

The Maldives’ revised Foreign Investment Act has been lauded by the Economic Minister as a “milestone reform” that expands opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The updated legislation simplifies licensing procedures, increases transparency, and introduces safeguards to ensure that foreign partnerships deliver tangible benefits to local communities. The government says the changes aim to create a more competitive investment environment while preserving national interests. Economic analysts note that this move could help diversify the Maldivian economy beyond tourism by attracting foreign capital into technology, fisheries, and renewable energy sectors.

According to Middle East Eye , the bill would enable Israeli courts to impose capital punishment on Palestinians convicted of murder, especially when the motive is deemed “nationalistic” or “ideological.”

However, it would not apply to Israeli citizens, including settlers, who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances. The proposal, championed by Limor Son Har-Melech of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has ignited fierce debate about discrimination, legality, and timing amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Legal experts and government officials have already raised red flags. The committee’s legal adviser reportedly warned that the vote may be invalid because it was held during the Knesset’s recess and without consultation with key security bodies.

Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coordinator for hostages, cautioned that pressing ahead with the bill could endanger Israeli captives still held in Gaza.

Opposition lawmakers described the measure as “ an act of unprecedented savagery ,” arguing it risks institutionalising a two-tier justice system, one that applies capital punishment only to Palestinians.

Israel formally abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954. Since then, it has been reserved only for extreme cases such as genocide or treason, with the country’s sole execution being that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

Although several attempts have been made in recent decades to revive capital punishment for terrorism, none have become law.

According to Gaza health authorities, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, nearly a third of them children. 

Israel insists its campaign targets Hamas, not civilians, and says at least 20,000 of the dead were militants. But a United Nations commission of inquiry last month concluded that Israel’s actions amount to genocide, citing the scale of death and devastation. Israel dismissed the finding as “biased and scandalous.”

Israel, too, has paid a heavy price. At least 1,665 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed since October 2023, including 1,200 in the Hamas-led assault that triggered the war. The military says 466 soldiers have died in combat and nearly 3,000 have been wounded. 

The U.N. Satellite Centre estimates that around 193,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including more than a thousand schools and over two hundred hospitals. Only 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, leaving the wounded and sick with nowhere to go. The U.N. human rights office has warned that efforts to clear Gaza City could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Displacement is near total. Only 18% of Gaza is now considered safe or outside militarised zones, and many families have fled multiple times. Since Israel renewed its campaign in Gaza City in August, more than 417,000 people have been displaced from the north to the south, where overcrowded shelters and collapsing services offer little relief. 

Famine has already taken hold. A global hunger monitor reported in August that nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population — around half a million people — face starvation. At least 177 have died from hunger or malnutrition, including dozens of children. 

Despite the partial lifting of an 11-week blockade, aid remains scarce. The U.N. says over 2,300 people have been killed while trying to access food, underscoring the desperation that defines life in Gaza, now a land of ruins where survival itself has become a daily act of resistance.

According to the Presidency of Colombia, Petro also revealed that a Colombian man was among the captives. He emphasised that his government was taking diplomatic steps to ensure their release, declaring: “The only one who is fighting for that Colombian is me.”

Petro’s remarks came amid rising tensions over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and his continued criticism of the Netanyahu government, which he has accused of committing “genocide.” He also condemned US policies in the region, arguing that Washington’s anti-drug and immigration measures harm Latin America rather than promote stability.

The president concluded his address by reading a letter from the wife of Elkana Bohbot, an Israeli-Colombian man held hostage by Hamas, who appealed to him to use his diplomatic influence to help free her husband.

His remarks follow a March 2025 report by South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which concluded the state facilitated irregular adoptions, including falsifying records to portray children as orphans and switching identities.

The adoption program began after the 1950 - 53 Korean War as part of efforts to ease social and economic pressures, including the stigma surrounding children of U.S. soldiers and unmarried mothers in a society focused on ethnic homogeneity.

According to government data, more than 140,000 children were sent abroad between 1955 and 1999, mostly to the United States and Europe. Adoptions continue today, with around 100 South Korean children still sent overseas each year.

South Korea ratified the Hague Adoption Convention in July 2025, an international treaty that took effect this week, establishing safeguards to prevent abuses in cross-border adoptions. Advocacy groups welcomed the step but warned that thousands of adoptees abroad, particularly in the United States, remain at risk of deportation due to incomplete citizenship paperwork.

“Adoptees endured anxiety, pain, and confusion when separated from their families and homeland,” Lee said, adding that his government would work to strengthen protections and support reunification efforts.

The apology is the first by a sitting president to explicitly acknowledge state responsibility for malpractice in international adoptions, marking a significant moment for South Korea and the global adoptee community.

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has announced significant changes to its parliamentary lineup, introducing new faces for the upcoming 13th Parliament. Prominent members such as Jaffarally and Ramsaran will not be returning, signalling a generational and strategic shift in the party’s representation. This move reflects the government’s effort to refresh its political image and create opportunities for younger, dynamic voices to shape legislative debates. The reshuffle also underscores President Irfaan Ali’s emphasis on continuity with renewal, balancing experienced leadership with emerging talent to maintain political stability while addressing evolving challenges.

Parliament reconvenes within constitutional time frame

President Ali confirmed that Guyana’s Parliament will reconvene within the constitutionally mandated period, an assurance meant to reinforce the government’s adherence to democratic processes. This commitment comes against the backdrop of heightened public interest in governance, transparency, and the timeliness of parliamentary business. By emphasising respect for constitutional norms, the administration seeks to strengthen public trust and demonstrate political maturity. The timely resumption of parliamentary sessions is expected to pave the way for legislative debates on crucial issues, including fiscal reforms, social policies, and infrastructural development.

Debate on Minister Bharrat’s cash transfer comments

A controversy has emerged over whether Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat knowingly misled the public when he claimed that direct cash transfers from oil revenues are a “failed model.” His statement has sparked public debate, as many citizens view cash transfers as a potential mechanism to directly benefit households from Guyana’s growing oil wealth. Critics argue that dismissing such policies without adequate evidence sidelines opportunities for equitable wealth distribution. Supporters of Bharrat’s position contend that long-term investments in infrastructure, health, and education yield more sustainable growth than short-term cash handouts. The matter highlights ongoing tensions over how best to manage Guyana’s burgeoning oil economy.

Boost to financial system security and transparency

Guyana’s financial system has received a timely upgrade aimed at strengthening security and transparency. This development is crucial as the country continues to attract global investment, particularly from the oil and gas sector. By improving regulatory safeguards, monitoring mechanisms, and anti-money laundering frameworks, the government signals its readiness to integrate more fully with international financial systems. Enhanced transparency not only improves investor confidence but also mitigates risks of illicit flows and corruption, as long-standing concerns in resource-rich nations. The reform is expected to create a stronger foundation for sustainable economic expansion and better governance of public funds.

Tier 1 ranking in U.S. TIP report maintained

Guyana has successfully maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the U.S. State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This status reflects the country’s continued compliance with global standards for combating human trafficking, including prevention, prosecution, and victim support measures. Remaining in Tier 1 is both a diplomatic win and a moral imperative, as it demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to human rights and international cooperation. The recognition also bolsters the country’s image on the global stage at a time when its growing oil wealth places it under greater scrutiny. For local communities, the ranking provides reassurance that anti-trafficking measures remain a priority amidst broader political and economic transitions.

In July 2022, during a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, Paul Biya was asked whether he would seek another term. “I still have three years…and when the time comes, I will decide whether to retire to the village or not,” he replied, brushing off the question about his political future. Three years later, his decision is clear: Instead of packing his bags and returning to his native Mvomeka’a in the South, Biya—now 92 years of age—will stay in the capital Yaoundé and seek yet another term in office. And so it happens that as the October 12 presidential vote draws near, Cameroon finds itself at a political crossroads that feels all too familiar.

As long as Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, breathes, he rules—irrespective of concerns over his health, age and legacy. Beyond Biya’s bid for another mandate that could see him in power well close to a century old, the real story lies more in the systemic dismantling of opposition forces—an orchestrated effort that has left the central African nation’s democratic institutions hollow and its political future uncertain.

43 years and still counting

Biya’s uninterrupted presidency since 1982 has largely depended on a delicate mixture of autocratic rule, patronage , tactical patience, politics of silence, as well as nepotism and  tribalism . In over four decades, he has outmanoeuvred rivals, reshaped institutions, and ensured that any path to power—legitimate or otherwise—passes through him. In 2025, the strategy appears unchanged. The recent disqualification of Maurice Kamto, Biya’s former ally, main challenger and runner-up in the contentious 2018 poll, is emblematic of a regime that has turned legal procedure into political weaponry.

Elections Cameroon, the country’s election management body—which is supposedly independent but in fact dominated by presidential appointees—blamed Kamto’s exclusion from the race on “multiple investitures” by the MANIDEM party, which nominated him. The decision drew immediate backlash, notably from Human Rights Watch, which said the decision to exclude Kamto reflects the government’s long-standing intolerance for any opposition and dissent. Just before, there was widespread fear that the electoral commission’s decision could ignite unrest in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. But Biya’s administration responded in predictable fashion, borrowing a leave from its playbook: pre-emptive deployments of anti-riot forces, dispersing crowds with teargas and arresting suspected pro-Kamto supporters—all amid vague appeals for stability.

Crackdowns and manipulation 

But stability, in Cameroon’s current context, is a deeply misleading term. It masks the profound erosion of civil liberties, the stifling of political dissent, and the lack of political will to reform electoral norms in order to sustain one man’s grip on power. As the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) 2024 indicates , democratic statehood, political participation, rule of law, political and social integration are on the decline since 2014, putting Cameroon in the category of “hardline autocracies.”

In March 2024, the government banned two opposition coalition platforms—the Alliance Politique pour le Changement and the Alliance pour la Transition Politique—accusing them of unlawful association. By targeting coordination efforts among rival parties, the regime effectively dismantled any chance of a united opposition front, long before the first ballot could be cast.

Meanwhile, the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) continues to dominate the political landscape, sometimes using state resources and through institutional engineering. The decision last year to postpone parliamentary and municipal elections —originally scheduled for this year before the presidential poll—until 2026 is another glaring example. The official rationale cited the need to lighten the electoral calendar. But it seemed to have been designed to prevent key opposition figure Kamto, who required local representation to qualify under electoral law, from fulfilling eligibility requirements.

Opposition is fragmented, but new players arise

Opposition parties, while numerous, remain fragmented. Political figures like Cabral Libii, Joshua Osih, Serge Espoir Matomba, Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya and Akere Muna failed to unite around a single platform, though a few have now stepped down in support of others. Regional rivalries, ideological differences, and suspicions—fuelled, in some part, by regime infiltration—have made meaningful coordination almost impossible. In the absence of unity, the opposition shares the remaining votes, and its impact is diminished to symbolic protest and social media outrage.

Still, the cracks in Biya’s edifice are growing, with the recent defection of prominent northern allies. Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both former cabinet members and longstanding collaborators of the regime, announced presidential bids of their own . Their exit from an alliance with the CPDM is not just an act of defiance; it’s a signal that things may not be the same in the north, which holds a strong sway in the vote. Their candidacies may lack broad support—also due to their ages, but they reflect a growing impatience within the ruling elite, particularly among those sidelined in Biya’s long twilight.

A country in a state of uncertainty

Meanwhile, outside of Yaoundé, the government’s authoritarian playbook continues to have deadly consequences. In the English-speaking North West and South West regions, armed separatists and government forces remain locked in a brutal conflict that has killed over 6,000 and displaced nearly a million people. Thousands have died, schools remain shuttered, and humanitarian access is limited. In the Far North, Boko Haram insurgents persist in attacking civilians and security forces. These crises have not only devastated lives; they’ve also provided convenient justification for voter suppression in regions unlikely to back the ruling party at this time.

Indeed, the state of uncertainty that hangs over these regions is not just a matter of war—it could also be considered as a deliberate electoral strategy. By doing little or nothing to encourage voting in crisis zones, which are opposition strongholds, the regime strengthens its numerical advantage. 

On the economic front, Cameroonians face both external and internal shocks, especially the burden of inflation and underemployment. With youth unemployment reaching alarming levels, and roughly 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line, disillusionment is widespread. The median age in Cameroon is just 18, yet the political class—dominated by septuagenarians and octogenarians—remains deaf to the frustrations of a generation born and raised under them.

The gate to power is shut

It’s no surprise then that home-based youth are taking their frustration online, while youth-led protests by the country’s diaspora are common. But Biya’s regime has long perfected the art of deterrence. According to Freedom House, arrests, torture, detentions, and the use of a controversial 2014 anti-terrorism law to criminalise dissent have silenced even moderate critics. The media landscape, too, has been gutted. The Committee to Protect Journalists says journalists face censorship, intimidation, and imprisonment, with Cameroon consistently ranked among the worst countries in the world for press freedom.

And yet, the international community remains largely passive. France, Cameroon’s former colonial ruler, maintains close economic and military ties, while regional institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the African Union have issued little more than muted statements. Western governments, wary of jeopardising counterterrorism cooperation, have avoided direct confrontation with Yaoundé. But in doing so, they tacitly endorse a regime that flouts democratic norms while claiming the legitimacy of an electoral mandate.

Cameroon’s hollow future

What makes Biya’s grip on power so enduring is not just repression—it is the illusion of legality. Cameroon holds regular elections. It maintains a multiparty system. It boasts a constitutional council and an independent electoral body. But these structures have been hollowed out, their purpose repurposed to preserve a singular political dynasty. There is no viable path to power that doesn’t first pass through the gate Biya has locked shut.

For all his frailty, Paul Biya is not a relic of a bygone era; he is the architect of a system built to outlast him. His true legacy may not be longevity, but the institutional paralysis he will leave behind. And unless opposition leaders find a way to unify, unless citizens reclaim the democratic space stolen from them, Biya’s eighth term will not be his last. 

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Amindeh Blaise Atabong is a freelance journalist based in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde. He covers politics, security, and society across Africa. Atabong’s work spans radio, print, and digital platforms, and he has contributed to regional and global outlets such as Reuters, Quartz, The Times UK, The Continent, Semafor, Jeune Afrique, the German Press Agency, African Arguments, and Equal Times.

The order followed a decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banning the internet as part of new “morality measures.” The group, which seized power in Kabul in 2021, has promised alternative channels of access but has yet to explain what these might be.

Reports from the ground suggest that services began cutting out before Monday evening.

"Afghanistan is now in the midst of a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities move to implement morality measures, with multiple networks disconnected through the morning in a stepwise manner; telephone services are currently also impacted,” Netblocks said. 

Why it matters: 

Bigger picture: 

His address marks a symbolic return. It is reported that this is the first time in ten years that an Indonesian president has delivered remarks at the UN General Assembly.

According to a visual breakdown of his address, he allocated:

Prabowo’s emphasis on multilateralism aligns squarely with ongoing debates within the United Nations about reform, relevance, and financial sustainability.

In fact, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the “UN80 Initiative” early this year to modernise and revitalise the organisation amid funding cuts and institutional criticisms.

Additionally, in September 2025, the first Biennial Summit between the UN and International Financial Institutions took place, aiming to deepen coordination between the UN and bodies such as the IMF and World Bank as a clear sign that the multilateral architecture is under active review.

Guterres has also repeatedly called for a multipolar world order and stronger multilateralism, including during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

Focus on Palestine, human rights and Indonesia’s vision

Beyond institutional questions, Prabowo devoted 22% of his speech to the Palestinian cause, the Gaza conflict, and support for the two-state solution. That is consistent with Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy posture on Palestine.

Another 20% was reserved to highlight Indonesia’s development model and leadership role in the Global South. This is part of a broader narrative which highlights that under Prabowo’s presidency, Indonesia has rejoined BRICS as a full member, signalling a pivot toward South–South cooperation and a more assertive role in global governance.

The 16% allocated to human rights, dignity, and historical struggles speaks to Indonesia’s attempt to claim moral legitimacy in the international arena, invoking past experiences of colonisation, struggle for independence, and social justice.

Smaller but meaningful shares went to humanitarian appeals (8%) and interfaith or spiritual invocations (5%). These show that Prabowo also sought to appeal to global conscience and moral authority, particularly in a context of conflicts, refugee crises, and religious pluralism.

The High-Level General Debate begins Tuesday, September 23, where world leaders deliver keynote addresses.

Tradition and protocol determine who speaks first. By long-standing custom, Brazil opens the General Debate, followed by the United States as host. After those two, the order generally follows the rank of the speaker (heads of state, heads of government, etc.) and the time of registration requests.

This year’s first five speakers include:

These leaders are expected to set the tone for the assembly, highlighting their national priorities and how these align (or clash) with global concerns.

The opening five speakers are not only symbolic because of order—they represent different regions with distinct pressures. Brazil, leading as the first speaker, faces issues such as deforestation, the Amazon, and balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

The U.S. speech under President Trump will likely underscore immigration, national security, and U.S. views on multilateral cooperation. Indonesia, Turkey, and Peru each bring their own domestic and regional challenges; political stability, human rights, and climate vulnerability that also tie into global debates.

What is driving UNGA80?

UNGA80 is unfolding at a moment of global tensions and accelerating challenges. The war in Gaza and conflict in Ukraine loom large, demanding urgent attention from member states. Climate change , technology ethics (especially around AI), gender equality, and human rights remain high on the agenda.

Another urgent theme is institutional reform of the UN itself. Secretary-General António Guterres is pushing through a wide set of proposals (sometimes referred to as “UN80”) aimed at boosting UN effectiveness in peace, security, and human rights work. These are being closely watched and contested.

Gender equality and the role of women in leadership are also front and centre. UN Women, among other bodies, is hosting events reflecting on gains over the past decades, as well as warning of pushback. The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration & Platform for Action will be marked.

Austria has opened political channels with the Taliban by hosting a delegation from the Islamic Emirate to discuss the deportation of 20 Afghan migrants with criminal records. Analysts see this as a sign that European nations may be warming to limited engagement with Kabul’s rulers to address security and migration concerns.

UNAMA’s role dispute

A national debate continues over whether the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is playing a constructive mediating role or has become irrelevant amid the Taliban’s consolidation of power.

Imran Khan urges Pakistan to send a peace delegation

From outside Afghanistan, imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Islamabad to send a peace delegation to Kabul, arguing that closer coordination is needed to stabilise cross-border security.

Internet shutdown fallout

Inside Afghanistan, the Taliban dispatched six ministers to Kandahar to address public anger over internet shutdowns, which have disrupted commerce, education, and communications. This marks one of the most direct government responses to digital rights concerns since the Taliban’s return to power.

Taliban threatens forced evictions in Herat township

Human rights concerns are also rising as reports emerge of threatened forced evictions in Herat, targeting Hazara residents, a move that has sparked fears of ethnic discrimination and displacement.

“The two-state solution remains the only viable alternative to preserve peace,” he said. “Without a two-state solution, there will be no peace in the Middle East and extremism will expand everywhere in the world, with consequences that I consider extremely, extremely negative.”

On September 15, the General Assembly voted 142-10 in favor of a resolution endorsing a two-state solution to the conflict, which has dragged on for nearly 80 years and escalated after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. 

Israel and the United States were among the 10 states that opposed the measure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed there will be “no Palestinian state,” while Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, dismissed the vote as a “one-sided” and “hollow gesture.”

Guterres’ remarks came the same day a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians under the Genocide Convention, finding that four of the five acts that define genocide have occurred in Gaza.

The findings are the strongest yet in documenting the scale of Israel’s actions.

“It is not in the attributions of the Secretary-General to do the legal determination of genocide. That belongs to the [appropriate] judicial entities, namely the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” Guterres said. 

He added that the situation in Gaza is “morally, politically, and legally intolerable.”

“The fact that I have not the competence to do the legal determination of genocide doesn't mean that I do not consider that what's happening in Gaza, after the horrific attacks by Hamas in October two years ago, what happens in Gaza today is horrendous,” he said. “This is something we cannot forget, independently of the names that are given. The truth is that this is something that is morally, politically, and legally intolerable.”

More than one in 10 Palestinians — over 200,000 of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents — have been killed or wounded, according to Israel’s former military chief. Palestinian authorities peg the toll to 65,000 dead and more than 164,000 injured.

A recent map published by The World in Maps reveals that more than half of Africa’s 54 nations still criminalise homosexuality, despite growing global recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.

According to the European Parliamentary Research Service, 31 African countries maintain laws that make consensual same-sex relations a criminal offence, ranging from fines and prison sentences to, in rare cases, harsher penalties . ILGA World, a global LGBTQ+ advocacy group, reports similar numbers, with 33 countries enforcing some form of criminalisation as of 2023.

The legal picture is far from static. In September 2025, Burkina Faso passed legislation banning the “promotion of homosexuality,” introducing prison terms of two to five years and significant fines. Similarly, Mali’s new penal code, adopted in December 2024, explicitly criminalised same-sex acts and any advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Yet there are countercurrents. In mid-2024, Namibia’s High Court struck down colonial-era laws banning same-sex relationships, calling them unconstitutional and signalling a potential shift toward greater recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in parts of Southern Africa.

These laws are not just a domestic issue. They shape global perceptions of African markets and influence foreign aid, investment decisions, and diplomatic ties. International donors and human rights organisations frequently condemn anti-LBGTQ legislation, sometimes conditioning aid or trade agreements on human rights compliance.

Multinational corporations, too, are paying closer attention. As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria become a cornerstone of global investing, countries perceived as repressive risk being excluded from certain capital flows.

Analysts warn that such laws may also deepen public health crises by discouraging vulnerable groups from seeking care, with economic consequences that ripple across labour markets and national productivity.

Recent developments have put Africa’s legal stance on LGBTQ+ rights back into the global conversation just as investors weigh risk amid geopolitical uncertainty. Experts argue that legal crackdowns, whether in Burkina Faso or Ghana, where a controversial “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” is under debate, could raise reputational and political risk premiums for investors.

The Peruvian government has proposed cutting the 2026 budget for public order and security, even as the country faces a wave of violent crimes. Public unease is growing, especially after 210 homicides were reported in August alone.

Human rights concerns

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights strongly criticised Peru’s recently approved amnesty law for military and police personnel involved in past human rights violations, calling it a serious setback for justice and truth. The law is also under review by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Boluarte on corruption and governance

President Dina Boluarte reaffirmed her administration’s anti-corruption stance, declaring “we are frontal” during a ceremony where new weaponry was delivered to the National Police. She also emphasised that over 60% of the 2025 national budget is being directed to regional and local governments.

Border and sovereignty issues

Tensions flared at the Peru-Colombia border after a Colombian flag was raised inside Peruvian territory, sparking outrage among residents. The incident has reignited concerns over sovereignty and weak state presence in border regions.

Cybersecurity under fire

Peru’s Congress is summoning the Ministers of Interior and Defence following a major cyberattack on the National Police’s intelligence systems, which exposed classified information and raised alarms about the country’s cyber defences.

Professor Mehari Fisseha, a human rights advocate and international law and diplomacy scholar based in Ireland, joined Ismail Akwei on the Global South Conversation to discuss how entrenched the neglect and abuse of children is in Ireland under the watch of Tusla. 

“...even my own family member was taken from the family members, and then this child was given a wrong medication and then he was sexually molested, physically beaten up. I mean, a lot of things happened to these kids. I mean, there are lots of children in the country that are actually sexually molested,” he said.

“Between 2019 until 2024, 1265 children have been missing. So where are these children? The Minister for Children said we cannot find these children; some of them died, and some of them are nowhere to be found. Is this not crime against humanity?” he questioned.

Recently, another investigation has been opened to find a child who is presumed dead after he was reported missing in North County Dublin, prompting a press conference on September 3, 2025, by Minister for Children Norma Foley, who has asked Tusla to conduct well-being checks on cases closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to RTE , Ireland’s National Television and Radio Broadcaster, the Minister described the case as "hugely disturbing". This latest case comes just one year after schoolboy Kyran Durnin was first reported missing from his Drogheda home, also presumed dead.

Professor Mehari Fisseha has called for unity among families who have experienced injustice to speak up against the actions and inactions of Tusla as he does.

“They have to come together, and these are their children. They have to come together and fight for justice…I am an academician. I'm a human rights law expert and a professor. I will never keep quiet because if I do that, that is unethical…I will fight for social justice, I will fight for human rights, I will fight for African children and African people . In general, I will fight for humanity, whether it's a white, green, yellow, or red child. I will fight for justice, he said. 

Our attempt to reach Tusla at the time of this publication was unsuccessful.

Watch the interview attached to this story.

She had initially been given 87 years, with three years imposed for each of the 29 clips shared, but the sentence was halved after she confessed.

Anchan was among 85 inmates granted clemency from the Central Women's Correctional Institution in Bangkok.

"It's been more than eight years, which feels like my whole life. It's a bitter feeling for me because it's not my place. It’s torture," Anchan said after her release. "I feel very happy. I didn't think it would be so warm and welcoming like this."

Thailand’s lese-majeste law , also known as Section 112, has been criticised by rights groups for its broad application, with warnings that it has been used to silence legitimate criticism and dissent.

In 2021, Anchan’s case marked the longest sentence ever imposed for royal insult until 2024, when a 32-year-old online seller, Mongkol Thirakot, was sentenced to at least 50 years over Facebook posts deemed insulting to the monarchy.

Earlier this month, former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted of royal insult charges over a 2015 interview in which he was accused of making remarks critical of the monarchy.

Several rights organisations, including Amnesty International , welcomed Anchan’s release as a rare reprieve for political prisoners in Thailand.

Last month, Thai lawmakers rejected an amnesty bill for lese-majeste offenders, a decision rights groups described as a setback.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, more than 280 people have been prosecuted under Section 112 in the past five years, with cases rising sharply following the student-led protests of 2020, during which some demonstrators made unprecedented public criticism of the king.

"I wish the amnesty would be enforced on ordinary people too,” Anchan said.

Israel is in talks with South Sudan about resettling Palestinians from Gaza, part of its push for mass emigration after a 22-month offensive against Hamas. Six sources confirmed the discussions to the Associated Press, though it’s unclear how advanced they are. If enacted, the plan would move people from one war-torn, famine-threatened region to another, raising human rights concerns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the idea as “voluntary migration,” in line with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision, and has floated similar proposals with other African nations. Netanyahu told i24 TV that allowing civilians to leave would let Israel strike Hamas harder, though he did not mention South Sudan specifically.

AU calls for a permanent ceasefire

The African Union (AU) has urged South Sudan to uphold a permanent ceasefire and fully implement the revitalised peace agreement. Following a three-day mission to Juba, AU Peace and Security Council members met with President Salva Kiir and other leaders to discuss the accord’s progress and preparations for the December 2026 elections, which will end the transition period. The AU commended political leaders’ commitment to peace, called for inclusive dialogue, and pledged continued support to ensure stability and successful elections. The visit coincided with renewed regional efforts to reinforce South Sudan’s fragile peace deal, which has faced setbacks since independence in 2011.

3,000 Ugandans receive cholera vaccine from South Sudan

At least 3,500 Ugandans from Elegu Town Council in Amuru district have received cholera vaccines in South Sudan’s Nimule Town amid efforts to contain an outbreak that has killed five since July 2. The cross-border campaign, coordinated by Amuru health authorities and Nimule Hospital, aimed to curb transmission across the border. Officials said the initiative followed limited government support and resources in Amuru. Patrick Louis Lamot, Elegu’s Port Health focal person, said both sides agreed on joint strategies to combat public health threats, with vaccination as a key measure. He noted a recent drop in cholera cases but said it is unclear if it was directly linked to the vaccines.

Central Banks of the UAE and South Sudan sign MoU on payment

The Central Bank of the UAE and the Bank of South Sudan have signed an MoU to boost cooperation in security printing, payment systems, and capacity building. The agreement, witnessed by UAE Minister Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and South Sudan’s Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, was signed by officials from both banks. Under the deal, the UAE will support South Sudan in banknote security printing through its subsidiary Omlat, and develop a two-phase payment card system via Al Etihad Payments. The MoU also covers knowledge exchange, technical support, and staff training through the Emirates Institute of Finance.

South Sudan denies Israel talks over forced transfer of Palestinians

South Sudan has denied reports it is in talks with Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, calling the claims “baseless” and not reflective of its policy. The Associated Press had reported discussions on an Israeli proposal to transfer Palestinians to South Sudan. The foreign ministry’s statement follows international criticism that such transfers would amount to forcible expulsion and violate international law. Critics fear the plan could block Palestinians’ return to Gaza and enable Israeli annexation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promoted “voluntary migration” for Gaza’s population, and similar proposals have reportedly been floated with other African nations. Egypt has rejected any forced transfers, while South Sudan—still recovering from civil war—already hosts large refugee populations.

Uruguay has moved closer to passing a bill legalising euthanasia , scheduling the final vote on August 12 and potentially becoming the third Latin American country to institutionalise the controversial policy. The legislation, debated for eight years, would set strict medical and legal criteria for adults with terminal or incurable illnesses seeking the procedure. Patients would require medical and psychological assessments, plus two independent medical opinions. If passed, Uruguay would join Colombia and Ecuador in permitting euthanasia, a move that has garnered criticism, especially from pro-life advocates and religious figures. 

Inflation falls to one-year low in July

Uruguay’s inflation slowed to 4.5% in July, down from 4.6% in June and the lowest since May 2024. It marked the fourth straight monthly decline, keeping inflation within the Central Bank’s 3.0-6.0% target range. The drop was driven by weaker price growth in housing, utilities, and transport, though food costs accelerated. Annual average inflation slid to 5.1% from 5.2% in June. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.05%, reversing the 0.09% decline recorded in June.

Uruguay, DR Congo ink cultural cooperation pact

Uruguay and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a cultural cooperation agreement on  August 8, focusing on promoting Afro-descendant heritage, including rumba and candombe. The deal was concluded during a visit by Congolese Culture Minister Yolande Elebe, who also met President Yamandú Orsi and held talks on copyright, intellectual property, and joint cultural projects. The partnership marks the DRC’s return to South America after 40 years and forms part of a broader government mission to strengthen South-South cooperation. 

Gov’t unveils five-year strategy vs money laundering, organised crime

President Yamandú Orsi’s government has unveiled a national strategy to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and arms proliferation, cracking down on drug trafficking and organised crime. The 2025-2030 plan follows a risk assessment identifying drug trade, corruption, and football transfer rights as high-risk areas. The move comes after a record 2.2-tonne cocaine seizure this month. The strategy will work alongside the SILCON system, coordinating intelligence and strengthening financial investigations to dismantle criminal networks.

Uruguay to hold first solar power auction since 2013

Uruguay will launch a 200 MW solar power auction in 2025, its first in over a decade, as part of efforts to boost renewable energy and cut reliance on fossil fuels. The initiative forms part of the country’s strategy to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix and strengthen energy security. Officials say the project will help diversify energy sources and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“Satire isn’t complicated”, she says. “You just put reality out there, what’s funny is the truth”. This approach has allowed her to engage with thousands, tackling issues of human rights, politics , and social inequality with a unique blend of wit and analysis.

Her path, however, has not been without obstacles. As a trans woman with a distinct voice and style, Sarah has faced bullying and exclusion, both online and in professional spaces. Instead of silencing her, these experiences pushed her to turn vulnerability into strength, using humor and activism as tools of resistance.

For Sanabria, activism is inseparable from journalism. For eight years, she has campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and broader human rights causes. Beyond raising awareness online, she believes in “ground-level activism”, what she calls “ant work” — helping people directly and pushing for change from the grassroots up.

Despite barriers in traditional media — which she argues often favor narrow, Eurocentric standards — Sanabria has embraced social platforms as tools for democratizing journalism. “If people demand it, you have to adapt”, she says. “No social network is bad; they’re just new spaces to tell stories”.

Now, she aims to consolidate her voice as a satirical journalist and activist who challenges the status quo while empowering others to see the world differently.