The Fondioc was created to finance development projects in Indigenous and rural communities, but investigations found that many of those projects were left unfinished, never began, or did not exist at all. The Bolivian Attorney General’s Office claims that millions of bolivianos were diverted, mismanaged or transferred improperly. According to the official indictment, one of the key elements used to request Arce’s arrest is a 2009 board meeting act, which places him among the authorities responsible for approving the release of funds later identified as irregular.

Prosecutors argue that Arce had a legal obligation to oversee and verify the proper use of Fondioc resources, and that he failed to intervene despite evidence of mismanagement. The case file states that “the former president knew of irregularities in the conduct attributed to him”, pointing to authorisations issued while he formed part of the economic team that managed the fund. This is the basis for the charges of “incumplimiento de deberes” (breach of duty) and “conducta antieconómica” (economic misconduct).

Arce, who left office in November after completing his presidential term, has so far exercised his right to remain silent. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested three months of preventive detention, citing risks of obstruction and flight. His former chief of staff, María Nela Prada, denounced the arrest as a “ kidnapping ”, while government officials insist it is part of a renewed national effort to pursue corruption cases without exception.

The Fondioc investigation has been active for years and has implicated multiple former officials, including ex-legislators and public servants. With the recent change of government and President Rodrigo Paz’s pledge to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement, the case has returned to the centre of Bolivia’s political landscape, and Luis Arce has become its highest-profile detainee to date.

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

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

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

Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa on September 17, DRC’s Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko, stated:  “In the situation we find ourselves in, they want to commit seemingly legal and legitimate acts to cover up their crimes. So it's important to remember that all these actions are null and void. The appropriate authorities will be able to impose sanctions on these magistrates who will begin their work. You know, even to be appointed magistrates, there are criteria; you cannot appoint a magistrate who is over 62 years old.”

 “The principle is to refer all cases of misconduct to mediation. As long as we have all chosen to give it a chance, the more the day goes by, the more they reveal their true intentions,” Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, said.

“That's why it's important that all Congolese understand us and say no, because no one can ally themselves with those whose only goal is to kill and intimidate." 

The remarks follow failed efforts to establish peace in the eastern region. In July, the DRC and M23 signed a Declaration of Principles, brokered by Qatar, agreeing to a permanent ceasefire with plans for implementation by August 18. However, the ceasefire did not take effect, as M23 withdrew from the talks, citing alleged violations by the DRC and the failure to release M23 prisoners.

These developments occurred after a separate agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by the United States and Qatar, was signed in Washington on June 27.

The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, particularly in North and South Kivu. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

The case is the second of three looming rulings against the Shinawatras, raising speculation that the family’s once-formidable influence may be entering its final chapter.

Yet analysts warned that Paetongtarn’s removal would not end Thailand’s turmoil, as the roots of the political instability lie in a fragile constitution and weak institutions, not just in one leader or family.

“No matter if Paetongtarn survives or not, I would say that [given] the current situation, the government cannot be in power for long,” political science lecturer Purawich Watanasukh told Global South World .

“Friday is quite significant for Shinawatra, not just Paetongtarn. To me, Paetongtarn is not the key to the party, to the family — she is just a proxy to Thaksin,” he added. “If she is dismissed, that would mean [a lot] to the Shinawatra family’s future in politics for sure.” 

Paetongtarn, the youngest Thai premier, has been suspended since July 1. Her public support has fallen sharply, with trust ratings sinking to 9.2% in June from 30.9% in March. Her ruling Pheu Thai party has also seen its ratings collapse, dropping to 11.5% from 28.05%.

By contrast, the military remains the country’s most trusted institution, with more than 75% of the public expressing strong confidence in it, which Watanasukh said reflects both the armed forces’ enduring dominance and the perceived incompetence of civilian governments.

Even if Paetongtarn survives one of her family’s most serious political tests, Watanasukh said she would return from suspension weakened, facing not only unresolved border disputes with Cambodia but also impending opposition complaints.

“If she survives, I would say that she intends to complete the term for sure — but it's not that easy,” the analyst said. 

But the Shinawatras’ decline does not necessarily mean Thailand’s instability will end. Watanasukh argued that the roots of crisis lie in a political system designed to perpetuate fragmentation and a constitution shaped by coups and chronic instability.

“Even when the new election is called. I don't think that it will produce a strong government because the constitution is purposely designed to create a multi-party system and an unstable government where you have a fragmented party system,” he said, citing the roots of Thailand’s current constitution to the 2014 coup.

Thailand has had 31 prime ministers and at least 12 successful coups since it transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 1932. Since 2022 alone, the country has cycled through seven prime ministers, including interims, some of whom served for only days.

“I can foresee that it will be a short-term government (next administration) to pave the way for the new election. They will be in power for months, not a year. So, it is likely to be another transitional period.”

Decades away from democratisation

Beyond the Shinawatras, Watanasukh believes Thailand remains far from genuine democracy. 

The military still wields considerable influence, as shown in the handling of border disputes with Cambodia, while repeated coups have been normalised to the point that many Thais view them as part of the political process.

“Democracy is not the only game in town in Thailand,” Watanasukh said. “In any other democratic country, you should view these as not normal things, but in Thailand, these have been made to appear normal.” 

Worse, this instability has left younger generations increasingly disillusioned. Repeated overthrows and short-lived governments have eroded the belief that long-term solutions are possible.

“ People are made to believe that these are normal things in Thailand, and it affects the long-term development of the country,” Watanasukh said. “Furthermore, it gets rid of the hope — people are no longer hopeful for the country's future.”

After more than 20 years in which the Shinawatras have loomed over Thai politics, steadying the system would require rebalancing civil-military relations and amending the coup-era constitution. 

But such a change, Watanasukh warned, will not come quickly.

“There are still some people who are still hopeful that there will be change, and it’s just taking time,” he said. “It might take decades from my point of view to democratize Thailand, but I'm not sure how long it will take.”

President of the Senate, Francis Escudero, announced the schedule, emphasising that all actions require plenary approval amid a politically charged atmosphere.

“That’s what’s on our schedule. That’s what I plan to do,” Escudero said, addressing the June 11 target date. He added, “But as I’ve said, everything will go through a motion, everything will go through plenary action.” On past practices, he noted, “Let me repeat, everything that was done in the past was put to a vote, and no one complained.”

The schedule, initially set for June 2, was moved to June 11 with no formal objections, though some senators argued convening is automatic under the 1987 Constitution .

With only three session days before Congress adjourns sine die on June 14, urgency is high.

Just last week, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a staunch ally of Duterte drafted a resolution seeking to dismiss the impeachment against the Vice President.

The draft says the Senate did not act promptly to begin proceedings upon receipt of the impeachment article, so the case was "de facto dismissed" as 100 days had already passed. 

The trial, requiring a two-thirds vote for conviction, could bar Duterte from public office and impact her 2028 presidential bid.

The 2025 midterm elections strengthened Duterte’s Senate allies, with four pro-Duterte senators elected, potentially complicating proceedings. Two pending Supreme Court petitions—one to compel the Senate to proceed and another by Duterte to block the trial—add legal uncertainty.

The vote was part of a judicial reform aimed at renewing the court, though critics say it risks politicising justice.

The judges will take office on September 1. The candidate with the most votes , Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, is expected to serve as chief justice for a two-year term.

Hugo Aguilar Ortiz

Aguilar, who received the most votes, is a 51-year-old Indigenous lawyer from Oaxaca. He currently works with the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples and has long defended Indigenous communities in legal disputes.

Though he has never served as a judge, Aguilar is known for his work on human rights and legal reforms. His slogan during the campaign was “It’s our turn,” reflecting his push for greater Indigenous representation in the judiciary.

Lenia Batres Guadarrama

Batres is a current Supreme Court justice and a close ally of the Morena party. She received the second-highest number of votes.

Appointed during President López Obrador’s term, Batres has supported many of the government ’s legal and social reforms.

Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía

Figueroa is a lawyer with a doctorate in constitutional law. He is one of the top four male vote-getters and has focused much of his career on legal education and constitutional matters.

Irving Espinoza Betanzo

Espinoza serves as an anti-corruption magistrate in Mexico City. His work has focused on strengthening integrity within public institutions, and he has been seen as supportive of the current administration’s fight against corruption.

Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García

Guerrero is a lawyer and former government official in Mexico City. He is known for his administrative experience and support for Morena’s legal reforms.

Ana Catalina Herrerías Minjares

Herrerías is a high-ranking official in Mexico’s federal prosecution service. She is expected to bring experience from criminal justice institutions into the Supreme Court.

María Estela Ríos González

Ríos served as legal advisor to President López Obrador during his administration. She is a lawyer with deep ties to the Morena party and is known for her support of left-leaning legal positions.

Bertha Alcalde Luján

Alcalde is a lawyer and public health official. She is the sister of Mexico’s current interior minister and has previously been involved in judicial reform efforts.

Netzaí Sandoval Ballesteros

Sandoval is a legal scholar and former official at Mexico’s Federal Judiciary Council. He has advocated for legal changes in line with Morena’s broader reform agenda.

The new judges are expected to play a key role in shaping Mexico’s legal landscape.

South African mother given life sentence for trafficking 6-year-old daughter

A South African mother and two accomplices were sentenced to life on Thursday for trafficking her 6-year-old daughter, in a case that gripped the nation. Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno Van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith, who vanished from a small Western Cape town last year. Read more here .

Zimbabwe starts charging car owners for radio licenses

Zimbabwe has enacted a law requiring all car owners to pay an annual US$92 radio licence fee, signed by President Mnangagwa on 23 May 2025, according to local reports. Read more here .

Trump disrespected Africans, says Ghana’s president in scathing commentary

Ghana’s President Mahama has condemned Donald Trump for distorting African history after Trump’s controversial meeting with South African President Ramaphosa. In The Guardian, Mahama called Trump’s “white genocide” claim a dangerous misuse of language that fuels historical injustices. Read more here .

Asia

Indonesia quarry collapse kills 19, search continues for victims trapped under rubble

A rock collapse at a quarry in Cirebon, West Java, killed 19, injured 8, and left 6 missing, local police said Sunday. Authorities continued searching for survivors in the rubble following Friday’s (May 30) collapse. Read more here .

Chinese students face anxious wait for visas under US crackdown

Amid Washington’s renewed visa crackdown on Chinese students, Lainey, a 24-year-old sociology postgraduate, is anxiously waiting to resume her PhD application at the University of California. “We feel helpless,” she said, declining to give her surname. Read more here .

Opal Suchata Chuangsri becomes Thailand’s first Miss World

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, 22, made history on May 31 by becoming the first Thai woman crowned Miss World at the 72nd pageant in Hyderabad, India. She dedicated her win to inspiring young girls to make a difference. Read more here .

Latin America

Mistrial ruled in case against Diego Maradona's medical team, lawyers say

The homicide case against Diego Maradona's medical team was declared a mistrial, their lawyers said Thursday. Seven medics faced negligent homicide charges after Maradona died in 2020. The soccer legend led Argentina to a 1986 World Cup victory and won two Serie A titles with Napoli. Read more here .

Brazil declared free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination

The World Organisation for Animal Health has declared Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter, free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. This milestone could open new markets for Brazil’s major meatpackers, including JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig. Read more here .

World’s First: Mexico lets voters pick all judges

Mexico, on June 1, allowed citizens to choose all judges and magistrates, including Supreme Court justices — a global first. The government-backed reform aims to curb corruption and restore trust in the justice system. Read more here .

The court’s decision was based on the definition of biological sex in the Equality Act 2010.

The decision ends a six-year-long legal battle between the Scottish government and campaign group For Women Scotland.

It also settles questions about who can be counted as a woman in laws that are meant to protect women’s rights.

Lord Hodge, one of the top judges, delivered the ruling in a detailed judgment that took almost 17 minutes to explain in court. The full ruling is 88 pages long.

Why the court made this decision

According to the judges, the Equality Act clearly defines the conditions under which various groups should be protected. In their view, changing the definition of sex to include those with gender recognition certificates would make the law confusing and hard to apply.

“The definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010 makes clear that the concept of sex is binary. A person is either a woman or a man,” part of the ruling said.

The judges also said using different meanings for words like “woman” would create unfairness, especially if some transgender people had legal recognition while others did not.

That would lead to groups with mixed rights, which, according to the judges, was not practical.

In simple terms, they found that the law protects people based on whether they are biologically male or female, not what is written on a certificate.

What the judges based their ruling on

The UK Supreme Court gave nine main reasons for saying that the Equality Act 2010 uses the word “woman” to mean someone born female.

The judges said the law protects people from discrimination based on sex and gender reassignment, but the meaning of sex must stay clear and consistent.

The first reason was that the Equality Act is built around group protections. It protects people as part of a group, like all women or all men, and not just individuals. This means sex needs a clear, shared meaning.

Secondly, they said the law must be applied in a way that is “clear and consistent”. Changing what the word “woman” means in some parts of the law would create confusion.

Third, using “certified sex” (the sex on a Gender Recognition Certificate) instead of biological sex would mix people into groups that were never meant to be mixed under the law. This would make it hard to apply the rules.

Fourth, they said that the ordinary meaning of “sex discrimination” in the law is about biological sex, not legal documents or identity.

Fifth, if “woman” could mean different things in different parts of the law, the whole Act would stop making sense. For example, rules about pregnancy clearly apply only to biological women.

Sixth, if the Scottish government’s view were used, it would create two groups of trans people — those with legal certificates and those without. The judges said this would be unfair and confusing, especially since who has a certificate is private information.

Seventh, using gender certificates to define “woman” would mean some people have more rights than others, which was not the aim of the law.

Eighth, they said the Scottish government’s rules went against the purpose of the Equality Act and could not legally change what the law means.

The ninth reason was that letting ministers change the meaning of a word in a UK-wide law like the Equality Act was not allowed. Only the UK Parliament can do that.

What this means for transgender people

While many supporters of For Women Scotland were seen crying, hugging, and celebrating outside the court, the judges made it clear this was not a victory over transgender people.

“This should not be seen as a triumph for one group over another,” said Lord Hodge, who read the ruling .

The court also stressed that transgender people still have legal protection under the Equality Act. Being transgender, also called gender reassignment in the law, remains a protected characteristic.

A person can still face discrimination for being trans, and the law says they must not be treated unfairly. Even without a Gender Recognition Certificate, transgender people are still protected.

How the dispute started

The case began in 2018 after the Scottish government passed a law to increase the number of women on public boards. The law included some transgender women in the count.

For Women Scotland challenged that decision. They said only people born female should be included in targets set for women, such as filling 50% of non-executive roles on public boards.

The court agreed, indicating that including trans women in the count of women for these targets is not supported by the legal meaning of the word “woman” in the Equality Act.

Reactions from both sides

Supporters of For Women Scotland were emotional and joyful after the ruling. Some called the women who brought the case “she-roes” and celebrated outside the court by singing, “women’s rights are human rights.”

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), said the decision answered difficult questions about protecting single-sex spaces and same-sex rights.

Former MP Harriet Harman, who helped write the Equality Act, said the court made the right call. “Single-sex spaces for women are important and can exclude trans women, but only where necessary,” she told the BBC .

Trans rights groups, however, urged calm. Scottish Trans, a charity in Edinburgh, told people not to panic.

“There will be a lot of talk that overstates how this will affect trans people,” the group said in a message online. “Please look after yourselves and each other today.”

What happens next?

This ruling is a major moment in the UK’s gender rights debate. The case was adjourned in court after Lord Hodge concluded the judgment by saying that the court had allowed the appeal by For Women Scotland, having outlined a number of reasons why.

Although the case is concluded, it is likely to return to the political arena as campaigners on both sides push for change.

The resignations will officially take effect on August 31, 2025, after a national election for judges is held on June 1, 2025.

Proposed by the federal government, the constitutional bill was approved by Mexico’s Senate with 86 senators voting in favour and 41 against it.

Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña announced the resignations on October 30.

Chief Justice Norma Piña who was among the eight who tendered their resignations indicated that it is an “act of congruence and respect of the constitutional text” that governs them.

Another justice, Maria Aguilar, will see her resignation begin on November 30, 2024, the end of her current term.

The constitution was modified in September after the reform was announced by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The president noted that the move aims to root out corruption in the judicial system and make it an institution that serves the interests of the general public rather than a few selected majority.

The reform has largely been described as one that will erode the independence of Mexico’s judiciary and breed more corruption.

Local report s say 400 lower court judges have also indicated their disinterest in contesting in next year’s elections.

Despite the numerous allegations against Diddy, his defence team stands by its previous comments that the rapper is bouncing back stronger.

"He's doing fine (Sean "Diddy" Combs). You know, Dr King called it the law of unintended consequences. So sometimes the more you push a person down, the stronger they get and so he's making an adjustment. He had his family here today to support him. We really want to put an end to all of the clowning that we see on the Internet. This is a serious proceeding with serious consequences, and all of us are addressing it accordingly," Diddy's lawyer Anthony Ricco told the press on Thursday.

The charges against Combs stem from an extensive investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. Federal prosecutors have accused the music mogul of orchestrating a network that exploited individuals for commercial sex acts.

R&B singer Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2023, accusing him of repeated physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and rape throughout their decade-long professional and personal relationship.

In November 2023, the two reached an undisclosed settlement, while Combs firmly denied the accusations.

Cassie's lawsuit opened a plethora of legal actions against the 54-year-old rapper by more than 100 people including singer Dawn Richard.

The CNT x Finsus Digital Platform is revolutionising the tortilla production landscape in Mexico by enabling approximately 18,000 vendors to transition from cash-based transactions to electronic payments. This app not only facilitates financial management for these vendors but also allows them to process utility bill payments, effectively increasing their income. The projected financial uplift for users ranges from 6,000 to 38,000 pesos monthly, and the integration of small-business loans and insurance services further enhances the utility of this platform. Mexico News Daily reports that CNT's target to have 40% of its members adopt this technology within a year signifies a significant step towards financial inclusion in the Mexican tortilla industry. Homero López García, CNT president, highlights the historical financial restrictions that this initiative aims to address.

Hurricane disruptions

Hurricane Francine has severely impacted energy production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, causing around 39% of crude oil and 49% of natural gas outputs to cease. This disruption translates to approximately 675,000 barrels of oil and 907 million cubic feet of natural gas being compromised due to the storm's intensity, with winds reaching up to 90 mph. According to Offshore Engineer , The evacuation of 171 offshore platforms, accounting for 46% of total installations, underscores the storm's widespread effects, considering that the Gulf typically contributes about 15% of U.S. oil and 2% of natural gas.

Escaped tiger found

A Bengal tiger named Tony created a stir after escaping from a zoo in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. The tiger's escapades included attacking a local pig farm and chasing sheep; however, no significant injuries were reported. After a five-day search, Tony was captured using a chicken-baited trap in the vicinity of Los Longoria and is scheduled to be transferred to Tamatán Zoo in Ciudad Victoria. As an endangered species with a dwindling population of 2,000 to 2,500 specimens in the wild, his care and management are critical, leading to the closure of Quinta La Fauna Zoo until further notice post-escape, Mexico News Daily reported.

Influx of fake drugs

The health authorities in Mexico, through Cofepris, have raised alerts regarding counterfeit medications, specifically calling attention to six Bayer products including Cafiaspirina and Aspirina. These questionable batches have been deemed unsafe due to improper manufacturing protocols, and their problematic details were outlined, including incorrect batch numbers, lack of active ingredients, and unrecognised products. As reported by Mexico News Daily , consumers are strongly advised to verify lot numbers and steer clear of unregulated vendors when purchasing any related medications, highlighting the importance of product integrity in health and safety.

Investor confidence

The president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), Sergio Cardenas, has assured stakeholders that recent judicial reforms enacted by the federal government will not deter foreign investments, despite concerns about the judiciary's politicisation. Notably, foreign direct investment (FDI) has surged, with a notable increase of 7% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, accumulating over $31 billion. According to Mexico News Daily , projections indicate that FDI could surpass $40 billion by year-end, buoyed by Mexico's robust export capabilities and vital role in trade with the U.S. The performance of multinational corporations such as Pirelli further illustrates the lucrative business environment within Mexico, reinforcing a positive outlook for ongoing investment initiatives.

Proposed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the reform includes significant changes to the judiciary, such as reducing the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to 9, electing judges through a popular vote and the terms for Supreme Court judges will be shortened from 15 to 12 years.

The approval of the reform has led to a strike by judicial workers, strained relations with the United States, and generated concern in financial markets. Critics argue that the reform could undermine judicial independence and politicise the judiciary.

Many citizens also staged a protest outside the house ahead of Tuesday's proposal reading.

Despite these concerns, Obrador insists that the changes are necessary to hold judges accountable and reduce corruption.

Lawmakers now have a final chance to suggest changes to specific articles of the reform before it heads to the Senate for further debate. Given the ruling Morena's strong majority, it is expected to pass there.

Ruengpanyawut alleges that these incidents are proof that Thailand is not operating under a full democracy.

According to him powers not accountable to the people have overruled the executive and legislative branches elected by the public.

He called for reforms to limit the Constitutional Court's power, particularly its ability to dissolve political parties and remove prime ministers.

Reungpanyawut also emphasised that his party would continue pushing for reforms, including addressing Thailand's strict lese-majeste laws, while calling on the international community to be vocal in criticising Thailand when democratic norms are breached.

"I want the international community not to hold back on criticism of Thailand just for the sake of diplomacy. If Thailand breached the democratic or human rights principles, Thailand deserves to know what can be changed," he told AFP.

As President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term draws to a close, he is pushing for substantial reforms in Mexico's judiciary, framing this as a necessary measure to combat corruption. Detractors argue that this initiative represents a significant power grab, risking judicial independence and the integrity of democracy. Transitioning from an appointment-based to a voter-elected system for judges that requires minimal qualifications, could potentially displace over 5,000 judges nationwide. This proposal has incited widespread strikes among judiciary personnel and elicited stern criticism from the U.S. ambassador, The NY Times report.

Judicial reform

The Constitutional Points Committee of Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has advocated for a judicial reform proposal that allows citizens to directly elect judges and Supreme Court justices. This reform has raised critical concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, directly impacting diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. According to Mexico News Daily , as the ruling Morena party holds a two-thirds majority, the proposal is anticipated to pass when Congress reconvenes on September 1.

Electric vehicles export

Mexico is on track to become the largest exporter of electric vehicles (EVs) to the U.S. by 2024, following a staggering 172% increase in export revenue to $3.127 billion during the first half of the year. This growth positions Mexico as the second-largest exporter to the U.S., trailing only Germany. The overall U.S. import of EVs surged by 36.1%, totalling $11.95 billion. According to Mexico News Daily , the country's EV exports have experienced exponential growth, achieving an 18,047% increase since 2019. If the current trajectory persists, total export revenue may hit $6.254 billion by the end of 2024, indicating a nearly 30,000% rise from 2019.

Haitian Mexico Open Day

Haitian Mexico hosted an Open Day event in Guadalajara to showcase its latest injection moulding technologies, underscoring its commitment to the regional market. The event emphasised solutions centred on energy efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability, alongside products from different divisions, including CNC and die-casting machines, PR Newswire explained. As a regional management and manufacturing centre since 2022, Haitian Mexico seeks to enhance its delivery capabilities and response times for local clients in the Americas. The organisation is committed to tailoring its strategies to meet clients' unique needs and foster cooperative relationships, contributing to the industry’s growth in Mexico and its neighbouring regions.

Relationship with U.S and Canada on pause

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has placed the relationship between the Mexican government and U.S. and Canadian embassies “on pause” in response to U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar's public criticism of the judicial reform. Obrador denounced this opposition as a foreign intrusion into Mexico's sovereignty and expressed a desire for respectful diplomatic relations, Mexico News Daily reported. Nevertheless, critics warn that the proposed reforms could threaten judicial independence by introducing political motivations into the election of judges.

Hundreds of Mexicans took to the streets, holding candles and waving flags and placards to protest the reform amidst chants of “We are all PJF”.

Judicial workers, judges, and magistrates argue that the reform eliminates the judicial career by replacing promotion with election to the position of federal judge.

The reform will be considered in the legislature starting September 1.

Protesters marched from the Monument to the Revolution to the Zócalo, Mexico's main square, waving flags and chanting slogans like "We are the guardians of the Constitution!"

The reform, which will be considered in the legislature starting September 1, aims to replace judicial promotions with elections for federal judges. This has led to a strike by judicial workers who argue the reform undermines the judicial career system and threatens judicial independence, AFP reported.

The reform has also strained relations with the United States and Canada. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar warned that the proposal could harm trade relations and Mexican democracy. Canadian Ambassador Graeme Clark also said investors in his country are concerned about the reform's impact on the judicial system.

The López Obrador administration dismissed Salazar’s comments as "interventionist," while President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who takes office on October 1, pointed out that judges in the U.S. are elected by popular vote.

Bangladeshi students reject government mourning and demand justice for those killed in recent protests seeking quota reform in public service. The government announced a countrywide mourning for the nearly 200 killed during the recent events but students accuse the government of shedding "crocodile tears" and holding a "mockery" instead of holding trial for mass killing and repression. The protests began in early July after the High Court ordered the government to restore the 30 percent employment quota reserved for the descendants of freedom fighters from Bangladesh's 1971 liberation war. EFE reports that the protests escalated on July 15, with the first deaths reported the following day.

Foreign technical assistance for judicial probe

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the government would take foreign technical assistance for the judicial probe committee formed to investigate the deaths during the quota movement, aiming to ensure proper and standard inquiry. The prime minister said this while German ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troster called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban on July 30.PM’s press secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed reporters after the call on. The government formed a judicial probe committee with High Court Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman to probe all the deaths centring on the quota reform movement in the country. Organiser, New Age reports.

Bangladesh mourns killed protesters

Bangladesh observed a day of mourning for over 200 people killed in recent violence stemming from student protests against the country's quota system for government jobs. The protests escalated into violence on July 15, leading to thousands of arrests. The government defended the arrests as necessary for maintaining order, while rights groups accused the government of using excessive force. The government also announced plans to ban the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami party and its student wing. According to the OPB , the Supreme Court ordered the quota to be cut to 5%, which was accepted by the government. The status of the 1971 war veterans remains a charged issue. Internet services were restored, but social media platforms remained blocked.

Islamist party banned

Bangladesh will ban the largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islaami, and its student wing, Shibir, after deadly nationwide unrest. The decision, made by the governing coalition, comes after the Election Commission deregistered Jamaat in 2018. According to Gulf News , the government is also working towards normalcy after violent protests and will take foreign technical assistance for a judicial probe committee. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the ban on Jamaat and Shibir, stating it was to eliminate anti-national forces.

Inflation

Bangladesh garment workers are struggling with low wages as inflation soars. The government increased the minimum wage, but it is still below union demands. This led to clashes between police and workers, with many workers facing criminal charges and job loss. Trade unions are demanding an end to harassment and fair compensation for workers. The minimum wage should be implemented across all garment factories in the country, Just Style reports.

Thousands of fish are dying in a lagoon in northern Mexico as it dries up due to a severe drought. The low water level has led to concentrated pollutants, threatening the species in the area. According to Phys.Org , this is happening as Mexico faces high temperatures and a record-breaking heatwave, with 125 deaths reported due to the hot weather. 

Man and woman die from electrocution

A 43-year-old man from Texas died and a 35-year-old woman was injured by electrocution in a hot tub at a resort in northwest Mexico. The incident occurred at a complex of private condominiums in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. CBS News reports that the woman remains in critical condition. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the electrical failure. Last June, a man died from apparent electrocution while repairing a hot tub in Phoenix.

Science and innovation

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, a climate scientist, has become the first female president of Mexico with promises to prioritise science and innovation. Her stance on academic freedom and research funding remains uncertain. According to Times Higher Education , while some hope for change, others are skeptical about the extent of her departure from her predecessor's policies. The future of Mexico's controversial science law, which directs research funding, is also uncertain and could be influenced by the new administration. There is hope for a shift in tone, but challenges remain in reversing funding cuts and ensuring academic independence. 

Lawmakers killed after elections

Two female lawmakers in Mexico were killed days apart following the election of the country's first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum. A local councilwoman was gunned down on Friday, marking the second female politician to be killed after Sheinbaum's election, CBS reports.

Judicial reforms

Mexican President Lopez Obrador says market turbulence won't derail efforts to reform the judiciary, which he claims is corrupt. Market Screener reports that the ruling party's strong performance in recent elections has sparked market volatility but has also boosted their ability to pass constitutional reforms.

After his ascension to the highest office of the West African nation, Faye, the new president, appointed 49-year-old Ousmane Sonko as prime minister.

Sonko, the man on whose political influence he relied to clinch victory in an election that had the whole world watching.

Senegal's democratic journey

The political background of Senegal is characterised by a long history of democratic governance amid various challenges. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Senegal has maintained a relatively stable political environment compared to many other African nations.

The country has a multi-party system, with the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and the Alliance for the Republic (APR) as key political players. However, the political landscape has also been marked by political unrest, such as the 2012 election , which saw violent protests and allegations of electoral fraud.

The 2024 election in Senegal was also controversial as it was originally postponed from February to December 2024, leading to deadly protests. However, the Constitutional Council overruled the postponement, and the election was held on March 24.

The events leading up to the election were marked by arbitrary arrests of opposition figures like the current president and prime minister Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and Ousmane Sonko respectively, excessive use of force by security forces, and concerns over human rights violations.

Leadership under Macky Sall

During the Macky Sall era, Senegal experienced notable economic growth and infrastructure development. Under his leadership, the country's GDP consistently expanded, averaging around 6% annually .

While infrastructural development was a priority under the leadership of Sall, there were struggles among the Senegalese population and also concerns about political freedoms and human rights, with critics accusing the government of stifling dissent and restricting freedom of expression .

"Admittedly, Macky Sall has invested several billion CFA francs in his Senegal Emergent Plan and has built roads, hospitals, new universities and transport infrastructure, but these projects do not sufficiently meet the real needs of the Senegalese population," Mamadou Samba Hane, an economics professor at the University of Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar told DW .

How does Sonko come into the picture?

Ousmane Sonko got into the Senegal political scene in 2016 after he blew the cover over illegal offshore tax deals in the country after working as a tax inspector for 15 years.

Sonko revealed the utilisation of offshore tax havens , notably a $50 million mineral sand processing plant employed by a Canadian company to evade $8.9 million in taxes.

The exposé immediately cost him his job but he didn't stop there. He wrote a non-fiction book titled Pétrole et gaz au Sénégal to throw more light on his findings in 2018.

Fast-forward to 2019, Sonko contested the presidential election in Senegal on the ticket of his party PASTEF. He surprisingly came in third with 15% of the total votes cast. This move announced his formidable presence in Senegalese politics.

Sonko's journey to prime minister was fraught with various instances of arrests over a rape allegation in 2021 and a subversive individual in 2023.

He faced legal challenges that barred him from running in the elections . Bassirou Diomaye Faye stepped in to replace him as the leading figure of the main opposition coalition.

What is expected of Sonko?

Ousmane Sonko's young age is a fresh start for many Senegalese who believe that the country needs a young and vibrant mind to think and decide from the perspective of a nation whose significant part of the population is under the age of 25.

Sonko's commitment to fulfilling every promise given to the Senegalese populace echoed during his acceptance speech as prime minister on April 2, 2024. "We will spare no effort to achieve the goals we have promised the people,” he said .