Abubakar, 63, had been serving as Defence Minister since August 2023. In his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu, he explained that health concerns made it impossible for him to continue in the role. The president accepted his resignation and thanked him for his service to the nation.

Nigeria has been grappling with an alarming rise in mass kidnappings, particularly of schoolchildren. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 402 people , mostly students, have been abducted since mid-November.

In one of the latest attacks, gunmen kidnapped 20 people in northern Nigeria, including a Christian pastor and a Muslim bride with her bridesmaids. Meanwhile, around 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State are still missing after one of the largest school abductions in recent weeks.

It is not yet clear who is behind all the kidnappings. While analysts say most are carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom, a presidential spokesperson told the BBC that authorities suspect jihadist groups may be responsible for some attacks. The government has come under criticism for a slow response, leaving many communities feeling vulnerable.

President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency and announced plans to strengthen the country’s security forces, including expanding the police to 50,000 officers by recruiting an additional 20,000 personnel.

Abubakar served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 and was a key supporter of Tinubu’s presidential campaign, helping secure strong votes in his home state. His appointment as Defence Minister was widely seen as a recognition of his political loyalty.

With Abubakar’s departure, the president is expected to inform the Senate of his successor later this week. Nigeria now faces the challenge of filling the leadership gap while continuing to confront a range of security threats, from kidnappings and Islamist insurgency in the north to separatist unrest in the southeast and clashes over land and water in central regions.

A South Korean national abducted in the Philippines last Friday was safely released on Monday, May 5, according to South Korea's foreign ministry. The individual was kidnapped while travelling by car to Nasugbu, near Manila, for a fishing trip with two Chinese and two Philippine nationals. A group of seven to ten armed individuals intercepted the vehicle. The South Korean was recovered by Philippine police on Monday morning and is reportedly in good health. The two Chinese nationals have also been released. 

Fitch affirms Philippines' 'BBB' rating with stable outlook

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Philippines' long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at 'BBB' with a stable outlook. The agency projects a 5.6% economic growth rate for 2025, consistent with the pace in 2023 and 2024. Growth is expected to be driven by public infrastructure investment, services exports, and remittance-backed private consumption. Easing inflation and interest rates are likely to support private demand. Fitch cautioned that domestic political uncertainty may impact investment, while global trade tensions could indirectly weaken growth through reduced external demand.

Philippines, U.S. officials discuss strengthening trade relations

Amid the wave of sweeping tariffs , Philippine trade and economic officials met with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on May 2 in Washington to explore ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations. The Philippine delegation included Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, and Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. 

Filipino government urged to take swift action on Nuclear Regulatory Bill 

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has urged the Filipino government to prioritise the passage of a proposed bill establishing a nuclear regulatory body, warning that further delays could hinder the country’s energy development goals. Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stated that the Philippines is “running out of time” as the Marcos administration aims to integrate nuclear power into the national energy mix by 2032. He emphasised that postponing the bill’s enactment could significantly disrupt efforts to meet the administration’s energy targets.

Philippines launches first 10-year labour market strategy

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) officially launched the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025–2034 on May 5. This marks the Philippines’ first decade-long labour market development strategy. The TPB Plan outlines a framework for job creation, labour market transformation, and inclusive workforce development. The launch follows the enactment of Republic Act No. 12145, which restructured the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into DEPDev. The institutional reform aims to enhance strategic planning and policy coherence. DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan stated that the agency will actively support the creation of policies and programmes promoting inclusive growth, quality employment, and workforce competitiveness.

Ghana has embarked on a significant renewable energy initiative with the commissioning of a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Galgu, Yendi Municipality, through a collaboration between the Bui Power Authority (BPA) and First Sky Limited. This $59 million venture forms part of a broader strategy aimed at achieving 500 megawatts of solar capacity, as Ghana seeks to realise its ambition of incorporating 10% renewable energy into its national mix by the year 2030. The Chief Executive Officer of BPA, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, has highlighted the plant's potential benefits for enhancing energy security and fostering economic growth in northern Ghana, indicating positive implications for job creation and further investments in the region. Plans for additional solar installations in Yapei and Salaga are also underway, complementing the existing efforts in Yendi, Solar Quarter reports. 

WHO supports Ghana to combat meningitis outbreak

Amidst advancements in energy, Ghana is currently grappling with a critical health crisis in the form of a burgeoning bacterial meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region, where cases have surged from 42 to 60, resulting in 14 reported fatalities. In response to the escalating situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has extended urgent assistance by supplying 10,600 vials of Ceftriaxone, valued at approximately $23,000, to bolster treatment initiatives. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has acknowledged the vital nature of this donation, especially in light of concurrent outbreaks affecting the nation. Supplementing this effort, WHO has dispatched Dr. Nicolō Binello, a meningitis specialist, to work closely with Ghana's health authorities, enhancing clinical care and developing relevant response strategies. Furthermore, the Ghana Health Service is intensifying public education campaigns and providing free treatment to mitigate mortality risks, demonstrating a concerted approach to control the outbreak and safeguard public health.

Free issuance of Ghana cards

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has recently declared that the initial issuance of the Ghana Card will be available at no cost at its 276 Operational District Offices. Despite this, fees have been introduced for first-time card issuance at Premium Centres: GH₵310.00 for new cards, GH₵125.00 for card replacements, and GH₵420.00 for updating records alongside replacements. Other associated services, such as nationality updates, are priced at GH₵70.00, while record updates remain complimentary at district offices but incur a charge of GH₵310.00 at Premium Centres. According to citinewsroom , this initiative is strategically designed to streamline the identification process for citizens and enhance access to various government services.

Language barrier

The ongoing discourse on language and its impact on national development has been highlighted by Suhum MP Frank Asiedu, who has raised alarm over the persistence of language barriers that impede Ghana's progress. He asserts that despite achieving political independence, Ghana remains linguistically colonised, fostering a detrimental perception of non-English speakers. In light of this, Asiedu has announced intentions to introduce legislation that promotes multilingualism within the country. According to gbcghanaonline , he proposed a systematic review of the languages taught in schools every decade and suggested that any language spoken by a minimum of 35% of Ghanaians over a ten-year period should be recognised as a national language. This endeavour, he believes, is essential to unlocking Ghana's full potential and contributing to meaningful social reconstruction. 

Nigerians arrested over alleged kidnapping of American

The FBI and local police in Ghana have apprehended two Nigerian nationals, Emmanuel Adedoyin Adebayor (28) and Esther Ogbonna, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of American national Diana Christine Nelson, Ghanabusinessnews reports. Another suspect, identified as Dennis Poromo, remains at large. The detainees face serious charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, and theft, with Adebayor and Ogbonna asserting their not-guilty pleas. The court has set their bail at GH¢500,000, conditional upon their reporting to police bi-monthly. The victim, aged 80, was reportedly lured to Ghana, where she was subsequently held captive following her arrival on November 22, 2024. Adebayor's arrest occurred during an attempt to withdraw funds from Nelson’s bank account using her ATM card. Investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly misappropriated over $15,000 from her account while simultaneously demanding a ransom of $150,000 from her family. Furthermore, the suspects are believed to have sold her personal possessions yet failed to recuperate all items. The legal proceedings related to this case have been postponed to March 5, 2025.

The decline in Chinese tourism in the Philippines is notably attributed to recent espionage allegations against Chinese nationals. Nikkei Asia reports that these developments have adversely affected initiatives aimed at easing visa restrictions, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of Chinese-speaking tourists during the Lunar New Year celebrations observed at local malls.

Emergency Landing

Concurrently, a US Navy aircraft encountered engine trouble and conducted an emergency landing on Balesin Island, Quezon province. Fortunately, all passengers on board were reported safe, and mechanics were swiftly deployed from a military base in Subic to facilitate necessary repairs. As of now, the US embassy has not released any official comments regarding the incident, Bernama reports.

Taiwanese culture in the Philippines

In a cultural exchange event, a Taiwanese cultural group performed at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, commemorating the Lunar New Year with an engaging show titled "Brilliant Taiwan." The event attracted around 600 attendees and showcased diverse performances, including music by Taiwanese Indigenous artist Sangpuy Katatepan Mavaliyw, Hakka artist Ayugo Huang, and the rock band The Chairman, alongside local Philippine talents. According to Focus Taiwan , the event was hosted by Joyce Chiu and underscored the importance of cultural connections between Taiwanese communities abroad. Wallace Chow, the Representative of Taiwan to the Philippines, articulated the event's significance in nurturing friendships, as this performance in Manila is part of an extensive 15-city tour across Asia to promote Taiwanese culture.

Fallen Debris on Filipino Land

In a separate global concern, the threat posed by China's rocket debris has prompted vigilance in the Philippines, especially in regions such as Palawan and Basilan, which have been placed on high alert for potentially fallen debris. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued warnings indicating that rocket components may land in coastal areas near Iroquois Reef, posing risks to maritime activities even though these areas remain unpopulated. The agency has highlighted that the geographical positioning of the Philippines, situated southeast of China, increases the possibility of such debris entering its exclusive economic zone, as rockets are typically launched eastward over water for enhanced safety and efficiency. Critics have condemned this phenomenon, labelling it as China's "wilful pollution" of foreign maritime areas, South China Morning Post reports.

Kidnap and rescue

In an unsettling account of criminal activity, a Korean national who was kidnapped in Clark, Philippines, was successfully rescued after enduring an ordeal on early Sunday morning. Korea JoongangDaily reports that the kidnappers impersonated immigration officials while demanding ransom from the victim's family. The rescued individual is reported to be in good health and is currently under the protection of Philippine police, with support being provided by the Korean Embassy.

The Spaniard was flown aboard a military jet from Tin Zaouatine, Algeria’s southernmost commune near the Mali border, where the operation to secure his release reportedly took place.

While details surrounding the rescue mission remain undisclosed, but Algerian officials emphasised their commitment to combating cross-border threats and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals in the region.

The Colombian Navy has successfully seized 1,400 tonnes of drugs and confiscated six semi-submersible vessels involved in drug trafficking, Sky News reports. Such operations reveal the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in combating the pervasive drug trade.

New visa requirements

The timing of new visa requirements has sparked diplomatic discussions between Colombia and the UK. Colombian Ambassador Roy Barreras has requested a delay until January 15, coinciding with the Christmas travel season. This move comes after the UK's recent reintroduction of the visa requirement effective November 26, influenced by a surge in fraudulent asylum claims, Merco Press reports. In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced reciprocal visa measures for UK nationals, illustrating the intricate relationship and challenges tied to migration policies.

Drug enforcement operations

On the frontlines of drug enforcement, the Colombian Navy also recently seized 225 tonnes of cocaine in an operation dubbed 'Orion'. According to ABC News , this operation unveiled a novel drug trafficking route to Australia and resulted in over 400 arrests, showcasing the adaptation of drug cartels to serve emerging markets. A semi-submersible vessel was intercepted, capable of transporting five tonnes of cocaine, highlighting the operation's scale. Comprised of drugs with a staggering street value of $12.9 billion, the findings emphasise both the sophistication of trafficking methods and the escalating demand for cocaine, particularly in Australia.

Kidnapping

In stark contrast to these drug issues, a devastating case of kidnapping has emerged, involving a Colombian bus driver, Carlos Humberto Grisales Higuita. BNO News reports that after abducting a girl in 2012, he subjected her to years of isolation and abuse until her escape in February. This incident underscores the persistent social challenges in Colombia, where cases of violence against women and children continue to be a pressing concern.

Sustainable agriculture

Conversely, innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable agriculture are being explored in Colombia. A study has demonstrated a fencing technique that protects vulnerable wildlife, such as the lowland tapir, whilst benefiting cattle ranchers. The technique involves the implementation of two-wire wooden fences that prevent cattle from entering forested areas while allowing smaller mammals to pass freely. According to Mongabay , this advancement not only fosters habitat connectivity but also presents a feasible model for balancing agricultural pursuits with environmental conservation. Given the alarming rate of deforestation caused by cattle ranching, this research calls for broader policy initiatives to tackle illegal logging and implement a cattle identification system, ultimately paving the way for sustainable ranching practices in Colombia and potentially across Latin America.

After a day of work, she and other aid workers sought refuge at a nearby military base to use Wi-Fi to contact their families. That’s when disaster struck. Boko Haram fighters stormed the base, killing some and abducting others, including Loksha.

At the time of her abduction, she was one of the highest-profile victims of Boko Haram's widespread kidnapping spree.

As a mother of two, she decided to work in the region to provide for her mother's dementia care, despite the region's volatile security situation.

For the first few months, the militants kept their captives isolated, occasionally reaching out to their employers, demanding ransoms and the release of their prisoners. When their demands were ignored, the captors’ anger grew, and they warned the women that the worst was yet to come. “The nation will be surprised,” Loksha said the fighters told them.

Less than a year after her abduction, Loksha told the fighters she would convert to Islam, taking the name Halima. "I had to join them because I can't beat them," she told the New York Times . She learnt to perform Islamic rituals outwardly while maintaining her Christian beliefs in secret, praying when she could, away from the prying eyes of her captors.

At one point, she was enslaved by Abu Umar, a top Boko Haram commander, with whom she had a child, which elevated her status within the group. When he was killed in 2021 for committing adultery, Loksha was passed on to another commander, which brought some advantages: better living conditions, food, and a semblance of privacy.

In October 2023, Loksha crossed paths with Akilawus, another woman held by Boko Haram. The two quickly bonded, sharing stories of their captivity and dreams of escape. Together, they began planning their daring escape, gathering money by selling bits of household items.

Loksha and Akilawus managed to save enough money to enlist a woman from the Fulani ethnic group—nomadic people known for navigating the bush. In exchange for $90 (a small fortune in the region), the woman’s husband surveyed the Boko Haram camp and plotted an escape route.

At dusk on October 24, the women slipped out of the camp under the cover of darkness, with nothing more than a few changes of clothes, some money, and basic electronics.

Loksha gave her son a dose of diazepam to keep him calm. They travelled through the night, riding donkeys and crossing rivers.

After two days, they reached Diffa, a town in Niger, but their journey wasn’t over. The women continued their trek to Geidam, a town in Nigeria, where they reached a Nigerian military checkpoint.

When they arrived, they burst into joyous praise, shouting thanks to Jesus for their newfound freedom. "We are really saved," Loksha said.

She believes that Boko Haram spies are still watching and that her captors will stop at nothing to silence her. “I know that they may not like to see me alive,” she said . “Nowhere is safe.”

Boko Haram has been responsible for thousands of abductions in northern Nigeria, including the infamous kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014. Since then, there have been many more cases of mass abductions, with at least 1,700 children taken from schools, subjected to unimaginable abuse, including rape.

The Philippines, the United States, and Japan have entered into a collaborative agreement aimed at bolstering cyber and digital resilience. This initiative was formalised during the US-Japan-Philippines Trilateral cyber and digital dialogue at the 9th Singapore International Cyber Week. Co-chaired by officials from the three nations, the dialogue covered various pivotal areas including civilian cybersecurity, workforce development, maritime cybersecurity, and information sharing. The overarching objective is to enhance international cyberspace stability, improve data security, and advance capacity-building efforts. Critical to these discussions was the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, which aims to facilitate data flow while ensuring privacy protection. This ongoing initiative comes on the heels of a previous bilateral dialogue aimed at fortifying the cybersecurity landscape and digital economy resilience between the Philippines and the US, the Philippine Inquirer reports.

Deportation of two foreign sex offenders

Two foreign sex offenders, namely American Joseph John Graham, 76, and British national Ryan Ashley, 50, are slated for deportation from the Philippines on the grounds of being “undesirable aliens.” Graham's apprehension occurred at Clark International Airport, northwest of Manila, where he faces 55 counts related to child pornography in Florida, alongside the discovery of child abuse material on his phone. Ashley, a registered sex offender from the UK, was detained while attempting to extend his tourist visa following previous convictions for sexual offences against minors. Their arrests were enacted under the Bureau of Immigration's #Shieldkids campaign, which primarily targets child sex offenders, culminating in their blacklisting from re-entering the Philippines, as reported by The Star .

Filipino finishes 1 st runner-up at Miss Aura International 2024

Philippines' Isabelle De Los Santos has garnered recognition as the 1st runner-up at Miss Aura International 2024 , an event hosted in Antalya, Turkey. The title was claimed by Colombia's Yuri Rei. During her Top 5 response, Isabelle conveyed a compelling viewpoint favouring wealth over fame, asserting that financial resources could be leveraged to uplift those in need. She showcased a gown embellished with the word "Aura" on the back. Isabelle also received the Miss Aura International fan vote.

VP Duterte threatens to exhume remains of Marcos Sr.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has escalated her political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by threatening to unearth the remains of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr . and dispose of them into the sea. This provocative statement follows Duterte's resignation from Marcos Jr.'s cabinet in June, which has exacerbated tensions just as both parties are preparing for the 2024 midterm elections—each eyeing the 2028 presidential race. During a press conference, Duterte condemned the Marcos Jr. administration for its alleged poor governance and articulated feelings of being "used" since their political alliance in the 2022 elections. She has warned of serious repercussions if political hostilities against her persist.

American kidnapped in southern Philippines

An American man named Elliot Onil Eastman has been kidnapped by armed assailants in Mindanao, southern Philippines. The abductors, disguised as police officers, reportedly shot Eastman in the leg during his attempted escape and subsequently transported him by boat to an undisclosed location. The US Embassy is actively liaising with local authorities to manage the situation. Eastman has resided in the region for approximately five months following his marriage to a local resident. As of now, no ransom demands have been made, and the identity of the assailants remains unknown. The Philippine military has expressed readiness to assist in the effort to locate and apprehend the kidnappers, as reported by the Manila Times .

Nigeria, with 1% of Africa's confirmed mpox cases, is the first African country to receive a vaccine shipment outside a clinical trial. According to Health Policy Watch , this week, Nigeria received 10,000 doses of Jynneos, donated by the U.S. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC. The outfit also confirmed Nigeria is one of two African countries to approve the vaccine.

Uganda's Embassy 'involved' in money laundering

Detectives are investigating Uganda’s Embassy in Nigeria, including Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, for money laundering on President Museveni's orders. This follows reports of criminality at Uganda’s consulate in Dubai. As reported by Chim Reports , police have requested files from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CID's Deputy Director, Jackson Tweheyo, wrote to Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire on July 9, 2024, for documentation.

Ethiopian Airlines withdraws national carrier interest

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele announced that the airline no longer intends to establish a national carrier for Nigeria. In a Bloomberg Africa interview, Bekele stated that plans with institutional investors and the Nigerian government have concluded. Business Daily reports Bekele said, "We don’t have any intention to partner with any of the Nigerian airlines today because it has been politicised."

Over 7,000 Nigerians kidnapped in a year

Over the past year, 7,568 Nigerians were abducted in 1,130 incidents, with bandits demanding nearly N11 billion in ransoms, according to a report by SB Morgen Intel. The report, titled 'Grim Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,' reveals that kidnappers received N1 billion out of the N10.9 billion demanded, Business Daily reports. “Between July 2023 and June 2024, no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted in 1,130 incidents across the country,” the Africa-focused market and security intelligence firm said.

SIM card fraud uncovered

The NCC uncovered cases of Nigerians registering over 100,000 lines each. This discovery, made with ONSA and NIMC during the NIN-SIM linkage exercise, highlights that individuals can register up to 4 SIM cards per network operator, excluding IoT devices. According to Nairametrics , the NCC warned that individuals with numerous SIM cards pose a security threat and will continue collaborating with security agencies to crack down on pre-registered SIM sales, safeguarding national security and mobile number integrity.

What they said

The mayor of Chilpancingo, a nearby town, sounded the alarm about the kidnapping on social media. She urged authorities to "take the necessary action to safeguard the life of our colleague and those of his team," BBC reports.

Ghana's debt restructuring is progressing as bilateral creditors sent a draft memorandum of understanding for their $5.4 billion part of the deal. The process has been marked by credit downgrades, interest rate hikes, and loans from international institutions, citinewsroom reports. In January 2023, Ghana requested debt restructuring under the G20's Common Framework process.

Suspected kidnap case

Ghanaian woman, Afiba Abigail Tandoh, is missing in Nigeria's Abia State, along with a Nigerian friend. According to GhanaWeb , they were last seen in Aba and there are suspicions of kidnapping. Reports indicate that they were in Nigeria for a wedding that was cancelled and had gone for business-related activities. An arrest has been made in connection with their disappearance. Their families and authorities are urgently trying to locate them.

NHIA collaborates to promote health initiatives

NHIA is engaging with health service providers to implement preventive and promotive health initiatives. The goal is to address key health issues and improve the efficiency of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Stakeholders discussed resource allocation and community outreach activities to operationalize the initiative. The NHIA and its partners are urging the public to actively participate in the upcoming programmes, according to the Ghana News Agency . The initiative is supported by the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, and the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana. Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, former Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organisation, chairs the committee facilitating implementation.

Fraud

Two Ghanaian-American citizens, Kelvin Nkwantabisa and Justice Amoh, have been arrested in the United States for their involvement in a $7 million global fraud scheme, which took place over three years. The scheme involved wire fraud and money laundering, with the suspects posing as legitimate business partners to trick victims into wiring money into their bank accounts. The suspects and their co-conspirators now face federal charges and could potentially face decades in prison, GhanaWeb reports.

Black Starlets coach resigns

The Ghana Football Association has accepted Laryea Kingston's resignation as Black Starlets coach but has made allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Kingston announced his resignation following a defeat to Burkina Faso and cited a focus on his coaching career. During his tenure, the team scored 54 goals and conceded 15, GhanaWeb reports.

Omar went missing during a decade-long conflict between Algeria's government and Islamist groups with fears that he had either been killed or kidnapped during the unrest.

Details provided in a statement from Algeria’s Djelfa Judiciary Council indicate that he was found in the house of his neighbor in the municipality of Al-Qadid on May 13.

This was after a complaint was filed by the brother of the victim to the Regional Division of the National Gendarmerie in Al-Qudid on May 12. The complaint was against an unknown person based on defamation on social media, that his brother (Omar) was in the house of his neighbor.

Omar was found in the warehouse of his 61-year-old neighbour after the Public Prosecutor at the Idrisiya Court ordered the National Gendarmerie to open an in-depth investigation and move judicial police officers to the said house.  

Local media reports indicate that the victim was found in an underground hole that served as a sheep pen, covered with hay.  

Activists circulated a clip capturing the moment the victim was rescued from the hole where he was detained for 26 years, in a state of shock and unable to speak.

The Public Prosecution has since ordered psychological and medical care for the victim.

Omar's cousin also took to social media to share photos of the victim with his dog with allegations that his dog which was with him at the time of the kidnap had been poisoned or hanged because he wouldn’t stop barking in front of his neighbour’s house where he was kept.

The prosecution case

The suspect is being prosecuted for kidnapping a person and luring him, detaining a person without an order from the authorities and outside the cases permitted by law, and human trafficking when the victim is vulnerable.

An investigating judge at the Djelfa Judicial Council on May 14 ordered that six defendants in the case be placed in temporary detention.

They are being prosecuted for failure to notify the competent authorities of the crime which is punishable by law.

Mexico has filed an amicus brief against Texas Immigration Law SB 4 , which allows Texas authorities to arrest and prosecute individuals suspected of illegal entry across the US-Mexico border. The US Supreme Court reversed its position, allowing the law to go into effect. However, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reinstated the preliminary injunction. Mexico fears the law will discriminate against Mexican citizens and those of Latino descent, undermining their human rights and dignity.

30 years since assasination of presidential candidate

Mexican presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party was fatally shot during a campaign appearance in Tijuana, a border city in Mexico, south of California on March 23, 1994. Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas, the son of the assassinated Mexican presidential candidate, has captured the Latin nation's attention. He is seeking a pardon for his father's convicted killer while pursuing a Senate seat. "I forgive that person, may God bless him, may he be free and leave Mexico, and may he allow us to heal as a nation," Colosio Riojas said . The tragic assassination of his father was the focus of the 2019 Netflix television series "Crime Diaries: The Candidate." The budding politician was just eight when his father was shot in the head. The only person imprisoned for the killing of Murrieta is Mario Aburto, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison. In January, a judge threw out evidence presented by the attorney general's office against an alleged second gunman suspected of having acted with the complicity of a now-defunct government intelligence service.

18 hostages of criminal groups rescued

Mexican authorities conducted a successful rescue operation in Sinaloa, rescuing 18 hostages from criminal groups on March 22. The operation where more than 600 special forces were dispatched to bolster security involved a collaboration between police and military forces, although the perpetrators of the mass kidnappings are still at large. Sinaloa Governor Ruben Roche reported the rescue of nine adults and nine children from mass kidnappings. The governor said that authorities are now working with police and military forces to locate seven more kidnapped individuals. According to media reports , mass kidnappings took place on March 21 in various locations of the La Noria region, outside Sinaloa’s capital city of Culiacan where at least three families were taken hostage by members of criminal organisations.

Concacaf Nations League Final

Mexico faces off against the United States (USMNT) for the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) Final on March 24 at AT&T Stadium. In last year’s CNL semifinal, the USMNT beat the Latin American nation Mexico in a 3-0 victory. The defeat against his archrival cost the then-Mexico coach, Diego Cocca his job after he had only managed seven games for the Mexican team. “This is how I am judged because I am the coach of the Mexican national team, I understand it, but I don’t share it. I have always thought that processes take you to a better place than seeking immediate results,”. said Jamie Lozano current head coach of Mexico in a press conference on March 23. Mexico has not defeated the United States in their last six games.

Land subsidence

Mexico City's metro system has faced challenges due to land subsidence, a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the earth's surface due to the removal of subsurface earth materials. A recent study using satellite radar data and structural engineering analyses identifying areas affected by this phenomenon. The metro's infrastructure has been damaged causing damage to the city's core infrastructure, including the Mexico City Metro, the second largest in North America this has prompted the recommendation for proactive measures to mitigate the risks. “By comparing two or more radar observations from roughly the same location in space, we can detect small changes of the Earth’s surface with centimeter-level accuracy,” said Shimon Wdowinski, FIU geophysics professor and study co-author.

What they said

While the spokesperson for the Equatorial Guinea government did not promptly respond to a comment request, the government has consistently refuted the allegations, deeming them false. Meanwhile, a statement by the Spanish court labeled the defendants as "in rebellion," citing their failure to heed court requests for testimony.  "The defendants are in rebellion, having ignored the requests made by the magistrate to appear in court to give evidence as investigated persons, despite having been given the opportunity to testify by video conference," the statement read.

The conflict primarily affected the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states collectively known as BAY states in the northeast. Nigeria became the world's fifth-highest in armed conflict-related deaths. Since 2009, Boko Haram's militarization has led to over 35,000 deaths with the group associated with 42% of Nigeria's violence-related deaths from 2009 to 2014. Other impact includes the displacement of 2.4 million people, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, forced migration, and infrastructure loss.

By 2017, Boko Haram had recruited approximately 8,000 children, committing numerous violations against them including death and sexual violence. They’ve attacked schools, hospitals, churches, homes.

Despite the government's efforts, it remains unclear if Nigeria has fully brought Boko Haram under control.

Efforts to bring Boko Haram under control

In April 2013, Boko Haram rejected a proposal from Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to offer amnesty to its militants if they disarmed. The group said they had committed no acts warranting amnesty.

Later in June President Jonathan officially declared Boko Haram a terrorist group and banned them under Nigerian law, permitting their prosecution when caught.

In 2014, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions including the freezing of assets, travel bans and arms embargo on individuals in Boko Haram, but the group's informal structure rendered these measures ineffective.

2016 saw the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) being enacted by the Nigerian government, and a committee on security in North Eastern Nigeria being established.

In 2018, international media Reuters reported that the government was engaged in talks with Boko Haram, aiming for a potential ceasefire and, ultimately, a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Then in 2021, Nigeria announced it would not negotiate with the group, saying it was a sign of weakness, opting to use its power to address security concerns.

How safe now is Nigeria from Boko Haram?

Islamist militants suspected to be Boko Haram militants recently beheaded at least 10 farmers in Nigeria's Borno state after attacking their farms in July 2023. A week earlier, the same group killed 25 people and wounded others in attacks on two villages in Borno.

In November 2023, 160,000 Boko Haram members surrendered and later in December the International Organization for Migration said the rehabilitation about 2,311 out of 160,000 surrendered Boko Haram members have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. The remaining he said were still undergoing rehabilitation.

On January 9, Nigeria's local media Vanguard said it had observed that dozens of people were killed by the terrorist group in Borno and Gaidam council area of Yobe state, along with abductions on highways and communities in the last month of the group’s renewed attacks.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on January 16 assured that his administration would eliminate the remaining threats of the terrorist group in Nigeria

Why hasn’t Nigeria defeated Boko Haram yet?

Boko Haram persists due to challenges in cutting off their access to funding, recruits, and weapons. The group's recruitment efforts are effective, and there are corruption concerns about funds allocated for the anti-Boko Haram campaign ending up in individuals’ pockets. Negotiations with the group have also faced setbacks.

Research reveals about 6.5 million small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, with only a fraction under the control of security forces, indicating a substantial amount of uncontrolled weaponry and the inadequacy of the military compared to the weaponry potentially in the possession of militant groups like Boko Haram.

In the face of ongoing challenges from Boko Haram, Nigeria seeks lasting security. The question of Nigeria's safety remains, demanding the need for concerted efforts in addressing this enduring threat and securing a safer future.

During the 1990s , the United States government focused on dismantling Colombian cartels. Columbian drug manufacturers seeking safer transit routes turned to Mexico where law enforcement measures were less stringent. This marked the emergence of Mexico as a key player in drug trafficking. Money transformed the cartels from loosely connected groups into the fully-fledged criminal organizations we know today.

Dominant Forces

Three major cartels, the Gulf, Sinaloa, and Jalisco Cartel have emerged as the most dominant forces in Mexico. The Gulf Cartel, dating back to the 1980s, is one of the country's oldest, while the Jalisco Cartel is recognized as the strongest competitor to Sinaloa, with assets valued at over $20 billion.

The Sinaloa Cartel, leading the list, has been described by the US government as one of the world's largest drug-trafficking organizations, generating approximately $3 billion in annual revenues. Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the former leader, was arrested in 2014, he escaped and was re-arrested in 2016, and ultimately extradited to the United States in 2017.

What do Mexican cartels do?

They control routes from South America to the United States, dealing in illegal drugs. While some cartels focus on growing marijuana and smuggling it, others specialize in manufacturing methamphetamines and importing precursor drugs, including from countries like China. Additionally, cartels engage in various criminal activities such as extortion of local businesses, kidnappings for ransom, people smuggling, prostitution rings, intimidation, and murder.

They also contribute to a drug overdose epidemic in the United States. Annually, Mexican drug cartels rake in an estimated $19 billion to $29 billion from drug sales in the US.

Death cases

Mexico faces a severe crisis marked by a surge in kidnappings, disappearances, and criminal violence that has left  over thirty thousand  people dead each year since 2018. President Calderón's term witnessed nearly 50,000 deaths in drug war-related incidents with the Mexican government reporting that a drug war death occurred, on average, every half hour in 2011.

By 2018, drug-related homicides peaked at 33,341, and from 2017 to 2020, an average of one journalist per week fell victim to crime-related violence. Moreover, over 200,000 Americans overdosed and died from synthetic opioids like fentanyl from Mexico since 2020.

Combat strategies employed over the years

During Felipe Calderón's presidency from 2006 to 2012, he deployed 50,000 soldiers to confront the increasingly powerful drug cartels, resulting in the elimination of twenty-five of the top thirty-seven drug kingpins.

Subsequently, Enrique Peña Nieto, in office from 2012 to 2018, continued a military-focused approach , witnessing an initial decline in homicides but by the end of his term, the number of homicides had risen to the highest level in modern Mexican history.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who succeeded Peña Nieto, adopted a different strategy, introducing the " hugs, not bullets " policy. Emphasizing poverty alleviation programs, marijuana legalization, a hybrid civilian-police and military force and new sentencing guidelines for drug traffickers.

Despite these efforts, Mexico still reports over thirty thousand crime-related deaths annually, with the 2021 midterm elections marked as the most violent in decades under López Obrador's leadership.

Recent development

The violence of Mexican cartels is still on the rise with most cartels fighting each other to gain control of a territory and kidnappings, killings, and targeted attacks on journalists are still prevalent in 2023. The rise in these activities is driving the migration of Mexican families to the U.S.

T he Mexican government announced in June 2023 that it would grant the navy control of Mexico City’s main airport, to combat smuggling.

Republican 2024 presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump, proposed sending troops or firing missiles into Mexico to battle cartels as the U.S. grapples with the repercussions of their activities.

Is there an end to the reign of Mexican cartels? Studies have revealed that cartels collectively “employ” some 175,000 people in Mexico, making them the fifth largest employer in the country. To effectively combat Mexican cartels, the study suggests decreasing cartels’ ability to recruit new members.

Reports have warned that torture and restriction of food and water are common in Brazilian prisons, along with other human rights abuses. Entities monitoring conditions across the country have deplored the state of infrastructure, the spread of disease, and the quality of medical care. The problems are recurrent in all regions of the country, as reported by Folha de S. Paulo.

Flight prices

On Monday, December 18, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the cost of airfares in Brazil. Lula stated: "The price of aeroplane tickets in this country has no explanation. This is something the government will have to address, and the Senate will have to focus on trying to find a solution." The government had planned a program to reduce flight prices, called Voa Brasil. It has been announced that its implementation will be postponed until 2024.

Kidnapping of former football player

Former football player Marcelinho Carioca, known for his historic role with Corinthians, reappeared after being kidnapped in São Paulo on Sunday, December 17. The State Police of São Paulo reported in a press conference that five people have been arrested on charges of extortion through kidnapping. Carioca had gone missing after leaving a party organised at the club's stadium.

Tax reform

Brazil's lower house has approved a significant overhaul of the country's convoluted tax system, marking a major success for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This long-awaited tax reform aims to streamline the system, which is generally considered overly complex for both individuals and businesses, with the goal of boosting economic growth. The reform is set to be signed into law in a joint session of Congress expected to take place on Wednesday, December 19.

Homelessness crisis

The Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) in Brazil has reported that the number of homeless people has increased tenfold in a decade, going from almost 22,000 in 2013 to more than 227,000 in 2023. The government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has presented "Visible Streets," a plan with a budget of 982 million reais to tackle this issue.