Originally worn by high court judges in Britain, the wigs were symbols of legal authority and tradition. 

In contemporary African courtrooms, however, many argue that such attire no longer reflects national identity. Critics say the tradition is outdated and unsuitable for local contexts.

In Nigeria, calls to abolish the use of wigs are growing within the legal community. 

“We cannot identify with this type of legal system attire because it is not part of our culture . It is something that is adopted, and it's also taking us back to the colony,” Emmanuel Olusola Grace, a lawyer, told Viory. 

“Each time we put all these chairs together, it makes us not look like Africans,” he added.

Barrister CJ Okereke described the wigs as a remnant of colonialism, stating, “This is one of those unfortunate legacies that were bequeathed unto us by the British.”

Aside from cultural misalignment, there are also concerns about practicality. Many Nigerian courtrooms lack adequate ventilation, making the heavy and layered court dress uncomfortable.

“The ventilation in those courts are very poor. So, it's a bit difficult to wear that type of attire, you know, suited with tie, your belt, and you'll be in an environment where there's lack of ventilation. So, that type of dressing, I would say, in that circumstance, does not really suit the environment that we are expected to dress in," said lawyer Bashir Idris.

The financial implications also add to the concern. Maintaining these colonial-era uniforms can be costly. In 2019, Zimbabwe’s Judicial Services Commission placed an order for 64 wigs from a London-based supplier, Stanley Ley Legal Outfitters, for £118,400, despite the country’s economic challenges.

Judge Millar warned that Zuma’s repeated attempts to relitigate settled issues undermined the principle of equal justice. “It is destructive of the notion that all are equal before the law,” he said . Zuma has 60 days to repay the amount or risk having his presidential pension attached.

At almost the same time in Pietermaritzburg, Zuma appeared before the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in his long-running corruption case linked to the 1999 arms deal. He and French arms company Thales are seeking to have the charges struck off. Zuma’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, argued that trial delays and the deaths of key witnesses had prejudiced his client, insisting that “they cannot be resurrected.”

The state, however, accused Zuma of once again using “Stalingrad” tactics, delaying the case through endless applications rather than confronting the charges.

Zuma also filed a recusal application related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission inquiry, adding to the day’s legal battles.

From the United Kingdom to Australia, China, and Brazil, each country is exploring new ways of making the internet safer.

Here are four countries and the restrictions on internet access:

UK’s proof of age

Starting July 2025, the UK implemented a cybersecurity law that required children to prove their age to access the most harmful material on social media and adult websites.

Platforms that host content such as pornography, self-harm, or eating disorder promotion will be legally required to introduce secure age-verification systems, including facial scans, photo ID matching, or credit card checks.

Failure to comply could cost companies up to 10% of their global annual revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher. “This is one of the boldest steps anywhere in the world to reclaim the digital space for young people,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. He described the policy as a response to the mental health crisis among children exposed to “toxic algorithms” and harmful online material.

Australia’s ban of under-16s from social media

Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, passed last November, anyone under 16 will soon be banned from creating accounts on major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, Reddit, and Kick.

The policy decision is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and is designed to shield minors from addictive and harmful content, cyberbullying, and predatory behaviour. Communications Minister Anika Wells admitted the policy is imperfect but insisted it was necessary: “There is no perfect solution to keeping young Australians safe online. But the social media minimum age laws will make a meaningful difference.” Platforms will be legally required to enforce the ban using age-verification technology.

China’s only verified influencers regulation

In East Asia, China’s Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) now requires social media influencers to prove their professional credentials before posting about sensitive topics such as law, medicine, finance, or education. Under the new policy, creators must show a degree, license, or certification to speak on these subjects. Platforms like Douyin (China’s TikTok), Weibo, and Bilibili are required to verify credentials and flag posts containing AI-generated material or research references.

Persons who misrepresent qualifications could lose monetisation rights, face temporary bans, or be fined. The CAC says the move aims to curb misinformation and promote a “cleaner cyberspace,” part of President Xi Jinping’s wider campaign to ensure online content is “factual, educational, and socially responsible.”

Brazil’s cyber responsibility

A landmark Supreme Court ruling in June 2025 declared that social media companies must act immediately to remove hate speech and criminal content once they become aware of it.

Previously, companies could only be penalised if they failed to remove content after a court order. Now, platforms are directly responsible for what circulates on their networks.

“We preserve freedom of expression as much as possible,” wrote Supreme Court President Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, “without allowing the world to fall into an abyss of incivility,” he added. The ruling also urged Congress to revise Article 19 of the country’s main internet law, the Marco Civil da Internet, to strengthen protections against disinformation and online violence.

The case revolved around the Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) consortium, led by Sacyr alongside Italy’s Salini Impregilo and Belgium’s Jan de Nul, which accused the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) of design errors that inflated costs. The ICC, however, ruled that the contractors assumed those risks when signing the 2009 contract, confirming the ACP’s stance.

For investors, the ruling reinforces Panama’s reputation as a country where the rule of law prevails in complex international disputes — a reassuring sign in a region often criticised for legal uncertainty. It highlights the ACP’s professional management of the canal, a strategic asset that generates around 6% of the country’s GDP and continues to attract global trade and private investment.

The verdict also sets a precedent for other states engaged in large infrastructure projects: it shows that governments can successfully defend themselves against corporate claims when contracts are clear and institutions remain firm.

For Sacyr, the loss represents not only a financial setback but also reputational damage in future tenders. For Panama, it consolidates its image as a dependable and sovereign player in global infrastructure and a reminder to investors that the canal remains a stable, well-governed engine of trade.

Under the new law, mentally sound adults diagnosed with an irreversible and terminal illness can personally and in writing request euthanasia, as long as they are Uruguayan citizens or foreign residents. 

It does not allow assisted suicide, in which a patient gives themselves a fatal dosage of a prescription drug. The procedure must be carried out by a healthcare professional and ensures that death occurs in a “painless, peaceful, and respectful manner.”

Euthanasia and assisted suicide differ primarily in who carries out the last act: in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers the prescribed medication, whereas in euthanasia, a doctor administers the lethal substance.

This reform continues Uruguay’s trend of progressive policies. The country had previously legalised marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Public opinion also leaned strongly in favour, with about 62% of Uruguayans supporting the bill. Advocates like Beatriz Gelós, a 71-year-old living with neurodegenerative ALS, described the law as “compassionate, very humane.”

However, opposition came mainly from the Catholic Church. Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, warned that the bill could promote the idea that some lives are “disposable”. 

Emotions ran high during the Senate debate, with some opponents shouting “murderers” after the vote passed.

Where assisted suicide or euthanasia is legal

Latin America

Uruguay’s move follows similar developments elsewhere. While the Latin nation is the first in the region to achieve this through legislation, Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalised the practice via Supreme Court decisions. 

Europe

North America

Australia

Most Australian states now allow voluntary assisted dying for people with terminal illnesses or conditions causing intolerable suffering. Victoria led the way in 2019.

Where legislation is being considered

Europe

Uruguay’s decision adds momentum to the global debate on assisted dying, as more countries look to shift toward laws that prioritise dignity and personal choice at the end of life, with the number of people opting to die with assistance increasing exponentially over the years.

In Canada, the number of assisted deaths more than doubled, rising from 4,480 in 2018 to 10,064 in 2021. 

Out of the over 320,000 deaths that occurred in Canada in 2023, 15,300 of those deaths—roughly one in 20—were medically assisted. 

In 2006, then Deputy President Jacob Zuma was charged with raping a 31-year-old woman known by the pseudonym “Khwezi.” During the trial, the court permitted questions about her sexual history, giving Zuma’s defence room to attack her credibility. The judge ultimately ruled the encounter was consensual and acquitted him, a decision that sparked public outcry about fairness to survivors.

The lacuna lies in how criminal intent is defined under the Act. As currently written, sexual offences defined by lack of consent rely on a subjective test of intent, with no requirement that a mistaken belief in consent be “reasonable”.  This means an accused’s assertion, however implausible, may succeed unless the prosecution can exclude it beyond a reasonable doubt.

Into this breach steps The Embrace Project, a civil society organisation in South Africa, fighting for reforms, advocating for the amendment of the law that will shift the balance from a legal strategy that exploits survivors’ past towards a prosecution that focuses squarely on the alleged act.

The project is also pushing for special training for judges and prosecutors to safeguard victims’ dignity and privacy.

His dispute was that he was deceived, and if he had known he was being sent to boarding school in Ghana, "there would have been no way I would have agreed to it," he wrote to the court. The boy, who had lived in the UK since birth, added that he was "mocked" and "never settled in" at the school in Ghana, and he just wants to go back home.

The High Court in London ruled in favour of the parents who argued that they feared for their son’s safety in London and the relocation wasn’t a form of punishment. 

The court ruled in favour of the parents in February 2025, and in June, the boy won a Court of Appeal bid for the case to be reheard.

Global South World spoke with the boy’s solicitor, James Netto of The International Family Law Group, about the extent of the rights of children under the full custody of their parents.

“What we were arguing is that… the older a child becomes and grows into a young person, into teenage years, into their adolescence and adulthood, the parental control, the parental rights over that young person, is diluted ever so often. And there's lots of case law that we have about young persons, if they understand what's going on, they can consent themselves to say medical treatment or issues concerning their religion or schooling or health care or housing,” he told Ismail Akwei in an interview.

James Netto added that the real conflict in this case is the parents admitting to deceiving the boy to move to Ghana as a form of protection, which “was the issue that the judge struggled with.”

“It was a huge shock to the parents. I think the court and all the lawyers in the room have a tremendous amount of sympathy for them, but they also have a tremendous amount of sympathy for him as well. I don't envy the judge who had to make the decision at the first time round because it is such a finely balanced polemic issue,” he said. 

“It came down to his strongly held wishes and feelings, the fact that his parents had deceived him into travelling as well. That was a very big factor, both for the first judge and also for the Court of Appeal. And also it was his very strong wishes to return to his home, which is in London. It's impossible to say what the court would have done in other circumstances, but it's not a UK versus Ghana case,” he said.

According to James Netto in an email shortly after the interview, they expect the date of the final hearing to be fixed on June 30, 2025 or later, and the family is considering mediation outside of the court.

Watch the full interview attached above.

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani on Tuesday called on the United Kingdom to support efforts to end the Iran-Israel conflict during a meeting with British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq in Baghdad. According to the Iraqi Parliament’s media office, al-Mashhadani urged London to take a constructive diplomatic role in promoting regional peace and stability, warning against the deepening of tensions. He attributed regional crises in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen to what he termed "the actions of the Israeli entity."

Iraq to launch legal response to Israeli airspace violations

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan met Tuesday to coordinate a legal response to repeated Israeli violations of Iraq’s airspace. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said the talks focused on strengthening coordination among Iraq’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches in light of escalating regional security threats.

Iraq to build five million housing units by 2030

Iraq has awarded contracts for the construction of nearly 1.5 million housing units, with projections reaching five million units by 2030, according to Hassam Al-Khafaji, Chairman of Parliament’s Investment and Development Committee. Khafaji said improved investment laws have attracted more developers to the housing sector. He noted that a significant portion of the projects is concentrated near Baghdad, Basra, and other key regions.

Iraqi parliament urges stronger air defences

Iraq’s Parliament on Tuesday called for immediate upgrades to national air defence systems in response to repeated Israeli violations of Iraqi airspace during military actions against Iran. In a statement after a closed session, lawmakers urged the government to enhance defence capabilities across air, land, and sea, lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations, and uphold national sovereignty. Parliament also endorsed support for Iran and rejected the use of Iraqi territory for cross-border military activity.

Iraq becomes transit Point for Iranian pilgrims

Over 400 Iranian pilgrims arrived in Ayn Tamr, Iraq, on Tuesday after completing Hajj, seeking news from home following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. The pilgrims, who had crossed into Iraq by land after completing their pilgrimage in Mecca, were seen urgently searching for internet connections to contact family members. The scene highlights Iraq’s role as a humanitarian corridor during regional crises and the emotional impact of ongoing Iran-Israel tensions.

Here are three key reasons why the impeachment could be dropped:

1. The 100-day rule may render the case moot

The draft resolution, seen by Reuters and confirmed by a Senate source, argues that the Senate failed to act on the impeachment articles within 100 days of their receipt. According to the document, this delay amounts to a "de facto dismissal" of the case under legislative rules. Duterte was impeached by the lower house in February, meaning the 100-day period has already lapsed.

2. The Senate session is ending

The Senate’s current session is scheduled to end next week. The resolution argues that there is not enough time left to initiate proceedings. It also states that the impeachment case cannot continue into the 20th Congress, which begins in late July. This timing provides a legal basis for halting the process entirely.

3. Political backing and popular support favour Duterte

Senator Dela Rosa’s resolution reflects enduring loyalty among Duterte’s allies. The move also comes on the heels of a strong showing by Duterte-backed candidates in last month’s midterm elections . Despite ongoing political tensions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte retains substantial political influence and public backing. If the resolution succeeds, it could bolster her position ahead of the 2028 presidential election, which she is widely expected to contest.

President Marcos has urged unity and distanced himself from the impeachment process, which was overwhelmingly supported by his allies in the lower house. His office has not responded to enquiries about Dela Rosa’s resolution.

Vice President Duterte has denied all accusations, which include budget anomalies, unusual wealth accumulation, and threats against high-ranking officials. Conviction would lead to a lifetime ban from public office.

The reform, backed by the government, aims to fight corruption and impunity in the justice system. Officials say that letting voters decide who holds key judicial positions will help restore public trust and ensure accountability.

The first round of voting takes place on Sunday, June 1, when Mexicans will elect thousands of judges at the federal, district, and local levels.

The remaining positions are expected to be filled in a second election in 2027.

Candidates must have a law degree, experience in legal matters, no criminal record, and what the law describes as a good reputation.

Supporters say the move is long overdue and will open up a system often seen as distant and corrupt. But critics fear the reform will weaken judicial independence and open the door for criminal influence.

Among those expressing concern are legal experts and court workers, who have staged protests across the country.

Some warn that campaigning for votes could push judges to act like politicians rather than neutral legal experts.

Others point to candidates with links to high-profile criminal cases, such as a former lawyer for convicted drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

“Justice is not something you vote for, it takes knowledge and experience,” 28-year-old lawyer Olimpia Rojas Luviano was quoted as saying .

The outcome of Sunday’s vote could reshape the country’s justice system and set a global precedent for how far democracy can go in deciding who sits on the bench.

This case revolved around a $2.26 million payment from Blatter to Platini in 2011—supposedly for consultancy work done years earlier. The scandal cost Platini his shot at FIFA’s top job in 2016.

According to court documents, Nduta was apprehended while in transit to Laos. In her statement, she claimed that she had been hired by a Kenyan man named John, who instructed her to deliver a suitcase to another woman and return with more goods, the Nation Africa reports.

She passed undetected through three major international airports—Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, Bole International Airport in Ethiopia , and Hamad International Airport in Qatar—before being caught in Vietnam.

Vietnam enforces some of the world's strictest drug laws, with severe penalties for drug-related offences. Under Vietnamese law , anyone found guilty of smuggling or possessing more than 600 grams of heroin or cocaine faces the death penalty.

As it stands, it remains unclear whether she will appeal the verdict or seek diplomatic intervention from Kenyan authorities.

The panel also included Honorable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (judge-rapporteur) and Honorable Justice Edward Amoako Asante.

The events leading to this case occurred on July 17 and 18 , 2020, when a youth demonstration in Makeni was violently suppressed by Sierra Leone law enforcement.

According to the applicants, the army and police used live ammunition and tear gas against the protesters, resulting in deaths and serious injuries among unarmed civilians. Several victims, including Foday Kargbo, Mohamed Sillah, and Alusine Sesay, lost their lives due to this crackdown.

The protests were triggered by the government's decision to relocate a power generator from Makeni to another region, which locals feared would lead to increased power outages.

Beyond the compensation, the court has mandated the government to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

Sierra Leone had its first ECOWAS ruling this year on February 28, when the court, presided over by Justice Edward Amoako Asante, ruled that the state had violated the rights of Mr Mohamed Morlu, who sustained gunshot wounds during a police crackdown on student demonstrators in March 2017.

The Regional Court ordered Sierra Leone to pay $25,000 in compensation to Morlu and cover the cost of any necessary surgery to remove the bullet still lodged in his abdomen.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate’s finance committee confirmed this during recent budget discussions.

According to her, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) flagged 1,627 birth certificates as fake after an investigation.

Out of the number she said, 18 were cancelled by the Office of the Solicitor General after endorsement.

“[A total of] 1,627 birth certificates of foreign nationals were blocked by the PSA after its investigation, finding the documents to be spurious. The names of foreign nationals were shared with the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs, and [the] National Bureau of Immigration,” Poe was quoted .

The issue was raised by another Senator Risa Hontiveros who highlighted that some foreign nationals misuse late registration processes to get fake Filipino citizenship.

The proliferation of birth certificates has been a concern in the Philippines. In 2023 alone, over 300 fake documents were reportedly used by foreigners and Filipinos to apply for Philippine passports.

Guatemala City is taking strides towards modernising its traffic management system through a partnership with Kapsch TrafficCom. This ambitious initiative aims to implement a centralised traffic signal system, upgrading 511 intersections across the city with state-of-the-art traffic lights, video detection cameras, and variable messaging panels that utilise the EcoTrafiX mobility management platform. The new infrastructure will facilitate a variety of traffic regulation modes and foster interconnectivity between diverse equipment, accompanied by a technology transfer process for local personnel training. This project is anticipated to significantly enhance mobility for the citizens of Guatemala City, TTI reports.

Mining investments

On the investment front, a Swiss mining investor has threatened to file a substantial claim of US$100 million against Guatemala with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). According to GAR , this action follows the investor's obligation to suspend operations at a nickel mine attributed to US sanctions, highlighting the precarious position of foreign investment in Guatemala amidst geopolitical tensions.

CONCACAF match

Guatemala national team coach Luis Fernando Tena revealed Guatemala's final squad for the CONCACAF Nations League matches against Guyana and Costa Rica. Footboom reports that the roster consists of 25 players, refined from an initial 28, with notable exclusions including Carlos Mejía, José Carlos Martínez, and Kenderson Navarro. The team faced Guyana on October 11 at 20:00.

Suit over transportation of corpse to wrong destination

Legal troubles are also unfolding as a family from Queens takes action against the Rivera Funeral Home, following the mishandling of their loved one, Carmen Maldonado's remains. Intended to be interred in Ecuador near her grandfather, the remains were mistakenly sent to Guatemala, a mishap discovered via a TikTok news report. The family, initially met with an apology from the funeral home, had to push for coverage of the transportation costs back to the correct location, alongside incurring additional expenses for body preservation. Their lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress and breach of contract, reflecting concerns over systemic issues that may deter others from seeking justice. As of now, the funeral home has not commented to the media regarding the incident, CBS News reports.

Arrests over rape

In law enforcement news, ICE has arrested Maynor Francisco Hernandez-Rodas, a Guatemalan national charged with the aggravated rape of a child in Massachusetts. Hernandez-Rodas, who entered the U.S. illegally, has a history of prior convictions for 'breach of peace' in Connecticut. CBS News reports that despite an ICE detainer request, he was released after an arraignment related to the rape charges. Following his arrest by ICE on September 20, officials highlighted the potential dangers he poses to the community, emphasising the agency's focus on apprehending criminal migrants in the face of challenges posed by sanctuary cities that do not comply with detainer requests.

Uruguayan Senator Manini proposed a declaration of emergency for security due to concerns about rising crime rates. He called for immediate action and suggested measures such as intensive police operations, creating a "border shield" against organised crime, and transferring dangerous criminals to maximum security facilities. According to Prensa Latina , he criticised the current lack of authority and called for a stronger fight against crime.

Bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint business council, aiming to advance trade relations. The Saudi delegation, led by Ahmed Al-Khamshi, and Uruguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Nicolas Albertoni, attended the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Uruguayan joint committee. Uruguay's economy is expected to grow 3.4% this year and 3.5% next year, with the recovery of agricultural exports, increased cellulose production, easing of financial conditions, robust private consumption, and a recovery in real wages expected to support economic growth, Arab News reports.

Government faces legal challenge

The government of Uruguay is currently encountering a new legal challenge from activists who are seeking to compel it to disclose the details of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that it entered into with US-based e-fuels producer HIF Global in February. Officials signed the agreement to endorse HIF's plans for the establishment of a green hydrogen-derived methanol plant in the border city of Paysandú, and the construction of the plant, which is projected to produce 700,000 tonnes per year, is scheduled to commence next year.

Agricultural debt after drought

Uruguay’s Association of Accountants, Economists, and Administrators of Uruguay (CCEAU) warns of agricultural debt following drought, to be discussed at Agricultural Meetings with Argentina. The forum will also address market analysis, new technologies, and public policy prospects. The event is to take place on September 5 and 7 in the Lavalleja department, Prensa Latina reports.

Seizure of 61 kg of cocaine

Uruguayan officials confiscated 61 kg of cocaine from a car trying to enter the country from Argentina through the Libertador General San Martin Bridge. The cocaine was discovered in hidden compartments, and the driver was detained. According to Xinhua , the case is being referred to the Specialised Prosecutor's Office for Organised Crime.

Thai artist Jakkai Siributr collaborated with refugees from Myanmar’s Shan state in Thailand to create an embroidery project. The resulting installation, There's No Place, is displayed at the Venice Biennale as part of an exhibition exploring themes of diaspora and displacement. The embroidered pieces highlight the struggles of stateless communities and the limitations they face on a daily basis. This is not the artist's first work addressing displacement from Myanmar, as he previously created imaginary flags representing places where refugees would want to go. The exhibition aims to give a voice to unheard issues and bring attention to the experiences of Southeast Asian artists.

Badminton stars at US Open

Thai badminton stars Pakapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun won both men's and mixed doubles titles at the US Open in Texas. They secured their first title in the men's doubles, beating Taiwan's Liu Kuang Heng and Yang Po Han. This marked Thailand's first Badminton World Federation (BWF) men's doubles title since 2019. Pakkapon and Peeratchai also won their second BWF title in the mixed doubles, defeating Denmark's Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund, the Nation Thailand reports.

Verdict on potential dismissal of Prime Minister and dissolution of opposition

Thailand's constitutional court is expected to make a verdict by September in two cases that could lead to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's dismissal and the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward party. The cases have heightened political uncertainty in Southeast Asia's economy, which has struggled to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic.  Srettha, a real estate tycoon with the ruling Pheu Thai party, faces potential dismissal due to the appointment of a court-indicted lawyer to his cabinet. Meanwhile, Move Forward, a party that won the election but was blocked by conservative lawmakers, faces court proceedings over its campaign to amend Thailand's royal insult or lese majeste law.

Moroccans held by Myanmar gang seeks Thailand's help

Moroccan nationals held captive by a call centre scam gang in Myanmar have appealed to the Thai government for help. The Moroccans were coerced into working as scammers by the gang, led by Chinese nationals, in Myanmar's Karen State. They were held for ransom, with demands ranging from $6,000 to $7,000. The victims were promised e-commerce jobs in Thailand but were taken to their headquarters in Myanmar. The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) investigated and identified each Moroccan victim.

Deadly explosion

A powerful explosion occurred in front of a residential building near Bannang Sata police station, causing damage to houses and vehicles. A 45-year-old woman died, while 18 others were injured, including five seriously injured. The blast shattered glass panels and damaged apartment units, leaving the type and owner of the vehicle unknown, the Strait Times reports.

Togo has introduced a 40-day grace period for containers bound for Niger at the Port of Lomé. This move, according to Togo's maritime Minister Edem Tengue, is a component of continuing reforms in the marine industry aimed at streamlining operations at the Port of Lomé for landlocked nations.  The West African nation introduced earlier initiatives, like the elimination of statistics fees on products declared in transit to member countries of the Alliance of the Sahel States (AES), such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and arriving by sea at the Port of Lomé, Togo First reports.

Electricity debt

Nigeria's electricity regulator reports that Benin, Togo, and Niger owe a total of $51.26 million for electricity exported in 2023. The debtors include special and cross-border customers who have not remitted payments, and bilateral customers who purchased electricity directly from generating companies without paying their invoices, the New Telegraph Nigeria reports.

Survey to attract women journalists for training fellowships

A new survey has been launched to attract women journalists for training fellowships in Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo. The Africa Women Journalism Project is conducting research with the goal of launching a new journalism fellowship in these countries to create a pan-African network of women journalists covering women’s issues, according to Global Voices . The programme aims to create a curriculum to teach fellows journalism skills and unite women journalists in francophone West Africa through a new online community.

Togo and Japan sign agric-financing deal

Togo and Japan have signed a financing agreement for agricultural and civil engineering equipment worth 1.2 billion CFA francs (almost $2 million). The equipment will support Togo's agricultural development, focusing on rice cultivation and aiding vulnerable producers, according to Togo First . The agreement complements Japan's initiatives in Togo's agricultural sector, such as rice shipments under the Kennedy Round project .

Suspended prison sentence for two TikTokers for criticism of new constitution

Two Togolese TikTokers were given a 6-month suspended prison sentence for criticising the nation’s new constitution on TikTok. They called on Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé to realise the impact of the change and were charged with contempt of public authorities. They will be able to return home to their families after their arrest on May 15, 2024, local media Télégramme228 reports.

Walmart intends to invest approximately $700 million in Guatemala over the next five years, as the company's Central America head stated on Wednesday. The announcement, made by regional executive Cristina Ronski, coincided with the groundbreaking of a new store in the Central American nation. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the company's commitment to invest around $600 million in Costa Rica over the same period, revealed during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new distribution centre, as reported by Investing.com . Walmex, Walmart's Mexico and Central America unit, reported double-digit same-store sales growth in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras during the first quarter. Costa Rica experienced low- to mid-single-digit growth during the same period.

China rejects Guatemala shipments

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo confirmed on Friday, May 24 that China had refused entry to certain shipments from the Central American nation, raising speculation that it could be linked to Guatemala's relationship with Taiwan. The day prior, Guatemala's exporters' association reported that seven containers of macadamia nuts had been unable to enter China, and traders were informed that Guatemalan macadamia nuts and coffee would be barred entry, as per WTAQ . Guatemala maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, while Beijing asserts that both China and Taiwan belong to "one China," a claim rejected by Taiwan. “As you know, the inauguration of the new Taiwanese government, which Guatemala has ties with, was a few days ago,” Arevalo said, speaking in a live question-and-answer session on TikTok. “There could be some dispute with China related to this.”

Japan collaboration

On Wednesday, May 22, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and her Guatemalan counterpart, Carlos Ramiro Martinez, agreed to initiate policy consultations to enhance bilateral relations. According to Nippon , the two countries aim to strengthen their ties based on principles such as democracy and the rule of law, covering topics such as immigration, poverty, women's participation in peacebuilding, nuclear disarmament, and climate change. Speaking at the meeting held at Tokyo's Foreign Ministry's Iikura Guest House, Kamikawa highlighted Guatemala as a key partner sharing values and principles with Japan, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral ties. Martinez affirmed his nation's unwavering support for Japan on nuclear disarmament.

Missing hiker found

Zain Wailany, a 26-year-old man from Gwinnett County, went missing during a solo hike in Guatemala and was found days later. He was located on Saturday, May 25 in the morning and is being taken to a local hospital. Wailany originally went missing on the night of Tuesday, May 21, while hiking the Volcan de Acatenango, near Antigua. His current condition is unknown, reports Atlanta News First .

Guatemala affirms support for Taiwan

During a meeting between Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martinez and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa on Wednesday, May 22, Guatemala reiterated its support for Taiwan. Martinez's delegation, which attended President William Lai's inauguration ceremony in Taiwan on Monday, May 27, departed for Japan on Wednesday, reports the Taipei Times . Despite Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo's inability to attend the ceremony in person, he arranged a video conference with Lai on Tuesday, May 28, to convey his congratulations, as mentioned by Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Department Deputy Director-General Chang Tzu-hsin during a regular news briefing.

She is expected to lead the country’s judiciary for the next 10 years.

Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya has also served in many pioneering roles as a woman in South Africa’s legal field. She was a prosecutor and state law advisor and was admitted as an advocate in 1994.

In June 2006, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal in June 2006 by former President Thabo Mbeki as the first black woman to serve in her position.

She also served as the first woman deputy president and first woman president in the Appeal’s Court from 2017 to 2022.

Maya was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, assisting her predecessor Raymond Zondo in 2022.

She replaces Chief Justice Raymond Zondo who was appointed as Chief Justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2022, The Citizen reports.

  What they said

In their statement on May 22, the firm expressed disappointment over Apple's silence, stating, "It is more urgent than ever that Apple provide real answers to the very serious questions we have raised." Apple has maintained in the past that it does not directly procure primary minerals and has been conducting audits of its suppliers for several years, disclosing its findings publicly. "We found no reasonable basis for concluding that any of the smelters or refiners of 3TG determined to be in our supply chain as of December 31, 2023, directly or indirectly financed or benefited armed groups in the DRC or an adjoining country," a statement from Apple's report noted.   

In February 2024, Mongolia issued 1,897 e-visas to foreigners, marking a significant increase from previous years. The Immigration Agency of Mongolia processed 8,607 requests and assisted 5,772 citizens, showcasing the effectiveness of digitalization in service delivery. Additionally, the agency granted residence permits to 23,555 foreign citizens and initiated the issuance of residence cards for foreign citizens independently, demonstrating Mongolia's commitment to enhancing accessibility for foreigners. The digital service system processed a total of 115,211 requests in 2023, indicating a streamlined and efficient process, VisaGuide reported.

Belarusian agricultural exchange plans

The Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange is poised to expand its exports of dairy products and sugar to Mongolia, as evidenced by its first successful transaction of selling 1,400 tonnes of sugar to a Mongolian resident for $771,000. Efforts to attract buyers for milk powder and butter further highlight the growing trade relations between Belarus and Mongolia. Non-resident companies purchased substantial quantities of sugar and butter at exchange auctions in January-February 2024, underlining the increasing trade activity between the two nations, according to BelTA .

Cuba-Mongolia legal assistance agreement

Cuba and Mongolia are set to form a legal assistance agreement to enhance citizens' legal security and foster stronger bilateral relations during an upcoming visit by a Mongolian delegation to Havana. Prensa Latina reports that both parties have expressed keen interest in deepening cooperation, with the Mongolian Minister of Justice affirming the commitment to developing collaboration and the Cuban Embassy reiterating its willingness to strengthen bilateral ties.

Foreign exchange reserves

Mongolia's foreign exchange reserves reached $5.016 billion as of March 15. This growth can be attributed to improved foreign exchange inflows and successful management of foreign trade balance. The Central Bank of Mongolia's significant increase in the purchase of precious metals and successful refinancing of foreign bonds have contributed to reducing the country's external payment burden, positioning Mongolia favourably in the global economic landscape, AKIpress reported.

Forecasted mass deaths of livestock

The Mongolian government has forecasted a severe impact on the economy, with a prediction of 16 million livestock deaths due to harsh winter conditions. This prediction has significant implications for nomadic pastoralism, a crucial sector of Mongolia's economy, which currently supports 64.7 million livestock. According to AKIpress , nearly 4 million animals have perished due to dzud as of March 15, underscoring the severity of the situation and the need for strategic interventions to mitigate the economic impact.

"Agency Seven Seven has successfully led negotiations on behalf of former staff members of Twitter Ghana Ltd in their quest to get a fair settlement and repatriation expenses for foreign staff," said the firm in a statement.

“Congratulations on this important win! It is essential that all multinationals, big and small, know that they must respect our laws when they operate in Ghana,” they added.

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in October 2022 for $44 billion, fired nearly all of the African team as part of a global sweeping cuts of its employees in November 2022. He has since rebranded it, X.

The sacked staff members reported that X's treatment negatively impacted their mental health and finances. They said that after being informed of the termination, they were told they would be paid for one more month of work however, they were locked out of their emails with no further salary payments made after their contracts were terminated, the BBC reported.

"It's difficult when it's the world's richest man owing you money and closure," one member of the group told the BBC.

Musk in an interview in April 2023 told the BBC that X employed 1,500 people, compared to the little under 8,000 when he acquired the company.

The Moroccan police also discovered on him during his arrest a piece of identification bearing the Polisario logo, a movement advocating for the independence of Western Sahara.

Media reports of the Polisario's intention to use armed drones against Morocco set the accused's conduct against a backdrop of increasing threat.

However, during his defence, the accused denied any affiliation with the Polisario, insisting that the items discovered were for hunting purposes, Kassataya reported.