Fedorov, widely credited with advancing Ukraine’s digital transformation and expanding drone capabilities in the conflict, was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 15 as part of a broader government reshuffle. While Zelensky defended the move by refusing to disclose details for security reasons, the decision has sparked backlash and exposed tensions within Ukraine’s leadership, including reported disagreements over military command.

Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed has reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to promoting peace , stability and regional cooperation during meetings with representatives of the European Union, emphasising the country's role as a strategic partner in one of the world's most geopolitically sensitive regions. The discussions focused on Djibouti's contribution to stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, where conflicts in neighbouring countries and persistent maritime security threats continue to affect international trade and regional security. The Prime Minister highlighted Djibouti's longstanding policy of dialogue, regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement, noting that the country remains committed to working with international partners to address shared security challenges. The meeting also reviewed broader bilateral cooperation between Djibouti and the European Union, including development assistance, governance, economic cooperation and regional integration. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining close political dialogue as instability in the wider Horn of Africa continues to demand coordinated international responses.

Djibouti and the European Union deepen maritime security partnership

Djibouti and the European Union have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership on maritime security, reflecting the country's growing importance as a gateway to one of the world's busiest shipping corridors. The enhanced cooperation is expected to cover maritime surveillance, capacity building, information sharing and efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other transnational maritime crimes. Djibouti occupies a strategic position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which a significant share of global trade and energy shipments passes between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The partnership builds on years of cooperation between Djibouti and European security initiatives operating in the region. Both sides stressed that protecting maritime routes is essential not only for regional security but also for safeguarding international commerce and supporting economic development across the Horn of Africa.

Nation pays tribute to veteran statesman Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan

Djibouti has entered a period of national mourning following the death of Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, one of the country's most respected political figures and public servants. Tributes were led by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, while African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also honoured Bourhan's legacy, describing him as a devoted servant of the nation and the African continent. Bourhan occupied several senior government positions during his public career and played an important role in shaping Djibouti's institutions after independence. Messages of condolence highlighted his commitment to public service, national unity and state-building, with many describing him as part of a generation of leaders who helped establish the foundations of the modern Djiboutian state. His funeral prompted widespread reflection in national media over whether future generations will produce more leaders of similar stature and dedication. Commentaries described Bourhan as a "nation-builder" whose influence extended beyond politics into the country's broader social and institutional development.

Djibouti and UNDP expand cooperation on rural development in Rome

Djibouti and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have opened a new chapter in their partnership following high-level meetings in Rome, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation on rural development and sustainable economic growth. The discussions focused on improving livelihoods in rural communities through stronger investment in agriculture, water management, food security and climate resilience. Officials also examined ways to strengthen local institutions and improve access to economic opportunities for communities facing environmental and development challenges. The renewed partnership reflects Djibouti's efforts to diversify its economy beyond its strategic port sector by investing more heavily in rural development. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government's development priorities under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening resilience to climate change.

Renewable energy cooperation gathers pace as Djibouti pursues cleaner growth

Djibouti has strengthened international cooperation on renewable energy as the government continues efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and expand access to sustainable electricity. The latest discussions explored opportunities to accelerate investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, wind and geothermal resources, while strengthening technical cooperation and financing mechanisms. Djibouti possesses significant geothermal potential due to its location within the East African Rift system, and successive governments have identified renewable energy as a central pillar of the country's long-term development strategy. Officials said greater collaboration with international partners will help improve energy security, lower electricity costs, and support industrial development while contributing to global climate goals. The initiative also aligns with Djibouti's broader ambition to become a regional logistics and economic hub powered increasingly by clean and sustainable energy.

Speaking in Managua on Sunday during celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, Ortega claimed opposition figures were continuing to organise against his administration despite the absence of armed conflict.

"Do not think that because there is no war we are at peace. They [the opposition] live there conspiring, organising, looking for ways to organise parties so that in an election , which they assume, then those parties win the elections," he said.

Ortega accused opposition groups of receiving political and financial support from the United States and said his government would work with the National Assembly on legislation targeting parties it associates with violence and the 2018 anti-government protests.

He said, "they will not see elections again so that they can try to seize the government that way," adding that "no matter how much money the Yankees give them, they will not be able" to take power.

His announcement effectively cancels Nicaragua's next presidential election, which had been scheduled for November 2027. Ortega did not explain how elections would be formally abolished.

Referring to the United States, Ortega said, "The diabolical beasts are always looking for ways to dominate peoples in order to steal the wealth that peoples have," while recalling past tensions between Washington and the governments of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela .

He also revisited the 2018 unrest, accusing business leaders of abandoning agreements with his administration and joining what he described as a foreign-backed coup attempt.

The Nicaraguan government has consistently described the 2018 demonstrations as an attempted coup. International human rights organisations and the United Nations have accused the authorities of using force to suppress the protests, during which more than 300 people were killed.

Ortega returned to power in 2007 after previously serving as president during the 1980s.

Constitutional reforms that came into effect in 2025 formally established a co-presidency with his wife, Rosario Murillo. The changes also extended presidential terms from five to six years and expanded executive authority over state institutions.

On the 21st day of his hunger strike, Delhi Police removed Wangchuk from the protest site and admitted him to Safdarjung Hospital, saying his condition had become critical. Authorities said the decision was taken on medical advice and in compliance with directions from the Delhi High Court requiring regular monitoring of his health.

Wangchuk's supporters and family dispute that explanation, arguing that he was taken against his wishes in an effort to weaken a peaceful protest. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenged his continued stay at the government hospital, describing it as akin to detention and seeking his transfer to a private medical facility. The Delhi High Court has since ordered his immediate transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, with the government not objecting.

The incident has further energised the student-led movement. Protesters have continued demonstrations in New Delhi and organised marches towards Parliament, while some participants have broadened their demands beyond education reform to include calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign. The government has not publicly responded to those political demands or engaged directly with protest leaders.

Best known for developing artificial glaciers, or "ice stupas", to help communities in Ladakh cope with water shortages, Wangchuk has become one of the most recognisable faces of the movement. His hunger strike has drawn renewed attention to longstanding concerns over the integrity of India's competitive entrance examinations, which determine access to universities and professional courses for millions of students each year.

The institute challenged the international narrative that portrays El Salvador as a “miracle” or a model to replicate, arguing that the country’s reality is shaped by a series of deeper challenges, including the erosion of democratic safeguards, restrictions on civic space and the use of communication strategies to influence public perception.

From democracy to autocracy

According to IDHUCA, El Salvador has moved away from democratic consolidation since 2019 and towards what it describes as an autocratic model, characterised by the weakening of institutional independence, restrictions on civic participation and the criminalisation of independent journalism and human rights defenders.

The institute acknowledged the significant reduction in violent deaths in recent years but argued that “less violence does not mean greater security”, pointing to concerns over legal uncertainty, weakened guarantees and the distinction between public safety and respect for the rule of law.

IDHUCA also questioned the idea of an economic “miracle”, arguing that current growth in areas such as tourism and commerce does not necessarily represent sustainable development, particularly in the absence of stronger redistributive policies .

The end of an unfinished democratic transition

The presentation examined El Salvador’s post-war period following the 1992 Peace Agreements, which ended more than a decade of civil conflict and established institutions designed to prevent abuses of state power, including the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence of Human Rights (PDDH).

However, IDHUCA argued that the country never achieved a fully consolidated democracy. The institute identified longstanding weaknesses from previous administrations, including the influence of sectoral interests in public policy, the persistence of militarised approaches to security and policies focused on addressing immediate problems rather than their structural causes.

2019–2026: The consolidation of an authoritarian model

From 2019 onwards, IDHUCA described the country’s trajectory as a process of “democratisation in reverse”. The institute argued that key democratic institutions, including electoral authorities, the Legislative Assembly and the judiciary, have lost independence due to increasing concentration of power within the Executive Branch.

A central concern raised during the presentation was the prolonged use of the state of emergency, first introduced in March 2022 following a surge in homicides.

IDHUCA stressed that, under El Salvador’s Constitution, emergency measures are intended to be temporary. However, repeated extensions have transformed the suspension of certain rights into a long-term policy, according to the organisation.

The institute warned that this has weakened due process guarantees, allowing arrests based on suspicion, extending pre-trial detention periods and limiting access to legal defence. It also argued that the measure has expanded beyond addressing gang-related crime and has contributed to pressure against journalists, human rights defenders and other critical voices.

Pressure on civil society and forced exile

IDHUCA described the period between 2025 and 2026 as a stage of further consolidation of what it considers an authoritarian system, with civil society organisations operating in an increasingly hostile environment.

The institute cited the arrests of figures including lawyer and researcher Ruth Eleonora López Alfaro, constitutional lawyer Enrique Anaya and other community defenders as examples of what it described as the criminalisation of human rights work and public criticism.

According to IDHUCA, these actions have contributed to the forced exile of more than 40 journalists and at least 30 human rights defenders due to threats against their safety or that of their families.

For many in Tigray, the situation is creating a growing sense of insecurity, with communities caught in the middle of political uncertainty. Analysts caution that sidelining the structures set up after the conflict risks eroding the fragile balance achieved through the agreement. Should this trajectory continue, the stability that followed the end of the war may begin to deteriorate, casting doubt over the region’s path forward.

Cameroon’s National Assembly closed its June parliamentary session after placing mining transparency, land governance, public finances and diplomacy at the centre of its agenda. The session had opened on 9 June 2026 under the new Speaker, Théodore Datouo, at the Paul Biya Glass House in Yaoundé. It was the second ordinary session of the 2026 legislative year and the first June session under Datouo following the death of long-serving Speaker Cavaye Yéguié Djibril. Datouo called on Parliament to strengthen oversight of the mining sector, saying citizens in resource-producing communities often feel disconnected from the wealth extracted from their land. He urged ministries to improve the traceability of public revenue and demanded reforms to address what he called “reprehensible practices” in land administration, where disputes continue despite the existence of formally issued land certificates. The Speaker also linked future budget decisions to the daily concerns of Cameroonians, including youth unemployment, the rising cost of living and limited access to water and electricity.

More than 400 delegates gather in Yaoundé for Francophonie parliamentary assembly

Yaoundé is hosting the 51st Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, bringing together lawmakers and political leaders from across the French-speaking world between 7 and 12 July 2026. Organisers projected attendance of about 400 participants, including more than 300 parliamentarians and state representatives, around 80 young leaders, and at least 15 heads of parliamentary chambers. The preparations were led by Hilarion Etong, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie and head of its Cameroonian section. At a press conference on 25 June, Etong said an organising committee established in January had worked through 17 specialised subcommittees, insisting that “no sector has been neglected”. The assembly’s two principal themes are multilateralism and state sovereignty, and the response of Francophone parliaments to climate change.

MINAT tightens scrutiny of religious organisations after child’s killing

The Ministry of Territorial Administration, led by Paul Atanga Nji, has intensified scrutiny of religious bodies following the killing of a girl allegedly branded a demon by members of the Cameroon Life and Peace Evangelical Mission. On 8 July 2026, the ministry formally called the church’s leadership to order over the incident. The same day, it issued a separate warning instructing Jehovah’s Witnesses to respect the national anthem and state institutions. The intervention comes amid a much wider campaign against unauthorised revival churches. Cameroonian authorities have said that roughly 1,400 revival churches operate nationally, while only a small proportion hold legal recognition. Previous closure operations were justified by complaints involving noise, fraud, family disruption and the exploitation of worshippers. The latest action shows that the government is extending its focus beyond registration and noise violations to allegations of abuse, criminal conduct and disregard for state symbols. The killing has sharpened debate over whether administrative controls alone are sufficient or whether stronger criminal accountability and child-protection mechanisms are required.

Cameroon converts national disarmament strategy into regional action plans

Cameroon’s National Committee for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration, known as the CNDDR, opened a two-day workshop in Yaoundé on 6 July 2026 to translate the country’s first national DDR strategy into regional action plans. The national strategy was technically approved in December 2025, but the new process is intended to adapt it to the distinct security conditions in the Far North, North-West and South-West regions. CNDDR national coordinator Faï Yengo Francis explained that a single national framework could not be applied uniformly. “The regions are not identical,” he said, adding that each one must present a local plan that can be debated, amended and aligned with the national strategy. Since the CNDDR was created by presidential decree in November 2018, more than 4,000 former combatants have reportedly been disarmed and demobilised through centres in Mora, Buea and Bamenda. In December 2024, a major reintegration operation in the Far North released 708 former combatants, including 447 children associated with armed groups and more than 100 women.

Illegal weapons in circulation estimated at up to 185,000

Cameroon is estimated to have between 150,000 and 185,000 illegal firearms in circulation , underlining the scale of the country’s arms-control challenge. The estimate comes as authorities confront separatist violence in the North-West and South-West, Boko Haram attacks in the Far North and criminal trafficking across borders shared with conflict-affected states. The illicit stock is believed to exceed the number of legally authorised civilian weapons, increasing the risk that firearms move between armed groups, criminal networks and local communities. Cameroon’s geography makes enforcement especially difficult: the country borders Nigeria, Chad and the Central African Republic, all of which have experienced significant armed conflict and arms trafficking. The figures reinforce the importance of the DDR plans now being developed. Disarmament cannot succeed through demobilisation centres alone if trafficking networks continue to replenish weapons supplies. Authorities therefore face a combined task of controlling borders, tracing weapons, dismantling trafficking routes and creating credible reintegration pathways for former fighters.

The family backgrounds of recent U.S. presidents tell a long history of immigration and interwoven European ancestry, with English, Irish, Scottish and German heritage appearing most frequently across the White House since the 20th century.

President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January 2025, traces his ancestry primarily to Germany through his paternal grandparents, Friedrich Trump and Elisabeth Christ, who emigrated from the Kingdom of Bavaria in the 1880s. On his mother's side, he descends from Scottish immigrants from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

Joe Biden's documented ancestry is predominantly Irish and English, with additional French roots. Much of his paternal family originated in Counties Louth and Mayo in Ireland before emigrating to Pennsylvania during the 19th century.

Barack Obama has one of the most internationally diverse family backgrounds of any U.S. president. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was a Luo from Kenya , while his mother's ancestry includes English, Irish, Scottish, German, French, Swiss and Welsh forebears, as documented by professional genealogists and academic studies.

English ancestry remains the most common thread among modern U.S. presidents.

Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Franklin D. Roosevelt all trace substantial portions of their ancestry to early English settlers who arrived during the colonial period.

Irish ancestry is also widespread. John F. Kennedy became the first Irish Catholic president in 1961, while Biden, Clinton and Reagan all have well-documented Irish roots.

Scottish ancestry appears repeatedly as well, reflecting migration from both Scotland and the Ulster Scots community that settled extensively across colonial America during the 18th century.

German heritage is another recurring feature, particularly among Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose family descended from German immigrants who arrived in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Eisenhower also had Swiss ancestry through his maternal line.

Immigration shaped America's political leadership

Several presidents reflect America's broader immigration story.

Gerald Ford had English, Scottish and Polish ancestry. Richard Nixon combined English, German, Welsh and Ulster Scots heritage. George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush both descended from families with English, German, Dutch, Irish, French, Scottish and Swedish roots.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's ancestry included Dutch settlers whose family arrived in New Netherland during the 17th century, alongside English, French and Scottish lines.

These genealogical records demonstrate that while presidents have represented different political parties and generations, many share common ancestral origins rooted in successive waves of European migration to North America.

The session descended into chaos after opposition MP Abdou Mbow was physically removed from the podium and escorted out by gendarmes after refusing to leave.

Opposition lawmakers said the incident reflected what they described as growing authoritarianism within the Assembly.

"The objective has been achieved. The point was to show the world that what is happening at the National Assembly is a dictatorship and an abuse of power. Gendarmes were deployed to evacuate an MP who was merely exercising a single right: the right to speak," opposition parliamentary leader Aissata Tall Sall said.

After being removed, Mbow also criticised the ruling majority.

"No security force, no army, will ever make us back down. We will continue to say no to this regime because Ousmane Sonko is a dictator. He is someone who was convicted of corrupting youth, and he is incapable of leading even a neighbourhood, let alone a National Assembly," he said.

Despite the opposition boycott, the ruling PASTEF party passed the constitutional revision bill with 129 votes in favour.

Justice Minister Moussa Sarr defended the reforms, saying they would address key constitutional issues and rebalance power between the executive and the legislature by simplifying motions of censure and limiting the president's authority to dissolve parliament.

Addressing lawmakers after the vote, National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko rejected criticism of the reforms.

"The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye. To come and say, 'No, I will no longer declare my assets at the end of my term,' or 'No, I want to be a party leader,' even though these were commitments made during a political dialogue and championed by the party," Sonko said.

The constitutional package proposes replacing the Constitutional Council with a Constitutional Court, preventing the president from leading a political party, expanding parliamentary oversight powers and reducing presidential authority.

The reforms come amid a political dispute between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who was dismissed in May before later becoming Speaker of Parliament.

President Faye has said the proposed constitutional changes will be put to a national referendum following their approval by the National Assembly.

Libya's Presidential Council announced that the leaders of the Presidential Council, House of Representatives, and High Council of State have agreed on a roadmap to end the country's transitional period through simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections by 17 February 2027. The plan reaffirms the Constitutional Declaration and Libyan Political Agreement, establishes a high-level committee comprising the Central Bank governor, High National Elections Commission chairman, and representatives of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to oversee the process, and requires the next elected president to launch a national dialogue with the Constituent Assembly to finalise Libya's permanent constitution.

Saddam Haftar's Pakistan visit reflects expanding military partnerships

Political analyst Abdulhakim Adnan says the recent visit by Saddam Haftar , commander of the Libyan National Army's Ground Forces, to Pakistan reflects Libya's effort to diversify its international military partnerships. The visit follows a series of high-level meetings with Pakistan's military leadership and builds on expanding defence cooperation between eastern Libya and Islamabad. Adnan argued that the trip carries both military and political significance, particularly after Pakistan and eastern Libyan authorities strengthened defence cooperation through agreements covering training, technical cooperation, and military industries. Observers believe the relationship could increase Libya's access to military expertise while also strengthening Pakistan's strategic presence in North Africa. However, some analysts caution that expanding foreign military partnerships may further complicate Libya's already fragmented political landscape by reinforcing competing centres of power.

National Development Agency launches 500-unit housing project

Libya's National Development Agency has begun implementing a 500-unit residential housing project , part of broader efforts to address housing shortages and improve infrastructure in several parts of the country. The project forms part of ongoing reconstruction and development programmes intended to expand access to affordable housing while stimulating local economic activity. Officials say the development includes modern residential units supported by road networks, utility connections, and public services. The initiative reflects wider government efforts to revive construction after years of conflict, damaged infrastructure and slowed urban development. Authorities hope projects of this kind will create employment opportunities while helping to improve living conditions for Libyan families. The housing programme also forms part of broader national plans aimed at supporting reconstruction and encouraging long-term investment in public infrastructure.

Police intercept nearly 30 migrants preparing for illegal sea crossing

Security authorities in Zliten have intercepted approximately 30 irregular migrants who were reportedly preparing to leave Libya by sea for Europe. According to the Zliten Security Directorate, the migrants were discovered during security operations targeting illegal migration networks operating along the country's Mediterranean coastline. The migrants were transferred to the relevant authorities for legal procedures, while investigations were launched to identify those responsible for organising the attempted crossing. Libya remains one of the principal departure points for migrants attempting to reach southern Europe, making anti-smuggling operations a major priority for security forces. The latest operation highlights continuing efforts by Libyan authorities to disrupt human trafficking networks that profit from irregular migration across the Mediterranean.

Libya ranks tenth in the Arab world for artificial intelligence readiness

Libya has ranked 10th among Arab countries in a regional assessment of artificial intelligence readiness, reflecting growing efforts to strengthen digital transformation despite years of political instability. The ranking follows the launch of Libya's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, which aims to modernise government services, expand digital infrastructure, and develop AI capabilities across the public sector. The strategy sets ambitious targets, including equipping 80% of government institutions with AI solutions, providing digital identities to 70% of the population, training 10,000 specialists, and supporting the creation of 100 AI startups by 2030. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has described artificial intelligence as a key tool for improving public services, strengthening government efficiency, and diversifying Libya's economy beyond hydrocarbons. Officials view the regional ranking as an encouraging sign that Libya is beginning to build the institutional and technological foundations needed to compete in the digital economy.

In the summer of 2026, the UK changed its Prime Minister once again. Keir Starmer stepped down in dismay, becoming the sixth Prime Minister to fall in the ten years since the Brexit referendum. At this very moment, the highly popular "King of the North," former Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, is confidently eyeing the Prime Minister's seat.

In Westminster, politicians and political commentators are accustomed to blaming the frequent turnover of Prime Ministers on PR disasters, party infighting, or terrible election strategies. I witnessed, experienced, and reported on what happened in this country for most of the decade following Brexit. As a foreigner who once lived in London, when I tried to understand why this country, once renowned for its political stability, had become seemingly "ungovernable," I found the answers not in parliamentary debates, but in a few everyday trivialities I personally experienced. Behind the endlessly spinning "revolving door" of 10 Downing Street, the structural decline of the macroeconomy and the throes of geopolitics have quietly rewritten the fates of ordinary people.

The tax bill problem

When I finished my term and was preparing to leave the UK, I logged onto the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website to see exactly where the taxes I had paid over the years had gone. In the system-generated bar chart showing the allocation of my personal tax contributions, the fourth largest government expense—ranking right after welfare, healthcare, and pensions—was shockingly "National Debt Interest."

I always knew that the most important indicator of a nation's rise and fall is "money," but I never expected to touch the economic pulse of this country in such a manner.

When the interest a country has to pay annually on its national debt approaches the total amount spent on nationwide pensions, it inevitably surprises those of us from a culture that "loves saving and hates owing." That glaring number instantly made me realize the greatest illusion in British politics in recent years: whether it was Liz Truss's disastrous "mini-budget" or Keir Starmer's attempt to plug the fiscal black hole with tax hikes, every new government was merely dancing in heavy shackles. When massive portions of the budget are forced into paying debt interest, the funds available for the government to invest, stimulate growth, or repair public services are severely squeezed. Brexit itself has imposed a heavy structural headwind on this fragile economic foundation.

According to authoritative joint research conducted by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and the Bank of England, the Brexit process has caused a long-term shrinkage of the UK's GDP by 6% to 8%. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, by May 2026, the UK's public sector net debt had reached 95.10% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), requiring £111 billion in interest payments alone each year. In 2025, the yield on 30-year UK government bonds briefly hit 5.5%, marking a 25-year high.

The fiscal policies tucked inside the Chancellor's Red Box must be meticulously calculated: how to bring in more money, how to achieve more while spending less, and how to borrow more money at lower interest rates. This explains why anyone—from Starmer to any future Prime Minister—cannot easily flex their muscles. The UK is no longer ruled solely by the House of Commons, but also by the cold, hard "bond market." Any stimulus plan lacking financial backing will be met with ruthless market sell-offs. The national debt interest on that HMRC bill is the fiscal noose tightening around the neck of every British Prime Minister.

The "Tomato Crisis"

What the British economy lost was not just fiscal space, but also its once-unimpeded supply chains. Another visceral pain of Brexit is hidden right inside the everyday salad bowl. In late February 2023, I personally witnessed an absurd "Tomato Crisis" in London.

During that time, you couldn't find a single decent tomato on the shelves of major UK supermarkets. Even canned tomatoes and ketchup were swept clean. The official explanation given to the public by the government and supermarkets was surprisingly uniform: "Due to climate issues, Spain has suffered a severe tomato harvest failure."

Hearing this "force majeure" excuse, my colleagues and I were skeptical. We immediately made a WeChat call to our colleague stationed in Spain. The answer from the other end of the line felt like a resounding slap in the face: "That's complete nonsense. The Spanish markets are piled high with tomatoes; the supply is perfectly normal!"

Peeling back the disguise of "bad weather," the truth was nothing more than the non-tariff barriers brought about by Brexit. I have reported on many similar stories: British white asparagus used to rely heavily on seasonal agricultural workers from Eastern European countries like Romania and Bulgaria. After Brexit, the visa processes for Eastern European workers coming to the UK became overly convoluted, leading to severe labor shortages in UK agriculture and leaving many farmers worried their crops would rot in the ground. Furthermore, the customs clearance time for truck drivers crossing between Dover, UK, and Calais, France, has been drastically prolonged, with border delays frequently exceeding 36 hours during peak times. During extreme weather or system failures, queues of trucks stretching over 20 miles have trapped drivers for more than a dozen hours.

After leaving the EU single market and the customs union, tedious customs procedures and phytosanitary certificates turned EU exports to the UK into a logistical nightmare. Faced with endless red tape, European agricultural suppliers made the most economically rational choice: prioritize supplying the friction-free internal EU market and directly abandon or reduce exports to the UK. The UK's Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) once stated that its long-term forecast shows post-Brexit UK trade will drop by 15% compared to remaining in the EU. Caught in the dual crossfire of low growth and high inflation, voters are angry about the cost-of-living crisis, and the most direct outlet for this frustration is demanding a change of Prime Minister time and time again.

Splitting up

Brexit severed not only logistics but also human connections. When I lived in London, my neighbors were an extremely "European" couple: the woman worked at the London branch of an Italian bank, the man was an engineer for a Portuguese construction company, and together they had a lovely French bulldog. On weekend mornings, the rich aroma of Italian espresso always drifted from their terrace.

Before Brexit, having an operating license in the City of London was like holding an "EU Passport" for financial firms; foreign institutions could provide financial services smoothly across the entire European Economic Area. But after Brexit, London lost the advantage of the EU financial passport, and the Italian bank where the woman worked withdrew its operations and most of its jobs from London. After struggling for a while, she moved back to Italy; for the sake of love, the man also had to quit his job and return to Portugal. Initially, we still liked each other's social media updates, but a few years later, when I accidentally scrolled past the man's photo on Facebook, the girl in his arms was someone else. Their love survived the test of the COVID-19 pandemic, but post-Brexit life made them miss out on each other.

This macro-level political experiment not only forced the UK to endure a net GDP loss of 6% to 8%, but it also cruelly severed the intersecting destinies of countless individuals on a micro-level. Brexit took away not just capital, but also a piece of the cosmopolitan vitality that this city once took immense pride in.

Compared to the departure of this young couple, some of the Europeans who stayed behind plunged into a different kind of panic. A French friend of mine has spent most of his life in London and speaks with a fluent London accent. Recently, however, he has been frantically preparing for the "Life in the UK" citizenship test. Previously, despite having lived in London for decades, this proud Frenchman was always reluctant to apply for British citizenship. But now, he fears that if the populist wave continues to sweep across the country and the Reform Party comes to power, he could face visa complications or even the risk of deportation at any moment, even though he already considers London his primary home.

Instead of taking back control of the borders as politicians promised, Brexit saw immigration numbers hit a historic high of over 900,000, the vast majority of whom were non-EU migrants. This sense of disillusionment catalyzed the rise of far-right forces. Another long-time friend in the UK noted that, in the past, the confrontation between the UK's two major political parties unfolded roughly along a classic left-right economic axis: Labour championed redistribution, while the Conservatives advocated for low taxes. The middle class, the working class, and the City of London all had their respective places, coexisting peacefully. But Brexit acted like a wedge, forcefully prying this axis apart and replacing it with a new one: the identity/culture axis. From then on, British voters were reclassified—are you for an open society or a closed one? Are you a metropolitan elite or a small-town nostalgic?

The 2016 referendum was viewed by many pro-Brexit supporters as an opportunity to "take back control." But ten years later, whether it is UK-EU relations, economic development, or immigration debates, many Britons feel that although the UK has left the EU, the pervasive "loss of control" over their own lives remains as strong as ever.

The afterglow of empire

Finally, there is that staggering bill. In the autumn of 2022, I recorded a video in my London apartment specifically breaking down my monthly energy bill. I calculated my electricity, hot water , and heating costs at the time, and the monthly energy expense had already reached £160.50. At a rough exchange rate of 8, that was 1,284 RMB for a single month! By 2025, statistics showed that the annual household energy expenditure in the UK reached £1,720. Based on the median disposable income of a UK household in the 2024 fiscal year (£36,700), energy expenses accounted for roughly 4.7%. Beyond energy, there are supermarket bills, housing bills, and transport bills; the numbers representing the cost of living are only growing larger. Behind those alarming figures reflects the suffocating cost-of-living crisis facing ordinary Londoners, as well as the UK's extreme vulnerability in the global energy supply chain.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the turmoil in the Middle East have ruthlessly exposed the soft underbelly of the UK's energy structure. Yet, a perplexing paradox exists: in a low-growth economy where ordinary citizens must pinch pennies for heating, where the government's fiscal space is severely squeezed by national debt interest, and where not even the stable supply of tomatoes can be guaranteed, the politicians in Westminster are still immersed in the illusion of the bygone "British Empire." They stubbornly insist on increasing defense spending, attempting to maintain a "Great Power posture" on the stage of international aid and global geopolitics that has long been disproportionate to their actual national strength.

A deeper malaise

Ten years of the Brexit dream. When Andy Burnham attempts to return to the centre of power with his successful experiences from Manchester, he will be facing a nation far more shattered than Greater Manchester. Politicians always assume that swapping out a dry, rigid Starmer for a more grounded new leader will pacify angry voters. But as long as the UK refuses to drop the baggage of its imperial afterglow, refuses to confront the structural barriers caused by Brexit, and fails to resolve the massive interest ledger written on my tax bill alongside the cost-of-living crisis on ordinary citizens' bills, the black door of 10 Downing Street will forever remain a revolving door that only spins faster and faster.

Yubin Du is a journalist, producer, and chief editor for CGTN. He was stationed as a foreign correspondent in Washington, D.C., USA, and London, UK, for six years respectively, focusing on China-US and China-Europe relations. He has worked in China's international broadcasting and new media sectors for over 16 years. This article reflects only the author's personal views. Image: Deposit Photos

Developments dominating regional attention include a breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Iran, which concluded high-level talks at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock with an agreement to pursue a final settlement within 60 days. The negotiations were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with mediation from Qatar and Pakistan. US Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation, while senior Iranian officials represented Tehran. According to the joint statement issued after the talks, both sides agreed on a roadmap covering nuclear issues, regional security, sanctions relief, and confidence-building measures. Mediators described the discussions as “positive and constructive”, although officials acknowledged that substantial differences remain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later described the negotiations as having made “major progress”, particularly regarding oil exports, financial restrictions, and future economic cooperation. For Syria, the talks are significant because any broader US-Iran understanding could directly affect regional conflict dynamics, sanctions regimes, and the balance of power involving Iran-backed groups operating across the Levant.

Washington and Tehran establish a direct Hormuz communication channel

One of the most important outcomes of the Swiss negotiations was the establishment of a direct communication mechanism between the United States and Iran to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. Mediators said the hotline was designed to avoid “incidents and miscommunication” as maritime traffic gradually resumes following months of disruption. The agreement comes after prolonged instability in the waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass. Qatar and Pakistan argued that direct communication is essential to prevent accidental escalation, false alarms, or interference by non-state actors. The move reflects growing recognition that maritime security has become inseparable from broader diplomatic negotiations. For Syria and the wider Middle East, uninterrupted shipping through Hormuz remains critical because energy prices, trade flows, and regional economic stability are heavily influenced by developments in the Gulf.

Massive explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hub raises energy security concerns

Regional energy markets were shaken by a major explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, home to the world's largest liquefied natural gas processing and export facilities. The blast occurred on 21 June 2026 during restart operations at the Barzan gas facility, one of Qatar’s most strategically important energy sites. Qatari authorities reported that at least 13 people were killed, 66 were injured, and 18 were missing after the explosion. Emergency crews launched extensive rescue operations while investigators worked to determine the cause of the incident. QatarEnergy stated that exports continued, but the accident nevertheless sparked concern across global energy markets because of Ras Laffan’s central role in international LNG supply chains. The incident highlights the vulnerability of regional energy infrastructure at a time when Middle Eastern stability remains closely linked to global energy security. Any disruption to Gulf gas exports has the potential to affect energy prices, industrial supply chains, and economic recovery efforts across multiple continents.

Lebanon ceasefire and Hormuz reopening dominate first round of Swiss talks

Beyond the nuclear file, discussions in Switzerland focused heavily on regional security issues, particularly the situation in Lebanon and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz . According to reports from the negotiations, both sides explored mechanisms to reduce tensions involving Iran-backed groups and prevent the expansion of regional conflict. Negotiators reportedly discussed ceasefire arrangements linked to Lebanon, maritime security guarantees, and measures intended to prevent future confrontations between regional actors. The talks reflected a growing understanding that any durable agreement between Washington and Tehran must address interconnected regional conflicts rather than focusing solely on nuclear issues. For Syria, these discussions are particularly relevant because developments in Lebanon, Iran, and the Gulf often have direct implications for regional military alignments, refugee movements, border security, and economic conditions.

Regional foreign ministers meet in Cairo as diplomacy intensifies

Diplomatic activity continued with a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo, where regional leaders discussed security coordination, conflict de-escalation , and the evolving diplomatic landscape following the US-Iran negotiations. The gathering reflected increasing efforts by Middle Eastern governments to shape outcomes through diplomacy rather than military confrontation. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment as governments across the region seek to stabilise trade routes, protect energy infrastructure, and prevent further escalation after months of heightened tensions. Officials focused on strengthening regional dialogue mechanisms and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing conflict risks. For Syria, the Cairo consultations underscore how regional diplomacy is becoming increasingly interconnected. Negotiations involving Iran, the Gulf states, Lebanon, Egypt, and international powers are likely to influence the broader political environment in which Syria's future security and reconstruction challenges will be addressed.

The United Nations Security Council has issued one of its strongest warnings since the start of Sudan’s war, expressing alarm over the “imminent risk of mass atrocities” in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. The warning follows reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have amassed significant reinforcements around the city, raising fears of a major ground offensive against an urban centre that is home to roughly half a million people. Council members demanded that the RSF halt any assault and called on all parties to protect civilians. International concern has intensified because of the precedent set in other parts of Sudan, particularly Darfur, where rights groups and UN officials have documented mass killings, displacement, and alleged war crimes. The crisis comes against the backdrop of what the UN describes as the world's largest displacement and hunger emergency. More than 11 million people have been forced from their homes since the conflict erupted in April 2023, while humanitarian agencies warn that conflict-driven hunger continues to worsen across Sudan and neighbouring states.

RSF deploys forces across Nyala in bid to restore security and control

The RSF has launched a major security deployment across Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, following growing concerns over instability, tribal tensions, and challenges to its authority in the city. According to reports, additional forces have been deployed to key neighbourhoods, transport routes, and strategic locations as the group seeks to strengthen public order and reassure residents. Nyala has become increasingly important politically and militarily since the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) designated it as the administrative centre of its proposed government earlier this year. The city has also experienced heightened tensions after protests linked to the detention of local RSF commander Issam Mukhtar, prompting authorities to move quickly to prevent tribal unrest. The security operation comes as RSF commanders face pressure from multiple fronts, including reported defections, Sudanese army offensives, and continued drone strikes targeting RSF-controlled areas. Analysts say maintaining stability in Nyala is critical to the group's efforts to preserve control across Darfur.

Former Kassala governor accuses Burhan administration of fuelling tribal divisions

Former Kassala Governor Saleh Ammar has accused the administration of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of contributing to growing tribal tensions and political fragmentation in eastern Sudan. The criticism reflects longstanding concerns that tribal rivalries are being manipulated for political and military purposes during the country's ongoing conflict. Eastern Sudan has experienced repeated disputes involving tribal identity, citizenship, political representation, and access to resources. Community leaders have previously signed agreements rejecting hate speech and committing to traditional reconciliation mechanisms, yet tensions continue to resurface. The allegations are particularly significant because eastern Sudan has remained strategically important throughout the war. Political observers warn that further tribal polarisation could destabilise areas that have so far avoided the scale of destruction seen in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. The accusations also add to broader criticism facing Burhan's administration regarding governance, inclusivity, and its handling of regional grievances.

South Sudan election commission allocates funding for December polls

In neighbouring South Sudan, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has announced plans to distribute approximately 5 million South Sudanese pounds to state-level offices as preparations continue for the country's scheduled December elections. The commission has simultaneously appealed for greater institutional and public support to ensure the electoral process proceeds successfully. The announcement comes amid concerns about logistical readiness, political tensions, and funding challenges surrounding South Sudan's long-delayed democratic transition. Electoral authorities argue that stronger cooperation between government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, and international partners will be necessary to guarantee credible polls. The elections are widely viewed as a critical test for South Sudan's peace process and political stability. Delays or disputes could have implications beyond South Sudan's borders, particularly given the interconnected security and humanitarian challenges affecting both South Sudan and Sudan.

South Sudan mourns former Upper Nile Speaker Joseph Deng Faroj

South Sudanese political figures, community leaders, and residents are mourning the death of Joseph Deng Faroj , the former Speaker of the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly. Faroj was regarded as an influential figure in Upper Nile politics and played a prominent role in regional governance during periods of significant political transition. His death has prompted tributes recognising his contribution to legislative affairs, public service, and political dialogue in one of South Sudan's most strategically important states. Upper Nile has long been central to South Sudan's political and security landscape because of its ethnic diversity, oil resources, and history of conflict. Faroj's passing comes at a sensitive moment as South Sudan prepares for elections and continues efforts to implement key provisions of its peace agreement. Political observers note that the loss of experienced leaders can have a significant impact on local political dynamics during periods of transition. Together, these developments highlight the interconnected crises shaping Sudan and South Sudan: escalating conflict, fears of mass atrocities, tribal tensions, fragile governance, and the continuing struggle to build stable political institutions amid one of the region's most challenging security environments.

The United Kingdom has been led by six prime ministers since 2010, a period marked by Brexit, political upheaval, economic shocks, and rapidly changing leadership at Downing Street.

Data compiled from UK Government records shows former Conservative leader David Cameron remains the longest-serving British prime minister of the period, spending 2,255 days in office between May 2010 and July 2016. Cameron resigned following the Brexit referendum, triggering a decade of political change that reshaped British politics.

Since then, Britain has seen an unusually rapid succession of leaders. Theresa May served 1,106 days as she struggled to deliver Brexit, while Boris Johnson remained in office for 1,140 days before resigning amid political scandals and cabinet resignations.

Liz Truss recorded the shortest premiership in modern British history , lasting just 49 days in 2022 after financial markets reacted negatively to her government's economic plans. She was succeeded by Rishi Sunak, who served 619 days before Labour returned to power in the 2024 general election.

Keir Starmer entered Downing Street in July 2024 after leading Labour to a landslide election victory that ended 14 years of Conservative rule. His government pledged to restore stability and rebuild public trust after years of political turbulence.

According to reports published on June 22, 2026, Starmer announced his resignation , becoming the sixth British prime minister to leave office in just over a decade. His departure continues a period of leadership turnover rarely seen in modern British politics.

Political analysts say the rapid changes reflect the pressures created by Brexit, economic uncertainty, leadership challenges and growing voter dissatisfaction. Since Cameron's departure in 2016, every British prime minister has faced significant political crises that ultimately shortened their time in office.

While Britain remains one of the world's oldest parliamentary democracies, the frequent changes at the top have highlighted the challenges of maintaining long-term political stability in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.

British Prime Ministers Since 2010 (Days in Office)

As Britain prepares for another leadership transition, the next occupant of Number 10 Downing Street will become the country's seventh prime minister in roughly a decade, underscoring one of the most politically volatile periods in modern UK history.

Fernández de Kirchner was sentenced to six years in prison and banned for life from holding public office after being found guilty of fraudulent administration linked to public works contracts. She denies any wrongdoing and maintains the case is politically motivated. A federal court later allowed her to serve the sentence under house arrest, while supporters continue to demand her release and a reversal of the ruling.

Turkish technology experts are raising alarms over the rapid spread of deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake videos, audio recordings, and images that can imitate real people. The growing sophistication of these tools is making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish authentic content from manipulated material. Security specialists recommend verifying information through multiple trusted sources, scrutinising unusual facial movements or audio inconsistencies, and avoiding sharing sensational content before confirming its authenticity. The concern is particularly acute in politics, finance, and social media, where deepfakes can be used for fraud, misinformation, reputational attacks, and identity theft. Researchers note that AI-generated media has become realistic enough to deceive large audiences and can be difficult to detect without specialised tools.

Silifke mayor among those detained in municipal operation

A major operation targeting Silifke Municipality in Mersin has resulted in detentions , including Mayor Mustafa Turgut, according to Turkish media reports. The operation has drawn significant political attention because Turgut is one of the region’s most prominent local government figures. While authorities have not publicly disclosed all details surrounding the investigation, the case forms part of a broader pattern of judicial scrutiny involving municipal administrations across Turkey. Such operations often focus on allegations relating to procurement, municipal finances, licensing procedures, or administrative misconduct. The development is likely to intensify debate over governance, transparency, and political accountability at the local level. Given Silifke’s importance within Mersin Province, the outcome of the investigation could have broader political implications for local administration and public trust in municipal institutions.

Hotel owner wounded in armed attack in Çorum

A hotel operator identified as K.K. (44) was injured after being targeted in a shooting outside his business on İnönü Street in Çorum. According to reports, two suspects arrived at the hotel, opened fire, and fled the scene immediately afterwards. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Police launched a large-scale investigation and recovered evidence from the scene, including a firearm believed to have been used in the attack, which was later found in a nearby children's park. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage and pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the suspects. The incident has renewed concerns about violent crime and firearm-related attacks in urban areas, particularly where business owners become targets of organised or personal disputes.

Anthropic restrictions expose widening fractures in the global AI race

A dispute surrounding advanced AI company Anthropic is highlighting growing tensions in the international technology sector. Recent restrictions affecting access to some of the company's most advanced models, including Fable 5 and Mythos 5, have triggered concerns about the fragmentation of the global AI ecosystem. The controversy stems from export controls and access restrictions affecting foreign governments, companies, and users. Critics argue that limiting access to cutting-edge AI systems could deepen technological divides between countries and accelerate the emergence of separate AI spheres dominated by competing geopolitical blocs. Anthropic has reportedly entered discussions with US authorities in an effort to address the restrictions. The episode reflects a broader struggle over who controls advanced AI technologies, how they are distributed globally, and whether national security concerns should outweigh international technological collaboration.

Two injured after minibus and commercial vehicle collide in Samsun

Two people were injured in a traffic accident in Çarşamba district, Samsun, when a light commercial vehicle collided with a minibus. The impact caused the minibus to veer off course and strike a concrete electricity pole. According to local reports, the accident occurred on Baraj Yolu Avenue in Sarıcalı neighbourhood. Emergency medical teams responded to the scene and transported the injured individuals to Çarşamba State Hospital for treatment. The incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in Turkey, where collisions involving commercial vehicles and public transport continue to contribute to injury rates. Authorities routinely urge drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly on busy urban and regional roads where traffic density can increase accident risks.

In a statement, the State Department said that the separatist group was threatening security and peace across the Horn of Africa as a result of its conflict with the Ethiopian central authorities.

The show of support for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed comes as counting continues in the country's election. Ahmed's Prosperity Party is widely expected to be the clear winner but voters in Tigray were excluded from the poll. That's because of ongoing violence in the northern region.

Although a civil war costing more than half a million lives was officially ended in 2022 through the Pretoria Agreement, instability has continued with rival factions vying for control. The conflict has been exacerbated by tensions between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea.

"I feel like I want to go back and really do my magic," Pita said. So I am still very capable and rigorous to go back when I have a chance, to finish what I had started."

Pita's Move Forward party won 151 of the 500 seats in Thailand's 2023 general election , a surprise result that made it the biggest group in parliament. However, his nomination to become prime minister was blocked when almost all the unelected conservative senators appointed by the military refused to back him. Months of legal wrangling followed, during which Pita was accused of various violations of parliamentary rules, preventing him from pursuing his bid to lead the country. At the end of it, he and several other party leaders were banned from politics for a decade. The Constitutional Court ruled that their promise to reform the lèse-majesté law, which shields the monarchy from criticism, was an attempt to overthrow the institution.

Pita said that he believes Thailand is suffering from a "Tyranny of the Minority" whereby the military, the media , and business monopolies combine to maintain the status quo, regardless of the wishes of the masses.

"That allows elections once in a while," he noted, "But [they] have that constitutional mechanism to make sure the election outcome and election result do not have to be the same. To me, it's not a democracy , it's a competitive autocracy. "

He insisted that his intentions were not anti-monarchist but only against those who were seeking to involve the king in politics for their own ends.

Speaking to Atlantico , Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire said:

Hilaire is confident of retaining his island's precious visa-free access to Europe, as a result of upgrades to its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). The European Union has taken a tougher stance on citizenship-by-investment schemes, with its latest Visa Suspension Mechanism report arguing that the operation of such programmes could itself become grounds for suspending visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The report specifically highlighted Caribbean countries operating citizenship programmes, including Saint Lucia.

Hilaire says he is working to convince the EU of the importance and justification for retaining their in-depth partnership.

"The dialogue we maintain with Brussels is real, continuous and conducted in good faith," he said in an interview.

The debate is about more than passports. For Saint Lucia, it is also about preserving one of the benefits that have made Caribbean citizenship programmes attractive: visa-free access to Europe. The issue has become even more sensitive after the European Union pointed to Vanuatu as an example of a country that lost its visa-free status over concerns related to investor citizenship schemes.

However, Hilaire argues that Saint Lucia's programme has changed significantly in recent years.

"Following the Caribbean memorandum of understanding signed in early 2024, we have raised the minimum thresholds, strengthened due diligence, harmonised our standards with our four regional partners and introduced, from 2026, a five-year initial passport, a mandatory orientation programme, a thirty-day stay in the country and full biometric registration."

Hilaire, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment and Commerce, among others, says the debate goes beyond technical requirements.

"Saint Lucia is a sovereign democracy of 180,000 people, facing climate vulnerability, debt constraints and limited fiscal space. We are not asking Europe for charity: we are asking for a partnership grounded in facts. The conversation must be about evidence, not only about fears."

Zone of peace

Beyond the debate over investment migration, Saint Lucia is also responding to a changing geopolitical landscape. Increased military activity, diverging positions within CARICOM and competition among global powers have brought renewed attention to the Caribbean.

Hilaire believes the region's traditional approach remains relevant.

"Saint Lucia's position is one of quiet diplomacy. We have always regarded the Caribbean as a zone of peace, and we continue to do so," he said.

He argues that small states can play an important role in an increasingly multipolar world, serving as what he calls "honest brokers" in international affairs.

The government is also looking to strengthen ties with France through Martinique and Guadeloupe. Hilaire describes the relationship as "one of the most underestimated in the Atlantic" and sees opportunities for deeper cooperation on climate resilience, security and culture.

Tourism remains central to Saint Lucia's economy, but the government is seeking new markets. While North America remains the island's largest source of visitors, Hilaire believes France offers untapped potential, particularly through Saint Lucia's shared Creole heritage and creative industries. The key challenge, he says, is improving air connectivity with Europe.

Despite concerns about climate change, debt pressures and shifting global alliances, Hilaire remains optimistic.

"Small states have one underestimated asset: agility," he said. "We can move faster than the major powers on regulation, on partnerships, on positioning."

Image from Depositphotos.com

During my years as a foreign correspondent based in Washington, D.C., beginning in 2012, I witnessed the enduring impact of U.S.–China Strategic and Economic Dialogue , the bilateral dialogue mechanism Paulson was instrumental in establishing.

Launched in 2006, that dialogue proved invaluable in navigating the turbulent 2008 financial crisis, helping to usher in what many now view as a golden era of Sino-US cooperation.

Paulson built a reservoir of goodwill that granted him rare access and insight. Indeed, as he recounted in his book Dealing with China , President Xi Jinping personally shared with him the vision for a new development zone in Hebei province, south of Beijing.

Paulson became the first to reveal to the world the blueprint for the Xiong'an New Area—China’s ambitious "millennium plan". Yet, the geopolitical landscape Paulson surveys today is drastically different.

The trust deficit

At the CCG event, he characterised the current bilateral relationship as one of "managed stability"—a fragile equilibrium rooted in a state of "mutually assured economic disruption".

Both nations are acutely aware of their capacity to derail the other’s economy. However, as Paulson rightfully noted, the true peril we face is not the much-debated trade deficit, but rather a profound and widening "trust deficit".

Bridging this divide is an urgent global imperative. We are staring down a relatively high probability of future global financial disruptions, and with global sovereign debt at dizzying heights, the international community has significantly less flexibility to respond to an economic crisis. In such a climate, maintaining open lines of communication between US and Chinese economic monitors is not a diplomatic luxury, but a vital necessity. Whilst dialogue alone cannot predict a financial crash, pre-established trust is essential to minimise the global fallout when it inevitably occurs. But how do we begin to rebuild that trust?

The most viable bridge remains the undeniable reality of our planet's health. As Paulson highlighted, environmental crises—specifically climate change and biodiversity destruction—are not mere geopolitical risks; they are absolute certainties that no single country can solve alone.

A few years ago, whilst reporting from the World Economic Forum in Davos, I asked China’s Special Climate Envoy Xie Zhenhua and US Climate Envoy John Kerry about the state of their collaborative efforts. Both men emphatically affirmed the tightness and necessity of Sino-US cooperation in the climate sphere.

Today, navigating the drastically altered political realities and protective policies of Donald Trump’s second term, that era of seamless alignment can feel like a distant memory. Despite these shifting political winds, Paulson used his appearance in Beijing to emphasise that the immense, untapped potential for Sino-US collaboration in conservation and climate remains.

The Paulson Institute has long been at the vanguard of this effort, having famously helped introduce the national park system to China through groundbreaking pilot programmes in Yunnan province.

China, for its part, has made commendable strides on the supply side, leading the charge in electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, and the diversification of energy sources. The geopolitical headwinds are undoubtedly fierce, and for today's global CEOs facing unpredictable export controls and sanctions , the temptation to retreat is strong.

Yet, Paulson’s warning remains stark: walking away from China is done "at your own peril".

Overcoming the defining challenges of our era demands pragmatic leadership. The world’s two largest economies must look beyond their mutual suspicion and close the trust deficit. The cost of failing to do so is simply too high for the rest of the world to bear.

Du Yubin is a journalist and chief editor for CGTN. He was stationed in Washington, D.C. and London for six years each, focusing on China-US and China-EU relations. He has over 16 years of experience in international communication and new media. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

Brazil received eight red cards in a chaotic 1-0 loss to the United States women's national team in Fortaleza. Coach Arthur Elias and three assistants were sent off during the second half, while players Bia Zaneratto and Tarciane were dismissed late in the match. Kerolin and Ludmila also saw red after the final whistle for dissent. Sophia Wilson scored the game's only goal in the 63rd minute, with Brazil failing to register a shot on target before a crowd of more than 55,000 fans.

Brazil intercepts 108 Cuban migrants as asylum requests surge

Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants from suspected smugglers in Roraima state, marking the largest humanitarian rescue operation ever recorded in the region. Five alleged traffickers were arrested. Officials say the operation reflects a growing wave of Cuban migration through Brazil's northern border with Guyana. Cubans became the leading nationality seeking refugee status in Brazil in 2025, with more than 40,000 applications, driven by Cuba's deepening economic crisis. Roraima and neighbouring Amapá have emerged as key entry points, with authorities warning that migration flows could continue to rise amid worsening conditions on the island.

EU deepens digital ties with Brazil to reduce reliance on US tech

The European Union and Brazil are set to sign a digital partnership covering data , cybersecurity, connectivity and online safety, as Brussels seeks to strengthen ties with trusted partners and reduce dependence on U.S. technology. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said Brazil will become the bloc's fifth digital partner, joining Canada, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. The move follows the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and comes as Europe works to boost its own tech sovereignty, particularly in cloud services and semiconductor production.

Brazil's Alisson unfazed by World Cup favourites tag

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker says being labelled a World Cup favourite offers no advantage, insisting what matters is a team's form when the tournament begins. The Liverpool keeper, fully fit for his third World Cup, credited coach Carlo Ancelotti with improving morale after a difficult qualifying campaign. He said Brazil have become more organised defensively under the Italian and is ready for their opening match against Morocco in New Jersey.

Brazilian woman, 38, accused of posing as child in years-long fraud

A 38-year-old Brazilian woman has been arrested for allegedly posing as a 12-year-old girl and deceiving a couple who housed and supported her for more than a year. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira is accused of fraud and identity offences after reportedly creating a fake identity, convincing the family to cover her expenses and treating her as a child. Prosecutors described the case as an "elaborate fraud scheme" involving emotional manipulation. Authorities say Oliveira has faced similar allegations in other Brazilian states.

Among the gifts were luxury vehicles, large cash donations , prime agricultural land, pedigree cattle and farming equipment, with individual contributions running into hundreds of thousands and, in some cases, millions of United States dollars.

The scale of the gifts quickly dominated social media conversations, with many Zimbabweans expressing differing views on the display of wealth in a country where millions continue to struggle with economic challenges.

According to reports, the newlyweds received a Land Rover Defender Octa valued at nearly US$500,000, cash gifts exceeding US$1 million from various business figures, 25 pedigree Beefmaster cattle, tractors and more than 30 hectares of land.

Supporters argue that individuals who have built successful enterprises should be free to celebrate their achievements and support family milestones as they see fit.

Others viewed the wedding as evidence that Zimbabwe still possesses significant local wealth and entrepreneurial capacity despite years of economic challenges.

However, not everyone shared the same perspective.

Critics questioned the timing and scale of the gifts and raised broader questions about inequality and the gap between the country’s elite and ordinary citizens.

Below are contrasting views from some Zimbabweans on X:

The economy is projected to grow above 7 percent this year, the third fastest in Africa. And yet all is not well in the Africa's second most-populous country.

Conflicts in Oromia, Amhara and Tigray have displaced millions of people , many of whom will be unable to cast ballots on June 1. In Tigray alone, the fracturing of a fragile peace deal with separatists means the election is unlikely to proceed, denying six million Ethiopians the right to vote.

And Ethiopian journalist Ermias Mulugeta told Global South World that a lack of information caused by media repression will mean many who do participate in the election don't understand the situation in their own country.

“Talking about politics for the media is a very tough situation right now,” Ermias said. “The government is the biggest factor in this media landscape.”

Speaking from Canada, Ermias said journalists were no longer able to report freely on corruption, politics or conditions on the ground in conflict-affected regions. He claimed Ethiopia’s media regulator had recently instructed journalists to stop publishing stories about corruption, creating what he described as “a very precarious condition” for reporters.

Journalists can face terror charges for reporting on conflict, with the prospect of a death sentence. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists , Ethiopia is the second-highest jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, after neighbouring Eritrea.

And despite the rapid economic growth, Ermias said ordinary people were not experiencing the benefits.

“People are not actually feeling it,” he said. “Daily food prices are rocketing.”

He argued that tighter media controls reflected government concerns about growing public frustration. According to Ermias, if journalists were allowed to report freely from regions affected by conflict, they would reveal realities that contradicted official narratives about stability ahead of the election.

Social media fills the news vacuum

Ermias said the weakening of traditional media had pushed more Ethiopians towards social media for news and political discussion. While this had allowed more people to express their views, he warned it had also fuelled misinformation and public confusion.

“People are so confused,” he said, describing a flood of contradictory narratives online from both government supporters and critics.

He argued that journalists and press freedom advocates should work with the Ethiopian government to restore at least some of the media freedoms that previously existed.

“Now we’re in a very tough situation,” Ermias said. “Those who are fighting for press freedom should work with the Ethiopian government to at least get it back to where we were.”

For weeks, journalists have repeatedly asked senior American officials for clarity. Questions have been put to military spokespeople, White House officials and President Donald Trump himself. Each time, the answers have been evasive, contradictory or incomplete.

The strange part is that most investigators already believe they know exactly what happened.

According to reporting from outlets including The New York Times , the BBC, Al Jazeera and the investigative group Bellingcat, the strike was almost certainly carried out by the United States .

Washington, however, still refuses to publicly admit responsibility.

The strike

To understand the controversy, it is important to understand where the school was located.

The building stood only a few hundred metres from a facility operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. Military analysts say the compound functioned as a communications and logistics centre and would likely have been considered a legitimate military target during the opening phase of the conflict.

The problem is what happened alongside that strike.

The attack took place on the first day of the war. In the middle of ongoing diplomatic talks, the United States launched a sudden large-scale assault against Iranian military infrastructure.

At approximately 9:40am on 28 February, cruise missiles struck radar installations while bombs dropped by American and Israeli aircraft destroyed air defence systems and IRGC facilities across Iran.

Roughly an hour later, a military base near Minab was hit.

At some point during the attacks, children at the school were reportedly instructed to shelter inside a prayer hall while waiting for parents to collect them. Then the explosion hit.

The evidence

Investigators say the evidence pointing towards American responsibility is extensive.

Modern warfare leaves behind an enormous amount of forensic data, and analysts were able to reconstruct the attack using missile fragments, radar tracking, launch timing, satellite imagery, acoustic analysis and dozens of videos posted online.

The most significant evidence was the missile debris recovered from the scene.

Several independent analysts identified fragments consistent with a Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon operated by the United States Navy.

Footage posted online showed another Tomahawk missile striking the nearby IRGC compound during the same attack window, while Israel publicly stated that it was not operating in the area at the time.

Initially, American officials blamed Iran itself for the explosion. Later, some suggested unnamed regional actors might have been responsible. Eventually, the White House settled on a more familiar response: that an investigation was ongoing.

Playing for time

If the evidence appears so overwhelming, why does Washington still refuse to openly acknowledge what happened?

The answer is political.

Outside the United States, many governments, analysts and observers have already reached their conclusions. Domestically, however, the calculation is very different.

As long as the administration refuses to confirm responsibility, supporters can continue dismissing reports of American involvement as propaganda, misinformation or hostile narratives pushed by Iran.

Without an official admission, there is no definitive political reckoning.

For now, at least.

That strategy, however, may not be sustainable indefinitely.

Pressure is already growing in Congress. Human rights organisations are demanding transparency, while international investigators continue collecting evidence.

If casualty estimates are accurate, the attack would represent the deadliest killing of civilians by a single American airstrike since the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

That is not the sort of event likely to disappear quietly.

The political calculation

Timing is central to the administration’s approach.

From the White House perspective, admitting responsibility while the war is still ongoing could be politically catastrophic. Admitting it afterwards may be survivable, particularly if the administration can argue the conflict achieved a historic strategic success.

Officials are expected to frame the war as having prevented a wider regional conflict and stopped Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Under that argument, the deaths in Minab could then be presented not as meaningless, but as the tragic cost of a necessary victory.

The political optics are very different.

More than 100 children killed during an open-ended and inconclusive war would provoke outrage. More than 100 children killed during a conflict later presented as preventing nuclear war is a narrative the administration may believe the American public is more willing to accept, especially when the victims were Iranian rather than American.

That is why the investigation appears stalled.

Not abandoned. Delayed.

Waiting for a moment when the truth becomes politically manageable. World Reframed episode 41.

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

ISSN 2978-4891

Peru is heading toward a runoff election marked by strong political polarisation and what analysts describe as a persistent “anti-vote” dynamic, where many voters are motivated more by opposition to candidates than genuine support for them. The runoff environment reflects years of political instability, institutional distrust, and public frustration that have repeatedly reshaped Peruvian politics. Analysts note that the current campaign atmosphere differs from the highly confrontational 2021 election cycle, although divisions remain severe across ideological, regional, and socioeconomic lines. Political analyst Román Cendoya stated that candidate Keiko Fujimori has managed to reduce some of the anti-vote sentiment that strongly affected her previous campaigns. According to Cendoya, the political climate “no longer resembles 2021”, suggesting a shift in voter behaviour and campaign dynamics. Even so, the election continues to expose deep tensions within Peruvian society, particularly over governance, corruption, economic inequality, and political legitimacy.

Social Front launches ‘Dialogues for Peru’ initiative ahead of elections

The Peru Social Front has launched a new initiative titled “Dialogues for Peru” , aimed at unifying social demands and building consensus ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. The initiative reflects growing concern that Peru’s fragmented political landscape is leaving large sectors of society disconnected from national decision-making. Organisers argue that social movements, labour groups, and community organisations must coordinate more effectively to ensure that public concerns are not overshadowed by elite political competition. The dialogues are expected to focus on economic inequality, social protection, democratic participation, and regional development. The effort also highlights broader attempts within Peru to reduce political fragmentation and rebuild social trust after years of recurring institutional crises, protests, and leadership instability.

Roberto Sánchez calls for ‘social peace’ and youth unity during election meeting

Peruvian political figure Roberto Sánchez called for unity and “social peace” during a meeting with young people as part of the 2026 election campaign environment. His message reflects wider concerns among political leaders about escalating tensions and political fatigue within the country. Youth engagement has become increasingly important in Peruvian politics, particularly as younger voters express frustration with corruption scandals, unstable governments, and limited economic opportunities. Sánchez’s emphasis on social peace suggests an attempt to position dialogue and stability as central campaign themes at a time when political rhetoric across Latin America has become increasingly confrontational. Calls for unity also underline fears that continued polarisation could deepen social divisions and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.

Government intensifies anti-drug operations with destruction of 11 tons of narcotics

The Peruvian government has strengthened its fight against drug trafficking through the destruction of 11 tons of drugs, underscoring the scale of narcotics activity affecting the country. Peru remains one of the world’s major cocaine-producing countries, making anti-drug enforcement a longstanding national and international security priority. The destruction operation signals continued efforts by authorities to disrupt trafficking networks, reduce organised criminal activity, and strengthen cooperation with international anti-narcotics partners. Drug trafficking continues to affect multiple regions of Peru, particularly rural and border areas where criminal organisations exploit economic vulnerability, weak infrastructure, and difficult terrain. Government anti-drug campaigns are therefore tied not only to policing but also to broader questions of regional development, state presence, and economic alternatives for local communities.

Peru reaffirms commitment to person-centred health reform in Switzerland

Peru has reaffirmed its commitment to person-centred health reform during discussions in Switzerland, signalling continued efforts to improve healthcare delivery and public health policy. The reform approach focuses on strengthening healthcare systems around the needs of individuals and communities rather than relying solely on institution-driven models. Person-centred healthcare has become increasingly prominent globally as governments seek to improve access, equity, prevention, and patient outcomes. Peru’s participation in international health discussions also reflects the growing importance of healthcare reform in Latin America following the pressures exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers across the region continue to face challenges involving unequal healthcare access, underfunded systems, and regional disparities in medical services. The government’s reaffirmation of reform commitments suggests Peru is attempting to position healthcare modernisation as part of a broader national development agenda.

Ramaphosa strongly denies claims that he was hiding millions of dollars inside furniture at his Phala Phala game farm. According to his version of events, the amount stolen was closer to $580,000 than the $4 million often quoted in headlines. Still, even half a million dollars hidden in a sofa is not exactly ordinary household behaviour.

The strange affair only became a national scandal because the money disappeared. In 2020, burglars broke into Ramaphosa’s farm and stole large amounts of foreign currency. What happened afterwards is what turned an embarrassing robbery into one of the biggest political controversies in modern South African politics.

'We can't call the police'

Rather than immediately reporting the theft publicly, allegations emerged that the president’s security team attempted to recover the money privately. Critics compared the situation to something out of a crime thriller - the classic scenario where people decide they cannot involve the police because explaining the missing cash would create even bigger problems.

According to claims later made public, Ramaphosa contacted the head of his presidential protection unit, Major General Wally Rhoode, and instructed him to investigate the matter. Rhoode has denied wrongdoing and said he was simply carrying out his official duties.

The affair remained secret until June 2022, when former intelligence chief Arthur Fraser filed a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa. Fraser himself is a controversial figure and a close ally of former president Jacob Zuma, whose administration was plagued by corruption allegations. Ramaphosa had built much of his political reputation on promises to clean up South African politics after the Zuma years, making the allegations especially damaging.

Christmas buffalo

The scandal raised several uncomfortable questions. Had the cash been properly declared to tax authorities? Were foreign currency regulations followed? Had state security resources been used to deal with a private theft? And perhaps most importantly, why was such a huge amount of cash sitting inside a sofa in the first place?

Ramaphosa’s explanation centres on buffalo.

According to the president, the money came from the sale of 20 buffalo to Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa, who allegedly visited the farm around Christmas and paid more than half a million dollars in cash for the animals.

What makes the story particularly unusual is that Mustafa reportedly left with neither the buffalo nor much formal documentation beyond a receipt. Years later, the animals had still not been delivered.

Mustafa later told Sky News he remained relaxed about the situation and expected the matter to be resolved eventually. It was an astonishingly calm response to what most people would consider an extremely risky purchase. Handing over hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to buy livestock , leaving empty-handed, and then waiting years for either the buffalo or a refund is not exactly a standard customer experience.

For a while, it appeared the scandal might quietly disappear. In 2022, Ramaphosa survived an impeachment threat after allies in parliament blocked efforts to move the process forward.

But South Africa ’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party continued pursuing the issue through the courts. Last week, judges ruled that the parliamentary process used to shield Ramaphosa from impeachment had been unconstitutional, reopening the possibility that the president could once again face formal proceedings.

The scandal has become symbolic of the contradictions at the heart of South African politics. Ramaphosa remains widely viewed by supporters as a more competent and reform-minded figure than many of his rivals. Yet the image of a president allegedly hiding huge quantities of foreign cash in furniture has badly damaged that reputation.

World Reframed episode 39.

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

ISSN 2978-4891

For supporters, the imagery reflected a long-standing political goal. For critics, it underscored what they see as a troubling shift towards extremism within Israeli politics.

The noose is not an incidental design choice. It has become a central emblem of Ben-Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit party, which has campaigned for the introduction of the death penalty specifically for those convicted of Palestinian terrorism. 

In recent months, the symbol has appeared on pins worn by politicians and supporters during parliamentary debates, signalling alignment with the policy .

That legislative push culminated earlier this year when Israel’s Knesset approved a measure making death by hanging a default sentence for certain terrorism-related offences. The move marked a significant departure from longstanding legal norms: Israel effectively abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954 and has not carried out executions since 1962.

Human rights groups and several Western governments have criticised the law as discriminatory, warning that it would disproportionately affect Palestinians, particularly those in the occupied West Bank. A joint statement by foreign ministers from several countries cautioned that the legislation risks undermining democratic principles.

Against that backdrop, the birthday cake’s message has been widely interpreted as a celebration of political success. The phrase “Sometimes dreams come true” was seen by critics as a direct reference to the passage of the law — a goal Ben-Gvir has championed for years.

Further controversy stemmed from the presence of senior officials at the event, including political allies and police figures. Opponents argue that their attendance blurred the line between state institutions and partisan ideology, reinforcing concerns about the growing influence of hardline politics within the government .

Ben-Gvir’s supporters, however, frame the policy as a necessary deterrent against terrorism, reflecting public demand for tougher security measures.

Some participants were seen raising their hands in a Nazi salute while chanting “Heil Hitler” during the procession.

The gathering later moved to Via Paladini, where attendees paid homage and laid flowers at Sergio Ramelli’s memorial site.

Sergio Ramelli was a 19-year-old militant from the Youth Front, the youth branch of the Italian Social Movement party. He was killed on April 29, 1975, in Milan in a political assassination carried out by militants belonging to the left-wing Workers Vanguard.

Press freedom remains sharply uneven worldwide in 2025, with Nordic countries maintaining their dominance at the top of global rankings, while dozens of nations continue to operate under constrained or reduced media conditions, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The index, which scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, shows Norway once again leading globally with a score of 93, followed closely by Estonia and the Netherlands at 89, and Sweden at 88. Finland, Denmark and Ireland also rank among the highest performers, each scoring 87, reinforcing Northern Europe’s longstanding position as a stronghold for independent journalism.

European countries dominate the upper tier of the index, with several nations, including Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and Czechia, scoring in the mid-80s, indicating a broadly stable media environment. The United Kingdom and Canada sit slightly lower at 79, reflecting what RSF describes as “moderate but notable pressures” on press independence.

Despite Europe’s overall strength, the index highlights variations within the region. Countries such as Hungary (63) and Greece (55) fall into lower categories, underscoring concerns about political influence, media concentration and journalist safety.

A large group of countries falls into what RSF classifies as “moderate” or “constrained” press freedom. These include major economies such as the United States (65), Japan (63), and South Korea (64), where structural and political challenges continue to affect journalistic work.

In Africa, the picture is mixed. Ghana (67) and Namibia (75) perform relatively well, while others, such as Zambia (57) and Niger (57), face tighter constraints. Similarly, Latin American countries show divergence, with Uruguay (65) and Costa Rica (73) outperforming regional peers like Bolivia (54) and Ecuador (54).

Asia-Pacific nations also display a broad spectrum. Australia and New Zealand remain in the moderate category, while countries such as Papua New Guinea (58) and Malaysia (56) highlight ongoing struggles with regulatory and political pressures.

At the lower end of the index, countries including Benin, Bolivia, Ecuador and Tanzania all score 54, placing them in the “reduced press freedom” category. Serbia, Brunei, Eswatini, Kosovo and Angola follow closely with scores of 53.

These rankings point to systemic issues such as censorship, legal intimidation, limited access to information and threats to journalists’ safety, factors RSF identifies as key barriers to a free press.

Lawmakers voted 128 to 11 in favour of the bill during a plenary sitting on Tuesday. The proposed law seeks to revise rules around ineligibility linked to criminal convictions, potentially changing who is permitted to stand for election under existing legislation.

The reform was tabled by the ruling majority, Pastef-Les Patriotes, which controls the National Assembly following the latest legislative cycle. The party is also central to the current administration, shaping both legislative and executive agendas.

Opposition groups have questioned the intent behind the proposal, pointing to its timing and scope. They argue that the changes could directly affect the eligibility of political figures ahead of the 2029 presidential contest, including Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

“This law is for one person only,” said Aissata Tall Sall, who leads the Takku Wallu Senegal Parliamentary group. She added that the bill introduces retroactive provisions which, in her view, lack a clear legal foundation.

Government officials have defended the reform, presenting it as a step to broaden democratic participation rather than restrict it. They maintain that the changes align with constitutional principles and aim to remove barriers to political engagement.

“I agree that democracy should not accept the idea of preventing people from standing for election or from exercising their right to vote,” said Interior Minister Mr Bamba Cisse. “It is time for Senegal to open itself to a new era.”

The debate comes against the backdrop of recent political developments. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in 2024, is a member of the same ruling party, although reports suggest tensions have emerged between him and Mr Sonko.

Mr Sonko was previously barred from contesting elections due to a criminal conviction, which he has described as politically motivated. The proposed changes could alter how such convictions are treated under electoral law.

The bill now moves to the president, who will decide whether to sign it into law. It may also face legal scrutiny, as opposition parties retain the option of referring it to the Constitutional Council for review.

Recent reporting indicates a noticeable decline in the number of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers seeking asylum in Vanuatu. This shift suggests tighter migration oversight and possibly changing economic incentives both within Vanuatu and in destination countries like Australia. Officials have pointed out that earlier spikes in asylum requests were often tied to labour mobility gaps and worker dissatisfaction abroad. The current drop may reflect improved bilateral coordination or stricter enforcement mechanisms. What this really means is that Vanuatu is recalibrating its position within regional labour flows. The PALM scheme has long been a critical income pipeline for households, so any contraction in asylum-related activity could signal either stabilisation or reduced access to alternative migration pathways.

Supreme Court rejects application lacking legal merit

The Vanuatu Supreme Court has dismissed a recent application on the basis that it “lacks legal merit”, reinforcing judicial scrutiny over cases perceived as weak or procedurally flawed. While specific litigants were not detailed in the brief, rulings like this typically hinge on insufficient evidence, jurisdictional issues, or failure to meet statutory thresholds. This decision underscores the judiciary’s role in maintaining procedural discipline. It also sends a clear signal to litigants and legal practitioners: the courts are not a venue for speculative or poorly grounded claims. In a small but increasingly complex legal system, these rulings help manage caseload pressure and uphold institutional credibility.

Former prime minister calls for non-alignment stance

A former prime minister has publicly urged Vanuatu to maintain its long-standing non-alignment policy , particularly amid intensifying geopolitical competition in the Pacific. The call reflects growing concern over external influence from major powers seeking strategic footholds in the region. The catch is that Vanuatu’s foreign policy has historically balanced relationships across competing blocs. The former leader’s position reinforces that “non-alignment is not neutrality, but strategic independence”, a framing often used in Pacific diplomacy. The renewed emphasis suggests internal debate about whether economic partnerships are beginning to blur political autonomy.

Prison sentence reforms raise capacity concerns

Proposals or trends toward longer prison sentences are triggering concerns about correctional facility capacity in Vanuatu. With infrastructure already limited, any increase in incarceration duration could quickly lead to overcrowding, resource strain, and human rights challenges. Officials and analysts are likely weighing a difficult trade-off: tougher sentencing as a deterrent versus the practical limits of the prison system. Without parallel investment in facilities or alternative sentencing frameworks, the system risks becoming unsustainable. This issue sits at the intersection of justice policy and state capacity, and it is not easily resolved.

Passport inquiry controversy and political accountability

Former prime minister Sato Kilman has not been summoned in an ongoing passport-related inquiry and has denied any allegations tied to the case. The situation points to continuing scrutiny over Vanuatu’s citizenship and passport programmes, which have faced international attention in recent years. Even without a formal summons, the political implications are significant. Allegations around passport schemes often raise questions about governance, transparency, and due diligence. Kilman’s denial adds another layer to an already sensitive issue, particularly as Vanuatu navigates external pressure to tighten oversight of its citizenship-by-investment framework.

"I am happy to announce to you that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, I am doing the most Zionist and most patriotic act we have ever done for our country," Bennett said.

Bennett stated that if he returns to office, he will establish a state commission to investigate the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, a step he said the current government has not taken.

“On the first day of a new government led by me, we will establish a state commission of inquiry into the October massacre to bring truth to the families and answers to all the people of Israel." He also said his administration would introduce a limit of eight years for a prime minister’s tenure.

Lapid, who currently leads the opposition, said Bennett would head the new party and described him as capable of leading the country.

He added that a unified opposition could defeat the current government, referencing Peter Magyar's landslide win against Viktor Orban in the recent elections in Hungary.

"After 16 years in power, Orban lost. It happened because people believed change was possible. They united behind a single candidate, fought for their country, and won. That's why Bennett and I are here."

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism over his handling of regional conflicts and allegations that he has avoided accountability for failures during his time in office.

Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition that removed Netanyahu from power in 2021, ending his 12-year rule. The coalition lasted 18 months before Netanyahu returned to office in November 2022.

Who signed it and why does that matter?

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed it at the Planalto Palace after two years of public consultations, a National Education Conference, and votes in both houses of Congress. The fact that it passed at all is significant. Brazil has had a PNE before — the previous one ran from 2014 to 2024 — but it missed most of its targets. This version is designed with tighter accountability built in.

What's the headline commitment?

Money. Brazil currently spends around 5.5% of GDP on education. The new law commits to 7.5% within seven years and 10% within a decade. If it gets there, Brazil would be spending more on education as a share of its economy than almost any country in the world .

Has Brazil made promises like this before?

Yes. The previous PNE also set ambitious spending targets and fell short. That's the tension at the heart of this law: the goals are bold, but Brazil's federal system — where states and municipalities control much of what actually happens in classrooms — makes implementation hard to enforce. Every state and municipality now has to draft its own ten-year plan in line with the national framework. Progress will be reviewed every two years by the national education research institute, INEP.

What does it say about inequality?

Quite a lot. The plan specifically targets Indigenous, quilombola and rural communities — groups where girls face overlapping barriers of poverty, racism and geography. It reinforces the existing legal requirement to teach Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous history in schools. And it requires education networks to monitor and close performance gaps between different social groups, not just report on national averages.

What does it mean for early years?

This is one of the areas Brazil most needs to act. The new IBGE data published last week shows that in the North, 44.5% of children aged 2-3 who are out of daycare simply have no daycare available near them. The PNE sets targets to expand provision, but the Northeast and North — where the need is greatest — are also where municipal budgets are thinnest.

So is this good news ?

On paper, yes. Brazil's illiteracy rate just dropped below 5% for the first time — a genuine milestone. Enrollment is near-universal for primary-age children. The PNE builds on real progress. But the previous plan improved access and still missed most of its targets. The test of this law is not what it says. It's whether the money materialises and whether the most underserved communities — in the Northeast, in Indigenous territories, in the favelas — feel the difference in a classroom. Main image: DepositPhotos.com

Where are the leaders from? 

Using data from the last ten heads of state (or equivalent leaders) in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa , India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, UK, France, Italy, USA, Japan, and Australia, Global South World categorised their birthplaces into three groups: biggest city, top three major cities; and outside the top three major cities.

Across the dataset, one pattern that stands out is that leaders are more likely to be born outside major urban centres than within them.

Countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, India, Tanzania, and the United States show strong decentralisation, with a majority of leaders originating from smaller cities, towns, or rural regions.

Which leaders are from outside major cities

Nigeria and India show particularly strong patterns, with most leaders born outside the major cities. In Brazil and Australia, leadership emerges from diverse regional bases rather than a single dominant city. The United States, often seen as a hub of elite politics, has presidents born across many different states, far from Washington, D.C.

This suggests that political legitimacy is often built at the grassroots level, with leaders rising through regional structures before entering national politics.

Which leaders are from capital cities 

While decentralisation is common, some countries remain heavily capital-centric. Argentina shows a strong concentration around Buenos Aires, reflecting its highly centralised administrative and educational systems.

Mexico exhibits similar patterns, with Mexico City playing an outsized role in political leadership. In Thailand, Bangkok remains the dominant political and elite hub.

These systems often feature centralised bureaucracies, elite educational institutions clustered in capitals, and political networks that are difficult to access from outside

Federal systems contributing to geographic diversity

One of the clearest drivers of geographic diversity in leadership is the structure of the state itself. Federal or highly decentralised systems such as those in India, Brazil and the United States consistently produce leaders from a wide range of regions.

This is because political careers in these countries are often built locally, such as governors, regional leaders, and state officials rising through subnational systems. Also, national leadership becomes the culmination of regional influence, not just central access

Africa’s distinct pattern

African countries in the dataset, particularly Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, stand out for their highly decentralised leadership origins.

This reflects several dynamics like the need for ethnic and regional balance, strong rural political mobilisation and historical scepticism toward capital-based elites

In many cases, being from outside the capital or a major city is not a disadvantage but a political asset.

Graphics by Edward Sakyi

Afghanistan remains the most authoritarian country globally, with one of the lowest recorded democracy scores, followed closely by Myanmar and North Korea, based on recent index comparisons.

The EIU Democracy Index, which evaluates 167 countries on a scale from 0 to 10 across electoral processes, civil liberties, governance, political participation and political culture, classifies these nations firmly within the “authoritarian regime” category.

Visualised rankings show Afghanistan, Myanmar, North Korea, the Central African Republic and Syria among the countries with the weakest democratic performance, each scoring well below 2 out of 10.

They are followed by Sudan, Turkmenistan, Laos, Tajikistan and Chad, nations where political power is highly centralised and electoral processes are either limited or tightly controlled.

Further down the list, countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Yemen, Iran and Eritrea also register extremely low scores, reinforcing a pattern of restricted civil liberties and limited political pluralism.

World Population Review data confirms that Afghanistan has consistently ranked at the bottom of global democracy metrics in recent years, with little change in governance structures since 2021.

The EIU’s latest assessments indicate that roughly 60 countries worldwide fall into the authoritarian category, representing a significant portion of the global population.

In fact, more than one-third of people globally live under authoritarian rule, highlighting the scale of democratic decline.

Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa remain the regions with the highest concentration of such regimes, according to comparative index data.

Despite years of decline, the EIU reported in its 2025 index that global democracy scores have begun to stabilise, with the average inching up slightly to 5.19 after hitting historic lows.

Persistently low scores in the most authoritarian countries are attributed to a mix of prolonged conflict, military control, weak institutions and restrictions on political freedoms.

In several cases, including Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, ongoing instability and war have severely limited democratic processes. In others, such as North Korea and Turkmenistan, entrenched leadership structures and limited political competition continue to define governance .

From April 11 to 15, Sánchez conducted a five-day official visit to China, his fourth in four years. During his stay, he explored Beijing’s cultural landmarks, including the Drum Tower and the Summer Palace, met with President Xi Jinping and other top leaders; visited two of China’s elite universities; and toured the Xiaomi Science and Technology Park, where he experienced Xiaomi’s latest smartphones, electric vehicles, and AI glasses. His visit generated significant buzz on Chinese social media. His previous stances on Middle Eastern issues—specifically his willingness to say "no" to the United States—had already bolstered his popularity. Now, footage of his travels captured by onlookers has gone viral on short-video platforms. Chinese netizens have dubbed the tall, athletic Prime Minister "dashing," turning him into something of a digital icon.

Changing the perspective

The metaphor of Ricci’s map introduced by Sánchez has become a focal point for Chinese media . Historians often marvel at Ricci’s adaptability: when the Jesuit missionary realized his Eurocentric map clashed with the worldview of the "Middle Kingdom," he collaborated with Ming official Li Zhizao to create the Kunyu Wanguo Quantu (A Map of the Myriad Countries of the World). By shifting the prime meridian 170 degrees to the left, he placed China at the center of the world.

This 400-year-old "cartographic correction" finds a modern echo between Madrid and Beijing. During his visit, Sánchez remarked that even today, some still view the world through that same "distorted map." In an era of accelerating multipolarity, refusing to see Asia as a periphery is not just a geographical acknowledgment, but an act of strategic self-reflection.

Sánchez’s metaphor is more than a historical retrospective; it is a profound geopolitical allegory. It traces the journey from an era of "perceptual bias"—where Europe was the centre and Asia the edge—to a present where both nations seek new coordinates in a turbulent international order. A redrawing of "strategic resolve" is quietly underway.

Fragile order

In the early spring of Beijing, the talks between the two sides touched upon deeper anxieties. The Chinese side invoked the idiom "Li Beng Yue Huai" (the collapse of rites and music ). Originating from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770 BC–221 BC), this term describes the disintegration of social ethics and order—a description that strikes a chord with the current global state of affairs.

 From Venezuela to Iran, the proliferation of unilateralism and the weaponization of sanctions are viewed as the squeezing of justice by raw power. Here, China and Spain reached a subtle moral consensus: in an age where the "law of the jungle" threatens to return, defending the UN-centered international system is no longer a mere formality, but a sovereign responsibility toward global order.

Official Chinese statements described this consensus as "jointly answering the questions of our time." According to the press release, President Xi Jinping noted that how a country treats international law and order reflects its worldview, values, and sense of responsibility.

In response, Spain expressed its desire for close communication and coordination with China to uphold international law and address global challenges. Spain’s embrace of multipolarity is, in essence, an attempt to revise the "obsolete map" dominated by a few superpowers.

Industrial transformation

If diplomatic rhetoric provides the latitude and longitude of the map, industrial cooperation represents the actual cultivation of the land. Under the shadow of EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Sánchez’s visit carried a strong sense of "risk hedging." Spain’s ambition is clear: it is no longer content to be a mere destination for Chinese exports. Madrid seeks "technology sharing rather than simple imports," and Chinese companies are responding with tangible investment:

Chery Automobile has taken over and renovated a former Nissan plant in Barcelona.

Envision Energy is building Europe’s first LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery gigafactory in Extremadura, and CATL is partnering with Stellantis to build a battery plant in Aragon.

Consumer choice is the ultimate proof. Statistics show that 2025 marked a historic turning point for Chinese cars in Spain, with their market share surpassing 10% for the first time. While in China, Sánchez’s took the opportunity to test drive the high-powered Xiaomi SU7.

Stability and law

In the final stages of the visit, "strategic resolve" became the keyword of the bilateral relationship. Sánchez emphasized that Spain is committed to developing a partnership characterized by such resolve. His statement—"Just like China, we are a stable and predictable country"— is unusually bold by European standards and reflects Sanchez’s position as one of the longest serving EU leaders..

On the "Matteo Ricci map" of global geopolitics, Spain is consciously shifting its position. It is no longer satisfied with being a follower on the fringes of the EU. Instead, it is using its "predictability" as leverage, seeking long-term economic stability through deep industrial integration amidst the frictions of China-EU trade.

From the corrected map of four centuries ago to the green supply chains spanning half the globe today, the China-Spain relationship proves one thing: in this chaotic era of "collapsed rites," the ability to sit down, realign coordinates, and refuse a return to the law of the jungle is a piece of strategic foresight of immense value.

Du Yubin is a journalist and producer for CGTN. He was stationed in Washington, D.C. and London for six years each, focusing on China-US and China-EU relations. He has over 15 years of experience in international communication and new media. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

The United States exported roughly 4.0 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in 2025, a 3% drop from the previous year despite record domestic production of 13.6 million bpd, the EIA said.

The Netherlands topped the list of U.S. oil importers, purchasing about 419 million barrels in 2025, accounting for roughly 10.7% of total exports.

Much of that oil flows through Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest energy hubs, where crude is refined or redistributed across Europe.

Mexico followed closely with 398 million barrels, while Canada ranked third at 324 million barrels, highlighting the continued strength of North American energy trade ties.

Other major buyers included South Korea, Japan, China and India, reflecting sustained demand from Asia even as regional flows shifted.

Top buyers of U.S. oil in 2025 (millions of barrels)

Europe remains dominant market

Europe has been the leading destination for U.S. crude since 2023, driven largely by efforts to replace Russian supplies following the Ukraine war.

However, exports to Europe fell by around 7% in 2025 as higher output from OPEC countries displaced some U.S. volumes.

Within the region, the United Kingdom recorded one of the steepest declines, with imports dropping roughly 35%, while the Netherlands increased purchases, offsetting some of the regional fall.

Exports to Asia and Oceania also weakened , particularly to China and Singapore. U.S. shipments to China plunged sharply amid trade tensions and competition from discounted oil supplied by countries such as Russia and Iran.

By contrast, India and Japan increased imports of U.S. crude, signalling a partial rebalancing of demand within the region.

Despite the 2025 decline, U.S. crude exports remain historically high. Since the lifting of a decades-long export ban in 2015, shipments have surged dramatically, rising to levels roughly 85 times higher than in 2011.

The United States has also maintained its status as a net petroleum exporter in recent years, reflecting strong production growth and expanding infrastructure.

China is shown as the largest single destination, taking roughly 23% of flows, followed by India at 13%, with Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia also accounting for significant shares.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration , around 84% of crude oil and condensate shipped through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024 was destined for Asian countries.

China, India, Japan and South Korea alone accounted for roughly 69% of total flows, making them the most exposed to any disruption.

The International Energy Agency estimates that nearly a third of globally traded crude oil passes through the strait, with China and India together receiving about 44% of these exports.

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 million barrels of oil per day, roughly a fifth of global petroleum consumption, making it the most important oil transit chokepoint in the world.

It also carries a significant share of global liquefied natural gas, particularly exports from Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG suppliers.

Despite its importance, alternatives remain limited. Pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can bypass part of the route, but cannot fully replace their capacity in the event of a disruption.

By contrast to Asia, Western economies account for a much smaller share of direct imports.

The United States and Europe together receive less than 10% of oil flows through the strait, reflecting increased domestic production in the U.S. and diversified supply chains in Europe.

In 2024, the U.S. imported only about 7% of its crude oil from Persian Gulf countries via the strait, highlighting its reduced dependence compared with previous decades.

The Strait’s strategic importance has made it a recurring focal point of geopolitical tension.

Recent conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the USA have once again highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supply chains, with shipping disruptions triggering price volatility and raising fears of broader economic fallout.

Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil consumption passes through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, making it a critical artery for global markets and a persistent geopolitical flashpoint.

Recent breakdowns of oil and gas shipments through the strait show Saudi Arabia accounting for the largest share at approximately 28%, followed by Iraq at 18%. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar each contribute about 14%, while Iran and Kuwait supply around 11% each. Bahrain accounts for a smaller share at roughly 6%.

The distribution reflects the concentration of hydrocarbon production in the Gulf region, where some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves are located.

According to The New York Times, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have long been viewed as a worst-case scenario for energy markets, with even minor incidents capable of triggering price spikes and supply fears.

At its narrowest point, the strait is just 21 miles (34 km) wide , with shipping lanes only a few miles across in each direction. This physical constraint leaves little margin for error in the event of military escalation, accidents or blockades.

The waterway serves as the primary export route for oil producers in the Persian Gulf, particularly for countries whose infrastructure is heavily oriented towards maritime transport.

The New York Times has reported that tensions involving Iran, including threats to restrict passage, have repeatedly raised alarms among Western governments and energy traders.

Efforts to diversify export routes, including pipelines that bypass the strait, have expanded in recent years. However, The New York Times notes that these alternatives still account for only a fraction of total export capacity, leaving the majority of flows dependent on the chokepoint.

His remarks, which also referenced civilian casualties in the Middle East , triggered immediate outrage in the chamber. Poland’s parliamentary speaker condemned the display as “unjustified” and said penalties would be proposed for using a banned symbol.

The Embassy of Israel in Warsaw denounced the incident as an “antisemitic horror,” urging Polish authorities to respond.

The controversy comes as Poland marked the annual March of the Living at the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz, amplifying sensitivities around Holocaust imagery.

Berkowicz’s intervention also unfolded against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon have continued despite a ceasefire agreed in October 2025, with reported casualties in the thousands and widespread displacement.

A visual analysis of issue-specific net approval ratings from January 2025 through April 2026 indicates that Trump remains underwater on every major policy front, with particularly steep losses tied to cost-of-living pressures.

Among the issues tracked, inflation stands out as the president’s most significant vulnerability. Net approval on inflation has fallen to roughly -34 percentage points, the lowest among all categories, reflecting persistent voter dissatisfaction over prices and tariffs .

This aligns with broader polling trends. A Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos survey found that inflation received Trump’s worst approval ratings among key issues, with only about one-third of Americans supporting his handling of it.

Economists and political analysts say this reflects the political sensitivity of consumer prices, especially amid tariff-driven cost pressures that have fed into household budgets.

Trump’s economic approval, once considered a relative strength, has also weakened. Net approval on the economy now sits near -22 points , while trade policy trails slightly worse at -24 points , according to the Silver Bulletin aggregation.

Polling data suggests that tariffs and market volatility have contributed to the decline. Nate Silver noted that economic disruptions and policy shocks have led to “permanent damage” in approval ratings even after temporary rebounds.

Earlier in 2025, Trump’s net approval on the economy was already negative, around -15 to -16 points, highlighting a steady erosion rather than a sudden collapse.

Immigration continues to be Trump’s strongest issue, though it too is now in negative territory. Net approval on immigration stands at approximately -11 points , significantly better than other policy areas but still below zero.

Silver’s analysis indicates immigration is “just about the only issue” where Trump’s ratings approach parity, even as overall approval declines.

However, even this relative strength has weakened over time, with polling showing declines following controversial enforcement actions and domestic incidents.

The deterioration across issues mirrors Trump’s broader approval trajectory. Silver Bulletin’s aggregate shows Trump with about 39.7% approval and a net rating near -17 points, marking a new low for his second term.

Other polling averages reinforce the trend. As of early April 2026, national aggregators place Trump’s approval around 39–41%, with disapproval nearing 57–60%, yielding a net deficit of roughly -16 to -20 points.

Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of economic anxiety, foreign policy tensions, and polarisation among independent voters, whose support has softened significantly.

Looking at the officials before him, the president remarked that he wondered “whether they are here by design or they were waylaid,” before adding , “The way they are dressed, they don't look like they knew they were coming to State House.”

Ruto said future guests who fail to meet the expected standard for official functions could be turned away at the gate. “The manner of dress of these people has no indication about the seriousness of this occasion. We take this occasion very, very seriously,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Youth Affairs and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and Council of Economic Advisors chair David Ndii.

This brings our live coverage of Djibouti’s 2026 general election to an end. The vote is widely expected to extend President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh's rule for over two decades. Follow Global South World for ongoing updates as the process continues, with final results expected from the Electoral Commission within the next 48 hours.

15:30 GMT: IGAD perspective on Djibouti elections

12:30 GMT: Online reactions trail the elections

12:00 GMT: President Guelleh casts his vote

The leader said, "Everything went well thanks to God, I have fulfilled my duty as a citizen, and I hope that the citizens of Djibouti will do the same," after casting his ballot.

7:50 GMT: Voting continues in Djibouti

7:02 GMT: Guelleh promises prosperity

During the final campaign run, sitting President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh assured Djiboutians that his party would continue to promote prosperity.

6:16 GMT: Voting begins in Djibouti

Djibouti heads to the polls on Friday, April 10, 2026, but few observers expect surprises.

At the centre is President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, widely known as “IOG”, who has ruled Djibouti since 1999 after succeeding his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the country’s first president. If re-elected, Guelleh would extend his tenure to nearly three decades in power.

His dominance is backed by the  ruling party, the People’s Rally for Progress  (RPP), which leads the broader governing coalition, the Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP).

A 2010 constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits, allowing Guelleh to run indefinitely. More recently, in 2025, Djibouti’s parliament eliminated the 75-year age cap for presidential candidates, a move widely interpreted as designed to ensure Guelleh, now 78, could stand again.

Who is contesting IOG?

Mohamed Farah Samatar stands as the sole challenger to President Guelleh, though his candidacy carries its own complexities. A former insider of the ruling establishment, he is now contesting the presidency under the banner of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU).

During the lead-up to the votes, Samatar took his campaign to the Tadjourah and Obock regions, where he addressed supporters and attempted to project an alternative vision for the country, insisting that “another Djibouti is possible”.

Even so, analysts remain sceptical about the broader significance of the race. Sonia Le Gouriellec, a specialist on the Horn of Africa at Lille Catholic University, told AFP: “There’s not much at stake. It’s just a token competition.”

Who can vote?

Roughly  243,000 voters are registered for Djibouti’s 2026 presidential election , according to data from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, out of a national population estimated at just over one million.

Polling stations are expected to open in the morning and close later in the day, after which counting is expected to begin.

Despite being labelled an “electoral autocracy” by international monitors, Djibouti is hosting a regional observer mission from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with 17 observers from Ethiopia, Kenya , Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda deployed nationwide.

The bloc is expected to release its initial assessment after the vote, followed by a formal statement on 12 April.

His dominance is backed by the ruling party, the People’s Rally for Progress (RPP), which leads the broader governing coalition, the Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP).

A 2010 constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits, allowing Guelleh to run indefinitely. More recently, in 2025, Djibouti’s parliament eliminated the 75-year age cap for presidential candidates, a move widely interpreted as designed to ensure Guelleh, now 78, could stand again.

The electoral field itself underscores the imbalance. In previous elections, Guelleh has secured overwhelming victories, including 87% of the vote in 2016 and over 97% in 2021, figures that international observers and opposition groups have questioned.

Who is contesting IOG?

Mohamed Farah Samatar stands as the sole challenger to President Guelleh, though his candidacy carries its own complexities. A former insider of the ruling establishment, he is now contesting the presidency under the banner of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU).

During the lead-up to the votes, Samatar took his campaign to the Tadjourah and Obock regions, where he addressed supporters and attempted to project an alternative vision for the country, insisting that “another Djibouti is possible”.

Even so, analysts remain sceptical about the broader significance of the race. Sonia Le Gouriellec, a specialist on the Horn of Africa at Lille Catholic University, told AFP: “There’s not much at stake. It’s just a token competition.”

Criticism has been sharper from civil society. Omar Ali Ewado, who leads the Djibouti League of Human Rights (LDDH), dismissed the process outright, describing the vote as a “masquerade” and a “foregone conclusion”.

This context shapes the core issue about how the election is unlikely to produce political change, but it may intensify uncertainty about what comes next.

Who can vote?

Roughly 243,000 voters are registered for Djibouti’s 2026 presidential election , according to data from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, out of a national population estimated at just over one million.

That marks a modest increase from the around 215,000 registered voters in 2021, pointing to a gradual expansion in the electoral roll, though still representing only about a quarter of the population.

Historically, turnout has been relatively strong on paper, averaging close to 67%, though critics argue these figures should be viewed in the context of limited political competition.

Polling stations are expected to open in the morning and close later in the day, after which counting is expected to begin.

Despite being labelled an “electoral autocracy” by international monitors, Djibouti is hosting a regional observer mission from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with 17 observers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda deployed nationwide.

The bloc is expected to release its initial assessment after the vote, followed by a formal statement on 12 April.

What is at stake?

Djibouti’s location along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait places it at the crossroads of global commerce. Estimates suggest that around 12–15% of global trade and a significant share of oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The country has leveraged this position to build an economy centred on logistics, ports, and foreign military partnerships.

The Port of Doraleh, one of the most important infrastructure assets in the region, serves as a critical hub for shipping and for landlocked Ethiopia, which relies on Djibouti for roughly 90–95% of its imports and exports. Revenues from port operations, logistics services, and foreign base leases form a substantial part of Djibouti’s national income.

This strategic value has attracted a concentration of global military presence rarely seen in such a small state.

Djibouti hosts:

Additionally, although Djibouti has invested heavily in infrastructure, including rail links and port expansion projects often financed through external borrowing, concerns persist about public debt levels, which have at times exceeded 70% of GDP, much of it linked to Chinese-funded projects.

Youth unemployment remains high, and the benefits of growth have not been evenly distributed, contributing to underlying social discontent.

"I also ask that we correct our own past mistakes; we recognise them, we correct them, and I ask that we do not repeat them," she said.

Rodríguez said the sanctions had severely damaged the economy , leading to years of contraction, hyperinflation and widespread shortages. She noted that inflation once exceeded 300,000% and said the crisis had triggered a wave of migration, with many professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

Rodríguez has been serving as acting president since January, after U.S. forces captured former president Nicolás Maduro, a move that plunged the country into political uncertainty.

Nowhere is this more visible than in the revival of hanfu , traditional Han Chinese attire. In Beijing’s historic quarters, among the vermilion walls of imperial palaces and the expansive courtyards of classical gardens, young people are embracing styles rooted in dynastic history. These are not isolated performances staged for tourists, nor purely superficial gestures for social media. The attention to detail - from layered silks and embroidered patterns to carefully styled hair and accessories - reflects a deeper engagement with cultural heritage.

A decade ago, the fashion sensibilities of China’s urban youth often leaned heavily toward Parisian runways or New York streetwear. Today, those reference points are no longer dominant. Instead, a distinctly Chinese aesthetic is emerging, one that draws confidently from a civilisational past spanning millennia. Whether it was the best-selling fridge magnets modelled after Empress Dowager Xiaoduan’s phoenix crown or the operatic vocals layered over trending Douyin beats, the past is now "cool." This shift is not a rejection of global influence, but rather a rebalancing: Western trends are no longer the default benchmark, but one influence among many.

This cultural recalibration is reinforced by the digital ecosystem. Social media platforms and algorithm-driven content have accelerated the popularisation of traditional motifs, turning historical references into contemporary trends. Ancient symbols are reinterpreted through modern formats, from viral short videos to fashion collaborations, creating a feedback loop in which heritage becomes both relevant and desirable.

Time travel in Xi'an

At the same time, China’s tourism industry offers further evidence of this changing mindset. Domestic travel is increasingly centred on rediscovering and reimagining the country’s own historical and cultural assets. In cities like Xi’an, large-scale projects have transformed fragments of the past into immersive experiences. Nighttime districts inspired by the Tang Dynasty blend performance, architecture, and digital spectacle, attracting visitors not only as spectators but as participants in a stylised historical narrative.

These developments are not without complexity. Such projects often rely on significant investment and are shaped by the logic of the attention economy, raising questions about sustainability and long-term value. Yet their popularity underscores a broader point: there is a strong domestic appetite for cultural experiences rooted in Chinese history, even when mediated through modern technology and commercial frameworks.

Elsewhere, sites like Dujiangyan or the preserved homes of classical poets reveal another dimension of this trend. Here, the emphasis is less on spectacle and more on continuity - on the endurance of philosophical traditions, environmental harmony, and moral ideals. The steady flow of visitors to these locations reflects a renewed interest in the intellectual and ethical foundations of Chinese civilisation, suggesting that cultural confidence is not confined to aesthetics alone.

Confidence not fear

Importantly, this inward turn does not equate to isolation. China’s recent expansion of visa-free entry policies for numerous countries points in the opposite direction. By simplifying access for foreign visitors, the country is signalling openness and a willingness to engage. The ease with which travellers can now enter, navigate, and transact within China challenges outdated perceptions of inaccessibility.

However, this openness coexists with a more self-assured posture. The willingness to welcome outsiders is no longer accompanied by a perceived need to cater to external cultural expectations. Instead, visitors are invited to encounter China on its own terms and engage with a society that is increasingly confident in the value and appeal of its own traditions.

Taken together, these developments suggest a nuanced transformation. China is not closing itself off from the world, but it is preparing for a future in which cultural leadership is more diffuse and less centred on Western paradigms. Fashion, tourism, and everyday cultural practices are becoming vehicles for this transition, expressing a society that is rediscovering its roots while redefining its place in a changing global landscape.

In this context, the resurgence of traditional dress, the reinvention of heritage tourism, and the expansion of visa-free access all point to the same underlying reality: a country that is opening its doors wider, even as it grows more confident in what lies within them.

The article solely represents the views of Yubin Du, a journalist for Chinese broadcaster CGTN, who was based in Washington DC and London between 2012 and 2025.

KCNA said the visit was part of efforts to improve living standards and promote a “socialist civilisation.”

During the tour, Kim pointed to a rise in pet ownership in Pyongyang and other areas, and called for expanded production of pet-related goods, including food, grooming tools and veterinary medicines. 

He wanted to develop consumer-oriented industries, a notable emphasis in an economy still constrained by international sanctions.

The appearance also offered a rare glimpse of a more domestic, curated image of the North Korean leader — one that contrasts with the state’s usual focus on military capability and strategic strength.

Yet animals, particularly dogs, have long played a role in Kim’s political signalling.

In 2018, following a summit in Pyongyang, Kim gifted two white Pungsan hunting dogs — a breed indigenous to North Korea — to then South Korean president Moon Jae-in. The move was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill during a brief thaw in inter-Korean relations.

The dogs, named Gomi and Songgang, were initially hailed as symbols of reconciliation. However, their fate later reflected the fragility of such diplomacy. In 2022, they were transferred to a South Korean zoo after a dispute over the cost of their upkeep between Moon and the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

More recently, Kim extended a similar gesture to Russian President Vladimir Putin, gifting him a pair of Pungsan dogs in 2024 as ties between Pyongyang and Moscow deepened.

Kim ultimately leverages such gestures to serve dual purposes: reinforcing diplomatic ties while projecting a softer imagery of leadership. 

From symbolic gifts to staged public appearances, dogs have become an unlikely but consistent feature of Kim’s political playbook.

Protesters accused the government of failing to manage the energy shortage and blamed both weak regulation and poor diplomacy for the disruption in fuel supplies. Some said the crisis had been worsened by conflict-linked disruption to routes from the Middle East , a key source of Bangladesh’s energy imports.

Others said the authorities were downplaying the severity of the shortage, pointing to long queues at petrol stations as evidence of growing public hardship.

The protest, led by Jamaat-e-Islami and an 11-party opposition alliance, comes as wider instability in global energy markets adds pressure on fuel-dependent economies.

Figures drawn from multiple media and defence sources indicate that more than 1,300 ballistic missiles and nearly 3,900 drones were deployed by Iran in roughly the first five weeks of the conflict, underscoring the scale of its initial offensive.

The bulk of Iran’s launches occurred in the opening phase of the conflict . In the first week alone, hundreds of missiles and over a thousand drones were reportedly fired, reflecting what analysts describe as a “shock-and-saturation” strategy aimed at overwhelming air defence systems.

Data compiled by Al Jazeera shows that in the first 24 hours, Iran fired 167 missiles and over 500 drones at targets in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.

This intensity was consistent with broader patterns observed in the early days of the conflict, when large salvos were used to expand the battlefield and test defensive systems across multiple countries.

However, the pace of launches dropped significantly in subsequent weeks.

Sustained U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting missile infrastructure and launch sites led to a dramatic reduction in Iran’s firing rate , in some cases by up to 90% compared with the early days of the war.

By mid-conflict, Iran was launching roughly 20 to 30 missiles per day on average, alongside continued drone attacks, according to defence analysts tracking the war.

Despite the reduction, attacks continued across the region, with Gulf states reporting interceptions of missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure and military bases.

One of the most notable trends has been the scale of drone warfare. Drones accounted for the majority of Iran’s launches during the first five weeks, reflecting their lower cost and ability to evade defences when used in large numbers.

Even as launch rates declined, Western intelligence assessments suggest Iran retained a significant portion of its arsenal and operational capacity.

Recent reporting indicates that only part of Iran’s missile and drone inventory has been destroyed, with mobile launch systems and underground storage allowing continued attacks despite heavy bombardment.