These two countries join a host of others, like Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Gabon, among others.

Madagascar

After weeks of violent and deadly protests powered by Madagascan Gen Z over alleged corruption, the country's Army Personnel Administration Centre (CAPSAT) seized the sovereign power led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina . The Gen Z demonstrations grew beyond service issues into a broader rejection of the leadership of then-President Andry Rajoelina, who became the world's youngest head of state at 34 through a coup in 2009. The situation reached a tipping point when an elite military unit defected and joined the protesters, refusing orders to fire on civilians, effectively cutting Rajoelina off from core state security support.

This shift in military allegiance significantly undermined his ability to remain in power. Facing explicit threats to his life amid the rebellion and the loss of military backing, Rajoelina left Madagascar for a “safe location,” later confirmed to be outside the country, while claiming an attempted illegal power grab was underway. Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been in power since declaring a two-year transition exercise.

Guinea-Bissau

Army officers in Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday, November 26, that they had deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló , accusing him of mismanaging the political crisis and undermining democratic stability. The officers declared that the existing government had been dissolved and pledged to restore order and constitutional governance, though details about a transition timeline were not immediately clear. The announcement came amid heightened tensions following contested elections on the 23rd and reflected longstanding military influence over the country’s political landscape.

On the same day, sustained gunfire erupted near the national election commission headquarters amidst tensions over a tightly contested presidential election, with residents fleeing the area as shots were heard near multiple government buildings. The outbreak of gunfire occurred just as provisional results were expected. However, protesters took to the streets in Guinea-Bissau on Friday, December 12, to denounce the military coup and demand the restoration of democratic governance , highlighting deep public frustration with the political instability that has plagued the country.

Benin could have become the third country, but for the swift intervention of Nigeria and the country's loyalist forces that protected President Patrice Talon's sovereignty. Armed soldiers went on national television on December 7 to declare they had taken power in a coup , but by evening, the situation had calmed, and everywhere was clear.

Since August 2020, Africa has experienced ten coups.

Sudan — Cholera epidemic persists amid conflict | Africa

Sudan continued to battle one of its most severe cholera outbreaks in 2025, with more than 124,000 suspected cases and over 3,300 deaths reported. Ongoing conflict and mass displacement worsened the situation, damaging water and sanitation infrastructure and limiting access to healthcare. The epidemic stressed already fragile health services, forcing authorities and international organisations to implement emergency treatment centres and vaccination campaigns.

South Sudan — Cholera outbreak hits displaced populations | Africa

The cholera crisis in South Sudan, which began in late 2024, escalated in 2025, affecting almost 95,000 people and causing over 1,500 deaths. The outbreak primarily impacted displaced populations and communities with limited access to safe water and healthcare. Humanitarian organisations faced immense challenges in delivering treatment and preventive services in conflict‑affected regions, highlighting the intersection of displacement, poverty, and public health vulnerability.

Democratic Republic of Congo — Ebola outbreak in Kasai province | Central Africa

In September 2025, the DRC declared a new Ebola Virus Disease (Zaire strain) outbreak in Kasai Province. By the time the outbreak was contained in December, there were 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, including healthcare workers. The outbreak highlighted persistent weaknesses in surveillance, rapid response capacity, and community engagement in remote regions, underlining the challenges of controlling Ebola even in areas with previous outbreak experience.

Haiti — Cholera resurgence in Port‑au‑Prince | Latin America

Haiti experienced a resurgence of cholera in 2025, with 2,852 suspected cases, 186 confirmed infections, and 48 deaths, mostly among children under nine. The outbreak was concentrated around Port‑au‑Prince and the surrounding areas, exacerbated by weak sanitation infrastructure, poverty, and restricted access to healthcare. International agencies and local authorities mobilised emergency interventions, including treatment centres and water purification programmes, to limit further spread.

Vietnam — Measles epidemic hits children | East Asia

In Viet Nam, over 80,000 suspected measles cases were reported in 2025, amid declining routine vaccination coverage. Other countries in the region, including Cambodia, Mongolia, and the Philippines, also saw significant increases in measles infections, putting tens of thousands of children at risk. WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi warned that these outbreaks were reversing years of progress in immunisation, highlighting the urgent need for catch-up vaccination campaigns and improved access to preventive healthcare.

Bolivia — Measles emergency declared | Latin America

Bolivia declared a public health emergency in response to a measles outbreak that began in June 2025, resulting in 87 confirmed cases. National and international health authorities mobilised to contain the spread, particularly among children, through vaccination drives and awareness campaigns. The outbreak exposed gaps in routine immunisation coverage and underscored the ongoing challenges in maintaining herd immunity in low-resource settings.

Cuba — Dengue, chikungunya and arboviral epidemics strain healthcare | Latin America

In 2025, Cuba confronted a serious public health emergency marked by simultaneous outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne viruses, with cases reported across most of the island and health facilities struggling to cope with demand. Official data and independent reports indicated tens of thousands of infections, with active transmission in multiple provinces and persistent challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Local health organisations reported shortages of medicines, diagnostic reagents and hospital capacity, while civil society groups called for a formal public health emergency declaration amid overwhelmed clinics and limited resources. The outbreaks unfolded alongside broader systemic strains, including shortages of potable water and gaps in essential services that complicated public health responses.

India–Pakistan ceasefire agreement (South Asia)

In May 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after a period of heightened military tensions along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The agreement was welcomed as a significant diplomatic step toward reducing hostilities between two nuclear‑armed neighbours who have fought repeated clashes in the region for decades. However, in the weeks following the deal, there were reports of minor violations and exchanges of fire, illuminating the fragile and contested nature of the truce. Despite these challenges, the ceasefire created space for renewed diplomatic engagement and prevented further large‑scale escalation in 2025.

DRC–Rwanda peace agreement (Central/East Africa)

On 27 June 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a US‑brokered peace agreement aimed at stemming long‑running conflict and militia activity in eastern DRC. The accord outlined a timetable for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the creation of joint security mechanisms, along with broader frameworks for cooperation among Great Lakes states. Although widely seen as an important diplomatic breakthrough with the potential to stabilise the region, implementation has faced serious practical and security challenges. Militia activity, logistical obstacles, and mutual mistrust have slowed progress, and the agreement’s long‑term impact depends on sustained political will from both capitals.

Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire (Southeast Asia)

On 26 October 2025, Cambodia and Thailand signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, establishing an interim ceasefire and steps to de‑escalate longstanding border tensions. The agreement was backed by regional leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a visible role in encouraging both sides to halt hostilities. The accord included provisions such as coordinated troop withdrawals, joint de‑mining operations, and international monitoring to reduce accidental clashes along disputed frontier zones.

The deal was built on earlier ceasefire efforts mediated by Malaysia as ASEAN chair and supported by Trump, after months of sporadic clashes and large-scale displacement. While the agreement was widely hailed as a diplomatic success, skirmishes and disagreements over implementation persisted in some sectors. Renewed fighting in December 2025 prompted a special ASEAN ministerial meeting to revive and reinforce the peace process originally supported by regional leaders and Trump. Despite its challenges, the accord marked a significant step in structured cooperation between the two governments.

United Nations high-level conference on the Two-State Solution (Middle East)

In July 2025, the United Nations convened the Palestine Two‑State Solution Conference, a high-level meeting aimed at reinvigorating international efforts toward a two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conference brought together representatives from countries across the Global South and other regions to discuss diplomatic strategies, coordinate international support, and identify concrete steps for sustained peacebuilding. The event fostered dialogue and strategic planning, it did not result in a binding agreement or a final political resolution, serving primarily as a forum to strengthen international coordination around the two-state solution framework.

Israel–Hamas ceasefire (Middle East)

In October 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to a U.S.‑backed ceasefire to pause one of the most destructive phases of the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023. The first phase of the deal included Israel withdrawing forces to agreed positions inside Gaza and Hamas releasing hostages held since the 2023 attacks, while both sides pledged to reduce hostilities and allow increased humanitarian access across crossings. This agreement was hailed internationally as a significant step toward ending active large‑scale fighting after two years of intense conflict.

Despite the truce entering into force and creating periods of relative calm, the ceasefire has been fragile and contested. Both sides have accused one another of violations, and periodic exchanges of fire have occurred, complicating efforts to implement subsequent phases of the deal. Independent sources report that — even after the ceasefire — hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in incidents that local health authorities attribute to Israeli operations, and humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe, with disputes over aid delivery and access continuing to impede relief efforts.

The ceasefire has not yet resulted in a comprehensive political settlement to the broader Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. Negotiations over long‑term governance, security arrangements, and disarmament have stalled, and international pressure persists to ensure that the agreement holds and leads to expanded humanitarian and reconstruction initiatives.

Guyana–Venezuela — diplomatic talks over Essequibo dispute (South America)

In 2025, diplomatic engagement continued between Guyana and Venezuela over the long‑standing Essequibo territorial dispute. Regional organisations and international mediators worked to prevent escalation after a period of heightened tensions in prior years, and both governments engaged in dialogue to manage disagreements. Although no formal settlement was reached during this period, sustained diplomacy contributed to maintaining relative stability in northern South America. The case remains before the International Court of Justice, and continued negotiations have been viewed as crucial in preventing renewed conflict over the disputed territory.

Although many of these agreements and conferences did not result in final resolutions or full implementation, they represent important steps towards the peaceful management of complex conflicts. The persistence of tensions, implementation challenges, and the fragility of some accords demonstrate that diplomacy is an ongoing process, requiring sustained political commitment and international cooperation. The developments of 2025 underline the relevance of Global South participation and leadership in maintaining dialogue and coordinating international efforts to address geopolitical and humanitarian challenges that continue to affect millions of people worldwide.

Philippines — Super typhoons and flooding | Southeast Asia

In 2025, the Philippines endured another punishing typhoon season as warmer ocean waters intensified storms across the western Pacific. Several super typhoons made landfall within months, unleashing torrential rains, storm surges and widespread flooding. Coastal and low-lying communities were repeatedly displaced, while damage to crops, homes and transport networks accumulated with each successive storm. Authorities warned that recovery time between disasters is shrinking, leaving millions more exposed. Climate scientists continue to link the growing intensity of typhoons to rising sea surface temperatures driven by global warming.

Mexico — Floods and landslides | Latin America

Severe flooding and landslides struck parts of Mexico in late 2025 after days of relentless rainfall overwhelmed rivers and hillsides. Entire neighbourhoods were submerged as infrastructure collapsed, particularly in regions already affected by deforestation and rapid urban expansion. Emergency services struggled to reach isolated communities as roads and bridges were washed away. The disaster once again highlighted how climate change is amplifying rainfall extremes across Latin America. For many vulnerable communities, the impacts were worsened by long-standing social and economic inequalities.

Nigeria — Flash floods | West Africa

In late May, torrential rains along the Kaduna River triggered devastating flash floods in Nigeria’s Niger State. Villages around Mokwa and Minna were inundated within minutes, killing at least 151 people and displacing thousands more. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, while farmland and transport links were severely damaged. Beyond the immediate death toll, the floods wiped out crops during a critical agricultural period, threatening local food supplies. Relief agencies described the disaster as one of the worst flooding events Nigeria has seen in decades.

Nepal — Glacial lake outburst flood | South Asia

A sudden glacial lake outburst on the Nepal–China border in July sent a wall of water down the Bhote Koshi river, devastating border communities. The flood destroyed major bridges and hydropower facilities, killing dozens and leaving others missing on both sides of the frontier. Nearly eight per cent of Nepal’s electricity generation capacity was knocked offline overnight. Scientists pointed to accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas as a key driver of the disaster. The event underscored the growing risks climate change poses to high-mountain regions.

India — Monsoon floods and landslides | South Asia

India’s northeastern states faced deadly floods and landslides in June as unusually intense monsoon rains overwhelmed rivers and unstable terrain. Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya were among the worst affected, with dozens killed and thousands forced into shelters. Entire districts were cut off as roads collapsed and communication lines failed. While monsoons are a seasonal reality, experts warned that climate change is making rainfall more erratic and destructive. The disaster exposed the fragile infrastructure of one of India’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

South Africa — Unseasonal flooding | Southern Africa

In May, heavy rainfall from an unseasonal cold-front system triggered deadly flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Rivers burst their banks, sweeping away homes, schools and vehicles. At least 49 people were killed, including schoolchildren whose bus was caught in floodwaters near Mthatha. Authorities declared a national disaster as emergency crews struggled to reach submerged communities. Climate specialists noted that shifting weather patterns are making extreme rainfall events more frequent, even outside traditional wet seasons.

Brazil — Wildfires in the Amazon | South America

The Amazon basin experienced a surge in wildfires during 2025 as prolonged drought and record temperatures dried out vast stretches of rainforest. Fires spread rapidly across Brazil ’s northern states, destroying ecosystems, displacing Indigenous communities and releasing massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Smoke from the blazes darkened skies hundreds of kilometres away, triggering health warnings in major cities. Scientists warned that climate change, combined with deforestation, is pushing the rainforest closer to a tipping point. The fires reinforced fears that the Amazon is losing its ability to act as a global carbon sink.

Argentina and Chile — Drought-driven fires | South America

Across the Southern Cone, extended drought conditions fuelled one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent years. In Argentina and Chile, parched grasslands and forests ignited easily, allowing fires to spread across millions of hectares. Rural communities were forced to evacuate as livestock, crops and infrastructure were destroyed. Air pollution from the fires also affected urban centres, compounding public health risks. Climate change has lengthened fire seasons in the region, leaving authorities struggling to keep pace.

Horn of Africa — Drought and hunger | East Africa

In the Horn of Africa, prolonged drought conditions continued to drive severe food insecurity throughout 2025. Successive failed rainy seasons in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya devastated harvests and livestock, eroding livelihoods across rural areas. Millions faced crisis-level hunger as water sources dried up and food prices surged. While not always officially declared as a famine, humanitarian agencies warned that conditions resembled past hunger emergencies. Climate change has intensified drought cycles in the region, magnifying the risks for already vulnerable populations.

Southern Africa — Crop failures and food stress | Southern Africa

Large parts of Southern Africa entered 2025 grappling with the aftershocks of drought and extreme heat that reduced crop yields and strained water supplies. Countries such as Zambia and Malawi reported poor maize harvests, pushing more households towards food assistance. Climate-driven heat stress disrupted planting cycles and reduced agricultural productivity. As rural incomes fell, food insecurity deepened across the region. The crisis illustrated how climate change can quietly undermine food systems long before famine is officially declared.

From the streets of Caracas, Venezuela, to the highlands of Ethiopia, communities mark the season with traditions that blend faith, culture, and local identity that have endured for centuries.

Venezuela: Roller skating to Christmas Mass

In Venezuela, particularly in the capital Caracas, Christmas celebrations transform city streets into festive pathways. One of the country’s most famous traditions involves roller skating to early morning church services in the days leading up to Christmas.

Historically, some neighbourhoods even tied strings to children’s toes before bedtime, believing that angels skating through the streets would tug them awake for Mass. While the custom has evolved, streets are still occasionally closed to allow safe skating. This highlights the communal nature of the celebration.

The tradition highlights how faith and festivity merge in Venezuelan culture, even as the country continues to navigate economic and political challenges that have reshaped daily life in recent years.

Peru: Children take the nativity to the streets

In Peru , Christmas is marked by strong public participation, particularly among children. In some cities and towns, children dress as pastors or biblical figures and parade through the streets, reenacting scenes associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

These processions reflect Peru’s deeply rooted Catholic traditions, introduced during the colonial period but reshaped through local customs and communal storytelling.

According to Peru Travel , Christmas celebrations often emphasise family gatherings, public performances, and religious devotion, making the holiday a visible part of urban and rural life alike.

Ghana - Feasting and large gatherings

Just like other parts of the world, Christians in Ghana start their Christmas celebrations from the 20th of December with Carol Services that are mostly conducted in the evenings.

The week before the 25th also marks a moment of vigorous shopping for the celebration ahead.

On the 25th, many visit the church in the morning with their best outfits to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

After the morning service, families gather to share meals with friends and neighbours.

Ethiopia: Christmas marked by faith and a traditional game

In Ethiopia, Christmas, known as Ganna or Genna , is celebrated on January 7, following the Julian calendar observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The holiday is deeply spiritual, beginning with an overnight church service and fasting that reflects the country’s ancient Christian heritage.

One of the most distinctive traditions associated with Ethiopian Christmas is a hockey-style team game also called Ganna. Played in open fields after morning worship, the game symbolises joy and communal unity following the religious observance.

The tradition is reported to be linked to shepherds celebrating the birth of Christ, echoing the biblical nativity story.

The above, based on 2017 GDP per capita data, uses East Germany, long considered a benchmark for post-socialist economic recovery, as a reference point, set at approximately €30,300 per person. Regions shown in red fall below that threshold.

Following reunification in 1990, East Germany inherited outdated infrastructure , lower productivity, and weaker industrial capacity. Since then, the German government has invested more than €2 trillion in reconstruction, subsidies, and regional development.

While income gaps between eastern and western Germany persist, East Germany’s GDP per capita now exceeds that of many EU regions.

According to Eurostat, several regions in Southern Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Eastern Europe , and the Balkans continue to trail behind eastern German states in output per person.

The map underscores long-standing structural challenges. Many red-marked regions are affected by low industrial diversification, weaker transport links, ageing populations, and chronic underinvestment.

In Southern Europe, the aftershocks of the 2008 financial crisis and the eurozone debt crisis slowed recovery for more than a decade. In Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the legacy of post-socialist transition and limited capital inflows continues to constrain growth.

The European Commission has repeatedly acknowledged that regional inequality within the EU remains high, even as national averages improve. Wealth tends to concentrate in capital cities and export-driven regions, leaving rural and peripheral areas behind.