The independent commission, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, found that 518 people were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters. It also identified major failures in security protocols and law enforcement across several regions.

Samia expressed regret over the deaths and announced measures including a special criminal investigation body, a reconciliation commission and possible constitutional reforms to improve electoral transparency.

She also accepted recommendations to fast-track a new constitution by 2028, reform the National Electoral Commission before the 2029 local polls and review the 2014 draft constitution with fresh public input.

Demonstrators gathered across Imphal West chanting for justice and calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, restore stability and address their grievances. Many also demanded stronger action against armed groups and criticised the role of central security forces, as anger grows over repeated incidents of violence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said there are “all guarantees” for safe hosting of the tournament, despite recent security challenges.

However, the deadly violence that erupted after federal forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), shook parts of western Mexico, especially in Guadalajara and nearby regions. The unrest included roadblocks, burning vehicles, and clashes between cartel members and security forces.

Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s three World Cup host cities alongside Mexico City and Monterrey, is scheduled to host four matches this summer, including high-profile group–stage games featuring teams like Mexico, Spain, South Korea and Uruguay.

The city’s stadium and surrounding areas saw heightened tension as authorities responded with increased security and temporary suspensions of local football matches.

FIFA and local authorities are monitoring the evolving situation closely. While the sport ’s governing body has not announced plans to remove Mexico from its hosting duties, security concerns have been raised, and discussions are reportedly ongoing about how to reassure visiting fans, teams, and officials.

Despite the concerns, preparations continue. Organisers and governments are planning enhanced safety measures, from military and police deployments to advanced surveillance technologies designed specifically for the tournament. Experts stress that major international events like this often involve layered security planning, with cooperation between host nations critical for success.

Mexico’s 2026 World Cup matches are still scheduled to take place in the country, but recent violence, particularly in Jalisco, has intensified scrutiny of security arrangements. With just months until kick-off, authorities are under pressure to restore confidence, reassure international visitors, and ensure safe conduct of the world’s biggest football event.

Drone footage recorded on Monday, February 23, showed deserted streets across the tourist hub, with burned-out vehicles abandoned along roadways. Several shops remained shuttered, while others bore charred exteriors and scattered debris in the aftermath of the unrest.

What they said

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X, “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states,” adding that “in the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins” and said, “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America , and the world.”

Kwara State’s governor condemned the violence as a “cowardly” attack on civilians, while President Bola Tinubu labelled it “beastly” and ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the Kaiama district to support security forces. The killings come amid ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, where jihadist insurgency in the north-east and bandit attacks across central and northern regions continue to challenge authorities, despite recent military operations claimed to have weakened armed groups.

Port-au-Prince is facing an effective blockade, with key roads cut off and armed groups controlling an estimated 90 per cent of the city. Footage from the aid operation shows long queues of residents holding tokens as they waited for basic supplies such as rice and flour, underscoring the scale of need in neighbourhoods increasingly isolated by insecurity.

The assistance reached both long-time residents of Delmas and people displaced from nearby areas who have sought refuge there after fleeing violence. With livelihoods disrupted and movement severely restricted, food aid has become a lifeline for families unable to afford basic necessities amid soaring prices and limited access to markets.

The distribution comes as Haiti faces a deepening humanitarian and political crisis. More than 5.7 million people, roughly half the population , are experiencing acute hunger, while internal displacement has risen to 1.4 million. At the same time, the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council is due to expire on 7 February, raising concerns about a potential leadership vacuum as ongoing insecurity continues to prevent elections.

Kombo also delivered a special message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasising the role of the Catholic Church in helping Tanzania maintain stability during sensitive political periods.

“Your teachings have consistently reminded the world that peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, compassion, and care for one another,” Kombo told the Pope.

He described the Church as a vital moral presence in Tanzanian society , saying its voice is most important when it brings people together and rises above division. “The Church’s voice has long offered comfort in moments of uncertainty and clarity in moments of reflection,” Kombo said.

The minister asked Pope Leo XIV to continue encouraging unity and dialogue in Tanzania, adding that such guidance “carries deep meaning” for citizens and strengthens the Church’s role as a source of peace .

Kombo also requested prayers for Tanzania’s stability, a request the Pope welcomed. The Pontiff noted his personal connection to the country, having previously lived in Morogoro, Ruvuma, Arusha and Dar es Salaam, and assured the minister that he would pray for peace. During those discussions, the Holy See formally asked Tanzania to open an embassy at the Vatican. Tanzania is currently represented through its embassy in Germany.

Chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, the commission has been hearing testimony from victims, witnesses and community members.

One of the most disturbing accounts came from Aurelia Joseph, 75, who told the commission she was shot inside her home in Magomeni Kota and later left unattended for hours at Mwananyamala Hospital after being presumed dead.

“I was left there for hours because they thought I was dead,” she said, adding that she lay among more than 20 bodies and saw other injured patients die. She said security officers later interrogated victims at the hospital, accusing them of inciting unrest and questioning their political choices.

Joseph said patients with gunshot wounds were ordered to leave the hospital, whether or not they had been treated. Unable to get care at another hospital, she resorted to traditional remedies. Bullet fragments remain lodged in her body, leaving her in constant pain and with limited mobility.  

Other witnesses described the loss of loved ones in attacks that occurred near or inside their homes. Veronica Lyimo, 37, said her husband was shot and later confirmed dead at Mwananyamala Hospital. Rahma Said, 49, said her son was shot at home and died the following day after failing to receive treatment.

Juma Matari, 25, a mobile phone trader, said his shop in Manzese Darajani was destroyed during looting, with goods worth more than Sh60 million stolen or burned.

Another witness, George Chipeta, a car mechanic, said he was shot in the leg while riding a motorcycle on election day, an injury that eventually led to amputation. He told the commission that fellow ‘bodaboda’ riders raised money to buy him a three-wheeled vehicle so he could continue working. Victims told the commission they hope the process will lead to accountability and ensure such violence is never repeated.

Sudan’s humanitarian emergency has worsened significantly as insecurity across Kordofan triggers large-scale civilian displacement. According to the briefing, escalating violence has forced families to flee their homes in search of safety, placing immense strain on already overstretched local communities and aid networks. Kordofan, long a flashpoint in Sudan’s conflicts, has seen renewed fighting disrupt livelihoods, agriculture, and access to basic services. The displacement adds to Sudan’s broader crisis, with millions already internally displaced since the outbreak of war, raising alarm among humanitarian agencies over shelter shortages, food insecurity, and the risk of disease outbreaks.

Disinformation becomes a strategic weapon in the conflict

The briefing highlights the growing use of disinformation as a deliberate tool of war in Sudan. Competing narratives, fabricated reports, and manipulated media are being deployed to confuse civilians, undermine trust, and shape both domestic and international perceptions of the conflict. Analysts warn that this information warfare complicates humanitarian access and peace efforts, as false claims can inflame tensions, justify attacks, or obscure responsibility for abuses. The spread of disinformation also poses risks beyond Sudan’s borders, influencing diplomatic engagement and international responses to the crisis.

SAF air raids intensify civilian suffering

Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) air raids have intensified , contributing to rising civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The briefing notes that aerial bombardments are deepening the humanitarian toll, with markets, residential areas, and vital infrastructure increasingly at risk. Such attacks exacerbate displacement and fuel accusations of violations of international humanitarian law. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that the use of air power in densely populated areas is accelerating civilian harm and undermining prospects for de-escalation.

RSF claims territorial gains as fighting escalates

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have claimed new territorial gains amid the escalating conflict, signalling shifting dynamics on the battlefield. These claims suggest ongoing offensives and counteroffensives that are reshaping control across contested regions. While independent verification remains difficult due to access constraints and information warfare, the reported advances underline the fluid and volatile nature of the conflict, with civilians often caught between rival forces and changing frontlines.

International pressure mounts for a humanitarian truce

Amid the intensifying violence, international efforts to secure a humanitarian truce in Sudan are gaining momentum. The briefing points to renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at pausing hostilities to allow aid delivery and civilian protection. Regional actors and global partners are pressing both SAF and RSF to agree to temporary ceasefires, warning that failure to do so risks further catastrophe. These initiatives reflect growing global concern that Sudan’s war, if left unchecked, could destabilise the wider region and deepen one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises

Despite persistent and systemic challenges, 2025 has delivered meaningful victories in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) across the Global South.

Landmark legal reforms, policy shifts, regional coordination, and grassroots wins have shown that sustained advocacy and political pressure continue to yield results.

South Africa

Gender-based Violence elevated to a national emergency

In November 2025, South Africa reached a critical policy milestone when the government formally declared gender-based violence a national disaster .

The immediate catalyst was mass mobilisation in the lead-up to the G20. Women For Change coordinated a nationwide “Women’s Shutdown,” including silent lie-down protests, deliberately timed to coincide with heightened international attention.

The action amplified domestic demands while placing South Africa’s GBV crisis squarely under global scrutiny, increasing political pressure on the state to respond decisively.

This declaration means gender-based violence issues are formally recognised as a cross-government priority. Greater public accountability for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide, which says governments and society that respond to GBV issues have strengthened accountability and bold leadership.

Over one in three women in South Africa have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives, while nearly one in ten have been subjected to sexual violence, figures that translate into millions of women navigating daily life under the persistent threat of harm within their homes and communities.

Brazil:

Strengthened Legal Protections for Survivors

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has signed a new law aimed at strengthening protections for women facing gender-based violence, a response to public anger over record levels of violence and a series of high-profile cases that sparked demonstrations across the country.

The law enhances judicial powers to protect victims by allowing judges to suspend or restrict an alleged abuser’s access to firearms, remove them from the victim’s home and impose no-contact orders. It also requires offenders subject to protective measures to wear ankle monitors, with associated technology to notify victims if the offender approaches.

In addition, the legislation increases maximum sentences for the rape of children under 14 and substantially raises penalties where a child is raped and killed.

Feminist activists have welcomed the measures as positive but have emphasised the need for greater funding for prevention, support services, and broader systemic and cultural change to reduce violence.

Kenya

Historic State Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Violence

In 2025, Kenya marked a historic breakthrough for gender-based violence accountability by issuing its first-ever state compensation to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence linked to the 2007–2008 post-election crisis.

Following a landmark High Court ruling, the government paid a compensation of 16 million Kenyan shillings (approx. USD $124,000) to survivors who had waited more than a decade for recognition and redress, signalling an important, if overdue, acknowledgement of state responsibility.

While the payments covered only part of what survivors are owed and excluded those harmed by non-state actors, the move set a powerful precedent: sexual violence in times of political crisis is a matter of state accountability, not private suffering.

Civil society organisations framed the moment as a partial but critical victory, renewing calls for a comprehensive national reparations framework, full implementation of victim protection laws, and broader compensation for survivors across regions and periods.

India

Expanded survivor support and digital safety measures

In 2025, India strengthened its institutional response to gender-based violence through the nationwide expansion of One-Stop Centres under the Mission Shakti framework. With more than 800 centres now operational across states and union territories, survivors of violence can access medical care, legal aid, psychosocial counselling, police support and temporary shelter through a single, coordinated entry point.

The scale-up reflects sustained advocacy for survivor-centred services that reduce fragmentation and barriers to justice. Fully funded by the central government and implemented at the state level, the centres also benefit from targeted capacity-building for frontline staff to improve case management and survivor care.

While gaps in access and quality remain, the expansion represents a significant structural win for GBV activism, embedding survivor support more firmly within public service delivery across the Global South.

To do that, they need an ideology — and the country’s largest gang coalition,  Viv Ansanm  (VA), has one. Its leader, Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue”, does not want to be seen simply as a criminal. He sees himself as a revolutionary, a socialist and an anti-imperialist. Alongside Lenin, Mao and Che Guevara, Chérizier idolises Haiti’s independence leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who ordered the massacre of the island’s white population, and François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, the dictator who relied on the feared paramilitary secret police infamously known as  Tonton Macoutes .

When gangs launched their offensive in Port-au-Prince in March 2024, Chérizier received support from “political actors — the left-wing  Children of Dessalines  party, and the popular former senator Guy Philippe. Philippe brands himself as far-right, though such labels mean little in the Haitian context. For a time, Chérizier became not just a gang leader but a participant in a wider political alliance.

Among VA’s real or potential allies are former MP Victor Prophane, who once created the Gran Grif gang in the Artibonite Valley; the well-known singer Jacques Sauveur Jean, who has entered politics; and former football star Jeff Louis. Prophane is fighting his own war to capture Haiti’s main agricultural region. The other two are media figures who openly praise VA’s “revolutionary achievements” and bolster its image.

VA is waging war against Haitian and foreign police forces in an effort to overthrow what Chérizier calls a “pro-imperialist” government. Kenyan and other foreign police contingents brought in by the authorities are described as occupiers, and VA’s military campaign is framed as a national liberation struggle.

The coalition relies not only on violence but also on community structures to expand its influence. It uses neighbourhood committees, trade unions and sympathetic politicians to build support. In the summer of 2025, VA managed to stage several large public demonstrations that disrupted attempts by the police and army to retake gang-held districts.

The coalition also has backing from media outlets, both domestic and international.  Haiti Liberté , an online publication headquartered in New York with bureaux in Port-au-Prince, Toronto, Miami and France, has voiced strong support for the movement.

The Canadian left-wing platform  The Canada Files  publishes extensively on Haiti and shows sympathy for Chérizier’snarrative. One article states: “Chérizier calls for the overthrow of the Haitian bourgeoisie and what he describes as a ‘putrid, rotten system’. Instead of ‘5% controlling 85% of national wealth’, he advocates a system in which Haiti’s resources are shared by all.”

A similar message comes from  Internationalist 360° , a far-left US-based news portal. In its piece “Barbecue’s Haitian Revolution, & Empire’s Scramble to Stop it from Spreading Across America”, the site writes : “What Barbecue has built is the perfect threat towards Washington’s designs in the American hemisphere in particular; to ensure Haiti’s continued subjugation, the U.S. engineered the destabilization of Haitian society, but now Barbecue has come in to unite the gangs while lifting up people’s living standards. The empire’s worst fear is that this revolutionary struggle will keep spreading, until it comes to overthrow the imperial state itself.”

Chérizier may not be entirely wrong in believing that if his forces seize power, the UN, the United States and the European Union will not cut food and financial aid, and may even increase it out of a sense of obligation to a “desperate” country.

All he would need is recognition as a “party to the conflict,” which is often the first step toward becoming a legitimate political force. After all, Colombia is now conducting formal negotiations with the Gulf Clan, a criminal group involved in drug and human trafficking. And armed groups like the FARC in Colombia, the Shining Path in Peru and Mexico’s Party of the Poor were long seen in parts of the West as political actors, despite their methods.

Chérizier may therefore believe he can one day lead Haiti, swap his combat gear for an expensive suit, and denounce imperialism not from the burning streets of Port-au-Prince but from the podiums of international conferences.

This is why the war in Haiti can no longer be dismissed as mere gang violence. It has become a genuine civil conflict, fought by radical movements - criminal in origin, but hardly unique in that - against a pro-Western government.

This editorial represents the opinions of an international policy analyst who chooses to remain anonymous to avoid compromising his work. His identity has been verified by Global South World.

The mobilisations were organised by the national movement Levante Mulheres Vivas and came amid a rise in femicides. Official data show that São Paulo recorded 166 femicides between January and August 2025, up from 152 in the same period the previous year, a trend that has intensified pressure on authorities to respond.

Some participants emphasised that the issue extends beyond individual cases, pointing to systemic failures and longstanding cultural norms. One demonstrator highlighted that stronger legislation is needed to address the deaths of women who are “workers and care for their children ,” reflecting frustration over perceived government inaction.

Others stressed that men must be engaged directly in efforts to dismantle misogyny and prevent femicide. As one protester, Flora, said: "Violence against women is an agenda that needs to be addressed… we have to demand that public authorities and men put an end to this culture of rape and violence against women."

According to the President, the burning of police posts, government buildings and private businesses went far beyond lawful demonstrations. “This was not a protest. These were organised riots with a specific purpose,” she said .

Samia dismissed claims that opposition candidates were barred from participating in the election, saying they withdrew on their own to avoid defeat. She argued that the unrest was partly driven by internal divisions within opposition parties, not government interference.

Youth and foreign actors  

A large number of young people took part in the clashes, which Samia said reflected a lack of proper guidance and political awareness. She insisted many were mobilised under false promises rather than genuine grievances.

“Our youth had no reason to be in the streets; they were simply sent there and made to chant things that were not in their interest.”

She also accused unnamed foreign-based coordinators of supporting the unrest and criticised external pressure on Tanzania following the election, including the EU Parliament’s decision to freeze aid pending a human rights assessment.

Religious voices and governance

The president cautioned religious leaders not to overstep their constitutional roles amid rising religious commentary on the political crisis. “We will run this country by its Constitution and its laws,” she said.

Samia reiterated her commitment to constitutional reform but said the government would proceed gradually. She insisted that Tanzania’s stability remains the priority and that the state was right to intervene forcefully on election day.

Survivors described desperate scenes: families escaping at night, many forced to abandon their homes with nothing but what they carried. Coastal towns like Saint‑Marc have seen a flood of displaced people , anger rising as residents demand protection from a government many say has failed to act.

The violence continues a trend of escalating gang power across Haiti. According to recent UN-linked reports, gang violence killed more people in 2024 than in previous years, while armed groups now dominate key regions, including the capital and central territories. The attacks over the weekend underscore how fragile state control has become and how vulnerable civilians are where armed groups operate freely.

Humanitarian organisations warn that the impact goes beyond deaths and displacement: huge numbers face food insecurity, lack of shelter, disrupted access to healthcare and education , and psychological trauma from repeated violence. For many families, survival has turned into a daily struggle, with uncertainty over whether they’ll ever return home or even remain safe while fleeing.

As Haiti’s government and international actors assess next steps, this crisis highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian and security responses. Without a coordinated strategy to curb gang power and protect civilians, regions like Artibonite risk sinking deeper into chaos, and thousands more could be forced to abandon everything they know.

“Caning (as a) punishment has various categories, including the method and number of strikes, and this should be reconsidered before being reintroduced,” he said at an anti-bullying campaign in late November. 

Shazeli said a regulated approach was needed to prevent the misuse of power among teachers, arguing that experiential consequences are more effective than verbal reprimands alone.

“ People learn from experience and the feelings they go through, which is more effective than just talking or communicating without experiencing it first-hand,” he added.

The proposal comes as authorities confront a rise in school-related crime . 

Between January and October 2024, 108 students in Selangor were detained for offences including bullying, extortion and assault. The figure increased to 122 students over the same period this year.

Police say gang-linked violence is becoming increasingly common in both primary and secondary schools . 

“Upon examining fights and disturbances, there is often an element from outside, particularly for gangsterism,” Shazeli said.

He suggested that softer disciplinary approaches have weakened students’ sense of consequence. 

“Such measures should have been available to teachers to enforce discipline and manage the school,” he said, warning that the “fear factor” had faded.

Shazeli also urged schools and families to be more vigilant about serious incidents involving injury or organized groups. 

The anti-bullying campaign—organised jointly by the Selangor Police and the Selangor Education Department—drew about 700 participants, including Parent Teacher Association members, teachers and community stakeholders.

The renewed debate reflects a broader national crisis. 

Reports of bullying in Malaysia’s schools have surged from 3,883 cases in 2022 to 6,528 in 2023, and 6,208 cases were recorded between January and October 2024. 

Public anger intensified after the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in July, which triggered protests and revived calls for systemic reform, including a dedicated anti-bullying Act now under government consideration.

Torres said Mexico requires urgent international cooperation to address what he characterised as a deepening erosion of law and order. Speaking from the capital’s legislature, he delivered a direct message to foreign partners, stating: “And here from the Mexico City Congress, we call upon the international community, the European Parliament, and the US Congress to raise your voice on what's going on in Mexico. Unfortunately, the Lopez Obrador regime left a narco state, and there are a lot of Mexicans begging for help.”

His comments come at a time of escalating political tension between Mexico and the United States. Washington has issued increasingly forceful warnings about drug trafficking networks, with US President Donald Trump suggesting potential strikes or even deployment of personnel, proposals firmly rejected by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. Mexico’s government has accused critics of using security challenges for political purposes, insisting that the country’s institutions remain strong.

Torres also criticised Mexico’s handling of recent protests , pointing to clashes between riot police and members of the “Gen Z” movement earlier this month. He argued that the scenes, widely circulated on international media, damaged the country’s reputation and reflected poorly on federal decision-making. According to Torres, the government failed to protect young demonstrators’ rights, undermining public trust and projecting instability to the world.

Referencing the Global Organised Crime Index 2025, the legislator noted that Mexico now ranks among the countries most affected by criminal networks, with high levels of corruption and violence linked to organised groups. He argued that the country’s vulnerability is being exacerbated by officials embedded in corrupt systems, and reiterated his call for greater international scrutiny as Mexico attempts to confront its security challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that Christians are being specifically targeted , citing figures that 3,100 of the 4,470 victims were Christian.

However, security experts dispute this assertion, noting that Islamist violence in Nigeria is often indiscriminate, affecting both Christians and Muslims alike.

Analysts emphasise that many of the deadliest attacks have struck Muslim-majority communities, and no reliable data proves Christians are disproportionately targeted.

Experts point instead to complex, overlapping causes behind the violence, from struggles over political power and land disputes to deep-rooted ethnic tensions.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s military remains overstretched, underfunded, and mired in corruption , leaving it unable to sustain gains against insurgents who have adapted with new funding networks, local alliances, and control of rural zones.

AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence in Al-Fashar, urging both sides to stop fighting and open corridors for humanitarian aid.

But on the ground, the situation is heartbreaking. The UN says civilians are enduring unimaginable suffering, from mass killings and sexual violence to starvation and forced disappearances under the Rapid Support Forces’ siege.

Tensions are also rising internationally. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York , Sudan accused the United Arab Emirates of secretly funding and arming the RSF. The UAE rejected the claim, instead blaming Sudan’s army for stalling peace efforts.

Both the AU and UN now face growing frustration over slow progress. While AU mediators work to revive peace talks, the UN continues to push for access to deliver aid and hold perpetrators accountable.

For millions of Sudanese people trapped in this nightmare, hope feels distant. Observers warn that the coming days could reveal whether the AU and UN can still make a difference, or if they’ll once again stand by as another humanitarian disaster unfolds.

Officials claim they killed armed criminals who resisted arrest, captured over 80 suspects, and seized dozens of rifles and drugs.

Rio’s governor described the operation as a fight against narco-terrorism and declared the city “at war .”

However, human rights groups and witnesses paint a far darker picture, calling the incident a “massacre.” Locals reported seeing bodies in the streets, some apparently shot execution-style. Others described injuries consistent with stabbings and even decapitation.

The raid comes just days before major global events in Brazil, including the Earthshot Prize and COP30 climate talks.

Unanswered questions remain, including how many of those killed were gang members and how many were innocent residents caught in the crossfire.

Critics fear the operation marks yet another escalation in Rio’s long cycle of violence between police and gangs, leaving already traumatised communities in deeper distress.

The statement did not address widespread allegations of electoral fraud .

“Cameroonians have exercised their free will and made a rational choice, one based on experience and wisdom, a choice that guarantees peace and stability in Cameroon,” Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi said. 

Biya’s latest win — his eighth since first taking power in 1982 — has been widely contested.

While his 53.66% vote share was his lowest since 1992, it was still enough to secure him another seven-year term, which would end just shortly before his 100th birthday and extend his rule to 49 years.

Protests before and after the official proclamation on 27 October have been marred by violence. Four people were killed in a demonstration in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital, a day before Biya’s victory was confirmed.

Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who placed second in the Constitutional Council’s tally, has repeatedly insisted that he was the true winner and called on Cameroonians to protest by staying away from work.

Sadi said such “hasty” declarations of victory and calls for insurrection threaten not only peace but also economic development.

“The Government strongly condemns the hasty proclamation of victory by one candidate, as well as the radical challenge to the final verdict of the Constitutional Council confirming the victory of incumbent President Paul Biya,” he wrote. 

“These are all unacceptable actions, for which both the perpetrators and the instigators are responsible.” 

Biya is set to begin his eighth term during his inauguration on November 6.

Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, President Alassane Ouattara coasted to victory after earning 90% of votes cast in the October 25 elections . The win handed Ouattara his fourth, five-year term, which would extend his rule to 20 years. 

More astounding was President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s win in Tanzania, as the country’s electoral body declared she won 98% of the vote in a widely participated election — 87% of registered voters turned out, compared with 50% in 2020. 

While these electoral wins are separated by distance and circumstance, the three are bound by ties that extend beyond their status as reelectionists and leaders in Africa. 

Opposition barred

One of the most glaring similarities between the Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Tanzania elections was that major opposition bets were barred from running — many of them disqualified on questionable grounds. 

In Cameroon, veteran politician and lawyer Maurice Kamto was dropped from the candidates' list after his party, the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon, fell into disarray after internal disputes led to rival endorsements. Before his candidacy came to an abrupt end, he was widely regarded as the strongest challenger to Biya. 

Ivory Coast’s electoral body stripped two challengers of their eligibility: Tidjane Thiam, whose acquisition of a French citizenship was seen as an automatic forfeiture of his Ivorian citizenship, and Laurent Gbagbo, the country’s former president who was barred over a 2018 criminal conviction.

Two opposition candidates were also prohibited from running in Tanzania, namely Chadema’s Tundu Lissu, who spent two months in jail for treason over his calls for fair elections, and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo.

Irregularities 

With the questionable disqualification of key challengers, many have alleged irregularities in the three elections. 

Even before this year’s polls, Cameroon has often been portrayed as a country practicing electoral autocracy — meaning it holds elections regularly, but ones that fall short of democratic standards. 

Opposition bet Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who placed second according to the Constitutional Court’s results, claimed he had won the October 12 vote with a 54.8% share of votes, based on partial data. 

Allegations of irregularities in the Ivorian polls primarily stem from the removal of key candidates from the ballots, resulting in what observers label as a “non-competitive” election. Residents said the election was held under a climate of fear, too, with a heavy police presence observed in the days leading up to, and after, the vote. 

In Tanzania, evidence of electoral fraud was more blatant, as the country entered an information blackout with the internet shut down. The European Union later slammed the “lack of level playing field” and “large number of fatalities and significant injuries” in the polls.

Protest and violence

Four protesters were killed a day before Biya’s proclamation in Cameroon, with many more reported to be hurt in demonstrations that have taken over major parts of the country, including its commercial capital, Douala. 

Biya has acknowledged this violence, but his government was quick to flip the script, blaming “perpetrators and instigators” who alleged electoral fraud for fuelling post-election chaos.

Meanwhile, protests in Ivory Coast had largely been quashed by the government as dozens of demonstrators were arrested for public order offences, in what Amnesty International described as a clear sign of repression.

Post-election violence in Tanzania was the most alarming, as the opposition claimed the death toll had reached 700. The actual count, they said, could be much higher as more killings took place during a nighttime curfew. 

Tanzania’s foreign minister dismissed the violence as a "few isolated pockets of incidents here and there,” adding the internet shutdown was a necessary measure to save lives. 

“It was very certain that Biya was going to clinch another victory,” said Amindeh Blaise Atabong, a Yaounde-based journalist who covers politics and society. “He has the apparatus.”

At 92, Biya is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders and the world’s oldest head of state. Over 42 years in power, he has built a vast political machinery that critics say extends well beyond the bounds of legality — and deep into the electoral process itself.

Atabong said many Cameroonians have lost faith in the ballot box entirely. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems has described the country as an “electoral autocracy,” one that holds regular votes but fails to meet basic democratic standards.

Protests erupted even before the official proclamation of results, triggering violent clashes in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital, that left at least four people dead. 

There were even reports from opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who finished second with 35.2% of the vote, of civilians outside his home being shot at hours before the announcement.

“It was very, very tense, and it has only gotten worse since then, especially after the proclamation of the results,” Atabong told Global South World. 

Biya has acknowledged the post-election violence in a brief statement released online shortly after being declared the winner, in what was his first and only public comment since re-election.

As protests swell across the country, uncertainty now hangs over Biya’s new seven-year term — including whether he will even be able to see it through, which would leave him in office until just shy of his 100th birthday.

“It's possible,” Atabong said when asked if Biya could step down before the term ends. “We've seen that in other places in Africa, with the most recent example being Madagascar, where the president had to flee because of popular protests.”

“So, everything is possible. We can’t rule that out.”

Change or nothing

Biya is set to be inaugurated on November 6 in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé. 

Atabong said the president returns to power over a country increasingly weary of the same leadership, with frustration especially high among the youth, a generation that feels locked out of opportunity and excluded from decision-making.

“The youth are really frustrated. Most of them are trying to leave the country. They are fed up with the system, which is mostly owned by octogenarians,” he said. 

Now entering his eighth term, Biya faces a Cameroon under growing strain, from global shocks such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to domestic challenges including the long-running Boko Haram insurgency and deep linguistic divisions between the country’s English- and French-speaking regions.

With a 92-year-old president who frequently disappears from public view, questions are mounting over whether Biya remains fit to govern.

“Economically, the country is shrinking, there is bad governance , there is corruption, there is high level of unemployment, the cost of living is high, and we have not really capitalised on the transformation of most of our local resources,” Atabong said. 

“All of that put together, it's a cocktail that can easily degenerate.”

Ruling for more than four decades has left Cameroon deeply dependent on Biya’s grip. Still, Atabong said many citizens are bracing for the inevitable instability that will follow his eventual exit, whenever that comes.

“There is no indication that he is ready to step down because after he modified the constitution in 2008, striking off the term limit, he is still free constitutionally to go in for another mandate after this current one, which he just won,” he said.

“People just want change, even if it means moving from bad to worse.”

What now?

For now, as Biya remains out of public view, opposition figures continue to contest the results of the October 12 election.

Tchiroma had called for a three-day national lockdown, urging Cameroonians to “let the entire country come to a standstill,” to show the world that “we are resisting and that we will not yield” and to remind the Biya government that “the strength of an economy is its people.”

However, following violent clashes outside his Garoua home, Tchiroma was reportedly forced to flee with the help of “loyalist army” members, a move that, if confirmed, could signal growing cracks within Biya’s own ranks.

“The way going forward, I think it will depend on a couple of factors. First of all, it depends on within the rank of the security forces,” Atabong said. “If that doesn't happen, then I think not long from now, the riots will grow. So, it all depends on the days ahead, how it's going to play out.”

Atabong also noted the muted reaction abroad. The African Union even congratulated the longtime Cameroonian president in a statement that also expressed concern over the post-election unrest in the country.

“Since Cameroon, and largely Africa, has been a diplomatic battlefield, most of the foreign powers are very cautious on how they go about relations with the incoming government,” he said.

“Big countries like the US, maybe Russia, maybe China, they will more or less end up at lip service and be more cautious about how they comment on the developments in Cameroon because they have their interest in the country,” he added. “For now, the international community is failing Cameroon.”

With just days to go before Biya’s November 6 inauguration, unrest continues to define the political climate. What unfolds in the coming days could determine not only the next seven years of Biya’s rule, but also whether Cameroon’s fragile calm can hold at all.

This concludes our coverage of the October 29 elections in Tanzania, where incumbent leader President Samia Suluhu Hassan prepares to begin a fresh five-year term amid growing unrest and violence. Follow Global South World's official social media pages for more post-election updates from Tanzania.

Hassan declared winner by 98%

Tanzania's electoral commission declared on Saturday that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had won, with nearly 98% of the votes, an election that set off violent protests across the country this week.

The result hands Hassan, who took power in 2021 after the death in office of her predecessor, a five-year term to govern the East African country of 68 million people.

Protests erupted during Wednesday's vote for president and parliament, with some demonstrators tearing down banners of Hassan and setting fire to government buildings and police firing tear gas and gunshots, according to witnesses.

Demonstrators are angry about the electoral commission's exclusion of Hassan's two biggest challengers from the race and what they described as widespread repression.

Tanzania's main opposition party said on Friday that hundreds of people had been killed in the protests, while the U.N. human rights office said credible reports indicated at least 10 people were killed in three cities.

The government dismissed the opposition's death toll as "hugely exaggerated" and has rejected criticism of its human rights record.

Reuters could not independently verify casualty figures.

COMMISSION SAYS TURNOUT WAS 87%

The electoral commission said that Hassan received more than 31.9 million votes, or 97.66% of the total, with turnout nearing 87% of the country's 37.6 million registered voters.

Turnout appeared low on election day, according to witnesses, with some polling stations disrupted by the protests.

The Tanzanian authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew for the past three nights and restricted access to the internet.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo on Friday denied allegations that security services had used excessive force, saying there had only been a "very few small pockets of incidents" caused by criminal elements.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, called "for a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force" and deplored the loss of life.

RECENT CRITICISM FOR HASSAN

Hassan, 65, won praise after taking office in 2021 from predecessor John Magufuli for easing repression that increased under his tenure but has more recently faced criticism from opposition parties and activists after a series of arrests and alleged abductions of opponents.

She has denied allegations of widespread rights abuses. Last year, she said she had ordered an investigation into reports of abductions, but no official findings have been released.

During the campaign, she touted accomplishments expanding road and railway networks and increasing power generation capacity.

The main opposition party CHADEMA had called for protests during the election, which it said amounted to a "coronation".

CHADEMA was disqualified in April from the election after it refused to sign a code of conduct, and its leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason.

The commission also disqualified the candidate for opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, leaving only minor parties to take on Hassan.

Violence breaks out in Tanzania's biggest city

Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, descended into chaos on Wednesday, October 29, as protests broke out during the country’s general elections.

Demonstrators clashed with police, reportedly setting a police station ablaze and damaging public property.

A video by Viory showed a column of smoke rising over the city. The protests, led by opposition supporters, called for political reforms and transparency in the electoral process.

Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, and authorities have imposed a curfew. Internet disruptions were also reported nationwide.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, expected to secure re-election, has faced accusations of stifling dissent after key opposition candidates were disqualified. Human rights groups have condemned recent crackdowns on free speech and political activity.

Ballots destroyed and officials flee as protests escalate

Reports from local sources describe ballots being destroyed and scattered on the streets as protests intensified. Election officials allegedly abandoned polling stations amid the unrest, raising further doubts about the credibility of the electoral process and the government’s ability to maintain control.

Police stations torched in Dar es Salaam and Arusha

Protesters burned police stations in both Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and a police patrol vehicle was also set alight in Dar es Salaam. The attacks on security infrastructure signal rising anger on the streets and a growing breakdown of public order.

Defiance on the streets as protests continue despite curfew

Demonstrations persist across Tanzania even after police enforced a nationwide curfew. Crowds have defied restrictions, demanding accountability and transparency following the country’s disputed election.

Influx of wounded patients at Muhimbili Hospital

Muhimbili National Hospital is witnessing an influx of injured patients following post-election violence across the city, hospital sources told the BBC. The surge in casualties comes as protesters took to the streets demanding electoral reforms and the restoration of free political activity. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and damaged public infrastructure in various parts of Dar es Salaam, prompting a swift response from authorities.

Tanzania’s police chief, Camillus Wambura, imposed a citywide curfew starting from 6:00 p.m. local time (15:00 GMT), urging residents to remain indoors. No end date for the curfew has been provided.

Dar es Salaam’s Regional Commissioner, Alfred Chalamila, warned earlier that the government would take firm action against anyone disturbing public order. Protests were also reported in other parts of the country, including Mbeya and Tunduma. “We are tired,” a protester told the BBC. “We want an independent electoral commission so that every Tanzanian can choose the leader they want.”

Opposition suppression, new promises, chaos – Tanzania’s incumbent president readies for another term?

Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), are widely expected to secure another term in office, as the country has wrapped up the nationwide vote.

But the path to re-election has been marked by the suppression of opposition voices, raising new concerns over the country’s democratic course.

Now there are widespread demonstrations across the country following the close of polls.

President Samia, who took office in 2021 following the death of former leader John Magufuli, is seeking her first full term. Since then, she has positioned herself as a reformer and bridge-builder, especially in  international  circles, but at home, her government has been criticised for systematically sidelining opposition figures and dissent. Read more .

US Embassy issues security alert over post election unrest

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has issued a security alert to American citizens and embassy staff following reports of demonstrations and unrest in several parts of the country after the elections.

According to the advisory, Tanzanian police have imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam beginning at 6:00 p.m. on October 29, as security forces respond to protests in multiple locations. The embassy warned that the situation remains fluid, with reports of ongoing demonstrations and an increased security presence across major cities.

The embassy instructed U.S. government personnel to shelter in place at their residences and announced that, for October 30, operations at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam will be limited to emergency consular services only.

Social media reactions to curfew, alleged internet shutdown in Tanzania

Many Tanzanian netizens are reporting difficulties accessing platforms like X without resorting to VPNs. Digital rights commentators say these shutdowns curtail freedom of expression and limit democratic dialogue. For example, scholars warn that internet blackouts reduce the available space for political debate, activist organising, and citizen oversight. Some social media users are expressing frustration and fear - citing that restrictions may signal an attempt to limit dissent ahead of election results.

Unrest spreads across Tanzania as protests turn violent

In the hours following the vote, Tanzania has descended into turmoil.

Protesters have taken to the streets, torching buildings and destroying property in several regions, as anger over the electoral process intensifies. Police forces have been deployed nationwide, attempting to contain the chaos and restore order. But with demonstrations spreading and communication networks disrupted, the scale of unrest now threatens to overshadow the very legitimacy of Tanzania’s election.

President Samia cast her vote, urged Tanzanians to turn out peacefully

President Samia Suluhu Hassan began the day by expressing gratitude to Almighty God after joining fellow citizens of Chamwino to cast her vote. The Head of State described it as “a blessed morning,” commending the sense of unity and civic responsibility shown by voters who turned up early across the country.

President Samia encouraged all Tanzanians to continue turning out in large numbers to vote peacefully and calmly, noting that millions had already participated in an orderly manner. She emphasized that maintaining peace and stability during the election process was vital to strengthening democracy and ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard.

Silence and tension mark Tanzania’s election day

In Tanzania, the right to vote has collided with the struggle to be heard.

As the country heads to the polls, violent clashes and an internet blackout have plunged the electoral process into uncertainty. Reports from local media describe streets under tight security, opposition leaders detained, and voters struggling to access information or communicate online. With most social networks blocked and news outlets operating under pressure, Tanzania’s election unfolds in a climate of fear and silence - one where the flow of information may prove as decisive as the vote itself.

Tanzania’s 2025 elections face a crisis of information control 

In Tanzania today, truth itself has become a battleground.

As the country approaches its general elections on October 29, 2025, it is not the ballot box but the control of information that may decide the nation’s future. Across newsrooms, churches, and social media, fear and censorship are reshaping the space for public debate and democracy.

Over recent years, the government has steadily tightened control over what citizens can read, post, or even discuss. Key online platforms once central to public conversation -Twitter (now X), Clubhouse, Telegram, and the influential Tanzanian forum JamiiForums - have been  blocked or restricted. Read more here .

Elections without opposition?

As Tanzanians prepare to vote in presidential, parliamentary, and local elections on Wednesday, October 29, much of the opposition has been pushed to the margins, with leading parties boycotting the race and several candidates disqualified or silenced.

The election is officially set to feature 17 presidential contenders, but only one, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), enjoys national recognition and institutional backing. 

The imbalance has prompted critics to question whether the poll represents a genuine democratic contest or simply a formality to extend CCM’s near five-decade rule. More here .

Blind political loyalty 

In Tanzania, as in many African democracies, politics has become less about reform and more about political loyalty. 

Politics in Tanzania is now less about policy and more about belonging – cheering for a team instead of striving for better governance. And when loyalty overshadows ideas, meaningful change disappears.

Once political identity becomes part of who we are – “I am CCM” or “I am Chadema” –  the goal shifts. People stop comparing policies and start defending their side while attacking the other. Political scientists call this  affective polarisation :  when people become emotionally attached to one camp and hostile toward another, no matter the issues. More here .

Controversial promises ahead of the elections

As Tanzanians vote in the 2025 general election, the campaign period closed with promises made over the past two months taking centre stage – some attracting attention for their controversy. The October 29 polls will elect the president, members of the National Assembly, and ward councillors. Campaigning officially began on 28 August and has been marked less by policy debate than by a series of unconventional pledges that have sparked both amusement and debate. While some of these promises appear light-hearted, analysts  suggest  their prominence reflects the limited participation of major opposition figures in this year’s race. Read more here .

Tanzania heads to the polls today in a high-stakes vote that could cement the ruling CCM party’s seven-decade grip on power.

With opposition candidates sidelined by arrests and intimidation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appears poised to secure another term amid calls for fair competition and political reform.

Meet the candidates for next Tanzanian president

Over 37 million Tanzanian voters head to the polls today to select their new leader under a tense political climate marked by limited media access and growing state control.

Who among them will prevail?

Polls opened at 4 am GMT and closed at 1 pm GMT — vote counting is underway, and results will be made public within three days, according to the election commission.

BACKGROUND

Post-election protests turn violent

Violent protests broke out in Tanzania's biggest city, Dar es Salaam, on Wednesday during an election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to win following the disqualification of the leading opposition candidates.

Internet service was disrupted across the country, monitor group NetBlocks said, as unverified videos of young protesters throwing rocks at security forces and a petrol station in flames circulated on social media.

Hundreds of protesters were marching towards the Selander Bridge that leads to Dar es Salaam's centre, said a witness who asked not to be named.

Witnesses reported violent protests in at least four neighbourhoods of Dar es Salaam, while video from BBC Swahili showed police using tear gas to disperse protesters in another part of the city.

Who’s in

The incumbent president and the first woman to lead Tanzania, Suluhu Hassan has years of experience in government and initially projected herself as a moderate reformer. Running with Emmanuel Nchimbi as her vice-presidential candidate, she remains the dominant political figure in the race. Her strongest potential challengers, particularly from the Chadema opposition party, have been weakened by systematic state pressure. Opposition leaders have faced legal restrictions, arrests, and in some cases, violent intimidation. This has left Tanzania’s political opposition fragmented and largely unable to mount an effective national campaign.

Masoud, the former First Vice President of Zanzibar, has emerged as the main opposition figure in the campaign. Known for his legal background and measured political style, he has positioned himself as a reformist voice advocating for stronger governance , youth empowerment, and greater autonomy for Zanzibar within the union.

Although the National Electoral Commission reportedly barred his candidacy earlier this year, ACT Wazalendo continued to campaign with him as its symbolic presidential representative, drawing significant crowds, particularly in Zanzibar. His prominence underscores the frustration among opposition supporters over shrinking political space.

Kadege’s campaign centres on youth employment and vocational training, aiming to expand opportunities for young Tanzanians.

Mulumbe advocates for the use of satellite technology to boost sectors like agriculture, mining , and justice, and supports introducing dual citizenship to strengthen economic ties.

Mwiru focuses on agricultural reform, proposing zonal markets, fixed crop and livestock prices, and 24-hour access to essential public services.

Who’s out

Much of the opposition in Tanzania has been pushed to the margins in the presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with leading parties boycotting the race and several candidates disqualified or silenced.

The election is officially set to feature 17 presidential contenders, but only one, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), enjoys national recognition and institutional backing.

The imbalance has prompted critics to question whether the poll represents a genuine democratic contest or simply a formality to extend CCM’s near five-decade rule.

Tanzania’s two largest opposition parties, CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, are not taking part after accusing the government of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on dissent. Several of their key leaders have been barred from running, while others face ongoing court cases or arbitrary detention.

In April, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disqualified CHADEMA’s presidential candidate on what the party described as “manufactured technicalities.” International news agency Reuters later confirmed that other opposition figures were similarly struck off ballots at local and parliamentary levels.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have reported a “climate of fear”, citing arbitrary arrests, media restrictions, and enforced disappearances in the lead-up to the vote.

“Authorities have intensified repression ahead of the elections, instilling fear among activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens,” Amnesty said in an October report.

When Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, she was initially praised for loosening restrictions on the opposition and reopening civic space. But over time, that image has faded.

Opposition activists say the state has perfected a softer, procedural form of authoritarianism — one that relies less on overt violence and more on bureaucratic obstacles, judicial harassment, and control of the media landscape.

What’s at stake

Beyond the political contest, Tanzanians continue to grapple with everyday struggles; unreliable electricity, water shortages, unemployment, and poor healthcare.

Still, many voters feel there is little space for genuine alternatives, with the ruling party dominating the political narrative and state machinery.

Dearth of information

There are 17 candidates, but reliable information about most of them remains scarce. The campaign has been dominated by the ruling party’s candidate, while smaller contenders have struggled to gain visibility in a political environment marked by limited media access and growing state control.

The political climate is tense, with reports of repression, arrests, and intimidation targeting opposition figures. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, entered power promising reform and reconciliation. However, critics argue that her government has since tightened its grip on the political system, leaving little room for genuine competition.

While smaller candidates remain part of the electoral process, there is very little publicly available information about most of them, and their campaigns receive limited coverage, giving them minimal capacity to challenge CCM’s entrenched dominance. Their participation, however, serves as a reminder of Tanzania’s multi-party structure, one that exists more in form than in genuine political balance.

“To this effect, the Chairperson extends congratulations to His Excellency Paul BIYA on his victory, as the re-elected President of the Republic of Cameroon,” the African Union said in a letter disseminated online. 

Mahmoud’s brief salutation to Biya was followed by an extended expression of concern over multiple reported incidents of post-electoral violence in Cameroon. 

Since October 12, reports have swirled online about violence and repression targeting Biya dissidents. Four protesters were killed in a protest in Cameroon's commercial capital, Douala, a day before the proclamation.

On the day the Constitutional Court announced the winner, candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who placed second in the polls, wrote on social media that civilians were being shot at outside his residence. 

Security around Tchiroma’s residence has since been fortified, photos from Reuters show. 

“The Chairperson is gravely concerned about the reported violence, repression and arrests of protesters and political actors in connection with the election results,” the African Union statement read. 

“The AUC Chairperson of calls on all institutional and political actors to exercise restraint and work towards the preservation of social cohesion, peace and stability in Cameroon,” it continued. 

In his first and only public statement so far since reelection, Biya condoled with those “who have unnecessarily lost their lives [as] a result of post-election violence.” 

Biya will be inaugurated on November 6 in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon. 

Candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who placed second with 35.2% of the vote, claimed civilians outside his Garoua home were being shot at hours before the proclamation, triggering widespread concern.

“Urgent: Currently at my home in Garoua, they are shooting at civilians who are camping in front of my house,” Tchiroma wrote on Facebook on Monday. “The assault is on.” 

Reports from the ground relayed to Global South World indicate growing fear among Cameroonians.

While allegations of vote rigging are not new in the country — nearly every election has been accused of favouring Biya — sources say his government is now responding to these claims not with restraint, but with force.

Biya’s victory was confirmed after Cameroon’s Constitutional Council dismissed all eight petitions alleging electoral irregularities, any of which could have led to the partial or total cancellation of the polls .

Opposition groups, including Tchiroma, have rejected the results. The former Biya ally claimed on social media that he was the real winner and accused the council of being “complicit in a breach of trust.”

Biya, meanwhile, sought to present himself as a magnanimous victor and unifying leader, acknowledging the “weight of the responsibility” and the “great expectations” of his “compatriots.”

“At this point in time when the sovereign people have once again placed their trust in me for a new term of office, my first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families, as a result of the post-election violence.”

According to the Small Arms Surve y, civilians possessed an estimated 857 million firearms globally as of 2024, representing roughly 85% of all small arms in circulation.

The United States remains in a league of its own, with approximately 120.5 firearms per 100 residents, more guns than people . That figure far exceeds any other country and reflects a deeply rooted gun culture tied to the Second Amendment and a vast civilian market.

By contrast, most European countries average fewer than 30 firearms per 100 people. For instance, Finland and Switzerland hover around 27–32 per 100, while France and Germany record around 20–25. In Yemen, where years of conflict have normalised gun ownership, the rate stands at about 52.8 per 100 people.

In Asia and Africa, the numbers are significantly lower. India, Japan, and Nigeria all report fewer than 5 civilian firearms per 100 people, according to Small Arms Survey data. Latin American countries such as Brazil and Argentina have moderate levels, averaging between 8 and 15 per 100 residents.

In Europe, governments are tightening firearm regulations in response to rising incidents of gun violence. Sweden, for example, announced new gun-control measures in 2025 following a high-profile shooting linked to gang violence, aiming to strengthen licensing laws and trace illegal weapons.

Meanwhile, France and Germany have reinforced monitoring of hunting and sport shooting licenses after reports of illegal firearms entering from Eastern Europe.

Australia, often praised for its strict gun laws, is facing renewed scrutiny as experts warn that the total number of firearms has nearly doubled since 2005, despite the country’s robust licensing system.

The Small Arms Survey notes that global stockpiles of civilian firearms have continued to grow over the past decade, largely due to consumer demand and lax regulation in a few key markets. Technological advances such as 3D printing and online parts sales are also making it easier for individuals to acquire or assemble unregistered weapons.

Other nations in the top ten include Serbia and Montenegro (each at 39.1), Canada (34.7), Uruguay (34.7), Cyprus (34.0), Finland (32.4), and Lebanon (31.9), according to the chart.

These numbers draw on estimates from the Small Arms Survey , which combines official registries, national surveys, expert estimates, and comparable-country analogies to calculate civilian firearm holdings.

As of the last comprehensive estimate, the Small Arms Survey places the global total of civilian-held firearms at 857 million out of over one billion firearms in circulation (including military and law enforcement).

The U.S. is estimated to account for nearly half of civilian firearms globally, with around 393 million held by private individuals.

These figures show vast variation in gun ownership across countries, shaped by legal regimes, cultural attitudes, historical factors, and governance systems.

The high concentration of guns in civilian hands, in particular in the U.S., has been central to recent debates around gun violence, mass shootings, and firearm regulation. Policies around background checks, safe storage, and limits on certain weapon types remain fiercely contested in American politics.

Internationally, parts of the Middle East and conflict zones are also under scrutiny. Yemen’s ranking reflects a society long affected by conflict, weak state structures, and permissive weapons access. In Yemen, for example, firearm carrying in rural areas is largely unrestricted, and licensing in urban areas is loosely enforced.

Meanwhile, as global security tensions intensify, from the war in Ukraine to tensions in East Asia , concerns about arms proliferation, illicit firearms trade, and civilian access to weapons are growing.

Boluarte’s downfall came after months of mounting outrage over rising criminal violence and deepening corruption scandals. The trigger was a shooting at a cumbia concert in Lima, which left several musicians injured and symbolised her government’s failure to control extortion networks and contract killings that have terrorised Peruvians.

In the past year alone, extortion cases have soared to over 2,000 a month, with dozens of bus drivers and small business owners killed in attacks linked to organised crime. Boluarte’s repeated declarations of emergency and police crackdowns failed to stem the violence — or restore public trust.

Her approval rating had collapsed from 21 per cent to as low as 2 per cent, alienating even the conservative and centrist parties that once backed her coalition. “This session is a mere formality,” said Popular Renewal congresswoman Patricia Chirinos during the debate. “Dina Boluarte is leaving. The countdown has begun.”

As pressure grew, Boluarte faced accusations ranging from accepting luxury Rolex watches as bribes to abandoning her duties for cosmetic surgery. She denied all wrongdoing, but the scandals fed perceptions of arrogance and detachment in a country struggling with hunger, unemployment and insecurity.

When invited to appear before Congress to defend herself, Boluarte failed to attend. Lawmakers proceeded without her, voting unanimously to remove her from office. With no vice president in place, Congress President José Jeri was sworn in as interim head of state until elections scheduled for April 2026 — unless Parliament chooses a new leader beforehand.

Boluarte’s presidency began in 2022 after the ousting of Pedro Castillo, her leftist predecessor, who was arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her decision to remain in power rather than call early elections , as she once promised, sparked deadly protests that left 49 civilians dead — a tragedy that continues to haunt her administration.

Analysts say her removal reflects not just public anger at crime and corruption, but a systemic collapse of political credibility. Peru’s recent history reads like a cycle of collapse: six former presidents have been jailed in the past two decades, and nearly every living ex-president has faced charges of corruption or abuse of power.

According to Middle East Eye , the bill would enable Israeli courts to impose capital punishment on Palestinians convicted of murder, especially when the motive is deemed “nationalistic” or “ideological.”

However, it would not apply to Israeli citizens, including settlers, who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances. The proposal, championed by Limor Son Har-Melech of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has ignited fierce debate about discrimination, legality, and timing amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Legal experts and government officials have already raised red flags. The committee’s legal adviser reportedly warned that the vote may be invalid because it was held during the Knesset’s recess and without consultation with key security bodies.

Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coordinator for hostages, cautioned that pressing ahead with the bill could endanger Israeli captives still held in Gaza.

Opposition lawmakers described the measure as “ an act of unprecedented savagery ,” arguing it risks institutionalising a two-tier justice system, one that applies capital punishment only to Palestinians.

Israel formally abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954. Since then, it has been reserved only for extreme cases such as genocide or treason, with the country’s sole execution being that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

Although several attempts have been made in recent decades to revive capital punishment for terrorism, none have become law.

Reports from Gaza indicate a devastating escalation in violence, resulting in at least 65 deaths and 153 injuries within a single day. The conflict continues to exact a severe humanitarian toll, with hospitals overwhelmed and infrastructure collapsing under repeated bombardments. Civilian areas have been hit hard, raising concerns among international observers about violations of human rights and the disproportionate impact on non-combatants. Jordan, sharing close geographical and humanitarian ties with Palestine, has expressed deep concern over the situation. The government has reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and the provision of unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, emphasising the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.

“The battle isn’t over yet,” Israeli army chief tells soldiers in Gaza

The Israeli army chief’s statement that “the battle isn’t over yet” signals a prolongation of the ongoing Gaza conflict, suggesting that Israel’s military operations will continue despite international appeals for restraint. This declaration has fuelled fears of an extended confrontation, with implications for regional stability, including Jordan, which remains a vocal advocate for peace in the Middle East. The statement has also intensified public debate across Arab nations about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to halt the violence. Jordanian officials have maintained that lasting peace can only come through a two-state solution and renewed negotiations under international supervision, rather than continued military engagement.

Prime Minister honours teachers, announces expanded support programmes

In domestic developments, Jordan’s Prime Minister honoured educators on World Teachers’ Day, announcing an ambitious set of new programs designed to improve working conditions, salaries, and professional development opportunities for teachers across the kingdom. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector as a cornerstone of national progress. The Prime Minister emphasised that education remains central to Jordan’s socio-economic resilience, especially in the face of regional instability. These new programs are expected to include grants for rural schools, digital learning infrastructure, and teacher training in modern pedagogical methods. The announcement was met with optimism by teachers’ unions and educational institutions, which have long called for increased investment in the profession.

Jordan celebrates World Teachers’ Day, emphasising educators’ role in nation-building

As part of World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Jordan held nationwide events to celebrate the contribution of educators to the country’s development. Schools, universities, and civil society organisations hosted panels and cultural programs highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of teachers in shaping future generations. Government ministries underscored the importance of education not only as an academic pursuit but also as a moral and civic foundation for nation-building. The theme of the celebration—empowering teachers for sustainable development—resonated strongly with Jordan’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, which aim to modernise curricula and align learning outcomes with the needs of the 21st-century economy. The day concluded with awards recognising outstanding educators for excellence and innovation in teaching.

IEC delegation reviews Syrian parliamentary elections process

A delegation from Jordan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) visited Syria to observe and review the process of the country’s first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The delegation’s participation underscores Jordan’s increasing commitment to supporting democratic governance in the region. According to official statements, the IEC’s involvement was aimed at sharing technical expertise in election monitoring, voter registration systems, and transparency mechanisms. Observers noted that the elections mark a turning point for Syria, though questions remain about inclusivity and fairness. Jordan’s engagement was praised as a gesture of regional solidarity and as part of its broader diplomatic strategy to encourage political stabilisation and reconstruction in neighbouring countries.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has welcomed the UN Security Council resolution authorising the deployment of a multinational force to combat gang violence in Haiti. In a statement issued on October 1, 2025, Rubio said Washington will work closely with members of the Permanent Group of Partners to ensure the rapid deployment of the Gang Repression Force.

Haiti’s Central Plateau remains paralysed after gang takeover

Six months after armed gangs seized control of Mirebalais, Saut-d'Eau, and other areas of Haiti’s lower Central Plateau, the region remains paralysed. Once an economic and cultural hub, the area is now marked by economic stagnation, closed schools, disrupted public services, and widespread insecurity. Thousands of families continue to face uncertainty as the violence shows no sign of abating.

Haiti’s transitional authorities face criticism over inaction amid crisis

Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the Transitional Presidential Council, led by Laurent Saint-Cyr, are under growing criticism for maintaining what observers describe as a status quo marked by inaction. Despite a report by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) implicating Sports Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Dévalis Octavius, no sanctions have been imposed, raising concerns over entrenched impunity. Meanwhile, ordinary Haitians face escalating gang violence, soaring inflation, and collapsing public services. Education, healthcare, electricity, and security have all deteriorated, while the government is accused of offering diplomatic assurances in place of concrete measures.

EU welcomes adoption of UN resolution to support Haiti’s security

The European Union has welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2793 , praising the leadership of the United States and Panama in securing its passage and commending Kenya’s commitment to head the Multinational Security Support Mission. According to a statement published on its official website, the EU described the international coalition as a demonstration of the global community’s determination to address Haiti’s protracted security crisis. The resolution authorises the deployment of a strengthened international force with an expanded mandate to combat armed gangs, restore public order, and protect civilians.

UN approves creation of Gang Repression Force in Haiti

The United Nations Security Council, on September 30, adopted a resolution proposed by the United States and Panama, with Haiti’s support, to establish a Gang Repression Force (FRG). The decision, taken under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, comes after the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), deployed under Kenyan leadership in June 2024, failed to halt the spread of armed groups. The resolution authorises the transition from MMAS to the FRG for an initial 12-month period, working in coordination with the Haitian government.

The case has triggered nationwide protests, with thousands marching from Plaza de Mayo to the National Congress in Buenos Aires, and rallies also taking place in La Plata, Rosario, Córdoba and Neuquén. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Not one less” and accused the state of complicity through its failure to protect women. Feminist activist Victoria denounced the crime as a “narco-feminicide,” saying this to Viory: “This reveals once again the complicity of the state and the police with the narcos.”

Families of the victims joined the demonstrations, expressing grief and anger. Other relatives of past femicide victims also took to the streets, insisting that systematic gender-based killings remain unpunished in Argentina.

Buenos Aires provincial authorities, while confirming the investigation is ongoing, have not ruled out narco-related motives. Security Minister Javier Alonso acknowledged the atrocity had been broadcast online, calling it one of the most shocking crimes in recent memory. With Argentina facing rising rates of femicide and violence against women, campaigners insist the state must not only investigate the perpetrators but also address the structural failures that allow such crimes to persist.

Between January and September 2025 alone, at least 15 priests were kidnapped, according to a report prepared by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety). Since 2015, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has documented 145 kidnappings, 11 murders, and four disappearances of priests. Intersociety estimates the true toll is far higher, with 600 clergy from various denominations attacked in the past decade.

Intersociety reports that since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, more than 19,000 churches have been destroyed, looted, or forcibly closed, an average of three a day. Nearly 15 million Nigerians have been displaced as communities flee massacres, particularly in states such as Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, and Taraba. This means that the violence extends beyond the clergy.

The perpetrators include Boko Haram, its splinter group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed Fulani militias. While some attacks are ideologically motivated, many involve ransom kidnappings and extortion. In Kaduna’s Rijana area, jihadist camps are believed to be holding at least 850 Christians, many subjected to torture or execution if ransoms go unpaid.

Intersociety has also accused elements within Nigeria’s security forces of complicity in kidnappings and killings, citing counterinsurgency operations in the southeast that critics say have blurred the line between state action and persecution.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to the continent’s largest Christian community. International watchdog Open Doors ranks Nigeria sixth worldwide for Christian persecution, warning that unchecked violence risks destabilising the wider West African region.

The Kenyan leader emphasised that the greatest obstacles to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) were not the gangs themselves, but the logistical shortcomings that hampered operations.

“The biggest challenge and impediment was logistics, transport, support,” he said. “If that remains unpredictable, I'm afraid the next mission may suffer the same as MSS, and therefore it is very important that, as we create that transition, we make sure that resources, resourcing the new mission becomes at the heart of the transition.”

Ruto credited the United States with trying to fill some of those gaps. But he also underlined how inadequate resources placed personnel at risk, pointing to the consequences of being supplied with unreliable equipment.

“They did make available logistics, vehicles, but unfortunately, most of the vehicles were secondhand vehicles, and therefore they broke down a lot, many times, and in fact, it put our personnel in great danger when they broke down in very dangerous places,” he said. “But at least they stepped up. We didn't, however, get any useful support from any other quarter.”

Turning to the Haitian gangs themselves, Ruto downplayed their strength, insisting they retreat quickly when challenged. He suggested that their tactics showed vulnerability rather than strength.

“The gangs, in my very honest opinion, are cowards,” he said. “With very minimal intervention, they have literally gone into hiding, occasionally showing up. Some guerrilla warfare of some sort."

The president also defended the performance of the MSS.

“The achievements of the MSS are too often understated,” he said. “When the first contingent arrived in Port au Prince few could have imagined that a Boeing 787 one day, would land at the local airport without a risk of being brought down.”

Ruto also reiterated his message: that the international community had the means to turn the tide in Haiti, provided it acted with urgency and provided adequate support.

“Therefore, I thought I would use this meeting moving to the attention of the international community that the situation in Haiti can and must be solved.”

In some countries, citizens can own long guns such as rifles and shotguns without a permit. In others, strict licensing regimes demand not only background checks but also a “good reason” for ownership, such as hunting or sport. And in a significant number of nations, private ownership is prohibited outright.

According to Wikipedia’s overview of gun laws by nation, the world can be roughly divided into a handful of legal regimes. At one end of the spectrum are countries like the United States, where no permit is required in many states to own a rifle or shotgun.

At the other end are nations such as China and Singapore, where civilian gun ownership is broadly prohibited, with only narrow exceptions. In between lie most European and Commonwealth nations, which generally allow gun ownership under license but require applicants to demonstrate a legitimate reason, from hunting to sport shooting, and often impose limits on how firearms can be stored and used.

These rules have real-world implications. Research from World Population Review shows that countries with tighter regulations tend to report lower levels of gun violence, though enforcement and cultural attitudes also play a role. For example, Poland requires license applicants to provide a concrete justification and pass medical and psychological evaluations, while Ukraine allows licensed long-gun ownership but keeps handguns under strict control.

These differences have taken on new urgency in recent years. After a mass shooting in Montenegro left 12 people dead, the government moved to tighten its laws, introducing mandatory psychological checks and a grace period for surrendering unregistered firearms.

In the United States, the Supreme Court recently upheld federal regulation of “ghost guns”, untraceable, self-assembled firearms, affirming they fall under the 1968 Gun Control Act.

Even Australia, famous for its strict post-1996 gun laws, now faces challenges from illicit 3D-printed weapons, forcing lawmakers to consider tougher penalties and improved detection.

The most shocking event of the year so far came in September when conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The attack, carried out from a rooftop, is widely regarded as a political assassination and has provoked nationwide debate about the safety of public figures and the volatility of public discourse.

In June this year, Minnesota was rocked by a coordinated series of shootings targeting state legislators, leaving House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband dead and several other lawmakers wounded.

The suspect reportedly impersonated a police officer to gain access to victims’ homes before carrying out the attacks.

In Washington, D.C., two staff members of the Israeli embassy were gunned down outside a Jewish museum, an attack that drew swift condemnation from both U.S. and Israeli officials.

These incidents are part of a wider pattern documented by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, which warns that politically motivated violence is spreading geographically and targeting not only high-profile national figures but also local officials and community leaders.

The consequences extend beyond security concerns. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, political violence and civil unrest are now ranked among the top global risks by businesses, with more than half of surveyed companies citing these issues as potential disruptors to operations and supply chains.

The Economist Intelligence Unit has warned that political instability in the U.S., combined with tariff disputes and policy uncertainty, could add volatility to global markets, with investors pricing in higher risk premiums and companies bracing for regulatory turbulence.

These developments are already being felt economically. Political risk insurance premiums are climbing, especially for companies engaged in politically sensitive sectors, and multinational corporations are adjusting strategies to hedge against potential disruption

Authorities said the gunman likely fired from a rooftop at a significant distance. They have yet to name the suspect as Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said the shooter remained at large. 

In a video address taped in the Oval Office and posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Kirk’s killing as a national tragedy and a dark moment in U.S. history.

“To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump said. “Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”

Trump praised Kirk, who became known for his campus debate series "Prove Me Wrong, for championing public discourse.

“Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there has never been anyone who was so respected by youth,” the president said.

Calling Kirk “the best of America,” Trump urged the country to reflect on the dangers of political rhetoric. Shortly after, he accused opponents on the radical left of fuelling political violence. 

“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonising those with whom you disagree — day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” he said.

“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world ’s worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today. And it must stop right now.”

Trump, a victim of two separate assassination attempts in July and September last year, vowed a strong response to Kirk’s killing.

“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organisations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials, and everyone else who brings order to our country,” he said.

Kirk’s appearance was the first stop of a planned 15-event “American Comeback Tour” at universities across the country, where he regularly engaged students in live debates. 

Trump ordered all U.S. government flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday in Kirk’s honour. A moment of prayer was also offered for Kirk and his family at the House of Representatives. 

“An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed because together we will ensure that his voice, his message and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come,” Trump said.

The Peruvian government has proposed cutting the 2026 budget for public order and security, even as the country faces a wave of violent crimes. Public unease is growing, especially after 210 homicides were reported in August alone.

Human rights concerns

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights strongly criticised Peru’s recently approved amnesty law for military and police personnel involved in past human rights violations, calling it a serious setback for justice and truth. The law is also under review by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Boluarte on corruption and governance

President Dina Boluarte reaffirmed her administration’s anti-corruption stance, declaring “we are frontal” during a ceremony where new weaponry was delivered to the National Police. She also emphasised that over 60% of the 2025 national budget is being directed to regional and local governments.

Border and sovereignty issues

Tensions flared at the Peru-Colombia border after a Colombian flag was raised inside Peruvian territory, sparking outrage among residents. The incident has reignited concerns over sovereignty and weak state presence in border regions.

Cybersecurity under fire

Peru’s Congress is summoning the Ministers of Interior and Defence following a major cyberattack on the National Police’s intelligence systems, which exposed classified information and raised alarms about the country’s cyber defences.

The map, based on data from the statistics portal Numbeo, names Bradford in the UK as Europe ’s most dangerous city, with other British and French cities dominating the top‑ten list.

According to the mid‑2025 Crime Index ranking, the following European cities have the highest perceived crime levels. All ten score above 58 on the Crime Index.

Numbeo’s Crime Index is not a police-recorded crime statistic; it is a perception‑based indicator that combines reports of crime and the feeling of safety. The index ranges from 0–100, with higher scores indicating greater risk and a poorer perception of safety.

Lower scores on the complementary Safety Index mean residents feel less safe. Numbeo compiles these indices semi‑annually using surveys of residents and travellers. Because the Crime Index reflects perceptions as well as reported incidents, it can differ from official crime figures but offers insight into how unsafe residents feel.

Oil made Gaddafi’s Libya and it will build - or ruin - its successor

As rival governments vie for control of Libya’s oil, the resource has become both a lifeline and a weapon. Oil will ultimately decide the country’s future—whether through unity fostered by revenue-sharing, division as regions claim resources independently, or a continued status quo where factions and their backers fight for dominance. Read more here .

Nigeria kills at least 35 Islamic fighters near Cameroon border, air force says

Nigeria’s air force said it killed at least 35 Islamist fighters in strikes near the Cameroon border on Saturday, after intelligence revealed plans to attack ground troops. The operation, which hit four assembly points, is part of an intensified northeast campaign that has already claimed 592 militia members in eight months—surpassing gains made in 2024. Read more here .

What you need to know about Interpol’s $97m cybercrime bust across 18 African countries

In one of Africa’s biggest cybercrime crackdowns, authorities in 18 countries—backed by Interpol and the UK—arrested 1,209 suspects, identified 88,000 victims, and recovered $97.4 million. The three-month “Serengeti 2.0” operation also dismantled over 11,000 malicious infrastructures. Read more here .

Asia

Taiwan’s nuclear future hinges on voter anxiety over health and safety

Health has become the key issue for Taiwanese voters ahead of the August 23 referendum on restarting the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, with concerns focused less on energy needs than on the risks to public well-being, journalist Julien Oeuillet told Global South World. Read more here .

Turkish first lady urges Melania Trump to speak out on Gaza

Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan urged Melania Trump to press Israel’s prime minister on the plight of children in Gaza, citing Trump’s recent letter to Vladimir Putin about children in Ukraine and Russia, Ankara said Saturday, August 23. Read more here .

Iran forces kill six militants, IRNA reports, Israel link seen

Iranian forces killed six militants and arrested two in the southeast on Saturday, a day after rebels killed five police officers. IRNA said the group was linked to Israel and possibly trained by Mossad; most of the militants were foreign. Read more here .

Ecuador homicides increase 40% through July, over 5,000 killed

Ecuador recorded 5,268 homicides in the first seven months of this year—a 40% jump from 2024 and the country’s deadliest seven-month period in a decade, the interior ministry said. Most victims were aged 25–34 and killed with firearms. Read more here .

Bolsonaro's defence says drafted asylum request is not evidence of flight risk

Lawyers for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the Supreme Court a draft asylum request to Argentina found on his phone was from last year and doesn’t prove flight risk, noting he never fled. Read more here .

At least 18 die in Colombia in two attacks attributed to FARC dissidents

At least 18 people were killed and over 40 were injured on Thursday, August 21, in two attacks in Colombia blamed on FARC dissidents. In Cali, a car bomb near an air force base left six dead and 71 wounded, officials said. Read more here .

On August 20, 2025, President Daniel Noboa signed Decree No. 109 extending the state of emergency to La Maná (Cotopaxi) and Las Naves and Echeandía (Bolívar), citing rising violence from armed groups using these areas as strategic hubs. The measure authorises inspections, raids, seizures, and surveillance of communications to combat organised crime and protect public order.

Massive support for cannabis regulation

The Network of Cannabis Organisations of Ecuador (REDCAN) submitted 20,000 signatures to the National Assembly to push a bill regulating cannabis use. Admitted by the CNE in January 2025, the initiative requires 35,000 signatures—15,000 more are expected to be collected by October.

Anti-mining protests

Indigenous, peasant, and worker leaders in Azuay announced protests in September against mining in Quimsacocha, demanding the government revoke the Loma Larga project’s license. FOA president Lauro Sigcha warned of an 'indefinite uprising' starting September 23 if demands are unmet, including roadblocks and strikes. Demonstrations begin September 16 in Cuenca, alongside legal actions citing flaws in prior consultation.

Government launches National Public Health Committee

On August 21, the government held the first session of the National Public Health Committee (Consap), created by President Daniel Noboa days earlier. Authorities announced a nationwide bulk purchase of medicines and supplies and set a roadmap to strengthen hospitals and health centres. The meeting, led by Health Minister Jimmy Martin with Vice President María José Pinto and other officials, confirmed $200 million had been allocated, of which $100 million was already spent. Officials pledged to combat corruption, ensure transparency, and guarantee supply across the health network.

Guayas and Manabí: epicentres of criminal violence in Ecuador

Ecuador’s coastal provinces face worsening violence, led by Guayas and Manabí, long considered strategic hubs for drug trafficking. Both are under a state of emergency amid rising crime and over 5,000 homicides nationwide in the first seven months of 2025—double or triple 2021 levels. Guayas alone saw more than 2,500 murders, while Manabí recorded nearly 700. Los Ríos and El Oro also remain under emergency, with homicide rates sharply up since 2021.

Nine of eleven recognised opposition parties have formally launched the Opposition Dialogue, a political forum to coordinate actions against government decisions. The bloc includes Fuerza del Pueblo, PRD, GenS, PQDC, PSC, PDI, PED, BIS, and Camino Nuevo. Coordinated by José Francisco Peña Guaba (BIS) and spokesperson Soraya Aquino (PSC), the group will meet biweekly to strengthen unity, expand outreach, integrate unrecognised groups, and form policy-focused committees.

Political violence against women

Duarte Province Representative Dorina Rodríguez denounced the normalisation of political violence against women, calling it a major barrier to their electoral participation. Speaking on the A Metro y Medio Podcast , she shared her struggles starting without resources or support, relying on faith and community service to build her career. Rodríguez recalled campaign hardships, including nearly losing her vehicle, and highlighted her legislative role on the Penal Code Commission, where she pushed for harsher penalties for child sexual abusers.

Dominican Republic to host Open Justice Conference

The Dominican Republic will host the First International Conference on Open Justice on August 27–28, with representatives from 21 countries in attendance. Organised by the Dominican Judiciary, RIJA, and the Open Government Partnership, the event will share best practices on transparency, citizen participation, and access to justice. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Arias Arzeno highlighted its importance for building more accessible justice systems.

Abinader’s proposal for Leonel to go to Rome with FAO questioned

Communicator Julio Samuel Sierra has criticised President Abinader’s remark about paying for former President Leonel Fernández to travel to Rome and debate the FAO, after it praised the DR’s poverty reduction. Sierra called it a joke and questioned why the government avoids addressing local issues, such as electricity, water, and security. His comments were shared on El Nuevo Diario en la Tarde alongside fellow journalists.

Cancellation of President Abinader’s 5th anniversary event explained

Presidency Minister and PRM president José Ignacio Paliza explained from Japan that President Abinader cancelled the event marking his five years in office, stressing it is 'a time to work, not celebrate.' Abinader, in a letter to party leaders, cited responsibility to address national needs and focus on citizens’ problems. Paliza added that while the PRM proposed the event, the president felt the moment was not right for large-scale political activities.

Bolivia’s international bonds have rallied strongly ahead of the August 17 presidential election, gaining over 30% since the start of 2025 and outperforming the 7% return in JPMorgan’s emerging markets bond index. Investor optimism is driven by hopes that a political shift could pave the way for economic reforms and an IMF program, amid the country’s worst economic crisis in four decades, with soaring inflation, dwindling reserves, and tough fiscal trade-offs.

Election front-runners signal political change

Right-wing candidate Jorge Quiroga, a former president, said on August 8 that Bolivia was set for “radical change” after 20 years of socialist rule. He trails centre-right business magnate Samuel Doria Medina in first-round polls, while the ruling Movement towards Socialism (MAS) — founded by former president Evo Morales — faces record-low support over its crisis management.

Indigenous support for MAS erodes

The MAS party is experiencing a sharp decline in backing from its traditional Aymara and Quechua base, as economic hardship and unmet social promises overshadow identity politics. Influencers and community voices say priorities have shifted toward jobs, education, and healthcare. Morales, elected in 2006 as Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, once symbolised empowerment, but corruption allegations and internal rifts have eroded that legacy.

Violence mars football match in La Paz

A 3-2 victory for The Strongest over Blooming at Hernando Siles Stadium was overshadowed by a serious incident involving supporters, who threw fireworks onto the pitch. Paraguayan forward Juan Godoy was struck, sustaining a first-degree burn and a testicular hematoma, prompting medical attention and ongoing monitoring.

Business leader calls for openness

Bolivian entrepreneur Marcelo Claure, Group Vice Chairman of Shein, urged renewed openness to global markets and greater economic opportunity ahead of the election. Claure expressed optimism that effective governance could unlock the country’s economic potential.

The war has displaced about 1.9 million people, roughly 90% of Gaza’s population and forced families to move repeatedly as Israeli forces issue evacuation orders.

Monthly data compiled by World Visualized from MoH reports show that fatalities escalated from 8,005 in October 2023 to 27,131 by January 2024 and continued rising steadily.

By June 2025, confirmed deaths reached 56,531, while injuries topped 133,642. Just one month later, in July 2025, the figures climbed to 58,573 fatalities and 139,607 injuries. The sharp increase underscores how even brief pauses in fighting have failed to stem the death toll.

The World Visualized graphics also highlight that while fatalities and injuries in June and July are almost equal in proportion, the absolute numbers continue to grow.

In June, there were 133,642 reported injuries and 56,531 deaths; by July, injuries rose by roughly 6,000, and deaths increased by over 2,000. OCHA notes that 86 % of the Gaza Strip is now either under evacuation orders or classified as an Israeli-militarised zone, leaving civilians with fewer safe areas to seek shelter and increasing the likelihood of casualties.

Beyond the casualty count, OCHA’s latest report warns of worsening humanitarian conditions. Severe shortages of fuel, water and medical supplies threaten to shut down critical services.

Malnutrition rates among children under five have more than doubled since March due to an Israeli blockade that severely restricts food deliveries. OCHA says that over 86 % of Gaza’s territory is either militarised or subject to displacement orders, leaving civilians squeezed into ever‑smaller areas.

UN agencies, including UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, have repeatedly urged Israel to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.

In mid‑July, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said Israel’s military campaign is creating conditions “incompatible with the continued existence of Palestinians in Gaza”. Humanitarian convoys coordinated with Israeli authorities are often delayed or denied: between July 9 and 15, nearly 17 % of aid movements were denied, and one-third faced obstacles.

Botswana remains one of the few African countries that still actively enforces the death penalty. However, Boko has suggested a shift toward a more nuanced approach addressing GBV.

In 2019, the Botswana National Review acknowledged persistent GBV levels and outlined national efforts to implement the Domestic Violence Act (2008). These measures included extensive public education and awareness campaigns at both national and community levels, using tools such as cultural dialogues, media discussions, and seminars.

The review also stated the government ’s engagement with traditional and religious leaders to tackle GBV.

Viv Ansanm, led by gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, and Gran Grif, led by Luckson Elan, have been central to a wave of violence that has destabilised much of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The latest update to the UN Sanctions List 2653 , which now includes seven individuals and two entities.  

“These sanctions close the door to all possibilities of negotiations with these thugs. They must be eliminated. This is my conviction,” said Haitian political figure Michel André.

The U.S. Department of State previously warned that any individuals or organisations providing material support to these gangs could face criminal prosecution and possible expulsion or entry bans. It also emphasised that all assets and interests of the designated entities within U.S. jurisdiction would be blocked.

“Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the American financial system and the resources they need to carry out attacks,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement following the initial designation.

The UN action follows alarming findings from its Expert Group on Haiti, presented in a Security Council meeting on June 5, 2025.