“Malagasy people need to unite, that’s what’s causing this movement,” one protester said. “We are tired, fed up and completely lost, so let’s fight for the good of the youth and the next generation,” he added.

But as the demonstrations grew, anger turned destructive, and businesses were vandalised. Offices were damaged, and homes looted as protests spiralled out of control.

“It is sad because the demand for electricity and water has now ended, and ordinary people’s property has been destroyed and badly damaged,” said protester Edhia Cathy.

“The destruction of homes started with the demand for electricity and water and ended with theft and destruction of other people’s property. How can we overcome this situation?” added Kevin Julio, another demonstrator.

Protesters accused police of contributing to the situation when they deployed tear gas to disperse crowds, triggering panic and opening the door to looting.

“What we asked for was a simple and peaceful demand, but the police responded with a repressive force,” said Hasina Ramanantsoa. 

“They fired tear gas bombs and there was chaos. Businesses were looted. It should have been a peaceful movement, but now it has become a looting movement, causing chaos among the Malagasy people,” he told Viory.

A Weakened MAS

Once a dominant force, MAS now faces the consequences of its internal split, with loyalties divided between President Luis Arce and former leader Evo Morales. Morales, though barred from running, still managed to mobilise nearly 17% of voters toward casting null ballots, underscoring his continued influence but also the limits of his electoral base. The result was a weakened MAS and unexpected gains for alternative candidates, signalling a new phase in Bolivia’s volatile political cycle.

While the immediate outcome has reshuffled party alignments, Breda warns that Bolivia’s deeper challenges remain unresolved. The persistent polarisation between Arce’s government and Morales’ loyalists risks prolonging cycles of protest and road blockades, instruments that have long paralysed the economy and undermined trust in institutions. At the same time, the lack of a unifying political force raises concerns about governance, as fragmented opposition groups may struggle to present coherent alternatives. According to Breda, this fragile equilibrium could turn Bolivia’s upcoming months into a test of resilience for its democracy.

The economic protest factor

Beyond political rivalries, Breda further pointed out that Bolivia’s elections were heavily influenced by a wave of protests over economic crisis and shortages. 

Breda told Global South World that since October 2023, ACLED recorded more than 500 protests linked to the lack of dollars, fuel, and rising food prices, a level of unrest rarely seen in the country’s recent history. “When there were protests about lack, they were almost non-existent, except briefly during the pandemic”, Breda explained. “This gives us a sense of how severe the current economic situation has become”, he added.

But the turmoil was compounded by pro-Evo Morales blockades, which often paralysed transport and trade for weeks. Rather than bolstering Morales’ cause, Breda argues these actions deepened the economic crisis and fueled frustration across the country. “The protests of his supporters actually aggravated shortages and made life harder for ordinary Bolivians. This increased rejection of MAS as a whole”, Breda said.

A Dual Threat: Canal and Communities at Risk

The Panama Canal, responsible for moving around 7% of global maritime trade, and over 2 million urban residents , along with indigenous and farming communities , all rely on the same freshwater reserves. Droughts—amplified by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon—have repeatedly driven water levels dangerously low in Gatún and Alajuela lakes, leading to costly restrictions on canal traffic and heightened competition for water access.

Infrastructure Strains and Community Outcry

Regional emergencies have highlighted deeper structural weaknesses. The provinces of Herrera and Los Santos were placed under a state of emergency after contamination of the La Villa River forced the shutdown of four treatment plants, leaving thousands without safe drinking water. Meanwhile, numerous unregulated well drillings, over 4,000 across the country, of which only about 1,300 are permitted, are raising alarms over groundwater sustainability.

Contested Solutions and Social Tensions

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and government officials have proposed bold water storage projects, including a $1.6 billion reservoir in the Indio River basin , capable of boosting canal operations by 12 to 15 transits per day and supplying freshwater to Panama City. But the plan has ignited fierce protests. Farmers warn of flooded lands, displacement of around 2,000 residents , and insufficient community engagement. Authorities argue that Bayano Lake alternatives pose even greater risks.

Why It Matters Globally

This crisis puts Panama at a crossroads: its waterways link oceans and economies, but an unresolved water shortage endangers commerce, domestic welfare, and environmental equity. A collapse in canal functionality or widespread water insecurity among rural and indigenous populations could ripple through supply chains and regional stability.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa and, in turn, by Dr. Edna Tobi, Special Assistant for International Cooperation and Partnership, highlighted the need for bold decisions to address Nigeria’s economic crisis, Vanguard Nigeria reports.

“Our decision to reform Nigeria’s tax system and fiscal policy was deliberate and strategic,” Tinubu said. “It was a courageous and bold move aimed at addressing the suffocating economic challenges facing the nation.”

The reforms, he added, aim to create a more investment-friendly environment, particularly in the real estate sector, while also boosting job creation and sustainable growth, reiterating his administration’s commitment to increasing government revenue through fair and transparent taxation .

Delivering the keynote address, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Zacch Adedeji, represented by Chief Economic Adviser Prof. Mohammed Salisu, described Nigeria’s real estate sector as underutilised in terms of revenue generation.

Adedeji said the forthcoming Tax Administration Bill aims to streamline tax processes, enhance compliance, and reduce inefficiencies and overlapping tax obligations, calling on NIESV to support standardising valuation methods and to collaborate on implementing the reforms.

Expressing deep concern, Geng outlined the escalating crisis in Haiti, marked by rampant gang violence and a deteriorating state, which has led to a critical humanitarian situation for its citizens. During a special session, María Isabel Salvador presented a grim report detailing the staggering violence, with over 1,000 individuals killed and more than 1 million displaced since December, warning of an impending point of no return due to this escalating violence.

Geng’s remarks attributed a significant portion of the crisis to the historical interference of the United States, asserting that the U.S. has been the greatest external factor disrupting Haiti’s security and development. He condemned the American interventionist policies , which have included military deployments and the installation of puppet governments, asserting that the U.S. has consistently been the primary source of arms fueling gang violence in Haiti. He cited a recent report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime illustrating that gangs in Haiti possess greater firepower than police forces.

Additionally, Geng criticized the U.S. for its lack of substantial contributions to the Multinational Security Support Mission, despite promises of financial assistance. He referenced the freezing of $13 million in aid by the Trump administration earlier this year as an example of the inconsistent support provided to Haiti.

In conclusion, the Chinese representative urged a reevaluation of U.S. actions in Haiti and emphasized that the future of Haiti should not be jeopardized for the U.S.'s strategic interests. He called for a commitment to effective, targeted assistance rather than superficial engagements, reaffirming support for collaborative efforts with regional organizations like Caricom and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.

“Life has been difficult for young people since the arrival of this new regime,” said street vendor Madiaw Pakha. “The police prevent us from selling on the street, and life is very expensive, which was not the case during President Macky Sall’s time. Sonko came here and made us many promises, but since then, we have not seen him again. It is time for the authorities to help us,” he told the AFP

Some young people, however, believe that the government needs more time to fulfill its promises. University of Dakar student Abdou Hakim Ndir acknowledged the economic challenges the administration is facing. “Currently, it's a bit difficult with the debt issues, but I believe that if we give them a little time, they will try to manage things,” he said. Fellow student Cheikh Astal Gadiaga echoed this sentiment, urging patience. “Citizens must be understanding while knowing that there were enormous difficulties in the past regime. Some issues need to be fixed before we can move forward.”

Fisherman Saliou Wade is among those who remain optimistic. “Compared to past years, Senegal now offers many opportunities, and I firmly believe that the new authorities can succeed if we support them. Many young people attempted illegal emigration because they had lost hope in this country, but today, we have authorities we trust. If we give them a little time, they will be able to succeed,” he said.

According to Modiene Joe Ndiaye, responsible for financing at the General Delegation for the Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER), an overwhelming number of young people are seeking financial assistance. “We launched a campaign to receive funding requests with a budget of 5 billion CFA francs. In less than a month, we received 60 billion CFA francs in requests, which shows the motivation and expectations of the youth.”

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Boko emphasised that the decision was made to provide affordable water access for ordinary citizens while requiring government agencies to shoulder a greater financial burden, Mmegi reports.

"We are looking at making it easier for households to survive," Boko stated. "At the same time, government agencies must play their part in ensuring sustainability by paying more for their usage."

The Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), the state-owned water supplier, has been grappling with financial challenges due to mounting debts, with millions of pula owed by consumers, including businesses and government departments. The financial strain has affected WUC’s ability to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure.

While the reduction in household water costs will provide relief to consumers, the ability of the increased government tariffs to offset revenue losses remains uncertain. Some experts question whether the adjustment will help bridge the financial gap or further burden the already strained water provider.

For households, the reduction in tariffs is expected to free up disposable income, easing financial pressures amid rising living costs. However, government agencies will need to adjust their budgets to accommodate higher water costs, which could lead to cutbacks in other areas of public spending.

Afghanistan remains at the very bottom, still facing the devastating consequences of decades of war, political instability, poverty, and limited access to basic services.

Not far behind are Sierra Leone and Lebanon—two nations grappling with severe economic crises, institutional dysfunction, and persistent social unrest that continue to erode the quality of life.

Other countries in the bottom ten include Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, where economic struggles, inadequate healthcare systems, and governance challenges hinder progress toward greater well-being.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen, ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises intensify suffering and insecurity, making happiness feel like an unattainable luxury.

Rounding out the list are Comoros and Lesotho, where weak infrastructure and high poverty levels contribute to low life satisfaction.

While happiness may seem like a subjective concept, it often reflects deep-rooted structural issues that must be addressed to build a better future.

These rankings are based on how people rate their own lives, as measured through surveys conducted by Gallup in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Jolinette Gaba, a 24-year-old mother, described the dire situation as she struggled to find water for her seven-month-old baby.

"We've been here since midnight to fetch water despite the insecurity in certain areas of our neighborhoods. When we come here, we can stay for hours and hours before we get water to prepare food for our children . If there's no water, we have to stay no matter what time it is. Sometimes we get some around 5 PM. The day before yesterday, I left home at 5 AM and got back around 5 PM without finding any,” she told the AFP.

She also shared the impact on childcare, explaining how she is forced to leave her baby at home to search for water. “If I can't find any water, the baby's clothes may be left for two or three days in a basin of dirty water, often full of germs. How are we supposed to live in these conditions ?,” she added.

The crisis is also crippling local businesses. Patrick Kourama, a vendor at the Boyrabe market, explained how the blackouts have led to food spoilage and financial losses.

Kourama said, “Most of our products are frozen, so it's thanks to electricity that we can preserve them to sell to our customers. Products like chicken wings, backs, and thighs need to be fresh. The worst thing is fish like tuna, which spoils very easily without electricity.”

"On a scale of destruction, we are not only talking about the infrastructure, where probably between 65% to 70% of buildings in Gaza have either been entirely destroyed or damaged,” Steiner told the AFP. “We are also talking about an economy that has been destroyed, where we estimate that roughly 60 years of development have been lost in this conflict over just 15 months.”

The UN estimates that around 42 million tons of rubble must now be cleared, a process made perilous by unexploded ordnance, landmines, and the risk of encountering unrecovered bodies. This cleanup will require meticulous planning and substantial international support to prevent further loss of life.

Steiner highlighted the collapse of basic public services, noting that Gaza’s two million residents now lack access to clean water , functional sewage systems, and waste management facilities. "You have to imagine, 2 million people who are in the Gaza Strip have lost not only their shelter, they've lost public infrastructure, sewage treatment systems, freshwater supply systems, and public waste management. All of these fundamental infrastructure and service elements simply do not exist," Steiner explained.

Rebuilding Gaza will require tens of billions of dollars, a financial commitment that Steiner acknowledged will be a significant challenge for the international community.

From labour helping on farms, mechanics, and cooking to selling in the markets, children in the village of Abdullah Goth on the outskirts of Karachi do it all.

Apart from the non-profit Roshan Pakistan Foundation school catering to over 2, 500 people in the village, there has been no public or private school to nurture the curious minds of these children.

According to Humaira Bachal, an education advocate, the absence of government infrastructure and GDP allocation for education induces the prevalence of young workers in the village.

"Government infrastructure does not exist in places where there needs to be a school. And GDP that should be allocated to education is not being allocated, and this is why according to reports, we are going through an education crisis and we are not doing enough about it," she said. "Due to the economic crisis, education is no longer our [Pakistan families] top priority, so children are forced to become the primary breadwinners, whether they want to or not. As a result, leaving school becomes the first option."

Despite the obvious blurry lines in the hope of rural areas in Pakistan ever receiving the kind of education witnessed in the cities, the children in Abdullah Goth are optimistic.

10-year-old vegetable seller Taimoor Luqman said, "I will study and get an education, and when I grow up, I want to become a doctor."

On the other hand, Kamran Imran, a bike mechanic told AFP "I am going to learn new skills [at school and at work], and when I grow up, things will be different. I used to work all day, but then school started. Now, I attend school in the morning and work in the afternoon.

Pakistan's literacy rate remains low compared to many other nations. In 2022, literacy rates in Pakistan varied significantly, with Islamabad boasting a high of 96%, while the Torghar District had only 23%.

Gender and regional disparities are evident, with female literacy in tribal areas at just 9.5%, whereas Azad Kashmir enjoys a rate of 91%.

Additionally, Pakistan has the world's second-largest population of out-of-school children, totalling 22.8 million, second only to Nigeria.

On January 9, 2025, the Lebanese parliament elected General Joseph Aoun, the head of the army, as the country's 14th president. This election is seen as a significant step towards stabilising the nation, which has been grappling with economic and political crises.

General Aoun's election is notable for several reasons. Firstly, he is the first president since the 1990s not to be pre-approved by Tehran and Damascus, signalling a shift in Lebanon's political landscape and a weakening of Hezbollah's influence.

Secondly, his presidency is expected to focus on regaining the state's monopoly on the use of force and pursuing accountability and reforms.

His presidency has also been widely welcomed, ending a more than two-year vacancy that left the nation in a state of uncertainty.

In Zimbabwe, a recent devastating fire at the Mbare Musika market has resulted in an estimated loss of around US$5 million in goods and savings for traders, further highlighting the ongoing economic crisis in the country. Presently, approximately 40% of Zimbabweans are living in extreme poverty, and a significant number are engaged in informal work as the economy's instability deepens. The government has introduced a new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), aiming to stabilise the economy; however, this initiative has only generated more uncertainty. According to Daily News , the historical backdrop of financial mismanagement and hyperinflation has severely undermined public trust in banking institutions, leading to an extensive informal economy where many transactions occur off the books. Traders like Irene Mutanga have had to adapt to a dual-currency system, accepting both US dollars and ZiG, all while trying to rebuild their businesses in the aftermath of the fire and manage immediate financial responsibilities.

Zimbabwe's FDI expected to surpass $3 billion in 5 years

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been established between the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), with expectations to generate over US$3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next five years. ZBCA president Dr. Tinashe Manzungu noted that FDI inflows currently range between US$400-500 million annually, but the new collaboration is aimed at achieving an annual growth rate of 10-15%. Financial Fortune Media reports that this partnership is designed to streamline investment processes, increase investor confidence, and enhance local contractors' skills through targeted training. Additionally, it seeks to advocate for investment-friendly policies and promote regional cooperation in infrastructure development.

Cement industry hit

Khayah Cement, formerly Lafarge Cement, acquired by Fossil for $29.7 million in 2022, is currently confronting significant operational challenges despite the robust demand for cement in Zimbabwe. The company has entered voluntary business rescue owing to inherited debts totalling $11 million, coupled with operational inefficiencies and recurrent plant breakdowns. The Zimbabwe Mail reports that the adverse effects of US sanctions have restricted access to vital financing and suppliers. Production-related difficulties have been exacerbated by a three-year overdue kiln maintenance, in addition to a roof collapse at the mill facility. Moreover, government-sanctioned cheaper imports of cement have adversely impacted Khayah's sales and growth prospects; the company acknowledges its inability to compete with lower prices attributed to high production costs. Challenges in management and a shortage of engineering expertise are compounding the operational issues. Bulisa Phillimon Mbano has been appointed as the Corporate Rescue Practitioner to navigate the company through these difficulties, all while acknowledging the persistently strong demand for cement in the market.

East African Sleeping Sickness in Zambia and Zimbabwe

East African sleeping sickness is a parasitic disease transmitted through bites from infected tsetse flies, primarily affecting rural populations. Symptoms of sleeping sickness can manifest rapidly, highlighting the necessity for immediate medical intervention upon experiencing signs such as headache, fever, fatigue, or skin rashes following potential exposure to tsetse flies. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for a successful recovery. For further information, it is recommended to consult the CDC's resources on sleeping sickness reports Zawya .

Poachers killed

Two suspected poachers were killed in a shootout with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers in Makuti’s Musingwizi area on December 21, 2024, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed. In a statement on Monday, ZRP said investigations are ongoing and further details will be shared later. “The ZRP confirms the death of two poachers during a shootout with Zimparks rangers in Musingwizi Area, Makuti on 21 December 2024. More details to be released in due course,” Nyathi said according to New Zimbabwe .

"The important thing I want to point out is that the fourth review of the programme will start the day after tomorrow and the IMF team will start its work the day after tomorrow in cooperation with the Central Bank and the relevant ministries," Mostafa said.

The review, which could unlock more than $1.2 billion in financing, is the fourth under Egypt's current 46-month IMF loan programme. Initially approved in 2022, the programme was expanded to $8 billion this year to help Egypt navigate an economic crisis marked by high inflation and severe foreign currency shortages.

"We have demonstrated that support in April, when we have taken the decision to increase the size of our programme from $3 billion to $8 billion, recognising how conditions have become more difficult for no fault of your own, but because of the conflict in your neighbourhood," Kristalina explained in an AFP footage.

She explained that the IMF's third review was conducted because inflationary pressures were gradually easing and foreign exchange shortages had been addressed.

"Inflation is moving down, it peaked at 37% last year, now it is around 25-26%, but the trend is toward lowering it somewhere around 16-17% by the end of the fiscal year," she added.

On Friday, November 1, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police arraigned the minors along with 76 suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants, reportedly detained for three months, face a 10-count charge, including accusations of treason, intentions to destabilise Nigeria, and incitement to mutiny by calling for military intervention against President Bola Tinubu's government.

Footage of the minors appearing undernourished while being arraigned circulated widely on social media , drawing strong condemnation from civil society groups and rights advocates.

According to Punch Nigeria , four of the minors collapsed while being called to enter their pleas and were escorted out for medical assistance. The court subsequently granted bail, with trial proceedings scheduled to resume in January, according to defence attorneys.

Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed during clashes with security forces on the protests’ first day, further intensifying scrutiny of the government’s response to the demonstrations. 

Dissanayake, 55, who won the presidential election in a landslide victory, campaigned on promises to reverse unpopular tax hikes, raise public sector wages, and seek a better deal with the IMF. 

However, experts warn that the new leader has little room to manoeuvre. "There are certain red lines that the IMF will not agree to negotiate," says Murtaza Jafferjee, chairman of Colombo-based economic think tank Advocata.

Among these non-negotiable terms are key fiscal targets and the independence of the central bank. "One is on the fiscal side, the primary balance target which is 2.3 percent going into next year. And the second one is that there cannot be any change to the central bank law, which makes the bank independent where its primary mandate is price stability. And the second is that there is no monetary financing," Jafferjee explained.

Sri Lanka’s economic troubles began as a result of an unprecedented financial meltdown two years ago, leaving the country with unsustainable debt and a severe balance of payments crisis. 

The public reaction has been mixed but largely hopeful. Many Sri Lankans see Dissanayake's victory as a chance for much-needed change.

Others, however, remain cautious.

Dissanayake faces the daunting task of steering the country through its economic recovery. He has pledged to continue the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while mitigating the impact of austerity measures on the poorest citizens.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has been in office for two years, is facing a tough battle to secure a fresh mandate. His government introduced a series of belt-tightening policies, including tax hikes, as part of a $2.9 billion IMF bailout that helped stabilise the economy and end shortages of essential goods. 

"I've taken this country out of bankruptcy," Wickremesinghe, 75, said after casting his vote earlier in the day. "I will now deliver Sri Lanka a developed economy, social system, and political system."

However, the austerity measures have hit ordinary citizens hard, with many struggling to cope with rising costs of living. Wickremesinghe’s leadership helped restore calm after civil unrest in 2022, which saw protests and the ousting of his predecessor, but economic hardships remain a key issue for voters.