Biggest stories of the week from the Global South: Jihadist attack in Mali, license-free driving, raging wildfires
In this edition of our weekly roundup, we bring you up to speed on the issues that matter most across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and beyond.
Africa
Ghanaian recruits misled with jobs deployed to Ukraine warfront
Four Ghanaians are currently in critical condition after being injured on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They were among a group of 14 Ghanaians who were deceived into travelling to Russia with the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities. Read more here.
A Nigerian man has become the fourth person worldwide cured of HIV
A 66-year-old Nigerian man, Salisu Ahmed, has recently been cured of HIV, marking a significant medical breakthrough. This remarkable achievement was made possible through a stem cell transplant at the City of Hope Medical Centre in the United States. Read more here.
Dozens killed in Mali attack by Al Qaeda affiliate
An elaborate attack by an Al Qaeda affiliate in Mali's capital this week resulted in approximately 70 fatalities, according to diplomatic and security sources on Thursday, September 19. The government has not provided official casualty figures. On Tuesday, militants targeted an elite police training academy and the airport. Read more here.
Asia
Thailand introduces app allowing drivers to go licence-free while driving
Drivers in Thailand no longer need to carry physical licenses, thanks to a new mobile app introduced by the Department of Land Transport (DLT). The QR Licence app provides convenient access to digital copies of driving licenses on electronic devices such as phones and tablets. Read more here.
Fears grip ethnic minorities after deadly violence in Bangladesh
Ethnic minorities in Bangladesh's southern hilly region are living in fear after clashes left four dead and dozens injured, police and witnesses reported on Saturday, September 21. Sectarian violence, triggered by the lynching of a Bengali man, has displaced many ethnic families as homes and businesses were set ablaze in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Read more here.
India's Manipur on high alert over alleged influx of 900 militants from Myanmar
India's northeastern state of Manipur is on high alert following intelligence reports of a possible influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar, a senior security official announced on Friday, September 20. Read more here.
Latin America
Brazil energy authorities approve returning to daylight saving time as drought bites
Brazilian energy authorities have approved the reintroduction of daylight saving time to conserve energy amid a severe drought impacting power generation, a senior official announced on Thursday, September 19. However, the measure will require the endorsement of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva before it can be implemented. Read more here.
Venezuela's exiled opposition head says he was warned Maduro forces coming for him
Venezuela's former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez sought diplomatic refuge after learning that President Nicolas Maduro's security forces were coming for him. Gonzalez, whom the opposition claims won the July election, told Reuters in Madrid that he feared imprisonment and torture if he remained in Venezuela. Read more here.
Residents worried as wildfires cause havoc in Colombia
Wildfires in parts of Colombia are devastating lives and livelihoods. Residents of Aipa are concerned about the health impacts and damage to vegetation. Fires in the Huila region have affected several areas, and locals fear they may be forced to leave their homes. Read more here.
