This week's biggest stories from Global South: Venezuela elections, Ruto appoints opponents, visa restrictions
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments from the Global South with the roundup of our top stories of the week.
From breaking news to emerging trends, GSW has got you covered. This summary will take you through the most significant events, discoveries, and announcements that shaped the week.
Africa
Seychelles maintains lead as African country with most powerful passport
In 2024, Seychelles retains its position as the African country with the most powerful passport, according to the latest Henley & Partners Passport Index. Read more here.
Kenya's Ruto names opponents to cabinet, protesters slam 'corrupt' deal
On Wednesday, July 24, Kenyan President William Ruto nominated four members of the main opposition party to a "broad-based" cabinet, fulfilling a promise made in response to nationwide protests. However, activists have criticized the new government, calling it a corrupt bargain. Read more here.
Namibia imposes visa restrictions on U.S., UK, and 21 other European countries
Namibia has announced plans to impose visa-free restrictions on the USA, Canada, the UK, and 21 other European nations that have not reciprocated its visa exemption efforts. This decision also impacts certain selected Asian countries. Read more here.
Asia
Bangladesh says it forgot to remove UN logos from vehicles as it contained unrest
Bangladesh has acknowledged that it failed to remove U.N. markings from vehicles during an army-enforced curfew aimed at containing deadly violence that erupted across the country last week, resulting in nearly 150 deaths. Read more here.
Myanmar regional military HQ captured, rebels say, in blow to junta
On Thursday, July 25, a rebel army in Myanmar announced that it had taken control of a major regional military headquarters near the Chinese border. This could represent the junta's most significant recent defeat as it struggles to contain an expanding revolt. Read more here.
Oil spill threatens Philippines capital after tanker capsised
On Thursday, July 25, a marine tanker carrying industrial fuel sank in rough seas off the coast of the Philippines, resulting in the death of a crew member and causing an oil spill that could potentially reach the waters near the capital, Manila, officials reported. Read more here.
Latin America
'Decade-old' president Maduro vs 'strongman' Gonzalez. Who will Venezuelans vote for?
More than 17 million Venezuelans are set to vote on July 28 in a highly anticipated presidential election. The results will shape the political and economic future of the South American nation for the next six years. Read more here.
Cuba passes law to revoke citizenship of government opponents
Cuba's parliament has passed a Citizenship Law enabling the government to revoke the citizenship of Cuban nationals living abroad if they join or form any "type of armed organization to attack" the country or its citizens. Read more here.
Violence against Brazil's Indigenous people unabated under Lula, report says
A report published on Monday indicates that the protection of Brazil's Indigenous communities from violence by land grabbers and ranchers was "insufficient" in 2023, dampening hopes for improvement under leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula. Read more here.
