This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Gender-based violence, China-Africa summit, X row in Brazil
Africa
This aerospace student is behind Nigeria’s rising agricultural drone startup
At just 24, Shamsuddeen Jibril has already made significant strides in the Nigerian robotics field with nearly seven years of experience. Motivated by a desire to positively impact his community, he founded Vora Robotics, a tech startup specializing in agricultural drones. Read more here.
Morocco stops 45,000 migrants from crossing to Europe in 2024
Since January, Morocco has prevented 45,015 people from illegally migrating to Europe and dismantled 177 migrant trafficking gangs, according to the state news agency MAP, citing interior ministry data. Read more here.
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies, days after boyfriend set her on fire
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei passed away on Thursday, four days after her boyfriend set her on fire in Kenya. Cheptegei, 33, who competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered burns to over 75% of her body in the attack, according to Kenyan and Ugandan media reports. Read more here.
Asia
China-Africa summit to expand Belt and Road Initiative with new agreements
China is poised to strengthen its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) collaborations with African countries as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit commenced on September 4. This summit, one of Beijing's most significant diplomatic gatherings since the COVID-19 pandemic, sought to draw substantial Chinese investments into Africa. Read more here.
Thailand's king swears in new government after turmoil
On Friday, September 6, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn officially inaugurated Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and 35 cabinet ministers in Bangkok, marking the beginning of a new government in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy following a phase of political instability. Read more here.
Tens of thousands in South Korea protest lack of climate progress
Over 30,000 protesters gathered in Seoul on Saturday, September 7, braving temperatures above 30°C (86°F), to demand stronger government action against global warming. This was the largest demonstration in South Korea this year, causing significant traffic disruptions in the city centre. Read more here.
Latin America
Colombia reaches deal with truckers to suspend road blockades
On Friday, September 6, Colombia's government agreed with truckers to suspend their protest over rising diesel prices, which had threatened food and fuel shortages in major cities. The government agreed to a smaller price increase of 800 pesos in two increments, instead of 1,904 pesos per gallon. Read more here.
Brazilians split over X suspension, poll shows
A poll shows Brazilians are divided over Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes' order to take down social media giant X. While a slight majority support the judge in his dispute with Elon Musk, many view fines on VPN users and the freezing of Starlink accounts as "abusive." Read more here.
Mexico's lower chamber passes controversial judicial reforms after 12-hour debate
In a landmark decision, Mexico's lower chamber approved a contentious judicial reform plan proposed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The reform includes major changes to the judiciary, such as reducing the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to 9, electing judges through a popular vote, and shortening their terms from 15 to 12 years. Read more here.
