This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Peaceful elections, volcanic eruptions, political prisoners
From Somaliland’s peaceful democratic elections, the multiple eruptions of Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi to the 93 Venezuelan political prisoners that were released over the weekend, there’s a lot to digest this week.
Africa
Côte d’Ivoire leads sub-Saharan Africa in wine imports
Côte d’Ivoire emerged as the largest importer of wine in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, with imports valued at $64.1 million, surpassing South Africa ($54.3 million), Namibia ($40 million), and Kenya ($23.9 million). The nation’s dependency on imported wines follows from limited local production due to its unsuitable climate for viticulture, a voluntary report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated. Read more
Somaliland holds peaceful democratic elections
The de facto state of Somaliland held a peaceful and democratic election amid the rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Citizens voted on November 13 for the next president in an election contested by the incumbent president Muse Bihi Abdi, his main opposition Mohamed Abdullahi and a third candidate Faisal Ali Warabe. The Somaliland National Electoral Commission is expected to release provisional results on 20th November 2024 at 6PM local time. Read more
South African Police standoff with hundreds of illegal miners in abandoned gold shaft
South African police were in a standoff on Thursday, November 14, with hundreds of illegal miners believed to be underground in a disused shaft, a day after a cabinet minister said the government was trying to "smoke them out". Read more
Asia
China opens biggest air show with fighter jets, attack drones
China opened its biggest air show in Zuhai in the Guangdong province. The event displayed advanced fighter jets, attack drones, and military technology to highlight China’s push to strengthen its military power. Read more
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi eruptions destroy homes, force thousands to flee
Mount Lewotobi, a twin-peaked volcano in eastern Indonesia, erupted multiple times this week, forcing thousands of residents to flee to nearby shelters. The 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) high volcano spewed a massive tower of ash miles into the sky and unleashed fiery lava that ignited several houses in surrounding villages. Read more
More protests than ever in Bangladesh as country struggles with post-revolution transition
Despite the end of the uprising that saw the ousting of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina, protests in Bangladesh are at an all-time high, with more demonstrations erupting in the capital Dhaka than during the revolutionary period itself. Read more
Latin America
Tear gas and rubber bullets as Ecuadorians demand an end to energy crisis
A peaceful march on Friday, November 15 over Ecuador's ongoing energy crisis turned violent as protesters clashed with police in the capital city of Quito. The march saw participants carrying banners and chanting slogans demanding immediate government intervention to alleviate the energy crisis. Read more
How archery is helping Uruguay’s breast cancer survivors heal
The sport of archery is changing the lives of breast cancer survivors in Uruguay. Through an archery programme, Flechas de Vida (Arrows of Life), archery instructors are treating post-surgery conditions including lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Read more
Venezuela releases some protesters detained over disputed presidential election
At least 93 people arrested during protests following Venezuela's contested presidential election in July have been released. The releases began on Saturday, November 16, across four prisons in central Venezuela, according to the AFP. The detainees were among thousands arrested after President Nicolás Maduro’s reelection, which opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia condemned as fraudulent. Read more
