This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Police and protestors clash, Venezuelan elections, new rights for same-sex couples
Highlights from this week’s biggest events and news stories have been compiled in this article.
Protests from within Asia and Africa were highlighted as well as other fun stories including discoveries made in Brazil.
Africa
Rwandans vote in presidential and parliamentary elections
Rwandans went to the polls to vote in general elections. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) declared Paul Kagame. Winner with 99.15% of the votes, while Dr. Frank Habineza secured 0.53%, and Philippe Mpayimana garnered 0.32%. GSW covered the elections live, you can read more here.
Tear gas, batons, heavy response to anti-government protests in Kenya
Police clashed with anti-government protestors on July 16, 2024 over demands for the resignation of President William Ruto. This comes barely a month after the president fired almost all of his cabinet. Youth-led protests broke out a month ago against proposed tax hikes even after Ruto withdrew the legislation. Activists say they want Ruto to resign and call for systemic changes to clean up corruption and address poor governance. Read more here.
South Africa pushes to achieve zero emissions by 2050
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced South Africa’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Speaking at the Climate Resilience Symposium at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, he indicated that the country’s revised Nationally Determined Contribution will balance the country’s developmental needs and economic realities. Read more here.
Latin America
Visitors uncover Black Brazilian past of Sao Pauo’s Japanese neighbourhood
The São Paulo's Liberdade neighbourhood, home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan, is renowned for its Asian-style architecture, restaurants, and public lighting resembling paper lanterns. Thousands of tourists enjoy the area's cuisine and culture, often unaware of the neighborhood's Black history. The name "Liberdade" (liberty in English) has been linked to the story of Chaguinhas, a formerly enslaved Black soldier who was sentenced to death in 1821 after he led a protest for better wages, prompting spectators to the execution to call for his "liberty." Read more here.
Venezuelan President Maduro claims ‘fair lead’ ahead of controversial July 28 election
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, told supporters during a campaign rally just ten days before the July 28 election that he has a “fair lead.” Despite Maduro's confident assertion, opinion polls indicated that he is at a 20-point disadvantage to opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, a former ambassador. Read more here.
Colombia soccer federation head and son arrested after Copa America final
The 71-year-old head of Colombia's soccer federation and his son were arrested in Miami, accused of fighting security guards after the Copa America final that saw chaotic scenes around the stadium, Miami-Dade police confirmed on Monday. Read more here.
Asia
Bangladesh students clash in job quota protests, at least 100 injured
More than 100 students were injured across Bangladesh on Monday in clashes between those protesting to end a quota system for government jobs and others loyal to the ruling party, police and witnesses said. The protests mark the first significant demonstrations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has faced since she won a fourth straight term in an election in January boycotted by the main opposition. Read more here.
South Korea: Supreme Court recognises new rights for same-sex couples in historic ruling
South Korea's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples in a landmark verdict on Thursday, July 18. The ruling is the culmination of a legal battle between a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong Min, and the National Health Insurance Service. The conflict began when the insurance agency revoked So's registration as a dependent of Kim, which led So to file an administrative suit. Read more here.
Delhi-Hindu group offers prayers for Trump’s safety
Priests and members of the Hindu Sena group held pictures of former US President Donald Trump as they performed Hindu fire rituals, for his well-being and long life after he survived an assassination bid, at a temple in New Delhi.Nearly 50 people attended the ceremony where an idol of Baglamukhi, a goddess symbolizing power and protection, was placed next to a poster of the former U.S. president bearing the message "Long Live Trump." Read more here.
