This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Stampedes, manufacturing achievements, red alerts
This week was highlighted by interesting stories across the global south spanning policy introductions, landmark legislations, and inventions. We bring you a compilation of the biggest top stories of the week.
Africa
Burkina Faso achievements in security receive no publicity, foreign minister says
Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré said the media has not reported enough on the national security successes of the junta-led government. He made this statement in a video interview after a shooting incident killed more than 100 soldiers at an army base, criticising the media's focus on the incident. Read more here.
Two more Congo soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing battle
Two more soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been sentenced to death for fleeing battles in the conflict-torn North Kivu province. This decision comes after 25 soldiers were also sentenced to death. This highlights the Congo Army’s strict stance against desertions during their ongoing fight against the M23 insurgency and other militias. Read more here:
Sierra Leone ends child marriage with landmark legislation
Sierra Leone has passed a new law banning child marriage across the country, regardless of religious or ethnic traditions. During the signing on July 2, 2024, in Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio were present, and the First Lady also launched the WeAreEqual Campaign to promote gender equality. Read more here.
Asia
Indonesia launches first EV battery manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia
Indonesia opened its first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant on July 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Southeast Asia. This plant, a collaboration between Hyundai and LG, is located in Karawang, West Java, and can produce 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cells each year, enough to power about 50,000 Hyundai Kona Electric SUVs annually. Read more here.
The Indian Stampede and all you need to know
Over 100 people, mostly women, died in a stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on July 2, 2024. The event was organised by a Hindu leader known by various names, including Suraj Pal, Narayan Sarkar Hari, and Bhole Baba, who is now on the run according to the police. Read more here.
Here’s how South Korea intends to combat low birth rate and ageing population
South Korea announced the creation of a new Ministry of Population on July 1, 2024, to address its low birth rate and aging population. The ministry will take over some duties from the health and finance ministries, focusing on population policies and long-term strategies, with the government planning to propose the necessary changes within the month. Read more here.
Latin America
Brazilian police bust gang for laundering Mexican cartel money
Brazilian police announced they broke up a gang that allegedly laundered 5.5 billion reais ($970 million) from selling cocaine to Mexican cartels and other markets. The gang laundered money earned by Brazilian traffickers who smuggled cocaine from Bolivia and Colombia to Central America and Europe. Read more here.
Peru Congress approves statute of limitations for crimes against humanity
Peru's Congress passed a law introducing a statute of limitations for crimes against humanity, despite objections from human rights groups. The law was approved by the Congress' permanent commission with 15 votes in favor and 12 against, after initially passing last month with 60 votes in favor, 36 against, and 11 abstentions. Read more here.
Mexico issues 'red alert' as Category 3 Hurricane Beryl hurtles toward coast
Mexico's top tourist destinations were put on red alert as Hurricane Beryl became a Category 3 storm on Thursday evening, causing destruction across several Caribbean islands. With winds up to 115 mph, Beryl was heading towards the Yucatan Peninsula's eastern coast, prompting Mexico's civil protection agency to urge people to stay indoors or seek shelter in places like Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos. Read more here.
