This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Stolen children return, bus crash kills 12, oldest pyramid discovered
We present a roundup of the top stories that dominated headlines across the Global South.
Africa
Kenya security officials plead not guilty to triple murder
On Thursday, February 20, over a dozen Kenyan security officials pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2022 killings of two Indians and one Kenyan—a high-profile case that was one of several incidents prompting the disbandment of a notorious police unit. Read more here.
Congo president plans unity government in response to eastern crisis
According to his spokesperson on Saturday, February 22, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi is set to establish a unity government as he grapples with mounting domestic pressure over his response to an offensive by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the eastern provinces. Read more here.
Influx of 40,000 fleeing Congo war worsens Burundi humanitarian plight, UN says
On Friday, February 21, the U.N. reported that Burundi is confronting a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with over 40,000 people seeking refuge there in just two weeks to escape fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more here.
Asia
Vietnam parliament approves plan for leaner government
The National Assembly of Vietnam approved a bold reform plan on February 18, aiming to reduce up to 20% of government bodies as the country seeks to cut costs and enhance administrative efficiency. Read more here.
Researchers discover world’s oldest pyramid in Indonesia
Researchers have discovered what may be the world's oldest pyramid, with the site known as Gunung Padang located in the hills of West Java, Indonesia. Read more here.
Philippines' VP Duterte fights back against impeachment: Video
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has petitioned the Supreme Court to dismiss an impeachment complaint filed against her, marking her first legal challenge in a case that could ultimately remove her from office and impose a lifetime ban on holding public office. Read more here.
Latin America
Bus crash in Brazil kills 12 university students
Late on Thursday, February 20, firefighters and local media reported that a bus transporting Brazilian university students collided with a truck near Ribeirao Preto in the southeastern state of São Paulo, resulting in 12 fatalities and 19 injuries. Read more here.
Five of Chile's stolen children take off to reunite with birth families
On Friday, five U.S. adoptees departed from Houston to reunite with their birth families in Chile for the first time, after being taken as infants during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. Read more here.
Panama will dismiss Chinese influence claims in a U.S. military meeting
Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said Thursday he instructed the foreign minister to dismiss claims of Chinese influence over the Panama Canal in talks with the U.S. Southern Command chief. Read more here.
