This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Tunisia incarcerates opposition figure, Prabowo sworn in, Colombia's cocaine production

Inauguration of Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto, in Jakarta
Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto greets people as he rides in a car after his presidential inauguration in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 20, 2024, in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Antara Foto/Asprilla Dwi Adha/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. INDONESIA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN INDONESIA. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Source: Antara Foto

This article compiles the most important events and news stories from the Global South this week.

Africa

Tunisia sentences prominent opponent Noureddine Bhiri to 10 years in prison

Tunisia's Justice Minister Bhiri and Human Rights Minister Dilou speak at a news conference in Tunis
FILE PHOTO: Tunisia's Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri (L) speaks at a news conference in Tunis June 25, 2012. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi/File Photo
Source: X02856

On Friday, October 18, a Tunisian court sentenced Noureddine Bhiri, a prominent official in the Ennahda opposition party, to 10 years in prison for charges related to attacking state security and inciting Tunisians against one another, according to a lawyer speaking to Reuters. Read more here.

Namibia introduces new minimum wage

M�nzgeld aus Afrika Ein Namibia-Dollar aus dem Staat Namibia im s�dwestlichen Afrika auf dem auf der Vorderseite ein Gau
M�nzgeld aus Afrika Ein Namibia-Dollar aus dem Staat Namibia im s�dwestlichen Afrika auf dem auf der Vorderseite ein Gaukler und auf der R�ckseite das Wappen Namibias zu sehen ist. *** Coinage from Africa A Namibia Dollar from the state of Namibia in southwestern Africa with a juggler on the obverse and the Namibian coat of arms on the reverseNo Use Switzerland. No Use Germany. No Use Japan. No Use Austria
Source: X07246

Namibia will implement an increased national minimum wage for all workers starting in 2025, as announced by the government on October 17, 2024. Read more here.

Africa needs $90 billion to achieve universal education by 2030, AU commissioner says

Muslim students walk on a street in Colombie, a slum of Abidjan
Muslim students walk on a street in Colombie, a slum of Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 8, 2024. REUTERS/ Luc Gnago
Source: REUTERS

Professor Mohammed Belhocine, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), has outlined the financial needs for Africa to achieve universal education by 2030. Read more here.

Asia

Prabowo Subianto sworn in as Indonesia's president: Photos

Inauguration of Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto and new Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in Jakarta
Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto and outgoing President Joko Widodo stand for the National anthem after the presidential inauguration, at the House of Representatives building in Jakarta, Indonesia October 20, 2024. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana
Source: REUTERS

On Sunday, October 20, Prabowo Subianto, a 73-year-old former general, was inaugurated as Indonesia's president. He aims to tackle internal challenges, focusing on eradicating corruption and promoting self-sufficiency. Read more here.

China boosts export controls on dual-use items, state media says

ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit, at the National Convention Centre, in Vientiane, Laos, October 10, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
Source: REUTERS

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to introduce regulations on the export control of dual-use items, effective December 1, 2024, according to state news agency Xinhua. Read more here.

Tobacco-induced healthcare costs in Vietnam surge to $4.5 billion per year

A man smokes at a cafe in Hanoi
A man smokes at a cafe in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 31, 2019. REUTERS/kham
Source: X01568

Vietnam spends approximately $1.95 billion annually on tobacco, while the total costs associated with tobacco-related healthcare, illnesses, and deaths amount to an estimated $4.5 billion each year, according to the Ministry of Health. Read more here.

Latin America

Colombia had a record 53% cocaine production in 2023, UN reports: Video

In 2023, Colombia's cocaine production soared by 53% to a record 2,600 tonnes, while coca leaf cultivation expanded to 253,000 hectares, a 10% rise from 2022. Read more here.

Argentina analysing Brazil's request for extradition of Jan. 8 rioters

FILE PHOTO: Aftermath of Brazil's anti-democratic riots in Brasilia
FILE PHOTO: Members of the Federal Police work at the Supreme Court building following protests by supporters of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia, Brazil, January 9, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo
Source: REUTERS

Argentina is reviewing Brazil's request for the extradition of Brazilian nationals in Argentina who are linked to an alleged 2023 coup attempt, according to Argentine presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni on Thursday. Read more here.

Colombia explores BRICS membership with India ahead of 16th summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow, Russia October 18, 2024. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS
Source: POOL

Colombia has initiated discussions with India regarding its potential membership in BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This move comes ahead of the 16th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to October 24, 2024. Read more here.

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