This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Tanker explosion in Nigeria, Thailand's choking air, Peru's miniskirt ban
This week has been marked by significant events across the Global South, from political upheavals and environmental challenges to groundbreaking advancements.
Here are the updates that made the rounds this week:
Africa
Burkina Faso bans colonial-era wigs in courtrooms
Burkina Faso has prohibited judges from wearing colonial-era wigs in court, aiming to embrace local traditions and distance itself from colonial influences. Read more here.
Nigeria's death toll from fuel truck blast reaches 98
The death toll from a weekend fuel truck explosion in Nigeria rose to 98 after more bodies were recovered from the wreckage on Monday, January 20. According to the regional emergency agency head, 69 people are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Read more here.
Gabon’s parliament approves law expanding voting rights
Gabon’s Senate has passed a new electoral law to make elections more inclusive and accessible. The decision, following approval by the National Assembly, was announced by senior Senate official Eloi Ekouma Abessolo during a national television broadcast. Read more here.
Asia
Over 300 Bangkok schools close over air pollution: Video
Local authorities announced that nearly 200 schools in Bangkok were closed on Thursday, January 23, due to severe air pollution. Officials also urged residents to work from home and imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles to combat the city's deteriorating air quality. Read more here.
Shanghai celebrates Lunar New Year with a dogs' dinner
Yakult, a black-and-white collie named after a Japanese yoghurt drink, eagerly enjoyed his meal of shredded chicken and lettuce. He was one of eleven dogs at the Kongshan Yunnan eatery in Shanghai, where a special dinner was organized to resemble the traditional Lunar New Year feast. This event, which brings families together to mark the end of one year and welcome another, heralds the Year of the Snake, which officially starts on Tuesday, January 28. Read more here
Philippines comic book takes battle for South China Sea to children
On Friday, January 24, the Philippines launched a comic book to counter what it describes as distorted narratives about maritime rights in the disputed South China Sea. The move drew criticism from China. The 40-page comic book, "The Stories of Teacher Jun," follows Teacher Jun and his students as they learn about maritime zones, international laws, and the importance of safeguarding Philippine marine resources. Read more here.
Latin America
Mexico builds temporary shelters to prepare for mass deportations from US
Mexican authorities started building large tent shelters in Ciudad Juarez to prepare for a potential influx of Mexicans deported under U.S. President Donald Trump's promised mass deportations. Read more here.
Peru’s parliament bans miniskirts, sparks outrage
The Peruvian Congress has prohibited female employees from wearing miniskirts, shorts, and jeans, igniting anger and accusations of sexism. Read more here.
Colombia reissues rebel arrest warrants, displacement rises to 32,000 amid fighting
On Wednesday, January 22, Colombia's attorney general's office reissued arrest warrants for leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, who had been involved in peace talks. This comes as forced displacement due to ELN attacks has risen to 32,000 people. Read more here.
