This week's biggest story from the Global South: Trump’s ‘America First’ Global Health Strategy, Bolsonaro sentence disputes, protests in Philippines

Africa

What Trump’s new ‘America First’ Global Health Strategy means for Africa

The U.S. State Department’s new “America First Global Health Strategy” refocuses health aid on U.S. interests, citing inefficiency and a “culture of dependency” despite decades of successes like PEPFAR, which has saved 26 million lives. Read more here.

Could Guinea ever return to civilian rule?

Guinea will hold a constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025, that could shape its democratic future. The draft extends presidential terms to seven years, allows two terms, and lifts the ban on junta members, including General Mamady Doumbouya, running for office. Read more here.

In Cameroon elections, anyone but the 42-year Biya regime

Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, in power for 42 years, is seeking yet another term, a move that could keep him in office until nearly 100, affecting the lives of 29 million citizens. Read more here.

Asia

Why September 21 is significant for the Philippines’ past and future

Thousands of Filipinos are set to protest on September 21, marking 53 years since Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law, a period from 1972 to 1981 marked by mass arrests, torture, and thousands of deaths and disappearances. Read more here.

Here’s why Japan is cracking down on tourists

At least 20 Japanese municipalities, including Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Tokyo’s Ota Ward, have introduced ordinances to curb unruly tourist behaviour, according to the Research Institute for Local Government. Read more here.

Japanese grandmother challenges age barriers to become finalist in Miss Universe

Junko Sakai, a former homemaker and grandmother of three, began competing in pageants two years ago after discovering Miss Universe Japan’s no-age-limit rule — and won the 60-and-over division with her husband’s encouragement. Read more here.

Latin America

Bolivia Elections: Fragmentation, protests, and a weakening MAS

Tiziano Breda of ACLED told Global South World that Bolivia’s elections mark a turning point, with a fractured MAS and rising protests driving deeper polarisation. He warned that the power struggle between Morales and Arce risks institutional paralysis and obstructs the country’s recovery. Read more here.

Venezuela accuses U.S. of waging ‘undeclared war’ in Caribbean: Video

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez on September 19 accused the U.S. of waging an “undeclared war” in the Caribbean, condemning its warship deployments and deadly operations. Read more here.

Brazil dismisses US pressure after Bolsonaro ruling, calls tariffs a political measure

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira rejected international calls, including from the U.S., to free ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, sentenced to 27 years for an attempted coup. He told CNN Lula cannot intervene in judicial matters, calling such demands interference in Brazil’s internal affairs. Read more here.