This week’s biggest stories from the Global South: Impact of USAID suspension, Cuba blackout, Indian ‘Human calculator’

Representations of cryptocurrencies are placed on PC motherboard in this illustration taken, June 29, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Source: X02714

We bring you highlights of stories that made the headlines within the Global South.

Africa

African countries most impacted by USAID suspension

The recent suspension of USAID funding has left several African nations scrambling to fill the financial gap left by the U.S. withdrawal. Who are the most affected countries and how have they been affected? Read more here.

Old Cairo's Bimaristan Al-Muayyad Sheikh opens after restoration — FILE PHOTO: Visitors walk up a stair during the opening of the restoration project at the historic Bimaristan Al-Muayyad Sheikh, one of the oldest hospitals following extensive renovations carried out in partnership between Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ensuring sustainable management of historic sites at Souk al-Silah district in Old Cairo, Egypt August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo

The rise and early fall of the Central African Republic’s experimental cryptocurrency

The Central African Republic (CAR), under the leadership of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has ventured into the world of cryptocurrency with an experimental memecoin aimed at fostering national unity and economic development. Read more here

FILE PHOTO: Illustration picture of cryptocurrencies — FILE PHOTO: Representations of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Dash, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin are seen in this illustration picture taken June 2, 2021. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo

Why Trump and Musk are accusing South Africa of human rights violations

Over the past week, United States (US) president Donald Trump, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on one hand, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the other, have been involved in an open standoff concerning the latter’s new land expropriation law. Here’s what the controversy is about. Read more here.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump holds rally in Washington — FILE PHOTO: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk during a rally the day before Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

Latin America

Colombia migrants decry degrading treatment, but American dream remains for some

Colombian migrants deported from the United States in the early days of President Donald Trump's administration say they experienced degrading treatment, but some said they still want to try and return to the United States. Read more here.

Colombians displaced by attacks of ELN rebels, in Cucuta — Colombians displaced by attacks of rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN) wait for clothes and food and places to spend the night, at the General Santander Stadium, in Cucuta, Colombia January 20, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Eduardo Ramirez

Cuba tells non-essential workers, students to stay home in latest blackout

Cuba closed schools and told non-essential workers to stay home on Friday as its electrical grid faltered following the failure of a major power plant, causing widespread blackouts across the crisis-ridden island. Read more here.

Cuba electrical grid falters — A man drives a car during a blackout following the failure of a major power plant, in Havana, Cuba February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Norlys Perez

El Salvador to house minors convicted of organized crime in adult jails

El Salvador's Congress voted on Wednesday to allow minors convicted of crimes linked to organized crime to be housed in the same prisons as adults, albeit in separate areas. The measure would apply to children under 18 who belong to gangs and have been prosecuted for major crimes such as homicide, kidnappings and arms trafficking, Congress said. Read more here.

FILE PHOTO: El Salvador offers to house criminals deported from the U.S. in its jails — FILE PHOTO: A view of a prison sector during a tour in the "Terrorism Confinement Center" (CECOT) complex, which according to El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, is designed to hold 40,000 inmates, in Tecoluca, El Salvador October 12, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas/File Photo

Asia

14-year-old Indian "Human Calculator" sets six math world records in a single day

Aaryan Shukla, a 14-year-old from Maharashtra, India, has stunned the world with his extraordinary mental math skills, breaking six world records in a single day. He has been recognised by the Guinness World Records. Read more here.

split-image-aaryan-holding-head-with-hands-and-celebrating — Aaryan holding head with hands and celebrating his victory

Thailand cracks down on foreign teachers without work permits

Thai authorities are taking strict action against foreign teachers working without the right papers. Officials have started checking language schools in Bangkok after eight South Korean teachers were caught working illegally last week. Read more here.

Indonesia launches $183 million free health screening to prevent early deaths

Indonesia shots vaccine — Source: REUTERS

Indonesia launched an annual free health screening on Monday, a 3 trillion rupiah ($183.54 million) initiative to prevent early deaths that the country's health ministry said was its biggest-ever undertaking. Read more here.

Wonder Hagan