Snapshot from around the world : 15/07 - 21/07

There have been some significant events around the world. We have highlighted some of the stories from across the world. If you would like to learn more about any of them get in touch and we will try to write more on it.  It is important to note that there is no priority to any nation, this is simply a snapshot from around the world.

Africa

This week in African news:

Kenya: Protests have intensified against proposed tax hikes by President William Ruto, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators.

Sudan: The conflict in Sudan continues to cause widespread displacement, with about 50,000 people seeking refuge in the eastern town of Qadarif. UNICEF anticipates more arrivals as the situation remains volatile​.

Nigeria: In a move to alleviate the impact of recent strikes, the Nigerian government has agreed to double the minimum wage for public sector workers. This decision follows extensive negotiations and is aimed at addressing the economic grievances of workers​.

Rwanda: President Paul Kagame has secured a fourth term in office following the recent elections.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A UN report has highlighted unprecedented levels of deforestation in Eastern DRC, particularly in the Virunga National Park, which is one of the continent's most biodiverse areas.

Europe

This week in European news:

Spain: is currently experiencing extreme temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 44 degrees Celsius. The Spanish government has issued widespread heatwave warnings, including for popular tourist destinations like Mallorca​.

European Union: Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected: Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as the President of the European Commission by the European Parliament on July 18, 2024.

Cyprus: marked the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion in 1974. This event remains a significant and divisive historical moment for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Serbia: The EU and Serbia have signed a significant deal concerning lithium, an essential resource for clean technologies. This agreement aims to secure new raw material sources needed for the EU's green transition, reducing dependency on China​.

Asia

This week in Asian news:

China / Philippines: reached a "provisional arrangement" to allow for resupply missions in the South China Sea. This agreement aims to ease tensions in the disputed area​.

North Korea continued to escalate tensions by floating more trash-filled balloons toward South Korea, a tactic seen as psychological warfare​.

Vietnam: is set to hold a state funeral for its late Communist Party leader, Nguyen Phu Trong, next week. The country will observe two days of national mourning​.

Myanmar's: The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has led to a sharp increase in attacks on schools, with 174 incidents reported since the military coup three years ago​.

North and South America

This week in American news:

US: battling numerous large wildfires across various states, with over a million acres burned. The National Interagency Fire Centre reported that 58 large active wildfires are currently being managed, necessitating the deployment of around 20,200 wildland firefighters and support personnel​.

Brazil: An earthquake near the border with Uruguay drew public interest, with many using the opportunity to explore local wineries in the region​. In politics, there is ongoing controversy over campaign financing as Brazil prepares to spend a record $900 million on local elections​.

Chile: Mario Meza, the mayor of Linares, is under investigation for tax fraud related to municipal contracts. He has called the accusations a politically motivated campaign against him​. Reports of mistreatment in the Chilean army surfaced after a conscript's suicide attempt, prompting legal action by his family​.

Venezuela: Opposition candidate Edmundo González is encouraging Venezuelans who have left the country to return, amid a challenging political climate as President Nicolás Maduro faces increasing opposition​.