By: Joseph Rios
Africa
DR Congo suspends UN peacekeepers – The Democratic Republic of Congo announced that UN peacekeepers who were arrested over the killing of two civilians at a border crossing are forbidden from serving in the country. The border crossing incident resulted in 15 other injuries when the peacekeepers forced their way from Uganda through the town of Kasindi. The country and the UN peacekeeping mission are investigating the incident.
Nigeria warns against negative portrayal of police officer – Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police Usman Baba said movie scenes of actors as police officers must now be approved in accordance with local law. Actors and movie producers were warned against portraying police officers in a negative way without prior approval. Officials say the approval process is meant to “correct wrong perceptions” of would-be criminals.
Asia
New Zealand fully reopens borders – For the first time since March 2020, New Zealand’s borders are fully open. The country’s immigration authorities are now accepting visitors with visas and others with student visas. New Zealand has carried out a phased reopening plan since February. In May, the country started welcoming tourists who were on a visa-waiver list.
Myanmar military extends ruling – Myanmar’s military extended an emergency rule until 2023 that continues to allow the military to rule the country. Last year, the military took over after overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. Reports suggest that many in Myanmar are concerned about whether or not the military will hold multi-party elections or transfer state power to an elected government.
Europe
Grain ship leaves Ukraine port after deal with Russia – For the first time since February, a ship carrying grain has left a Ukrainian port. Russia has been blocking Ukraine ports, but a new deal between the two countries paved the way for shipments to resume. Leaders hope the agreement will help combat the global food crisis and lower the price of grain. Ukraine’s infrastructure minister said unblocking ports will provide at least $1 billion in foreign exchange revenue to the economy.
Death of migrant in Italy sparks outcry – The death of a migrant was caught on camera in central Italy. The victim, Alika Ogorchukwu of Nigeria, was attacked in broad daylight and held to the ground by a white man. Authorities arrested his attacker on suspicion of murder and robbery. Video of the attack surfaced on social media. Italian politicians have condemned the attack.
Latin America
First monkeypox related death outside of Africa – Brazil reported its first monkeypox death after a 41-year-old man in the country died from the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency. Brazil has reported more than 1,000 confirmed cases of the virus and 513 suspected cases. Health officials said those who are at high risk of exposure to the virus should be offered a vaccine.
Migrants escape abandoned truck – At least 94 people, mostly from Guatemala, escaped from an abandoned truck in Mexico that was heading for the U.S. border. The truck was abandoned by the driver ahead of a checkpoint, according to local reports. Many of the migrants were treated for injuries after jumping from the top of the vehicle. In June, 53 people died in an abandoned lorry in San Antonio, marking the deadliest human trafficking incident in U.S. history.
North America
NBA legend Bill Russell passes – Bill Russell, who won 11 NBA championships and five NBA MVP awards, has passed away at the age of 88. Russell also won a gold Olympic medal in 1956 and became the NBA’s first Black head coach. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Russell the greatest champion in all of team sports.
Al Qaeda leader dead – Early this week a U.S. drone-led attack killed Al Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. President Biden addressed the nation on Monday night, saying, “Justice has been delivered, and this terrorist leader is no more.” al-Zawahiri placed Osama bin Laden after his death. alZawahiri was a key player in the 9-11 attack on U.S. soil.
