Africa
Solders killed in Sierra Leone violence
At least 19 people were killed, including 13 soldiers, during violence in Sierra Leone over the weekend. Gunmen attacked a military barracks and prisons, according to the country’s spokesperson. The attacks were coordinated and planned, according to Sierra Leone officials, and the country was under a national curfew on Sunday.
HIV rates drop in South Africa
A new study from the Human Sciences Research Council found that South Africa has recorded a fall in the number of people living with HIV. The study shows that 12.7 percent of South Africa’s population is infected with the virus that leads to Aids. That is a 14 percent decrease compared to when the survey was last conducted five years ago. There is no clear reason for the drop in infections but the growing use of anti-retroviral therapy medicines has positively impacted those living with the virus.
Asia
New Zealand reverses smoking ban
New Zealand is reversing its world-leading smoking ban in an effort to fund tax cuts. The previous legislation would have banned cigarette sales next year to anyone born after 2008. Health groups in New Zealand spoke out against the reversal, with some saying they were appalled by the government’s decision. New Zealand is still aiming to reduce its national smoking rate to 5 percent by 2025.
China expands visa-free travel
China is introducing a visa-free travel system for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia for a year. Starting on Dec. 30, passport holders from those countries can travel to China without a visa for up to 15 days. China’s new policy was created to help promote China’s development and opening.
Europe
French teenagers go on trial for teacher’s death
Earlier this week, six French teenagers accused of complicity in the murder of a teacher went on trial. The teenagers, who are between the age of 13 and 15, are accused of slander and pointing out the teacher to the killer at the school. Each of the suspects face 2.5 years in prison. The teacher, Samuel Paty, was murdered in 2020 when he was stabbed and beheaded after showing students cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a class on freedom of expression.
Russia launches biggest drone attack
More than 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones from Russia were fired at Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv over the weekend. It is Russia’s largest drone attack on the city since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began last year. There have been no reported deaths from the attack as of Monday, but at least five people were injured. The attack occurred on the date that Ukraine commemorates the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, brought on by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, that killed 7 million Ukrainians.
Latin America
Bird flu spreading among Argentina flamingos
At least 220 flamingos in northwestern Argentina have died recently from an outbreak of bird flu. The strain of the bird flu is spreading throughout South America and can infect an entire flock of birds within days. The virus can also spread to humans and other mammals through droppings and saliva. Authorities in Argentina have introduced measures to contain the spread of the virus and warned not to touch any dead animals.
Ecuador arrests leader of powerful gang
Authorities in Ecuador arrested a man known as Jaime S.C., an alleged leader of the Los Lobos criminal organization. He was armed and carrying a large amount of money when police stopped his car. Los Lobos has around 8,000 members and is one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Ecuador. The group is thought to have links with the Mexican Jalisco New Generation cartel and is accused of smuggling cocaine from Colombia through Ecuador’s port cities to the U.S. and Europe.
North America
Police officer convicted in murder of George Floyd, attacked in prison
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the murder of George Floyd, is in stable condition after he was stabbed in an Arizona prison. Chauvin is serving multiple sentences for the death of Floyd. Prison employees contained the incident and performed live-saving measures on Chauvin. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Chauvin, that argued he didn’t receive a fair trail for the killing of Floyd.
World War II tank commander’s remains identified
The United States revealed it has identified the remains of World War II tank commander Lt Gene F Walker, who was killed fighting Nazi forces in November 1944. His tank was struck by an anti-tank round and while his crew escaped, Walker was killed. His crew couldn’t recover his body because of heavy fighting at the time. His body was buried at the Henri-Chapelle U.S. Military Cemetery in Belgium, and his name was recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery.
