Africa
Peacemakers killed in DR Congo
Reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo indicate that 13 soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces were killed by rebels. Since the beginning of the year, fighting between the M23 rebels who were responsible for the attack and the DR Congo’s government has increased. More than 400,000 people have been forced to flee their homes this year because of the conflict.
South Africa imposes new land seizure law
South Africa is poised to impose a law that will allow land seizures by the state without compensation. The bill was signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Data shows that Black people own a small fraction of farmland in South Africa while the majority belongs to the white minority.
Asia
South Korean president charged
South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has been charged with insurrection. Toward the end of last year, he attempted to declare martial law in December. He has become the first sitting president in South Korea history to be charged with a crime. Yoon said he was invoking martial law to protect the country from forces that sympathized with North Korea.
Man sentenced to death in China
A court in China has sentenced a Chinese man for fatally stabbing a 10-year-old Japanese boy. The attack occurred last September in the city of Shenzhen. The court found that the man, Zhou Jiasheng, carried out the attack after losing his job and struggling with debts. Japanese companies like Toyota and Toshiba told staff to take precautions against violence following the attack.
Europe
Ukraine targets Russian oil refinery
Ukraine recently carried out one of the largest single operations of its kind since Russia invaded the country. Reports show that Ukraine hit a Russian oil refinery and targeted Moscow with at least 121 drones. Russia reported no damage and said it shot down the drones. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the country said it destroyed 25 of 58 drones launched overnight by Russia.
Artifacts stolen from Dutch museum
At least four ancient gold artifacts were stolen from a Dutch museum over the weekend. Reports show that thieves used explosives to enter into the Drents Museum in Assen. Among the items stolen include three Dacian spiral bracelets and the Helmet of Cotofenesti, an item that was crated nearly 2,500 years ago. No arrests have been made as of Sunday.
Latin America
Thousands flee northern Colombian region
At least 32,000 people have fled a northern Colombian region due to violence between two rival rebel groups. The fighting has been between rebels from the National Liberation Army and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. At least 80 people have been killed from the conflict in recent days. Colombia is planning to deploy around 5,000 soldiers to help combat the violence.
Panama responds to Trump’s Panama Canal plans
Panama President Jose Raul Mulino rejected a plan by U.S. President Donald Trump to “take back” the Panama Canal. He said the trade route “is and will remain” in Panama’s control. In 1999, Panama gained full control of the canal thanks to a treaty that requires the area to remain neutral and open to vessels of all nations.
North America
Trump removes security protection for Dr. Fauci
President Donald Trump has revoked protection for former top U.S. health official Anthony Fauci, who helped lead the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci hired his own private security team that he will pay for himself. Before, he was protected by federal marshals and a private company the government paid for.
UnitedHealthcare names new CEO
Tim Noel is set to become the new CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He replaces Brian Thompson who was shot and killed in New York in December. UnitedHealthcare has more than 50 million customers. The company said Noel brings experience to his new role and has a strong commitment to improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments, and others.
