By: Joseph Rios
Africa
Nigeria targets opioids – Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency seized nearly 200,000 opioids and other substances this past week. The agency said several arrests were made during the raid that took place where suspected drug traffickers were hiding. Drug cartels in Nigeria were planning to export drugs like marijuana and ecstasy to Italy and Dubai through an airport in Lagos.
Miners still trapped – It has been one month since a flood trapped eight mine workers underground in Burkina Faso. Rescue teams are working to pump water to the surface in an effort to save the workers. South Africa and Ghana are offering new pumps and equipment to assist with rescue efforts. As of Monday, officials were considering sending divers to assist.
Asia
Over one million COVID cases feared in North Korea – State media in North Korea reported that more than a million people are sick with a “fever.” Last week, North Korea announced its first confirmed COVID-19 cases, but it is believed that the virus has infected North Koreans long ago. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the country’s military to distribute medicines in Pyongyang. He also imposed lockdowns and gathering restrictions in work settings.
China unemployment rate peaking – China’s unemployment rate hit 6.1% last month, marking the highest it’s been since February 2020. Lockdowns have recently taken place, causing businesses like retailers and manufacturers to suffer. Shanghai, which has seen lockdowns in recent months, is working toward a return to a more normal life next month.
Europe
McDonald’s leaving Russia – Fast food giant McDonald’s will permanently leave Russia after operating in the country for more than 30 years. In March, the company temporarily closed 850 outlets in the country. It said it made the decision because of the “unpredictable operating environment” and “humanitarian crisis” caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. McDonald’s first opened a restaurant in Moscow in 1990.
Sweden/Finland joining NATO – Sweden and Finland will join the Western security alliance NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sweden hasn’t joined a military alliance for more than 200 years. Finland President Sauli Niinisto confirmed he spoke to Russia President Vladmir Putin about the country’s decision to join NATO. Putin said Ukraine’s intention to join NATO is one of the reasons for the invasion.
Latin America
Eleven suspected migrants die – At least 11 people from Haiti and the Dominican Republic died after their boat capsized near Puerto Rico. The victims, who were attempting to reach United States territory, were likely departing from the Dominican Republic. Officials said they are searching for survivors with boats, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Around 38 people have been rescued by the US Coast Guard.
Haitian gangster set to appear in court – This Wednesday Joly Germine, an accused leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, will appear in court for allegedly leading an abduction and kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries. The incident made ways across the world by bringing attention to gang abductions in Haiti. Germine is being held in Washington, D.C. Among those who were held hostage include five children. All hostages were either freed or escaped last year.
North America
Buffalo shooting leaves 10 dead – Authorities in Buffalo, New York said a man who is suspected of shooting and killing 10 people at a supermarket purposely targeted a site with a high Black population. The suspect is accused of driving more than 200 miles to the supermarket. Police say 13 people were shot, and 11 of them were Black. Authorities are investigating the incident as an act of racially motivated violent extremism.
American basketball player remains in Russia – Brittney Griner, a basketball star in the Women’s National Basketball Association, will remain in detention in Russia for a month. She has been in custody since February after she was allegedly caught with cannabis oil at an airport in Moscow. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison. American officials have called for her release. State owned media in Russia said the country hopes to trade Griner for Viktor Bout, an arms trafficker who is convicted in the United States.
