Africa
South Africa prepares for military exercise with Russia/China – South Africa defended its decision to hold a joint military exercise with Russia and China next month, saying all countries conduct military exercises with “friends worldwide.” The countries plan to hold joint naval drills with Russia and China next month. South Africa said the goal of the drills is to share operational skills and knowledge.
Cameroonian journalist found dead – Martinez Zogo, a director of a privately owned popular radio shows, was found dead after he disappeared in a suspected abduction. Zogo was known for being outspoken and had recently made comments about an alleged embezzlement case involving wealthy businessmen and top officials. Cameroon’s national journalists’ union urged media members to wear black as a sign of mourning.
Asia
Thailand tourism still below prepandemic level – Thailand’s tourist numbers increased by 400,000 in 2022, compared to 2021. But those numbers are much lower than the 39.8 million tourists Thailand saw in 2019. The country’s tourism authority forecasts tourist numbers to double to 25 million this year. Tourist revenue made up more than 10 percent of Thailand’s gross domestic product in 2019.
Inflation reaches new high in Japan – Japan’s core consumer prices for last month rose by 4 percent, compared to a year earlier. The Bank of Japan recently announced it would keep rates near zero, despite the increased cost of goods. Recent data shows inflation was at its highest since 1981 in Japan. However, Japan still has one of the lowest inflation rates in the world.
Europe
Germany to allow tank exports
Germany announced it wouldn’t stand in the way of Poland if the country were to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Germany has yet to provide armored vehicles to Ukraine, despite the country calling on the West to provide German-made tanks that it believes will help them defeat Russia. Poland officials said the country would send tanks to Ukraine and would request authorization from Germany.
France proposes raising defense budget – French President Emmanuel Macron is proposing plans that would increase the country’s armed forces budget. Macron made the proposal amid modern threats like Russia’s war in Ukraine. In recent weeks, France has increased its military aid to Ukraine by supplying weapons. It is also planning to send light combat tanks to the country as well.
Latin America
Protesters force Machu Picchu to close – Machu Picchu in Peru is closed indefinitely because of protests against the country’s new president. Peru said it closed the area to protect tourists and citizens. Recent protests forced 418 people to be stuck at Machu Picchu before they were rescued. Protesters in Peru have called for fresh elections after former President Pedro Castillo was jailed for charges of rebellion and conspiracy. Castillo denied the accusations and insisted he is still Peru’s legitimate president.
Brazil army commander fired – After rioting in Brazil’s capital, General Julio Cesar de Arruda has been fired. He had only been in his role since Dec. 30, just before former President Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure ended. Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he suspects members of the country’s armed forces were colluding with protesters. Earlier this year, thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília after he questioned the legitimacy of the country’s presidential election.
North America
California gunman kills 10 people – A gunman targeted Monterey Park over the weekend and killed 10 people in a ballroom dance studio. The area is known for its large Asian population, and celebrations for Lunar New Year were occurring at the time of the attack. Police say the gunman was 72 and was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The mass shooting is one of the deadliest of its kind in California history. It was the deadliest gun attack since last May when 21 people were killed at a school in Uvalde, Texas.
Jeff Zients set to be White House Chief of Staff – Jeff Zients is expected to be named the next White House chief of staff. He will replace current Chief of Staff Ron Klain who will step down next month. Zients led President Joe Biden’s COVID task force and assisted with November midterm elections. His new role will require him to be responsible for driving the president’s policy agenda and hiring staff.
