East Asia & the Pacific
Cambodia: Environment minister highlights Cambodia’s green achievements at regional ecological summit in Kazakhstan
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth attended a regional ecological summit in Kazakhstan, highlighting the Kingdom’s environmental efforts and climate resilience strategies.
Cambodia: U.S. launches sweeping crackdown on Southeast Asia cyberscams and sanctions Cambodian senator
Associated Press (United States)
U.S. officials have announced a sweeping crackdown on Southeast Asian cyberscam operations as part of what U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro characterized Friday as a “new theater of war” launched by the Trump administration against Chinese transnational organized crime.
China: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi tells Myanmar leader Beijing will back its security, sovereignty
The Straits Times (Singapore)
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said Beijing will “firmly support” Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, in a meeting with junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing.
Indonesia: Domestic workers legally recognized in Indonesia after ’22-year struggle’
BBC News (United Kingdom)
Indonesia’s parliament has passed a law to protect the rights of domestic workers, more than 20 years after it was first introduced. The country is home to some 4.2 million domestic workers – of which almost 90% are women. They were previously not legally classified as workers.
Japan: Japan begins selling lethal weapons after lifting of ban
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
The Japanese government entered the lethal weapons export business after lifting the ban on April 21 by revising the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. The next day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi started pitching military equipment.
Myanmar: Rohingya refugee boat exodus surges by 90 percent: Save the Children
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
The number of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat has increased by 90 percent compared with last year, Save the Children said on Thursday, based on United Nations figures.
Philippines: With Duterte going on trial, focus shifts to dela Rosa, et al
Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)
Former high-ranking police officials identified as co-perpetrators in the case against ex-President Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC) may face charges aside from crimes against humanity.
South Korea: Oxford University to launch center for Korean studies
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
Oxford University plans to launch a center for Korean studies as early as October to boost research in Korean culture, language and history, professors leading the project have said.
Taiwan: Foreign minister arrives in Eswatini after Lai cancels trip
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini on Saturday morning, days after Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te was forced to cancel his planned trip to southern Africa due to reported interference from China.
Taiwan: Taiwan minister makes rare visit to disputed South China Sea Island
BBC News (United Kingdom)
Ocean Affairs Minister Kuan Bi-ling made a rare visit to a Taiwan-controlled islet in the South China Sea to observe a coast guard exercise, as tensions flare in the region. Kuan’s visit to Itu Aba comes as US and Filipino forces hold their largest ever military drills across the Philippines, drawing anger from China.
Thailand: People’s Party to name new secretary-general
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Phicharn Chaowapatanawong, a key figure in the People’s Party, is expected to assume the post of party secretary-general at Sunday’s general meeting while leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut will remain in his position.
Vietnam: South Korean President’s visit to Vietnam: Promoting cooperation in energy, investment, and what else?
BBC News (Vietnam)
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his wife went on a state visit to Vietnam from April 21 to 24, 2026, at the invitation of General Secretary and President To Lam. The two countries are promoting cooperation in three major priority areas: upgrading economic cooperation, deeper integration in strategic supply chains, and closely linking investment, innovation, and human resource training.
Europe & Eurasia
Czech Republic: Inspired by Macron’s speech, Czechia’s Babiš wants in on nuclear deterrence initiative
EUObserver (Belgium)
Over the weekend, Babiš confirmed that Czechia wants to join French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to build a pan-European nuclear deterrent. “We in Europe must, of course, have allies, and France is ideal for that,” the prime minister said in a video posted to social media.
European Union: Beijing lashes out at EU after Chinese firms included in latest Russia sanctions
Politico (United States)
Beijing warned Brussels that the “EU will bear all consequences” after the bloc included Chinese companies in its latest sanctions package against Russia, escalating tensions in an already strained Sino-Europe trade relationship.
France: Europeans must recognize US, China and Russia are ‘dead against’ us, says Macron
Politico (United States)
Europeans have to step up and defend their own interests because the U.S., China and Russia are now all “dead against” them, French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday.
Germany: Germany suspects Russia of Signal phishing attacks targeting politicians
Euronews (France)
German and foreign security services have reissued a warning for phishing attacks targeting lawmakers and senior government officials via the Signal messaging application, in what is believed to be the work of a “state-controlled cyber actor”.
Italy: Italy to extradite suspected Chinese hacker wanted by US authorities, says source
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The Italian government has decided to extradite a Chinese man wanted by U.S. authorities on hacking charges that include stealing COVID-19 medical research, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
Romania: Drone crashes in Romania as Russia strikes neighbouring Ukraine
Euronews (France)
Romanian authorities said 200 people were evacuated while two British fighter jets scrambled after a drone landed in the southeastern city of Galati, near the country’s border with Ukraine.
Russia: Armenia Wants In On Asia-Europe Trade. Russian Rail Control Stands In The Way
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Czech Republic)
As Armenia pushes to position itself on trade routes linking Asia and Europe, it faces a major obstacle at home: Its rail network is still controlled by a Russian state company under Western sanctions. Aiming to become part of international transit corridors, Armenia is constrained by the fact that its railways are managed by Russian Railways (RZD), under a 30-year concession signed in 2008.
Spain/United States: NATO says ‘no provision’ to expel members after report US could seek to suspend Spain
BBC (United Kingdom)
Nato says there is no provision for member states to be suspended or expelled from the military alliance after a report said the US could seek to suspend Spain over its Iran war stance.
United Kingdom: Sovereignty of Falklands rests with the UK, Britain tells the US
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands rests with Britain, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday after an internal Pentagon email suggested reviewing the U.S. position on the Falklands as punishment for Britain’s stance on the Iran war.
Near East
Iran: Trump cancels US envoys’ trip after Iran’s Araghchi leaves Pakistan
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
United States President Donald Trump has announced that his envoys would not be travelling to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left the country. The US president told news outlet Fox News that he had ordered Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to ditch plans to visit the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, for the possible talks, despite his earlier claims that Iran was “making an offer” aimed at resolving the two-month conflict.
Iran: Pentagon chief Hegseth says US blockade on Iran ‘going global’
Reuters (United Kingdom)
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that a U.S. blockade on Iran is going global, adding Tehran had a chance to make a “good deal” with Washington. “Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth told reporters. “No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” he said.
Iran: US boards ship carrying Iran oil as Trump threatens mine-laying vessels
BBC (United Kingdom)
The US says its forces have boarded a sanctioned ship carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean in the country’s latest naval move against Iran. The US Department of Defense (DoD) said in a statement it had carried out a “maritime interdiction” – the interception or inspection of a vessel by a navy on ships suspected to be hostile or in violation of the law – on the M/T Majestic X. The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on 13 April. The latest interception comes as President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any boat laying mines in the critical shipping channel the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon/Israel: Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire to be extended by three weeks
BBC (United Kingdom)
US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended by three weeks after fresh talks between the countries’ envoys in Washington. Announcing the extension on Truth Social, the US president said the meeting “went very well”, adding the US would be working with Lebanon “to help it protect itself from Hezbollah”.
United Arab Emirates: U.A.E. Asks U.S. About a Wartime Financial Lifeline
The Wall Street Journal (United States)
The United Arab Emirates has opened talks with the U.S. about obtaining a financial backstop in case the Iran war plunges the oil-rich Persian Gulf state into a deeper crisis, U.S. officials said. U.A.E. Central Bank Gov. Khaled Mohamed Balama raised the idea of a currency-swap line with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Treasury and Federal Reserve officials in meetings in Washington last week, the officials said. The Emiratis emphasized that they had so far avoided the worst economic effects of the conflict but might still need a financial lifeline, the officials said.
Sub-Saharan Africa
DR Congo: Regional bank targets mineral value chain for energy transition
Afreximbank (Egypt)
Recognizing the Democratic Republic of Congo as a “solution country,” Afreximbank is launching initiatives to finance the nation’s mining value chain. The bank aims to provide tailored financial and investment solutions to mining companies and subcontractors to leverage the DRC’s vast endowment of cobalt and copper for the global energy transition. These efforts include Project Preparation Facilities and Structured Trade Finance designed to boost liquidity and trade expansion across the sector.
DR Congo: US considers resettling 1,100 Afghans in Democratic Republic of Congo
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The Trump administration is in talks to resettle 1,100 Afghans, currently stranded in Qatar, into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Advocacy groups have labeled the plan “unacceptable” due to the DRC’s chronic insecurity and its ongoing conflict with a Rwanda-backed rebel movement. Concerns have been raised that these individuals, many of whom are relatives of U.S. citizens or worked for U.S.-funded organizations, could become stateless if they refuse resettlement in the DRC, as immigrant visa processing for Afghan nationals remains at a virtual standstill.
Eswatini: Taiwan condemns China for disrupting presidential visit to Africa
Horn Diplomat (Somaliland)
The Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland has strongly condemned China for coercive actions that led to the postponement of President Lai Ching-te’s planned visit to Eswatini. Beijing reportedly pressured several countries to revoke overflight clearances, a move Taiwan described as a violation of international norms and a threat to aviation safety. Despite this interference, Taiwan reaffirmed its resolve to engage with the world and its commitment to strengthening partnerships across Africa, including ongoing cooperation with Somaliland.
Ethiopia: Restoration of Tigrayan parliament raises fears of renewed conflict
Agenzia Fides (Vatican City)
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has unilaterally restored its regional parliament, prompting fears of a resumption of the bloody conflict that previously claimed at least 600,000 lives. Federal authorities view this move as a violation of the Pretoria Agreement, which mandated that a provisional administration govern the region until new elections could be held. This political tension occurs as Tigray continues to face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with up to 80% of the population requiring emergency assistance due to severe shortages of food and medicine.
Eritrea: Secret US talks to lift sanctions spark concerns over regional stability
Foreign Policy (United States)
The Trump administration is reportedly engaged in secret talks with the Eritrean government to remove existing U.S. sanctions, despite the country’s continued “iron grip” dictatorship and lack of political reform. Eritrea has been accused of fueling internal divisions in Ethiopia to destabilize its neighbor while undercutting its pursuit of Red Sea access. Experts warn that the region remains a “tinderbox” and that this diplomatic thaw could set in motion dangerous strategic ripple effects across the Horn of Africa.
Liberia: Press Union warns of “shrinking civic space” and democratic erosion
Liberian Observer (Liberia)
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has raised an alarm over the steady erosion of freedom of expression under the Boakai administration, citing the violent suppression of student protesters and the “sinister” use of non-disclosure agreements for government employees. The PUL highlighted a pattern of actions, including the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and legislative efforts to re-criminalize speech, as threats to Liberia’s democratic foundations. The union maintains that there can be “no rescue without freedom,” especially as citizens face rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
Mali: Coordinated insurgent assaults target military leadership in Bamako
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
In an unprecedented and simultaneous assault, al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM and Tuareg-led FLA forces launched attacks on military barracks in the capital and northern locations like Kidal. The insurgents targeted the private residence of the Defense Minister and the home of military ruler General Assimi Goita, using heavy weaponry and causing “unprecedented panic” within the military ranks. Analysts suggest that the attackers are successfully exploiting a security vacuum created by the withdrawal of Russian mercenaries to weaken the government through “a thousand cuts”.
Nigeria: National medical association paralyzed by leadership crisis
Premium Times (Nigeria)
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is facing a severe internal crisis following the reported suspension of its National President, Bala Audu, during an emergency meeting in Abuja. The Lagos State chapter has condemned the meeting as illegal and unconstitutional, accusing certain individuals of prioritizing political ambition over the professional dignity of doctors. This division risks weakening collective efforts to improve doctors’ welfare and remuneration at a time when the association is negotiating progress at the federal level.
São Tomé and Príncipe: $24.5 million grant to power clean energy transition
African Development Bank (Ivory Coast)
The African Development Fund has approved a $24.5 million grant to help São Tomé and Príncipe transition away from expensive and polluting diesel power toward renewable energy. The project involves constructing a solar photovoltaic plant on Príncipe Island and installing over 40,000 prepaid meters to curb commercial losses and advance universal electricity access. This investment aims to achieve a 50% renewable energy share by 2030 while creating “green jobs” and skills training for the nation’s youth.
Somalia/Sudan: US-Israel war on Iran threatens to push 30 million people into poverty
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The United Nations warns that the US-Israel war on Iran will push 30 million people into poverty by disrupting global fertilizer and fuel supplies, potentially causing a food “catastrophe” in countries like Somalia and Sudan. Disruption to cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, where one-third of the world’s fertilizer passes, has already lowered agricultural productivity and is expected to hit crop yields later this year. The conflict has reportedly wiped out between 0.5% and 0.8% of global GDP and is severely straining humanitarian efforts that are already facing funding cuts.
South Africa: US invests $50 million in rare earth project to counter China
Associated Press (USA)
The US government, through the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), has committed $50 million to a rare earth extraction project in South Africa to reduce reliance on China for minerals essential to defense systems and electric vehicles. Despite a significant diplomatic rift with South Africa’s government, the Trump administration is prioritizing economic interests by backing the Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project, which utilizes experimental techniques to extract minerals from mining waste. This investment is part of a broader strategy that includes the continued development of the Lobito Corridor railway.
Tanzania: Independent inquiry reveals 518 deaths linked to 2025 election unrest
Daily News (Tanzania)
An independent commission of inquiry has reported that 518 people, including 21 children, were killed during organized violence surrounding the October 2025 General Election. Dar es Salaam recorded the highest death toll, leading President Samia Suluhu Hassan to order a Reconciliation Commission and a criminal probe into the unrest. The findings emphasize a severe breach of peace characterized by “organized violence in the name of demonstration” that persisted both during and after the electoral period.
Zimbabwe: MDC members abducted amid crackdown on constitutional protests
NewZimbabwe.com (Zimbabwe)
Seven members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were abducted by armed men in Chitungwiza shortly before planned demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3. The Zimbabwe Republic Police subsequently prohibited the protests in Harare, leading opposition activists to condemn the state for a “deliberate campaign” to block democratic dissent. Amidst this political instability, the country’s exotic leather producers are attempting to bypass domestic turmoil by leveraging China’s zero-tariff policy to expand their market reach.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: EU Special Envoy Travels to Kabul, Afghanistan
Khaama Press (Afghanistan)
The EU visited Kabul on Wednesday and spoke with Taliban officials have accepted EU humanitarian aid but have called for increasing aid to address the economic crisis and unemployment within the country. The EU has yet to issue an official statement on the visit.
Afghanistan: Trump Is Said to Be in Talks to Send Afghans Who Aided U.S. Forces to Congo
The New York Times (United States)
President Trump is reportedly considering relocating Afghan refugees who aided U.S. forces to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Refugees will be given the option to return to go back to live under the Taliban or be sent to Congo, which is current suffering the world’s worst humanitarian crises with the ongoing conflict in Rwanda. Details remain unclear, with the plan appearing to reflect a new immigration strategy of the U.S.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh, Oman call for peaceful resolution of conflict in the Gulf
Prothom Alo (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Minister of Oman, Hamad Al Busaidi held a meeting calling for the concerned parties to continue to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution for the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, says a press release. During this meeting they as well discussed bilateral economic and bilateral cooperation.
Bangladesh : Power shortage may reach 3,000 MW today: Power Division
Prothom Alo (Bangladesh)
In a press conference organized by the Power Division, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has said that electricity generation has declined due to the fuel crisis. This could result in a shortfall of 3,000 megawatts, making load shedding necessary to cover the deficit. Electricity supply could potentially increase by 1,982 megawatts within the first week of May to ensure activities are not disrupted throughout the country.
Bhutan: PM calls for falling birth rate a national crisis
Kuensel Online (Bhutan)
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay release the 2025 statistics for birth rates in Bhutan, revealing a drastic decrease of 62.9 percent since 1990. He reflects this with the mass resignation of civil servants and inability to meet human resource standards for the year 2026 thus far.
India: India, Germany seal defence roadmap in Berlin
The Economist (United Kingdom)
India and Germany have agreed on a roadmap for defense industry cooperation. This agreement was part of the bilateral talks held with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh in Berlin. The agreement aims to identify key technologies and weapon systems for joint development. This collaboration strengthens the Indo-German strategic alignment.
India: ‘India is a great country’: US clarifies Trump stance after ‘hellholes’ remark
The Economist (United Kingdom)
Following recent controversies surrounding President Trump’s social media, U.S. officials highlight Trump’s respect for India, where he stated that India is a great country and is a good friend. Within New Delhi, the government has reacted cautiously by observing reports and as left it as is.
Kazakhstan: Exclusive: Russia to halt Kazakhstan’s oil flows to Germany via Druzhba, sources say
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Russia plans to halt oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via from May 1st. If this plan were to be underwent, approximately 17 percent of all the oil processed by “Germany’s PCK refinery” would be removed, diminishing the fuel that powers about 90 percent of “cars in the Berlin and Brandenburg region.”
Kyrgyzstan: Drones only with permission: Kyrgyzstan introduces strict flight rules
24.kg (Kyrgyzstan)
Kyrgyzstan is implementing stricter flight rules for commercial and personal use, as well as for research purposes. There is also more clarification on delicate areas of drone flying as well, all in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Maldives: Muthalib says war-driven cost pressures require timeline changes but projects will continue
The Sun (English Edition)
With the ongoing war in the Middle East, the costs of development projects throughout the country are beginning to heavily affect multiple sectors. Despite the new price tags, Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muthalib emphasizes these projects will continue but deadlines will be pushed for the top priority remains “maintaining uninterrupted delivery of basic services to the public.”
Nepal: US, China push competing priorities in Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Post (Nepal)
Officials from the United States and China held meetings with Nepali leaders directly after on another this past week, both expressing concern over Nepal collaborating with the other and simultaneously discussing plans to advance their own priorities. The country remains in a sensitive position between the two powers.
Pakistan: PM meets Pakistanis selected for China’s space mission, hopes it will ‘usher in era of space research’
Dawn (Pakistan)
In hopes of building a stronger connection with China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the two Pakistani astronauts candidates chosen for China’s new space program. Both countries hope to begin prioritizing space research more in addition to their friendship.
Sri Lanka: Hacking of USD 2.5 million – Public could lose trust on banks: Joint opposition
The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan banks were hacked amounting in a loss of 2.5 million USD causing the people of Sri Lanka to lose trust in banks which has created a new challenge for the Sri Lanka government.
Sri Lanka: Hackers also attempted to obtain funds linked to payment to India: Deputy Minister
The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
Hackers fraudulently obtained funds meant for the Australian Export Finance Agency and attempted to obtain funds connected with a payment to India. This came to light when Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Anil Jayantha noticed a constant change of account number changes with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team to investigate the issue. The issue is now being addressed quickly through assistance of an internal committee and through disciplinary actions.
Tajikistan: Afghanistan leg of CASA-1000 seen completed by 2027, Tajikistan says
Khamma Press (Afghanistan)
Tajikistan says the Afghanistan section of the CASA-1000 energy project that will help address energy shortages and establish economic development within the region, is said to be completed by 2027. Tajik Energy Minister, Dalir Juma said the project is strategically important, to increase regional cooperation and build trust amongst the participating countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. However, security remains a major concern as the project is being developed.
Turkmenistan: Starlink antennas have begun to be confiscated in Turkmenistan. Network degradation and widespread blockages continue
Turkmen News (The Netherlands)
Citizens of Turkmenistan have experienced poor connectivity at low speeds with expensive tariffs from Turkmen telecom causing them to turn to Starlink. With the Ministry of National Security conducting raids and blanket lockdowns on Starlink, it has caused internet use in the country to be impossible.
Turkmenistan: The Turkmen army has restricted access to weapons following a suicide at a military unit in Dashoguz
Turkmen News (The Netherlands)
In the Dashoguz region, a conscript solider shot himself which has led all military units across Turkmenistan to implement stricter access to weapons. No details have been released yet following the incident. The incident highlights ongoing systemic issues, including hazing, poverty, and corruption among senior officers. Reports also indicate that many soldiers are trying to leave but are facing difficulty due to denied requests from Begench Gundogdyev, contributing to the decline in military recruitment.
Uzbekistan: Shavkat Mirziyoyev Elected President of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea
Fergana News (Russia)
The president of Uzbekistan was elected President of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The Fund emphasizes the importance of water use efficiency in Central Asia and the president describes some of his plans on water conservation for his upcoming 2027-2029 term.
Western Hemisphere
Belize/United States: Former SC Lt. Gov. André Bauer nominated for ambassador to Belize
Greenville News (United States)
On April 21st, Former South Carolina Lt. Gov, André Bauer has been nominated by the White House to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Belize. Bauer previously served in multiple state offices and briefly ran for U.S. Senate in 2025 before ending his campaign. He has yet to be confirmed by the Senate but is currently regarded as the top choice.
Bolivia/Chile: Bolivia, Chile move to restore ties severed 50 years ago
France24 (France)
On April 23rd, foreign ministers Francisco Perez Mackenna of Chile and Fernando Aramayo of Bolivia met at a border crossing and traveled together to La Paz. Aramayo described the meeting as a “fundamental milestone” on the road to restoring relations. The two countries severed ties in 1975 after failing to reach an agreement over Bolivia’s longstanding push for access to the Pacific Ocean, but their relationship is now warming with center-right President Rodrigo Paz governing Bolivia and far right President Jose Kast governing Chile.
Canada: Canada’s US booze boycott could be resolved if Trump addresses tariffs, Carney says
BBC (United Kingdom)
On April 23rd, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada’s boycott of US alcohol imports, sparked by tensions over tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, could be lifted if the US repeals or adjusts the tariffs. Several major Canadian stores no longer receive or display American alcohol, affecting the corporations severely. The dispute between the two nations reflects wider economic issues, as the current administration has been very tariff heavy.
Cuba: Cuba sees short-term relief as Russian oil begins to flow
Reuters (United Kingdom)
This week, Cubans began to reap the benefits of a recent 100,000 metric ton delivery of Russian oil. The freshly arrived Russian crude began to trickle out of Cuba’s Cienfuegos refinery on April 17th. While many Cubans said they began to feel relief as blackouts fell dramatically in certain areas, Energy Minister Vincente de la O Levy warned late on Wednesday that the relief would be short-lived, and the remaining Russian fuel is just a few days’ worth.
El Salvador: El Salvador shackled prisoners watch their mass trial on a big screen
Reuters (United Kingdom)
On April 23rd, under President Nayib Bukele’s crime crackdown, more than 100 shackled prisoners in El Salvador’s high-security CECOT prison watched their mass trial on a large screen. Accused as part of a case involving 486 alleged gang members and 47,000 crimes, the trial has led to over 91,000 arrests and severe scrutiny. Human rights groups criticize the proceedings, arguing they undermine due process and fair defense rights.
Guatemala: Guatemalan attorney general sanctioned internationally loses bid for third term
Reuters (United Kingdom)
On April 20th, Attorney General Consuelo Porras ended her bid for a third term. She has faced several international sanctions over alleged corruption and accusations of undermining democracy. A commission of jurists voted her out, setting her up to leave office as President Bernardo Arevalo prepares to appoint her successor.
Nicaragua: News Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Reappears and Calls Trump “Unhinged” After U.S. Sanctions on His Sons
The Latin Times (United Kingdom)
On April 20th, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega reappeared after nearly two months out of public view and sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, calling him “mentally unfit” following new U.S. sanctions targeting two of Ortega’s sons and others tied to Nicaragua’s gold industry. His return ended speculation about his absence and signaled a renewed willingness by his government to confront Washington, as U.S. pressure grows over alleged corruption, repression, and human rights abuses linked to his administration.
Panama: Businesses dole out up to $4M to cross Panama Canal during Strait of Hormuz chokehold
ABC News (United Kingdom)
On April 24th, businesses are beginning to pay as much as $4 million to secure last-minute passage through the Panama Canal as conflict and instability effectively choke off the Strait of Hormuz, forcing a major shift in global shipping routes. The surge in demand has driven up auction prices for transit slots far above normal costs, as companies prioritize speed and safety while rerouting goods and coping with broader disruptions to global supply chains.
Paraguay: Paraguay plans to accept 25 third-country migrant deportees from US
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On April 21st, Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the country will receive non-citizens expelled from the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation push, with an initial group of 25 Spanish-speaking deportees. Paraguay is one of the latest in a growing list of countries to participate in “third-country deportations” in which the U.S. sends immigrants to countries they have no ties to. Robert Alter, an official at the US Embassy in Paraguay said the arrangement is a testament to Washington’s close relationship with Paraguay.
Peru: Peru’s election chief resigns over logistical problems in hotly disputed presidential contest
AP News (United States)
On April 21st, the head of Peru’s national election agency, Piero Corvetto, resigned over logistical problems that have affected the country’s disputed presidential election. The winners have yet to be announced in Peru’s election despite it having been over a week since voting took place. Corvetto has denied any wrongdoing but says he was prompted to resign in order to “generate more confidence” in a runoff vote to be held June 7th.
Peru: Peru’s defense and foreign ministers resign after the president stalls US military planes deal
AP News (United States)
On April 22nd, Peru’s Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned following an announcement by the country’s interim President José María Balcázar, who deferred the decision on a s$3.5 billion deal for U.S. F-16 fighter jets to his successor who will emerge from a presidential runoff vote in June. Díaz’s resignation letter said that postponing the purchase “could compromise” Peru’s interests. Both ministers said at a news conference that they had unsuccessfully tried to persuade Balcázar to approve the deal.
Venezuela: Colombia’s leader visits Venezuela for key talks with acting President Delcy Rodríguez
AP News (United States)
On April 24th, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez welcomed Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. The leaders were expected to discuss an extensive bilateral agenda, including migration, defense, border security, industrial cooperation, and trade. This meeting is their first since the United States military seized former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their home in January.
The SHU World Review is produced by the Student Research Assistants of the DiploLab at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. Some summaries may be copied from article text. Back issues are available in Seton Hall’s repository.