Africa South Africa The sale of unregulated medicines is increasing in South Africa, where fake and substandard medicines are distributed through informal channels, informal outlets, online platforms, and cross-border smuggling, with people often buying unaware of fakes
Africa Comoros A ship registered in Comoros was seized off the coast of the Western Sahara region, near the city of Dakhla, with between 35.000 to 40.000kg of cocaine
Asia Palestine Palestinian local elections revealed a stronger-than-expected turnout despite boycott calls, signaling a shift toward accountable governance
Africa Rwanda Construction is 90% complete in Heza Estate, a residential development in Batsinda, Kigali, with 548 homes; Buyers may purchase units through flexible instalment payment plans or mortgage at competitive rates negotiated by Rwanda Social Security Board
Asia Philippines Ashfall from Mayon Volcano has affected 132 schools in the Bicol Region, disrupting classes and prompting health and safety measures; Authorities are monitoring air quality and volcanic activity as communities cope with falling ash and reduced visibility
Europe Switzerland A photo-trap has snapped a bear in the Valposchiavo valley in the southeast corner of Switzerland for the first time in several years, though no one had the luck to see it with their own eyes
Africa Equatorial Guinea The Community of Portuguese Language Countries celebrated World Portuguese Language and Culture Day at the UN headquarters; Equatorial Guinea participated as a co-sponsor and full member after having joined the convention in 2014
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo A ban on divisionism and hate speech has been announced in areas under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel movement; The Governor of North Kivu province has cited growing concerns about ethnic and tribal messaging
America Bahamas The Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) has been introduced in a pilot phase; it is the first time in Bahama's history that an electronic system will replace the traditional paper-based immigration form required for incoming visitors
Europe Luxembourg Luxembourg prison officers’ association warned of concern for staff safety and poor working conditions in institutions, calling for ‘massive and rapid’ recruitment across the country's detention centres
Europe Czech Republic An extremely dry month of April is beginning to being felt by spontaneous vegetation and agricolture; A lack of moisture is threatening crops in two-thirds of Czechia and farmers fear a poor harvest if rain does not come soon
Asia Mongolia Cooperation with Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, is being enhanced to train professionals and researchers through scholarships and targeted programs; The partnership includes joint research in urban development, logistics and environmental studies
Europe Spain Cruise ship MV Hondius will dock in the Canary Islands as WHO coordinates with Spanish authorities to respond to the health emergency onboard; three people out of 149 passengers from 23 different countries died from a suspected hantavirus outbreak
Africa Kenya Aside Tanzania–Kenya Investment Forum during President Ruto's visit, a renewed drive to reconnect railway networks and expand electricity interconnection between Tanzania and Kenya is taking shape to unlock trade and industrial growth in the region