Africa Sudan The Central Bank of Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding for banking cooperation with Azerbaijani Central Bank, part of Sudan's bank’s efforts to open up to the international financial system and reintegrate into global banking networks
Europe Norway A settlement between trade union federation Fellesforbundet and the national organization of hotel and restaurant employers ended a strike involving 2.000 workers since 19 April, 4.000 last week, agreeing to a pay hike of up to 1,4/hour from 1 June
Asia South Korea Unionized workers at Samsung Electronics approved a new wage deal, averting an 18-day strike; The agreement includes uncapped long-term stock bonuses tied to semiconductor profits, potentially worth up to $440.000 per employee
Africa Ghana Ghana and South Korea started negotiations to extended visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders, after a Visa Waiver Agreement was signed for diplomatic and service passports
Africa Gabon 100-day evaluation of Gabon's the Fifth Republic was presented in May 2026; it highlights completing 97,8% of the o&g sector roadmap, reaching 80% progression in employment and civil service reforms, advancing public education and infrastructure goals
Africa Equatorial Guinea China Road presented the final design of the new EG national ferry; the future Ro-Pax vessel will improve maritime connectivity between Malabo, Bata, Annobón, and Corisco, strengthening passenger and freight transport
Africa Madagascar Ravatomanga, tycoon founder of Sodiat Group, a major conglomerate with interests in transport, aviation, construction, media, energy, agriculture, is confirmed in custody in Mauritius on suspicion of money laundering involving approximately $163 million
Asia Lebanon Videos from southern Lebanon show the destruction in the city of Tyre; multiple strikes targeted densely populated neighborhoods and residential buildings that had largely been emptied after Israel issued forced displacement orders
Africa Cape Verde A large fire broke out today on the beach of Ponta Belém, destroying over 80% of clothing stalls, affecting houses and buildings; a large team from the fire brigade is still fighting the flames
Africa Eritrea Eritrea took part in meetings of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States OACPS, joining discussions on trade and multilateral cooperation; The participation reflects Asmara’s efforts to deepen engagement across the Global South
Oceania Nauru An amendment to Tobacco Control Act 2009 inserted new Section 18A, authorising Cabinet to impose a nationwide ban up to 24 hours on a specific day to prohibit the import, distribution and sale of all tobacco or smoking-like products
Asia China In an intense month of May for Chinese diplomacy, Xi Jinping met US President Trump reaffirming the importance of stable ties between the world’s two largest economies and Russia's President Putin confirming their comprehensive strategic partnership
America Guatemala Military cooperation with the USA will include access to equipment, training, and expert support to assist anti-drug trafficking operations; Guatemala made clear that “no agreement authorizes foreign military operations on national territory"
America Colombia Medellin has been designated as the World Book Capital for 2027 by UNESCO to reward investment in culture and social urbanism: the city saw a 542% rise in bookstores, many of which were transformed from former prisons and police facilities