Asia Syria Hundreds of Kurdish students in Hassakeh and Kobani refused to enter their classrooms as the 2026–27 school year began, protesting a decision that reduces Kurdish-language instruction to three periods per week, demanding the decision be reversed
Africa Republic of the Congo IMF staff concluded their mission to the country for the third review of the Extended Credit Facility arrangement: post-pandemic recovery gained traction in 2022 with economic growth estimated at 1,7%, driven mainly by the non-oil sector
Asia Tajikistan Swiss scientists and glaciologists are interested in joint cooperation with the country to study the process of glacier melting, its factors and processes, and the possible impact of these undesirable phenomena on the example of Tajikistan's glaciers
Africa Libya According to Reuters, security forces in eastern Libya have in recent days deported thousands of Egyptians who were in Libya illegally, deporting them to Egypt on foot across the land border
Asia Kuwait Opposition lawmakers won a majority in Kuwait's parliament in the seventh general election in just over a decade, with only one woman elected
Africa South Africa The South African Revenue Service has introduced new controls on the procedures used by resident persons to move their funds abroad, whereby individuals must complete an approved international transfer application (AIT)
Asia Vietnam The population approaching 100 million brings both opportunities and challenges, as, along with the abundance of labour, it is an attraction for foreign investors, but poses problems of food and energy security
Africa Liberia A Swiss appeals court upheld the 20-year prison sentence against former Liberian warlord Alieu Kosiah for rape, murder and cannibalism and also the additional charge of crimes against humanity
Asia Syria The restoration of the famous Roman ruins of Palmyra and other historical sites, first affected during the war and now further damaged by the recent earthquake, is delayed, with restoration work blocked by security concerns, IS landmines and lack of funds
Asia Pakistan The 'Single Use Plastics Ban Regulation 2023' has been approved by the Federal Cabinet to kick-start Pakistan's 'journey towards reducing plastic waste', Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced
Oceania Vanuatu The community of Erakor in Southern Efate calls for a proper waste management system, namely to protect the environment and keep it healthy for future generations
Oceania Palau Hundreds of pensioners who receive their Social Security benefits directly into their bank accounts have not received their monthly payments; Social Security Administration Facebook post says some banks are having problems due to Typhoon Mawar in Guam
Africa Sudan Governor of Darfur region has declared the area a "disaster zone" amid continuous killings and crimes against civilians, adding that inhabitants of the town of Kutum, in North Darfur, and El-Geneina, in West Darfur, "are subjected to atrocious violations"
Asia Uzbekistan A visa-free regime for Qatari citizens has been introduced by Presidential decree; Qatari will be able to stay on the territory of Uzbekistan without a visa for 30 days from the date of entry