Europe Montenegro Montenegro will be first country to join the European Union under the new safeguards designed to ensure all new members uphold agreed democratic standards, preventing backsliding on the bloc’s values
Asia Uzbekistan The Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR has commenced developing an oil field in Uzbekistan and 'very promising' feedback is expected with one or two years, Uzbekistan announced in a trilateral meeting with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan
Europe Germany A central Berlin street with an unfortunate name referring to 'moros' has been renamed after Anton Wilhelm Amo, a Black German Enlightenment philosopher, who in 1734 became the first Africa-born scholar to receive a European doctorate
Africa Tunisia Members and backers of Tunisia's largest trade union rallied in support of the organisation, which has faced mounting pressure from President Kais Saied; it was the largest demonstration recently held in the country, denouncing a rollback of freedoms
Asia Myanmar Ministry of Information signed a $3 million-per-year lobbying contract with Washington-based DCI Group; The deal comes amid the transition to a nominal civilian interim government, though military chief Min Aung Hlaing remains in powe
Africa Madagascar Madagascar assumed the Chair of Southern African Development Community at the 45th meeting of Heads of States and Government held in Antananarivo, themed Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC
Asia Afghanistan Youth in remote areas of Zabul area demand access to modern education as a key to their future; some teachers have started a few courses in English, with computers, and students are highly motivated; access to education in general remains a key issue
Asia Kyrgyzstan Mandatory tips, a 5-15% ever more often charged separately in restaurant, will be banned in Kyrgyzstan; the practice, authorities affirm, raises concerns in terms of tax regulation, consumer protection, and business transparency
Africa Guinea Three political parties, including the country's two main parties, have been suspended by decree as the campaign for the constitutional referendum was due to begin today and ultimately postponed to 31 August; the announcement was read on public tv
America Belize The first case of New World screwworm in humans has been confirmed in Belize; though rare, it is a possible consequence of the spreading of screwworm infections affecting cattle since November 2024
Africa South Sudan Residents of Juba are raising alarm after heavy rains left harvested rainwater appearing black in color, prompting health and environmental concerns as dark, almost charcoal-colored rainwater pooled in containers and drainage ditches across the city
Africa Comoros Over 2.000 people were checked in five days as part of the identity and residence verification operation launched by the Ministry of the Interior: the result is 23 illegal immigrants, eight deportations, and 150 citizens ordered to obtain an identity card
Africa Ivory Coast The Independent Electoral Commission is keeping its doors open with full service schedule over this weekend to favor the reception of candidacy files for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 25 October
Europe Croatia The acceptance of all shipments of commercial goods bound to the United States, regardless of their value, will be suspended starting 26 August, Croatian Post has announced, except for letters and gifts from and to private individuals under $100 in value