Africa Burkina Faso A viral trend is keeping on: since the beginning of May, videoclips praising leader Ibrahim Traoré are voiced by international singers; generated by AI, they feature stars like Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Rihanna in what could be an organized campaign
Africa Mauritania Meharists, nomadic soldiers of the National Guard who have secured a remote 2.200km border since 2011, now counts on 150 riders and 400 camels and received several million euros from the EU seeking to maintain stability in a region plunged into chaos
America Venezuela Venezuela has denied that opposition figures fled the country through an international rescue operation, claiming their departure was negotiated, despite US and opposition leaders framing it as a covert mission to free political targets
Oceania Vanuatu The Vanuatu Chess Federation is celebrating a 40% rise in its memberships, increasing from 100 to over 140 active participants; weeks ago it was officially recognized by the Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee
Africa Ethiopia The Ethiopia Peace Observatory reported that in the days 26 April and 9 May there has been a 71% decrease in fatalities due to political violence compared to the previous two weeks, with 82 reported casualties and -37% political violence events (37)
Asia Philippines The Kanlaon volcano erupted on May 13, spewing a 4,5 km-high ash plume and affecting nearby villages; Authorities raised alert level 3, enforced a 6 km radius evacuation zone, and warned of possible further eruptions though no casualties were reported
America Panama Protests against economic elites and US military presence are increasing in Panama with demonstrators invoking anti-imperialist slogans, as backlash intensifies over Trump-backed troop deployments and perceived threats to national sovereignty
Europe Malta A restoration of an 18th-century house in Naxxar is shortlisted as one of five finalists in Architecture+Stone category of the 2025 Architizer A+ Awards against Mexico, China and USA projects; the public will decide the winner with an online voting system
Asia Japan Japan came 14th among 36 developed countries in new child well-being survey, up from 20th in the previous survey released in 2020; the UNICEF Innocenti report comprehensively evaluates children's mental well-being, physical health and skills
Asia Myanmar A military airstrike hit a school in Ohe Htein Twin village, Sagaing Region, killing at least 22 people, including 20 students and two teachers, during morning classes
Asia Qatar A project to design and build a network of advanced research laboratories for veterinary and agricultural research was announced by Public Works Authority Ashghal; they will be located in Old Airport area, Al Sheehaniya, Qatar Science and Technology Park
America Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney presented his new cabinet with many new faces and with less veterans; announcing the team he pledged it will deliver new ideas and “decisive action” on key points such as trade, crime and the cost of living
Asia Turkey Istanbul is poised to host Russia and Ukraine delegates on 15 May for peace talks, even though the prospects of President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting directly for the first time in three years are low
America Peru The people of Peru have celebrated Pope León XIV as one of their own in Chiclayo, where he served as bishop and gained local admiration for his humble service, earning widespread acclaim after referencing the city in his first public address as pope