Africa Somalia Newly elected speaker of Northeastern State vowed to reclaim portions of territory that are under the actual control of neighboring Somaliland and Puntland, thus renewing tensions in a region already fraught with decades-long territorial conflicts
Africa Senegal PM Sonko said the government would submit legislation to repeal a law by former president Sall that granted amnesty for deadly political violence just before March 2024 elections, a mean to calm protests sparked by his last-minute vote postponement
Asia Sri Lanka The prices of vegetables have risen sharply in several economic centers last week compared to the previous week, causing concerns among consumers and traders alike
Africa Cape Verde The government said it had revoked the concession to Hong Kong-listed casino services company Macau Legend Development Ltd to develop and operate a casino
America Suriname The Fire Department Suriname did not come across any illegal fireworks during routine inspections that were carried out in Paramaribo; only one of the retailers whose stores were inspected was caught violating rules for selling mini crackers to minors
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Six cruise ships docked simultaneously on 26 December bringing a total of 11.334 passengers to the island that was bustling with activity as it welcomed one of the largest influxes of visitors in its history
America Uruguay The surge in online shopping driven by the "Temu effect" has overwhelmed Uruguay's customs operations, doubling package volumes; the National Customs Directorate has enacted new measures to streamline processes
Asia Japan A government-commissioned panel of experts largely supported the proposed new energy policy that calls for bolstering renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing use of nuclear sources to accommodate Japan's growing power demand
Asia Jordan Latest report by Ipsos found that Jordanians are looking towards 2025 with renewed optimism, as 69% believe the coming year will be better personally and 55% expect people in Jordan to start feeling more optimistic about the long-term future
Europe North Macedonia The country in 2024 saw political change fuel fears of return to ethnic strife as the country’s biggest ethnic Albanian party, long used to power, was relegated to opposition benches and may stir up ethnic tension in a bid to regain its lost status
Europe Hungary Hungary's turn at the presidency of the Council of the European Union officially ends today; notwithstanding Orbán's provocative attitude and ambitious initiatives, the mandate took place in relative calm
Asia Nepal In Karnali Province, pervasive poverty compels thousands to migrate to India for work, leaving behind villages populated mainly by women, children and the elderly; despite government efforts, significant progress remains elusive
Europe San Marino This holiday season saw a boom in tourist arrivals and on Sunday 30 December a record was set for passengers reaching the historic center by cable car: with over 6.600 lifts, it surpass the Boxing Day number of 4.100
Africa Tunisia Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi has been released from Guantanamo Bay prison camp: the Tunisian detainee has never been charged with any crime and has been held for nearly 23 years, since the day the facility opened