Africa South Africa The sale of unregulated medicines is increasing in South Africa, where fake and substandard medicines are distributed through informal channels, informal outlets, online platforms, and cross-border smuggling, with people often buying unaware of fakes
Africa Sierra Leone The case of Zainab Sheriff, a young female activist sentenced to four years and two months on counts of 'incitement and use of threatening language', contrary to national law, has stirred debate as she reportedly only expressed views about electoral fraud
Asia Saudi Arabia Native plant nursery and seed bank in AlUla governorate has a target of more than 500 local plant species by 2030; supplying reserves and urban landscapes it is strengthening its position as a model for ecological restoration
Europe Sweden Proceeds from fraud cases have decreased, totaling under SEK 5,7 billion (€528million) in 2025, slightly lower than in 2024 and definitely below 2023 peak thanks to improved collaboration with banks and the police's increased focus on crime prevention
Africa Equatorial Guinea The days of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Equatorial Guinea, 21-23 April, have been declared non-working to give citizens the opportunity to take part in events in various sites, like Central Campus in Basupú, March 7th Monument in Bata, the Basilica of Mongomo
Africa Seychelles On International Day of Monuments and Sites, Seychelles reaffirmed commitment to the protection of its heritage; 2026 theme ‘Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters’ underlined that heritage is evolving and vulnerable
Europe Italy 102.000 requests have been received by helpline Telefono Amico in 2025: loneliness, psychological distress, and existential issues are the problems that drive people to call; the main goal for 2026 is to offer 24/7 service, now available 15 hours a day
America Nicaragua The iconic statue of Christ the King at a roundabout in Managua was removed as part of the expansion and construction work on the Heroes and Martyrs of the Insurrection Highway, formerly called the John Paul II Highway; authorities say it will be restored
Africa Ivory Coast Abidjan African Performing Arts Market MASA opened its 14th edition under the theme "Performing Arts in Africa: A Tool for Economic and Social Integration" aiming to promote art as a tool for growth and a bridge between peoples
Africa Malawi At the 2026 Annual Meeting of National NTD Programme Managers in Africa in Lilongwe the Minister of Health remarked that strong strategies have been implemented in Malawi to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases
Africa Republic of the Congo President Sassou-N'Guesso visited Eni's Agri-hub, Sheng-Sheng's cassava flour production plant, and the Mouindi Protected Agricultural Zone ZAP dedicated to cassava and maize cultivation on an area of 400 hectares in Loudima.
America Guyana With a Memorandum of Understanding signed with World Bank’s International Development Association IDA, Guyana has formally welcomed the Institution as a partner in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, strengthening its global reach
Oceania Palau As demand for better internet coverage grows in Palau, Starlink remains blocked: authorities seek to protect millions of dollars in national investment for internet connectivity, and avoid a financial burden that would fall on taxpayers
Africa Cameroon Welcomed by MPs to the rhythm of traditional drums and the cheers of thousands of faithful, Pope Leo XIV made a lasting impression on his journey to the Palace of Unity as, breaking with protocol, he reached out to the crowd to touch people's hands