Asia South Korea Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy
Europe Bulgaria Bulgaria will hold early elections, President Radev announced after the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms became the third party to reject the president’s invitation to form a government to replace the last one which resigned amid widespread protests
Oceania New Zealand Helicopters airlifted 40 people to safety overnight, as slips and flooding cut off trapped motorists at Waioeka Gorge; after heavy rain hammered the area between Matawai and Ōpōtiki and as conditions rapidly deteriorated State Highway 2 remains closed
America Saint Lucia The dismantling and theft of a 40-foot road safety billboard left disheartened the Project Management Unit of the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project; the plywood backing of an installation designed to protect lives were stolen
Asia Turkey Turkish defense authorities said that there is no evidence of a mass influx of Iranians crossing the border despite a government crackdown on protesters in the neighboring country
Europe Italy Council President Giorgia Meloni is among the international politicians featuring in Hungary's leader Orban's video advert; the presence of a founding member of the EU in a propaganda operation that legitimizes illiberal models has been sharply criticized
Asia East Timor East Timor is at the helm of the Group of Least Developed Countries until 2028, positions the country at the forefront of global climate diplomacy within the UN; representatives from 20 countries out of 44 are expected for the official handover ceremony
Europe Germany A record 1,4 million affordable apartments are currently lacking in Germany, according to latest study by the Pestel Institute; to correct this deficit by 2030, 400.000 units are needed to be built per year while 200.000 are likely to be built annually
Africa Burkina Faso Burkina Faso football federation sacked coach of national team Brama Traore and all of his staff a week after the team was eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 game against defending champions Cote d'Ivoire
Africa Botswana The severe medicine shortages that led President Boko to declare a state of emergency in August 2025 is improving; sustained local and international procurement have resulted in frequent deliveries, improving availability in public health facilities
Oceania Micronesia The first Executive Meeting of 2026 with Cabinet members and key staff set a coordinated agenda for governance and development; focus is on legislative readiness, infrastructure, budget, postal services to the outer islands, international partnerships
Africa Tunisia Families of political prisoners from various factions opposing President Kais Saied have come together in a collective "uniting efforts" for their release: National Coordination for the Liberation of Political Prisoners overcomes internal disagreements
Africa Tanzania About 2.800 hectares of neglected land will be reclaimed by June 2026 and destined to pasture to expand grazing areas and support livestock; around 255.000 hectares are currently neglected and unproductive according to National Ranching Company
Oceania Fiji Fiji is facing one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world, with 1.226 cases in the first half of 2025; A new WHO study shows one of the cause is the rising reuse of needles and syringes for drug injection, mostly linked to methamphetamine use