Asia Sri Lanka Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues
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
Africa Senegal A crackdown on homosexual behaviors, or 'suspected' so, has resulted in a number of arrests in various cities, with cases of detention grounded on presumed acts allegedly consumed inside private premises, with recurrent strong wording in media
Oceania Samoa Though there have been no reported cases of ciguatera poisoning in Samoa this year, a number of cases in the Pacific prompted renewed awareness efforts about the risks associated with consuming reef fish
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 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
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
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
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
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
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.
Europe North Macedonia A wave of new drug seizures cast further doubt over North Macedonia’s ability to keep its medicinal cannabis industry in check