Africa South Sudan Conditions for elections remain unfavorable, UN experts warned during a press conference in Juba after concluding their visit to South Sudan; planned December elections face risks from renewed violence, shrinking civic space, persistent impunity.
Africa Mauritania The Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie awarded the President of Mauritania the “Thuraya” Medal, its highest distinction; ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott
Asia North Korea North Korea will welcome Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week, traveling to the country in first State visit since 2019
Europe Sweden To lower the minimum age to 18 for purchasing beer, wine and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content under 22% from Systembolaget has been proposed by Moderates, who would leave 20 as age limit for all other drinks sold at Systembolaget
Asia Kyrgyzstan Over 245.000 applications have been submitted under Kyrgyzstan's land amnesty program as of end of May 2026, of which 100.000 are still pending; figures have been disclosed by the State Agency for Land Resources, Cadaster, Geodesy and Cartography
Asia Cyprus The radio and television authority urged broadcasters to avoid using children in advertisements for mobile phone providers, following a public complaint about a campaign in which children’s voices were heard singing and asking for mobile phones
Africa Eritrea President Isaias Afwerki in his speech marking Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day questioned the global policies of U.S. President Trump, despite recent reports that Washington is considering sanctions relief and a diplomatic reset with Asmara
Asia Afghanistan Ghazni Residents are building a 31km stretch of a road with personal funds: to solve a longstanding problem, the entire cost is being covered through contributions from local residents and support from a community charity fund
Asia Laos Nearly 10 million trees will be planted under a nationwide reforestation plan designed to restore degraded forests, improve biodiversity and support climate resilience; The initiative also seeks to strengthen long-term environmental sustainability
Asia Kuwait Kuwait "stands firm" after the Iranian attack on its International Airport earlier this week, which resulted in one casualty, serious injuries and extensive material damage
Oceania Australia Parody comedian L.J. Spencer posted a video of a white woman transitioning to Aboriginal, dancing barefoot, clapping sticks, and simulating petrol sniffing; following widespread backlash, refused to apologize for the video and has been fired from her job
Europe Andorra A 50 pages guide will help new residents navigate through rules and services, part of a comprehensive integration initiative for permit holders, featuring tailored support to promote social cohesion, amid housing debates
Africa Equatorial Guinea Ebola prevention plan was approved by National Health Emergency Committee, with urgent mobilization of funds for medical supplies and the implementation of enhanced controls and quarantines for travelers from countries with active outbreaks
America Trinidad and Tobago The State of Emergency declared on 3 March is confirmed in force until midnight on 17 June in answer to misinformation circulating on social media; the scheduled 'Walk of Peace' was not cancelled despite a police warning for being peaceful, not a protest