Africa Sierra Leone A ship departed from Freetown was intercepted and diverted to Canary Islands, in a crackdown on international drug trafficking; Spanish police found aboard 35-40 tonnes of cocaine in what has been called “record-breaking cocaine seizure in the Atlantic”
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The donation from the East Caribbean Group of Companies was considered a 'beacon of hope' for the Zero Hunger Trust Fund's school feeding initiative that serves 12 schools in the most vulnerable communities
Africa Madagascar The country has found itself at the centre of a heated international debate for proposed amendments to the penal code presented by President Andry Rajoelina introducing chemical and surgical castration as punishment for individuals convicted of child rape
America Uruguay Uruguay has recalled to ambassador in Venezuela, Eber da Rosa, expressing concern over events jeopardising free and democratic elections in Venezuela, particularly the disqualification of opposition leader María Corina Machado
Asia Oman The WHO regional office has awarded Al Buraimi the prestigious status of 'Healthy City' in Eastern Mediterranean region; the award will enable the implementation of the 'Health for All' concept, improving equitable access to high quality health services
America Suriname The Lions Clubs in Suriname has launched a four-day eye screening project, calling for local participation on eye tests and providing glasses to the needy
Africa Botswana Diamond producers De Beers, Anglo American and Okavango diamond company, owned by the state of Botswana, have asked the Group of Seven to reconsider new bans on Russian diamonds, which are having and will have even more 'unintended consequences'
Europe Malta The country will formally apply to join the OECD, Prime Minister Robert Abela told ambassadors, both increase the country's contribution to international politics, ant to help promote the interests of small states
Asia Mongolia Mongolia is in talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch the first national telecommunications satellite, the latest move to improve connectivity and develop the 'national space economy'
America Peru Ocho Sur, Peru-based palm oil producer supplying brands like Nestle, Kellogg's and Colgate, is allegedly linked to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, operating on 130 square kilometers of deforested land, as environmental groups revealed
Africa Mali The foundation stone was laid for the Children's Home in Bamako, a project that will extend over 2 hectares and aims to 'create an environment conducive to the training, schooling and development' of orphaned children of the Armed Forces
Europe Hungary Icon and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, who died in 2016 at 99, will be commemorated with a life-size statue by János Babusa in Budapest; born in Hungary, she made a career in the USA, winning a Golden Globe Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Africa Mozambique The government is mobilising resources to activate an anti-raids brigade: several groups are being formed inside and outside the country to combat the danger plaguing the country since 2011
Oceania Tuvalu Stormy weather has delayed the formation of a new government in Tuvalu, with newly elected legislators still unable to reach parliament, weeks after the Pacific nation went to the polls, as they are stranded on the outer islands