80,000 Afghans expelled from Pakistan

Africa

Sudan’s Paramilitary Chief Declares Rival Government as War Grinds On

As Sudan’s brutal civil war enters its second year, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has announced the formation of a rival government headquartered in Darfur. The move escalates the long-running conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan’s military, and threatens to deepen the fragmentation of an already fractured country. The announcement comes days after the SDF captured the largest displacement camp in Sudan, killing more than 300. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen: millions are displaced, famine looms in conflict zones, and aid workers are struggling to operate safely. With no credible peace talks in sight, many experts believe Sudan could be permanently fractured.

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Al-Shabaab militants seized a strategic town in central Somalia, part of a broader offensive that’s putting pressure on overstretched government forces. The group remains one of the deadliest insurgencies in Africa. Read more

At GITEX Africa, the continent’s biggest tech expo, entrepreneurs raised concerns over a dip in startup funding, but highlighted new AI innovations tailored to local needs. Investors expressed cautious optimism amid economic uncertainty. Read more

Asia & the Pacific

Pakistan Expels 80,000+ Afghans Ahead of Deadline

Pakistan has deported over 80,000 undocumented Afghans this month alone, intensifying efforts to clear out all illegal Afghan nationals before an April 30 deadline. The crackdown is part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan launched in 2023. Pakistan says the policy is a matter of national security, as they blame Afghan citizens for attacks and crimes while the Taliban government has condemned the expulsions as forced deportation.

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Singapore’s ruling party, the PAP, called for a national election as the government seeks a fresh mandate. While the PAP is expected to dominate, it will be the first electoral test for PM Wong. Read more

Myanmar’s military junta released nearly 4,900 prisoners as part of a traditional amnesty for the Buddhist new year. It remains unclear how many political detainees were among those freed. Read more

Eastern Europe

Hungary Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Rights Before June Election

Hungary has passed new legislation restricting LGBTQ+ visibility in schools, media, and public events, sparking backlash from human rights groups and EU officials. The laws, championed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s nationalist party, are what the government calls “a constitutional safeguard against ideological influences that threaten the well-being of children.” The amendment also enshrines that there are only 2 sexes. The EU has already opened infringement procedures against Hungary over previous anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and fresh legal challenges are likely. For LGBTQ+ Hungarians, the new laws mark a dangerous rollback of their rights and a troubling signal about the future of democracy in the country.

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Nearly 40% of Romanians remain undecided ahead of this year’s presidential race, reflecting growing political apathy and disillusionment. The last election was canceled after allegations of Russian meddling arose. Read more

In Ukraine, the war grinds on with shifting frontlines and high casualties on both sides. BBC map updates show Russia forces advancing towards Pokrovsk. See the maps

Latin America & the Caribbean

Ecuador’s President Noboa Secures Re-election Amid Crime Surge

President Daniel Noboa has been re-elected in Ecuador, reaffirming his leadership at a time when the country faces one of the most severe security crises in its recent history. The center-right winner claimed a surprise decisive victory, capturing 56% of the vote, while polling indicated a neck and neck race. González, the opposing candidate, accused Noboa of electoral fraud and did not accept the result without providing evidence. Ecuador has now become deeply divided, providing a significant challenge for Noboa. With a strengthened mandate, Noboa is expected to pursue tough reforms, but whether they’ll deliver results remains to be seen.

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Colombia declared a national health emergency after yellow fever outbreaks killed several people and sickened dozens more. Vaccination campaigns are underway as the country scrambles to contain the disease. Read more

Bolivia’s government named alleged conspirators in a “coup attempt” in a 84-minute documentary. The many alleged strongly deny the accusations and believe President Arce is carrying out a “witch hunt” against his critics. Read more

Middle East

Portrait of Amputee Boy From Gaza Wins World Press Photo Award

A 10-year-old Palestinian boy who lost both arms in an Israeli airstrike has become a harrowing symbol of the human cost of the war in Gaza. His story, broadcast widely across the world, has reignited outrage over the suffering of civilians as hostilities continue with no ceasefire in sight. Aid agencies warn the health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals lacking electricity, supplies, and staff. Israel says it’s targeting Hamas infrastructure, but reports of growing civilian casualties are fueling international criticism. As negotiations stall, families like the boy’s are left picking up the pieces amid grief, rubble, and little hope for relief.

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Iran wants “Trump-proof” guarantees before signing any new nuclear deal, fearing a repeat of the 2018 withdrawal. Talks continue, but this demand could be a major obstacle. Read more

Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts as part of a quiet détente with Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Observers say it’s another step toward regional normalization. Read more

Good News Across the World

The EU has approved a new Alzheimer’s treatment developed by Eisai and Biogen. The drug targets early-stage Alzheimer’s and is seen as a breakthrough for slowing cognitive decline. Read more

Endangered sea turtles are making a comeback in over half of the world’s surveyed populations. A new global study found that conservation efforts are working, with nesting numbers up across dozens of key beaches. Read more

Lego’s new factory in Vietnam will be powered entirely by clean energy. The plant aims to be carbon-neutral while producing billions of toy bricks annually, setting a new standard for sustainable manufacturing. Read more