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Outrage in South Africa After Rape of 7-Year-Old
Protests erupt nationwide over gender-based violence. Full story inside.
Nathaniel Nepomuceno
April 12, 2025
🌍 From post-quake chaos in Myanmar to growing desperation in Gaza, this week’s headlines reveal a world teetering between crisis and resilience. Here's your weekly recap of what’s happening beyond the Western bubble.
Last updated on April 11, 2025 at 21:32 UTC-5
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Africa
South Africans Protest After Rape of 7-Year-Old Sparks National Outrage
Thousands of protesters across South Africa have taken to the streets demanding action against gender-based violence after the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl in Eastern Cape. The incident has reignited nationwide anger over the government’s failure to address widespread abuse. Activists are calling for harsher penalties, improved protections for women and children, and for the ruling ANC to declare gender-based violence a national crisis.
Congo and M23 rebel leaders arrive in Doha for long-awaited peace talks. The meetings are part of an effort to end years of violence in eastern DRC. Read more
A Zimbabwean court has denied bail to detained anti-government protesters, as Mnangagwa allies push to extend his presidency beyond 2028. Read more
Middle East
Gaza Described as “Hell on Earth” as Hospital Supplies Run Out
As Israeli airstrikes continue, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated to catastrophic levels. The head of the Red Cross warned that hospitals are barely functioning, with supplies of food, medicine, and fuel nearly gone. The UN has issued another urgent plea for a ceasefire, warning that the viability of Palestinian life in Gaza is under direct threat. 36 Israeli air strikes from March 18 - April 9 have only killed women and children. Aid groups say the situation is among the worst in recent memory.
Kurdish officials push for a federal system in post-Assad Syria, aiming to secure regional autonomy while negotiating with the central government. Read more
Jailed Istanbul mayor Ä°mamoÄźlu appears in court on charges of threatening a public prosecutor. Critics say the case is politically motivated. Read more
Asia & the Pacific
UN Slams Myanmar’s Military for Breaching Truce After Deadly Quake
The UN has condemned Myanmar’s ruling military for continuing attacks despite a declared ceasefire following last week’s devastating earthquake. More than 3,000 people have died, and thousands more are in need of aid. Yet reports have emerged of fresh strikes by the junta on rebel-held areas, obstructing relief efforts and putting civilians in further danger. Human rights groups are calling for international pressure to hold the military accountable and ensure safe humanitarian access.
Fake social media accounts and disinformation in the Philippines target opposition candidates as election season ramps up. Investigations reveal many of the same networks that once boosted Duterte’s image. Read more
China's Xi to visit Southeast Asia amid growing trade tensions. Xi Jinping will tour Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia as Beijing looks to strengthen ties with neighbors while tensions with the U.S. escalate. Read more
Latin America & the Caribbean
Ecuador’s Presidential Runoff Set for April 13
Ukraine’s Western allies have pledged €21 billion in new defense aid, in one of the largest funding packages since the start of the war. The announcement came after a meeting in NATO headquarters in Brussels and includes advanced air defense systems, artillery, and training programs. Kyiv has welcomed the move as critical to fending off renewed Russian offensives as spring sets in.
A nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic left 221 dead, as survivors describe scenes of “total chaos.” Authorities are investigating potential safety violations. Read more
Argentine workers stage a nationwide 24-hour strike against President Milei’s austerity measures, paralyzing public transport and schools. Read more
Eastern Europe
Ukraine Secures €21 Billion in Military Support from Allies
Ukraine’s Western allies have pledged €21 billion in new defense aid, in one of the largest funding packages since the start of the war. The announcement came after a meeting in NATO headquarters in Brussels and includes advanced air defense systems, artillery, and training programs. Kyiv has welcomed the move as critical to fending off renewed Russian offensives as spring sets in.
Estonia detains an oil tanker part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Baltic Sea for violating EU sanctions. Read more
A bomb exploded outside Greece’s national train office in Athens, amid widespread public anger over the 2023 Tempi railway disaster. No injuries were reported. Read more
That’s your global recap for the week! Stay curious, stay informed, and catch you in the next issue of The Unwestern!
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