insert_link Namibia IPPR investigates election year budgets in quarterly economic review The Quarterly Economic Review by the Institute for Public Policy Research has investigated whether the government has engaged in overspending related to elections since independence. The review examines budgets during election years, including the 2024/2025 budget, which was introduced ahead of the national elections on 27 November 2024. IPPR Executive Director, Graham Hopwood. The report also includes the usual quarter summary, news highlights, key economic variables, and data trends. https://ippr.org.na/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Namibia-QER-Q1-2024-1.pdf […] todayMay 14, 2024 24
insert_link World Arrests made as unrest erupts in New Caledonia More than 80 people have been arrested after unrest in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Shops and cars were burnt as violence broke out during protests against constitutional reform. Ross Cullen reports. todayMay 14, 2024 46
insert_link World Chinese journalist jailed for reporting on Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak to be released The current whereabouts of a Chinese citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who was imprisoned for four years due to her reporting on the early days of the pandemic in Wuhan, remain unknown, causing concern among activists. Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” a vague charge frequently used in political cases. She completed her sentence at Shanghai’s Women Prison. The Associated […] todayMay 14, 2024 22
insert_link World Amsterdam university closed after Pro-Palestinian protests The University of Amsterdam has closed its campuses for two days following protests on Monday. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have also been taking place this week at several universities in Belgium. todayMay 14, 2024 11
insert_link Africa Zambia begins debt restructuring process Zambia’s international bondholders should quickly complete the restructuring of the notes after the government announced the start of the process, says International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Bloomberg Africa reports that the government of Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter will meet eurobond investors on June 4th to ask them to approve exchanging what’s grown to almost $3.9 billion of debt for new instruments. todayMay 14, 2024 7
insert_link APO International Gravely Concerned about Outbreak of Fighting in El Fasher, Sudan, Secretary-General Calls for Protecting Civilians, Resuming Ceasefire Negotiations without Delay [[{"value":"The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres: The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the outbreak of fighting in El Fasher, which puts over 800,000 civilians at risk. He is alarmed by reports of the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, significant displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. He recalls that civilians in the area are […] todayMay 14, 2024 9
insert_link APO International Nigeria and United Nations Seek US$306 million for Urgent Food and Nutrition Crisis Response [[{"value":"With a deteriorating food security and nutrition crisis in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states this lean season*(May to September), the Government of Nigeria, national and international partners today launched an appeal seeking US$306 million to fast-track food assistance, nutrition supplies and services, clean water, healthcare, and protection support to people in severe need during the period. In the BAY states, some 4.8 million people are estimated to be facing […] todayMay 14, 2024 5
insert_link APO International Enhanced Kenya Tea Brand to Boost Farmer Income [[{"value":"Kenya must develop a tea brand that will fetch the best prices for farmers, President William Ruto has said. The President said Kenya’s tea should be branded to increase its visibility in the global market and labelling it with a mark of origin. Saying Kenya’s tea industry is a significant contributor to the economy, the President pointed out that brand sustainability is very crucial in a competitive business environment. Speaking […] todayMay 14, 2024 3
insert_link Environment UN assessment teams deployed to flood affected areas in Afghanistan Rescue efforts continue in Afghanistan following deadly flash floods in three northeastern provinces this past weekend. The Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme, Stephen Rodriques, told UN News that 180 deaths were confirmed and nearly 9,000 homes have been damaged. The UN has deployed just over 20 teams to the region to conduct a joint assessment alongside partners and the de-facto authorities. todayMay 14, 2024 22
