Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Africa – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency as a more dangerous strain of the virus, clade Ib, has spread to four new countries. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact and contaminated items, causing symptoms like fever, rash, and muscle pain. This strain was originally only found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths reported in 13 African countries. Most of the cases are in the DRC. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is treating this outbreak as very high-risk.
Colombia – Prince Harry and Meghan are on a four-day visit to Colombia after an invitation from Vice-President Francia Márquez, who was moved by their Netflix documentary. This is their second major trip since stepping back from the Royal Family. The visit focuses on Colombia’s cultural heritage, support for military communities, and empowering women. On their first day in Bogotá, they will visit a school to discuss online safety for young people and attend a summit on the dangers of digital platforms.
Yemen – Abul Baraa, a German-speaking preacher, has gained a large following on TikTok by answering religious questions in a casual manner. He has over 82,000 followers and has posted more than 2,000 videos. However, experts like Nicolas Stockhammer from the University of Vienna are concerned that Baraa’s content could lead viewers to become more extreme and join dangerous groups like ISIS-K. A 19-year-old was arrested in Vienna for planning a terror attack, and authorities believe he was influenced online. TikTok claims they work hard to remove content that promotes terrorism, with 98% of it being taken down before anyone reports it.
Thailand – Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been chosen by Thailand’s parliament as the new prime minister after Srettha Thavisin was removed by the Constitutional Court. Paetongtarn, 37, received 319 votes and is awaiting approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn before officially taking office. She is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and will be Thailand’s second female prime minister. Her election continues the Shinawatra family’s significant influence in Thai politics.
Pictured above: Mpox.
Source: Stock
