Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto greets people as he rides in a car after his presidential inauguration in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 20, 2024, in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Antara Foto/Asprilla Dwi Adha/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. INDONESIA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN INDONESIA. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYSource: Antara Foto
This article compiles the most important events and news stories from the Global South this week.
Africa
Tunisia sentences prominent opponent Noureddine Bhiri to 10 years in prison
On Friday, October 18, a Tunisian court sentenced Noureddine Bhiri, a prominent official in the Ennahda opposition party, to 10 years in prison for charges related to attacking state security and inciting Tunisians against one another, according to a lawyer speaking to Reuters. Read more here.
Namibia introduces new minimum wage
Namibia will implement an increased national minimum wage for all workers starting in 2025, as announced by the government on October 17, 2024. Read more here.
Africa needs $90 billion to achieve universal education by 2030, AU commissioner says
Professor Mohammed Belhocine, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), has outlined the financial needs for Africa to achieve universal education by 2030. Read more here.
Asia
Prabowo Subianto sworn in as Indonesia's president: Photos
On Sunday, October 20, Prabowo Subianto, a 73-year-old former general, was inaugurated as Indonesia's president. He aims to tackle internal challenges, focusing on eradicating corruption and promoting self-sufficiency. Read more here.
China boosts export controls on dual-use items, state media says
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to introduce regulations on the export control of dual-use items, effective December 1, 2024, according to state news agency Xinhua. Read more here.
Tobacco-induced healthcare costs in Vietnam surge to $4.5 billion per year
Vietnam spends approximately $1.95 billion annually on tobacco, while the total costs associated with tobacco-related healthcare, illnesses, and deaths amount to an estimated $4.5 billion each year, according to the Ministry of Health. Read more here.
Latin America
Colombia had a record 53% cocaine production in 2023, UN reports: Video
In 2023, Colombia's cocaine production soared by 53% to a record 2,600 tonnes, while coca leaf cultivation expanded to 253,000 hectares, a 10% rise from 2022. Read more here.
Argentina analysing Brazil's request for extradition of Jan. 8 rioters
Argentina is reviewing Brazil's request for the extradition of Brazilian nationals in Argentina who are linked to an alleged 2023 coup attempt, according to Argentine presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni on Thursday. Read more here.
Colombia explores BRICS membership with India ahead of 16th summit
Colombia has initiated discussions with India regarding its potential membership in BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This move comes ahead of the 16th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to October 24, 2024. Read more here.