Forced Disappearances in El Salvador
Human Rights Watch issued a damning report alleging that the government of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele is engaging in “forced disappearance” of at least 11 Salvadoran migrants deported by the United States last year. These individuals were among roughly 30 Salvadorans sent to Bukele’s mega-prison for gang members (CECOT), accused by both Bukele and Donald Trump of belonging to the MS-13 gang. While some 260 Venezuelan detainees were eventually freed in a prisoner exchange, the whereabouts and condition of the Salvadoran prisoners remain unknown.
Kenyans Recruited to Fight for Russia
Der Spiegel reported that hundreds of Kenyan nationals have been deployed by Russia in its war against Ukraine — many of them lured with false promises. Kenya’s foreign minister has now directly confronted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the issue, demanding that Kenyans no longer be used as cannon fodder in a war that is not their own.
Floods Close South Africa’s Borders
In southern Africa, severe flooding forced South Africa to temporarily shut two border crossings with Mozambique. The Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry were closed after the Luvuvhu River rose to dangerous levels, posing “a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers, and infrastructure,” according to Border Management Authority Commissioner Michael Masiapato.
WHO Concerned Over New Mpox Strain
The World Health Organization flagged concern over a new recombinant strain of the mpox virus, with tests showing that the most commonly used antiviral treatment is not effective against it — a worrying development as global health systems remain stretched thin.