Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Kenya – Protests have erupted in parts of Kenya, and hundreds of people have been detained by police as citizens reject planned tax hikes amid rising living costs. At least 283 people have been arrested since Tuesday, according to civil rights groups. The government suspended several taxes in response, including a 16% tax on bread, a 2.5% tax on motor vehicles, and increased mobile money transfer fees. Levies on locally produced products like diapers and sanitary towels were also dropped. Videos on social media showed protesters in Mombasa marching in the rain against the planned taxes.
Chad – A fire at a military ammunition depot in N’Djamena, Chad, caused a series of explosions on Tuesday night, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Koulamallah Abderaman. At least one person was killed, and several others were injured. Witnesses saw injured people, with two taken to hospital. Media shared images of artillery shells in homes, and a resident confirmed a shopkeeper’s death from the impact of a shell. The blasts happened near Chad’s main international airport, which was unaffected.
US – Families of victims from two Boeing 737 Max crashes are demanding prosecutions and a $24.8-billion fine (R445-trillion). Calling it “the deadliest corporate crime in US history,” their lawyer, Paul Cassell, said the amount was justified due to the immense human cost. The crashes in 2018 and 2019 in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed 346 people, were caused by faulty flight control systems. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologised to Congress, admitting the company’s mistakes and retaliation against whistleblowers. The Justice Department is considering reviving a 2021 fraud charge against Boeing after a recent safety violation.
Vietnam – Vietnamese President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Hanoi to strengthen ties. Lam congratulated Putin on his re-election, while Putin emphasised that enhancing Russia’s partnership with Vietnam is a priority. Putin’s visit to North Korea before his arrival in Hanoi highlights Russia’s diplomatic efforts in the region. The US criticised the visit, accusing Putin of using it to justify his actions in Ukraine. Despite improving relations with Europe and the US, Vietnam values its historic ties with Russia, dating back to Soviet support since the 1950s. Today, Vietnam’s economy is globally integrated, with Russia playing a smaller role as a trading partner but remaining crucial for military equipment and oil exploration.
Pictured above: Kenya’s President William Ruto.
Source: Instagram
