Excluded Headlines: Historic electoral outcome in Guatemala, Peru sues US mine, 15 new cities for Iraq ...
Stay up to date on the global news stories the US- and Eurocentric media overlooks, with journalist and author, Tamara Pearson.
This week’s Global South news, downplayed or ignored by the English-language mainstream media includes:
Historic: Against all odds and despite persecution, fear, and dirty campaigning against him, left-leaning candidate wins in Guatemala - Bernardo Arévalo and his party, the Seed Movement (Semilla), and their anti-corruption campaign received 58% of the votes in the run-off on Sunday. Participation however was only 45% of eligible voters. Activists in Guatemala have talked about a “new spring” and “hope” in the country after 70 years of corrupt, right-wing governments. Around the country, people spontaneously (no call was put out) celebrated in the streets. Source, source, source, source.
Peruvian farmers sue US mining company - Small farmers in the north east of the country are demanding the state stop gold exploration by US transnational Newmont Yanacocha, after they were not consulted. Source.
Ecuadorian vote to stop oil drilling in the Amazon more complex than a straight win - This Sunday, along with national elections that chose the two presidential candidates to go to a run off, Ecuadorians also voted to stop petroleum exploitation in Yasuni National Park. While that is something to celebrate (and a lot of Global North activists have), it’s worth remembering that the impact of such measures in the Global South is different. Countries like Ecuador have a much smaller GDP, and have contributed much less to, but been much more impacted by climate change. Ending the contracts will leave Ecuador with billions more in debt, but Global North countries refuse to do their bit. Former president Correa had previously promised to end drilling in Yasuni if they could raise the funds, but they refused. Source, source, source.
BRICS bloc grows - The BRICS block of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been joined by six new members; Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, the UAE and Ethiopia. For China’s president, who was pushing the move, it could mean more power to the Global South. At the BRICS conference, Brazil’s Lula said, "$2 trillion in global military spending is unacceptable." Source, source.
Burkina Faso, Mali Send Fighter Jets and Helicopters to Niger - Burkina Faso and Mali deployed military aircraft in Niger last week, in response to any possible military intervention by the 15 West African countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigeriens are continuing to protest; demanding foreign troops leave and the inhumane sanctions be lifted. Source, source.
Iraq to build 15 new cities - The Iraqi housing ministry has approved plans for the construction of 15 new residential cities across various governorates of the country as part of efforts to address the post-war housing crisis. Three Arab companies are involved in the city designs. Source.
Poor excluded from Zimbabwe elections - Zimbabwe held national elections yesterday and today, but a 1,900% increase in fees to run for office saw poorer candidates excluded from running. Source.
India to ban sugar exports - After a lack of rain has affected cane yields, India will prohibit exports of sugar in the season that starts in October. This will likely increase global sugar prices, and some food inflation. Source.
Rohingya in Bangladesh camps living on just $0.27 a day - Banned from working and with funding cuts by the World Food Programme (WFP), Rohingya refugees aren’t able to eat enough. Source.
Black activists in Brazil call for protests - Following a spate of police murders, Black activists in Brazil have called for protests against racism for today, in 14 different states around the country. Source.
Useful reads:
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Argentina’s Economic Crisis Has Become a Political Crisis
Five reasons why the radical right could win Argentina’s presidential elections
Why was there no water to fight the fire in Maui?
How U.S. Sanctions Are a Tool of War: The Case of Venezuela