Global and regional developments, from US withdrawals from key international organisations to widespread protests in Iran. Africa faces political and legal controversies, while South Africa manages diplomatic tensions with Washington over refugee policies. Efforts to modernise infrastructure highlight challenges in combating organised crime.
Trump withdraws from climate initiatives
US President, Donald Trump, has withdrawn the United States from 66 international organisations, half of which are UN-related, including the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The administration said these entities promote globalist agendas and waste taxpayer dollars, citing conflicts with US sovereignty and economic priorities. The withdrawals also affect groups focused on clean energy, democratic governance, and security. This follows previous exits from the Paris Climate Agreement, WHO, and UNESCO, and has drawn criticism from European.
Violence in Iran as protests grows
Iran have entered their 11th day of protests, spreading to 111 cities across all 31 provinces amid a deepening economic crisis. Protests began on 28 December, later escalating into political unrest with chants against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in support of the Pahlavi dynasty. At least 34 protestors and 4 security personnel are dead, with over 2 200 arrests reported. The government promised restraint toward peaceful protesters but vowed harsh punishment for rioters. Authorities appear cautious of a violent crackdown amid US warnings.
US immigration detained former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is detained by US immigration authorities for overstaying his visa. Ofori-Atta, who had applied for an extension and was in the US for cancer treatment, was declared a fugitive in Ghana in February 2025 after failing to appear for questioning on 78 corruption-related charges, involving him and six others, including a former tax chief. Ofori-Atta faced criticism over Ghana’s 2022 debt default and ongoing restructuring efforts. His detention confirmed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement following reports by Ghanaian media.
US and SA reached agreement on refugee program
The US and South Africa have reached an agreement allowing Washington to continue its refugee program for white South Africans, despite recent tensions over a raid on a US processing site in Johannesburg. The program claims Afrikaners face race-based persecution – a charge South Africa rejects as baseless and linked to far-right conspiracy theories. During a meeting, December 23, South African officials assured the US they would not interfere, while defending the arrests of Kenyan contractors as immigration enforcement. The talks aimed to de-escalate diplomatic friction after Trump froze global refugee admissions but prioritised Afrikaners, setting a record-low cap of 7 500 for 2026. 1 000 have already resettled in the US, even as Pretoria insists its stance against the program remains unchanged.
Intelligence-driven system to secure cargo – Transnet
Transnet is seeking advanced technology solutions to combat rampant cargo theft, which cost clients R4 billion in losses. Transnet Freight Rail plans to implement an intelligence-driven, keyless smart container locking system to secure cargo during transit and at terminals. The system will use virtual keys for authorised personnel only, with strict access controls and time limits, aiming to reduce theft linked to organised crime. This move comes as Transnet targets transporting 250 million tonnes of freight per year by 2030.
Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-a-flag-of-iran-near-the-crowd-14413072/]