Lagos (AFP) – In Nigeria’s traffic jam-plagued economic capital of Lagos, the population of roughly 20 million relies on only around 100 ambulances. Waiting times can be deadly. Around a third of the mega-city’s ambulances are state-run, with the rest operated by private firms.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Residents of Gaza City, the target of a major Israeli offensive, offer mixed opinions after a fresh slate of Western nations recognised the State of Palestine. On Sunday 21 September, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised the state, “a correct decision that came late,” according to Hussein Shaldan. For Tawfiq Habib the move — quickly condemned by Israel — means little. “I don’t care about recognition while the killings are still going on here.”
Sao Paulo (AFP) – Tens of thousands took to the streets of Brazil’s major cities over the weekend to protest against an amnesty bill pushed by the country’s Congress that could pardon former president Jair Bolsonaro. Days after Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in jail for plotting a coup, the conservative-majority Congress fast-tracked the bill, which offers amnesty to around 700 of his supporters, convicted for storming government buildings in January 2023. The bill could extend to Bolsonaro himself.
Lima (AFP) – Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators took to the streets of Peru’s capital over the weekend, with at least 18 people, including police and journalists, injured in clashes. Unrest has been brewing in Peru for months, fuelled by a wave of organized crime and extortion cases. Opinion polls have shown that many view the government of President Dina Boluarte, alongside the country’s conservative-majority Congress, as corrupt.
London (AFP) – “I would prefer to play another way,” says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, after his side employed defensive tactics in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. While Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point for the Gunners, manager Mikel Arteta says he is “disappointed with the result.”
Ajmer (India) (AFP) – Stepping through the gates of India’s Mayo College is like journeying back 150 years. Yet, the school that was once reserved for princes now educates a new elite. It was founded in 1875 by the British viceroy, the Earl of Mayo, with the aim of fostering relations between Indian royalty and London.
Cagayan Province (Philippines) (AFP) – More than 10,000 evacuees sheltered in schools and evacuation centres in the Philippines as heavy rains and gale-force winds from Super Typhoon Ragasa lashed the country’s far north.
Glendale (United States) (AFP) – US President Donald Trump calls Charlie Kirk “a giant of his generation” as he leads tributes to the late right-wing activist at a massive memorial event attended by tens of thousands, with US media likening it to a state funeral.
Lima (AFP) – Clashes break out during anti-government protests in Peru’s capital, Lima, leaving at least 18 people injured, including police officers and journalists, according to authorities and independent organizations. IMAGES
Moscow (AFP) – With artists from more than 20 countries and ambitions for a billion-plus viewers, Russia revives its Intervision song contest. With Russia banished from Eurovision, the song contest extravaganza born on the other side of the former Iron Curtain over its offensive in Ukraine, the Kremlin has pushed Intervision as a means to strive for new cultural and political alliances.
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin calls the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations, including Britain, Australia and Canada, a “message of hope”. Portugal is also expected to make an announcement of recognition, as Israel comes under huge international pressure over the war in Gaza triggered almost two years ago by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Jerusalem (AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls moves by several western nations to recognise a Palestinian state an “absurd reward for terrorism” which endangers Israel’s existence. Britain, Australia and Canada have recognised a Palestinian state in a seismic shift in decades of western foreign policy.
