Global Pulse

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  • Deal is done to keep TikTok in the US, says Trump

    Deal is done to keep TikTok in the US, says Trump

    In a significant development, the United States and China have reached an agreement to ensure TikTok continues its operations in the US. President Donald Trump announced the deal, stating that he will confirm the details with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an upcoming call. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, had faced the threat of a shutdown unless it sold its US operations. However, Trump has repeatedly postponed the ban since its initial announcement in January, with the latest extension pushing the deadline to December 16.

    Under the negotiated deal, TikTok’s US business will be controlled by an investor consortium, including tech giant Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The new US entity will see American investors holding approximately 80% of the stake, with US nationals dominating the board, including one government-appointed member. US users will transition to a new app, currently in testing, which will utilize content-recommendation algorithms licensed from ByteDance—a key factor in TikTok’s success.

    Oracle will maintain its existing agreement to host TikTok servers within the US, addressing concerns about data security. The deal is expected to be finalized within the next 30 to 45 days. Earlier, a US trade delegation in Madrid announced a ‘framework’ agreement with China, which China confirmed but emphasized that no deal would compromise its firms’ interests. Wang Jingtao, deputy head of China’s cyberspace administration, highlighted that the agreement includes licensing algorithms and intellectual property rights, subject to Chinese government approval.

    Trump’s reversal on TikTok marks a shift from his initial stance during his first term, when he called for the app’s ban. The US Supreme Court upheld a 2024 law banning TikTok unless ByteDance sold its US operations, citing national security concerns. ByteDance has consistently denied sharing user data with the Chinese government, maintaining that its US operations are independent. The deadline for a sale has been extended four times, with the latest delay set to expire on December 16.

  • Coup plot charges for former Romanian presidential candidate

    Coup plot charges for former Romanian presidential candidate

    Calin Georgescu, a far-right former presidential candidate in Romania, has been formally charged with attempting to orchestrate a coup following the annulment of the first round of the 2024 presidential election. The charges also extend to Horatiu Potra, a former French legionnaire and militia leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with 20 other individuals. The case centers on a foiled raid planned for December 8 in Bucharest, which authorities claim was part of a broader scheme to destabilize Romania’s constitutional order. Prosecutors allege that Georgescu and Potra collaborated with foreign intelligence operatives, particularly from Russia, to execute the plot. Evidence includes a meeting between Georgescu and Potra at a horse farm shortly after the election annulment, which Georgescu initially denied but later admitted to after photographic proof emerged. In February, police raids uncovered weapons, gold, and cash, allegedly intended for a violent power grab. Potra, currently abroad, is believed to be seeking asylum in Russia. The 2024 election was marred by accusations of Russian interference, with Romanian intelligence citing a large-scale influence operation involving cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and social media manipulation. Over 2,000 Facebook pages and 20,000 TikTok accounts were reportedly used to amplify pro-Georgescu messaging. After being barred from the rerun election, Georgescu’s ally, George Simion of the far-right AUR party, stepped in but ultimately lost to pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan. Georgescu has accused Romanian authorities of ruling through ‘deceit, intrigue, and division,’ while President Dan has labeled the prosecutors’ report as proof of Russia’s systematic disinformation efforts. A trial date for Georgescu is expected in early 2026.

  • Chinese-linked mining firms sued over ‘ecological catastrophe’ in Zambia

    Chinese-linked mining firms sued over ‘ecological catastrophe’ in Zambia

    Farmers in Zambia have initiated a landmark $80 billion lawsuit against two Chinese-affiliated companies, Sino Metals Leach Zambia and NFC Africa Mining, following a catastrophic dam collapse that unleashed millions of liters of highly acidic mining waste into local waterways. The incident, which occurred in February, has been described as an ‘ecological catastrophe,’ resulting in mass fish fatalities, contaminated water supplies, and widespread crop destruction. The spill has impacted approximately 300,000 households in Zambia’s copper-mining region, prompting one of the largest environmental lawsuits in the country’s history. The farmers, represented by a group of 176 individuals, filed the lawsuit in the High Court of Lusaka, alleging that the disaster was caused by engineering failures, construction flaws, and operational mismanagement. The plaintiffs are demanding $80 billion for environmental reparation, full compensation, and the establishment of a $20 million emergency fund to address immediate health and environmental concerns. The US embassy has issued a health alert, warning of widespread contamination and potential airborne health risks, while the Zambian government has downplayed the severity of the situation, stating there is ‘no need to press the panic button.’ The companies involved have yet to comment on the lawsuit, though Sino Metals Leach Zambia previously claimed the spill was ‘promptly brought under control.’

  • Fears balloon of a return to civil war in South Sudan over treason trial

    Fears balloon of a return to civil war in South Sudan over treason trial

    South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, faces renewed turmoil as political tensions escalate, raising fears of a potential return to civil war. The crisis deepened after the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by suspended Vice-President Riek Machar, called for ‘regime change’ in response to Machar’s house arrest and charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The SPLM-IO denounced the charges as a ‘political witch-hunt’ and accused the government of undermining the 2018 peace agreement that ended a devastating five-year civil war. The situation has been further complicated by the deployment of Ugandan troops to Juba, ostensibly to bolster the government’s control. A recent UN report has also exposed rampant corruption, alleging that South Sudanese officials have embezzled billions in oil revenues, leaving millions without essential services. South Sudan’s independence in 2011, achieved after decades of struggle, has been marred by internal conflict, particularly the 2013 civil war triggered by Machar’s dismissal as vice-president. The conflict, rooted in ethnic divisions, claimed an estimated 400,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million people. Despite the 2018 peace deal, key provisions, such as the formation of a unified national army and the establishment of a transitional justice court, remain unimplemented. The repeated postponement of elections and the failure to draft a new constitution have further eroded trust in the government. As Machar prepares for his trial, concerns grow over the potential for renewed violence, with analysts warning of the risk of proxy warfare in the region. The international community watches anxiously as South Sudan teeters on the edge of another catastrophic conflict.

  • US designates Colombia as country ‘failing to cooperate in drug war’

    US designates Colombia as country ‘failing to cooperate in drug war’

    The United States has officially designated Colombia as a country that has ‘demonstrably failed’ to meet its obligations in combating drug trafficking. This decision, announced on Monday, marks the first time since 1997 that Colombia has been added to the list of nations deemed non-compliant with U.S.-led counternarcotic efforts. Despite this, the U.S. has opted not to cut off aid to Colombia, a move that could have further strained bilateral relations. The Trump administration criticized Colombia’s left-wing President Gustavo Petro, attributing a surge in cocaine production to his leadership. Petro, however, refuted these claims, pointing to his predecessor Iván Duque’s tenure as the period when coca cultivation expanded significantly. In a retaliatory gesture, Colombia announced it would cease purchasing weapons from the U.S., with Interior Minister Armando Benedetti declaring the decision effective immediately. The U.S. also named Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, and Venezuela as countries failing to meet drug control targets. The decertification of Colombia comes amid heightened U.S. efforts to combat ‘narco-terrorism,’ highlighted by a recent military strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel in the South Caribbean, which resulted in three fatalities. While the U.S. acknowledged the ‘skill and courage’ of Colombia’s security forces, it placed the blame squarely on the political leadership for the country’s drug control shortcomings. The U.S. left open the possibility of recertifying Colombia if it takes more aggressive action against coca cultivation and cocaine production. Despite the diplomatic friction, Colombia remains a key recipient of U.S. aid, a fact that may temper the immediate fallout from this decision.

  • Malawians await presidential poll result in vote dominated by economic woes

    Malawians await presidential poll result in vote dominated by economic woes

    As Malawi’s polls closed on Tuesday, the nation eagerly awaited the results of a pivotal presidential election marked by economic distress and a fierce contest between two prominent candidates. Despite a field of 17 contenders, the race has narrowed to a head-to-head battle between incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor, Peter Mutharika. Both leaders have centered their campaigns on promises to revive Malawi’s struggling economy, which has been plagued by soaring inflation, fuel shortages, and widespread power outages. Voters, including a 28-year-old waitress who expressed her frustration with unemployment, turned out in large numbers, hoping for transformative change. The election also saw delays at some polling stations due to technical issues with biometric systems, though the Malawi Electoral Commission assured that these were promptly addressed. With counting underway, the outcome remains uncertain, but the stakes are high for a nation grappling with persistent poverty and economic instability.

  • What is at stake in Malawi’s elections as cost-of-living bites?

    What is at stake in Malawi’s elections as cost-of-living bites?

    Malawi’s presidential and parliamentary elections commenced on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment for the nation after five years of economic hardship and political instability. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, seeking a second term, faces his primary challenger, former President Peter Mutharika, in a rematch of their previous electoral battles. The election unfolds against a backdrop of severe economic challenges, including fuel shortages, skyrocketing living costs, and rampant inflation, which have left many voters disillusioned. With 7.2 million registered voters, the polls also include parliamentary and local elections, with 17 presidential candidates vying for leadership. The electoral commission has until September 24 to announce the presidential results, with a potential run-off if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote. Chakwera, a former theology lecturer, and Mutharika, an 85-year-old ex-lawyer, both carry the weight of corruption allegations and economic mismanagement claims. The election is further complicated by the legacy of Cyclone Freddy, which devastated the country in 2023, and ongoing concerns about electoral integrity. The outcome will determine Malawi’s path forward as it grapples with poverty, corruption, and political polarization.

  • Japan’s Koizumi, Hayashi run for leadership of ruling party

    Japan’s Koizumi, Hayashi run for leadership of ruling party

    The race to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has intensified as prominent figures officially announced their candidacies on Tuesday. The upcoming vote, scheduled for early October, aims to select a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned following a series of electoral setbacks that have complicated the party’s leadership transition. Among the contenders is Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, who confirmed his bid during a press conference. Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, has garnered attention for his efforts to stabilize rice prices this year. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, who previously secured the fewest votes in last year’s leadership contest, has pledged to support Koizumi, emphasizing the need for party unity. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Ishiba’s top spokesperson, also declared his candidacy on social media platform X, vowing to lead a government that balances stability and growth. Other notable candidates include former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, who outlined policy proposals ranging from temporary income-tax cuts to stricter immigration controls. Former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi, a strong advocate for government stimulus and monetary easing, is expected to announce her candidacy soon, potentially making history as Japan’s first female leader. Media polls suggest Koizumi and Takaichi are the frontrunners in this highly competitive race. The LDP, which has dominated Japan’s post-war political landscape, faces additional challenges as it lost its majority in both houses of parliament during Ishiba’s tenure, complicating the selection of the next leader.

  • Japan Q2 output gap biggest since 2019 after GDP revision, Cabinet Office says

    Japan Q2 output gap biggest since 2019 after GDP revision, Cabinet Office says

    TOKYO, Sept 16 (Reuters) – Japan’s output gap for the April-June quarter of 2024 has been revised upward to 0.3%, the highest level since the July-September period of 2019, according to the Cabinet Office. This adjustment follows the release of updated gross domestic product (GDP) data, which provided a more accurate reflection of the nation’s economic performance. Previously, the output gap was estimated at 0.1% based on preliminary GDP figures released last month. This marks the first positive output gap reading since the April-June quarter of 2023, signaling a potential recovery in Japan’s economic activity. The output gap, which measures the difference between actual and potential economic output, is a key indicator of economic health and inflationary pressures. A positive gap suggests that demand is outpacing supply, which could lead to increased inflationary pressures. The revision underscores the resilience of Japan’s economy amid global uncertainties and highlights the importance of accurate data in shaping economic policy. Analysts are closely monitoring the trend to assess its implications for future monetary and fiscal decisions.

  • TikTokers arrested for insulting Somalia’s president in a dance video

    TikTokers arrested for insulting Somalia’s president in a dance video

    In a significant development in Somalia, four TikTok influencers have been arrested for allegedly insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a viral dance video. The video, which has since been deleted but continues to circulate widely on social media, features a group of young men dancing to a remix of a campaign song from the president’s 2022 election bid. However, the lyrics were altered to include derogatory language directed at the president. Somali police confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects are in custody and will face formal charges. This marks the first instance where a high-ranking political figure has been targeted in such a case, though social media influencers have previously been jailed for spreading clan-based insults or ‘immoral’ content. In August 2023, seven TikTokers were sentenced to six months in prison for inciting civil unrest and spreading immorality. Police spokesman Gen Abdifatah Aden issued a stern warning, emphasizing that any acts disrespecting national institutions or leaders would be met with strict legal consequences. The arrests have sparked a heated public debate over the role of social media in Somalia, particularly TikTok, which has been a platform for political commentary, satire, and entertainment. While some support the young men, others argue that freedom of expression should not extend to such levels, especially in a country with fragile governance. In 2023, the Somali government considered banning TikTok due to concerns over national security, misinformation, and the erosion of moral values. Although the ban was not implemented due to public opposition, officials warned of the platform’s increasing use for spreading harmful content, including extremist propaganda and defamatory material.