North Macedonia: crucial election votes
On 8 May, North Macedonia held parliamentary and presidential elections. If Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, from the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party, wins the presidential election, that could complicate EU accession talks. These talks have been delayed, partly due to a dispute with Greece over the country's name, resolved in 2018 by adding the word 'North’. However, VMRO's leader Hristijan Mickoski refuses to recognise the new name. Bulgaria also opposes the talks until Skopje recognises a tiny Bulgarian minority in the country. If his party wins a majority, Mickoski will likely become prime minister. The elections are seen as critical for determining whether North Macedonia will progress toward the EU or revert to isolation and ethnic conflicts. Opinion polls predict a VMRO victory by a large margin, attributed to dissatisfaction with the current government's handling of economic issues. The country of 1.83 million joined NATO in 2020, but impatience over its slow progress towards EU membership has been growing.
Gaza: Israel now controls Rafah border crossing, negotiations continue
The Israeli military has claimed it now controls the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a crucial point for aid entry and civilian exit amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. An Israeli tank brigade has secured the crossing. The UN has expressed concern about the significant restriction of Gaza's main aid routes, but the White House has announced the expected reopening of Kerem Shalom, Hamas has criticised the seizure of Rafah, viewing it as a move to thwart ceasefire negotiations led by Egypt and Qatar, which proposed a temporary halt in hostilities and the release of hostages. Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas's ceasefire claims as inadequate, focusing on stringent security conditions for any deal. UN secretary-general António Guterres said a ceasefire was ‘essential to stop the unbearable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and of the hostages and their families’.
Brazil floods: 75 dead, over 100 missing
Massive floods have devastated a state in the south of Brazil, resulting in at least 75 deaths and 103 people missing. Over 88,000 residents have been displaced; 16,000 have sought refuge in schools and temporary shelters. The floods have caused extensive damage and significant disruptions to electricity and communications. Over 800,000 people are currently without a water supply. The state’s governor, calling the devastation unprecedented, has called for a comprehensive reconstruction plan, while President Lula has emphasised the importance of proactive disaster management. This environmental disaster is the fourth major flooding event in the state within eight months.
WHO gives Namibia recognition for almost eliminating HIV
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that Namibia has become the first African nation, and the first high-burden country worldwide, to nearly eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. This achievement is especially notable because Namibia hosts over 200,000 people living with HIV, with the disease disproportionately affecting women. Despite these challenges, the country has achieved nearly universal HIV testing for pregnant women and a robust treatment system, which have reduced transmission by 70% in twenty years. In 2022, only 4% of newborns from HIV-positive mothers contracted the virus, while nearly 80% received a timely hepatitis B vaccine. The WHO has awarded Namibia a ‘silver tier’ for its hepatitis B efforts and a ‘bronze tier’ for HIV reduction. These accomplishments underscore the critical impact of committed leadership and effective public health strategies.
