Stories about Politics from November, 2023
The closer Venezuela gets to voting on annexation of the Essequibo, the more tense the border dispute with Guyana becomes
Venezuela will hold a referendum to gauge support for the annexation of the Essequibo region, and Guyana has petitioned the International Court of Justice to stop the vote.
Expert opinions differ on how much of an impact G20 membership will have for Africa
"Some experts anticipate positive economic growth and collaboration, while others express skepticism, questioning the effectiveness of the AU and the G20's ability to address Africa's unique challenges."
Fighting violence against women in Turkey is no easy feat
The AKP has taken a number of controversial stances against gender equality in recent years.
Maldives’ new president formally requests India withdraw troops from its borders
On the first day of his office, pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu formally requested the Indian Government to withdraw its troops stationed in the Maldives, making headlines in both countries.
Interview with the political figure Boubacar Touré on the coup which overthrew Niger's president
The risk of pitting various African countries against one another since the Niger coup seems to be increasing while an ultimatum from the African Union lies fallow.
Exiled Iranian crown prince awarded US LGBTQ+ award for speaking up for Iran's queer community
The Iranian LGBTQ+ community is kept invisible by the Iranian opposition, but a US LGBTQ+ award to exile Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi seems to signify changes in attitudes.
‘Well, well, well': What the fuss about Trinidad & Tobago's national anthem is all about
Trinidad and Tobago soca singer Iwer George's use of the country's national anthem in his Carnival 2024 track “Happy People” made many people decidedly unhappy.
Statement: Israeli occupying forces launch a new campaign targeting journalists and media outlets in Palestine
Global Voices stands with 29 human rights organizations in solidarity with Gaza journalists. We demand Israel's compliance with international law and the protection of journalists' safety in Gaza.
When the messages stopped
"After Israel has bombed Gaza into the Dark Ages again, arrested and killed hundreds elsewhere, what then? Will Israeli soldiers occupy the Strip? Will they tighten the siege forever, or in their words, repeatedly 'mow the lawn?'"
Democratic Republic of Congo: What to read and who to follow to understand the social and political situation
The pre-election period is often fuelled by socio-political debates and the media serves as an ideal format for the candidates to make themselves heard by the masses.
In Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina's dual nationality courts controversy on eve of Presidential Election
Madagascar controversy: according to the law, having another nationality voids Madagascar nationality, a prerequisite for election candidates. Yet candidate Andry Rajoelina owns a French passport.
Portraits of exile: Feminista group's ongoing struggle for justice in Iran
Activists Maryam Bahrami and Setayesh Hadizadeh share their 80-day sit-in experiences in Berlin, advocating for reduced Germany-Iran diplomatic relations to protest human rights violations in Iran.
Undertones: What pop culture tells us about Myanmar’s politics
Democracy activists say that military junta is investing in the entertainment industry to distract people from the violent regime.
Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union: Climate justice or defense treaty?
"Offering residence or citizenship rights to Tuvaluans, though a compassionate response, does not halt the inexorable rise in sea levels."
Spontaneous protests in today’s Russia are extremely dangerous, but in Dagestan the practice continues
The slogan “We will not let Israeli refugees into Dagestan” arose from the assumption that the "Mountain Jews" living in Israel would want to send their women, children, and old people to where they lived before.
Numerous journalists connected to Azerbaijani news site arrested
At least three Azerbaijani journalists were arrested on November 20 from Abzas media in connection with corruption reporting. International press groups are calling for their release.
Silencing the press: Threats, violence, and injustices against journalists in Ghana
The disconcerting pattern of incursions into media facilities, often involving armed intruders, vandalization of studio equipment, forceful interference with broadcasts, and the intimidation and assault of hosts and guests, has been closely monitored from 2014 to 2023.
North Macedonia journalists protest court order for enabling censorship
"No one can silence us or prevent us from raising our voice or publishing the truth that is important for the citizens."
Post-Hurricane Maria, Dominica is still trying to build climate-resilient homes, so at COP28, it will advocate for Loss and Damage financial mechanisms
A Loss and Damage Fund will go a long way in providing “critical climate finance to the most vulnerable countries that are ravaged by the adverse impacts of climate change.”
‘The only white people who did not bring evil’: Serbian media narratives around Russia in Africa
Russian influence in Africa exists in some areas — notably in security and the arms trade — but most authors who have written on the subject conclude that the overall impact should not be overstated.
When Palestinians ‘die’ and Israelis get ‘killed’ in the same war
"In news reporting, every semantic choice, nuanced omission, prioritization, and bias holds the power to shape how readers interpret information, particularly evident during wars such as the conflict in Gaza."