Nigeria has experienced a surge in violence and insecurity with the recent abduction of students from a Catholic school, marking the second such incident in a week. Meanwhile, South Africa is embroiled in a diplomatic spat with the United States over the G20 summit, and two Texas men face serious charges for plotting a violent coup in Haiti. These events reflect broader global tensions and challenges.

NIGERIA'S SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS
Unknown gunmen abducted an unspecified number of students from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Niger State early Friday, following a similar incident in Kebbi State where 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped. Dauda Chekula, a local resident, reported that four of his grandchildren were among those taken. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its inability to curb these mass kidnappings, which are often carried out by gangs seeking ransom. President Bola Tinubu has ordered military assistance for rescue efforts, but no group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks. This incident follows a pattern of violence in Nigeria, where insecurity has escalated in recent years.

SOUTH AFRICA'S DISPUTE WITH THE US
The G20 summit in Johannesburg has become a focal point of tension between South Africa and the United States. The US plans to send a junior embassy official to the closing ceremony, which South Africa has rejected, insisting on a more significant representation. President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the US for what he described as bullying and emphasized the importance of national sovereignty. The US has accused South Africa of racial discrimination against white Afrikaners, a claim that South Africa vehemently denies. Analysts suggest that the US boycott of the G20 could damage its global reputation, as the country is viewed as increasingly unreasonable in its diplomatic dealings.

CONSPIRACY PLOTS IN THE US
In a troubling development, federal investigators are looking into claims that Venezuela assisted in stealing the 2020 US election. Two individuals promoting this conspiracy theory have provided information to federal authorities, linking their claims to a broader narrative of election fraud that has been widely discredited. This investigation raises concerns about the use of conspiracy theories as a justification for potential military action against Venezuela, reflecting ongoing political tensions within the US regarding election integrity.

VIOLENT COUP PLOT IN HAITI
In a shocking case, two men from Texas have been indicted for allegedly planning a violent coup on the Haitian island of Gonâve. The men reportedly aimed to kill the island's male population and enslave women and children. They had begun acquiring military skills and recruiting individuals to assist in their plot. The indictment highlights the lack of judicial infrastructure on the island, which has faced ongoing issues with crime and governance. If convicted, the men could face life sentences for their conspiracy to commit murder and other charges.

WRAP-UP
These incidents illustrate a world grappling with escalating violence, complex political disputes, and dangerous conspiracy theories. From Nigeria's ongoing crisis of school abductions to international tensions surrounding the G20 summit and alarming criminal plots in the US and Haiti, the global landscape is marked by uncertainty and peril.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team