A multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo threatens to displace thousands, while a US military operation in the Caribbean faces scrutiny for alleged extrajudicial killings. Additionally, asylum seekers in Nauru are struggling to survive on meager stipends amidst rising costs, and a prominent cryptocurrency promoter accuses an Australian businessman of orchestrating a major fraud scheme.

Displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Up to 6,500 residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face displacement due to the Lobito Corridor project, funded by the EU and US. The initiative aims to upgrade the Benguela railway from the DRC to Angola, facilitating mineral exports vital for green energy technologies. Global Witness reports that up to 1,200 buildings are at risk of demolition, primarily in Kolwezi, where many residents have built homes near the railway line. Local officials have labeled these residents as "illegals," despite their long-standing presence. Community leaders argue that the government has failed to enforce land regulations consistently.

US Military Strikes Under Fire
A follow-up US military strike in the Caribbean has sparked outrage after it reportedly killed two survivors clinging to wreckage off the Venezuelan coast. Congressman Jim Himes described the incident as deeply troubling and called for the video footage of the strike to be released. Critics argue that the strikes may constitute war crimes under international law, as they were executed without judicial oversight. The Pentagon has not confirmed whether it will release the footage, intensifying bipartisan calls for an inquiry into the military's actions.

Asylum Seekers Struggle in Nauru
Asylum seekers in Nauru report severe hardships, receiving only $115 a week while facing exorbitant living costs. The Australian government's policy prohibits them from working, leaving many unable to afford basic necessities. Some asylum seekers have been stuck on the island for over four months, awaiting decisions on their protection claims. The government has promised to expedite processing times, but many remain in dire situations, resorting to illegal work to survive.

Deportation Horror for Student
Lucia López Belloza, a 19-year-old student, was deported from the US to Honduras just before Thanksgiving after being detained at Boston's airport. López, who left Honduras at age seven, experienced rapid deportation under the Trump administration's immigration policies. Her case has drawn attention to the alleged abuses within ICE's practices, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement and the lack of due process for undocumented individuals.

HyperVerse Fraud Allegations
Rodney Burton, known as "Bitcoin Rodney," has filed court documents alleging that Australian businessman Sam Lee orchestrated a $3 billion Ponzi scheme involving the HyperVerse project. Burton claims he was misled by Lee's seemingly legitimate corporate structure. As the legal battle unfolds, Burton argues for his release from custody, contending that he acted in good faith while promoting the scheme. Lee has denied the allegations, framing them as part of a broader anti-crypto narrative.

Wrap-up
These stories reflect ongoing global challenges, from infrastructure projects displacing communities to controversial military operations and the plight of asylum seekers. The allegations of fraud in the cryptocurrency world further complicate the landscape of trust and accountability in international finance.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team