Authorities in Burkina Faso have released 11 Nigerian military personnel following an "unauthorised" emergency landing of a cargo plane in Bobo-Dioulasso. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has vowed to continue her fight against the Maduro regime after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in absentia. In the Philippines, filmmakers highlight the struggles of local fishers facing harassment from the Chinese coast guard in the South China Sea.

Burkina Faso Releases Nigerian Troops
The Nigerian military personnel were held after their C-130 aircraft made an unplanned stop in Burkina Faso on Monday. The Association of Sahel States (AES) labeled the landing an "unfriendly act," while Burkina Faso's authorities confirmed that the crew and passengers were allowed to return to Nigeria. The Nigerian air force stated that the landing was necessary due to a technical issue while en route to Portugal. The incident follows recent Nigerian airstrikes in Benin aimed at military personnel linked to a foiled coup. The AES, which split from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), has criticized the larger bloc for its interventions in regional military affairs.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Receives Nobel Prize
María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela's opposition, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize but was unable to attend the ceremony in Oslo due to safety concerns. Living in hiding since the 2024 presidential election was marred by allegations of corruption, Machado's daughter delivered her speech, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against the Maduro regime. Machado expressed her commitment to freeing Venezuela from "obscene corruption" and "brutal dictatorship." Reports indicate she may have escaped to Curaçao before the ceremony, and she plans to continue her political activism from abroad.

Filipino Fishers Under Siege from China
Filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama's documentary, "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea," sheds light on the daily struggles of Filipino fishers facing harassment from the Chinese coast guard. Villarama's film captures the harsh realities of fishing in the contested waters, where fishermen confront threats and intimidation. The film was recently pulled from a Philippine film festival after the Chinese Consulate-General objected to its content, calling it "disinformation." Villarama argues that the ongoing harassment must end, emphasizing the need for respect for territorial waters and the rights of fishermen.

Wrap-up
The incidents in Burkina Faso, Venezuela, and the Philippines highlight the growing tensions and challenges faced by nations and individuals in various parts of the world. From military confrontations to the fight for democracy and territorial rights, these stories reflect the complexities of international relations today.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team