This week Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown experienced a devastating mudslide and flooding that claimed over 400 lives. Dozens are still missing presumed dead. Sierra Leonean journalist and Freetown resident Umaru Fofana reflects on the disaster. On Monday 14 August, shortly after 08:00 (08:00 GMT), I could still hear the patter…
When journalists working for Hong Kong’s fledgling Factwire news agency hit the streets of Mong Kok last week, they were looking for evidence to support a shocking story of abduction and torture. Just hours before, Howard Lam, a veteran activist and a familiar presence at countless pro-democracy demonstrations, told how…
For many years the rundown Palmitas neighbourhood that overlooks the Mexican city of Pachuca was a hive of delinquency. The drab homes and dimly lit streets that hugged the steep hillside were rife with drug addiction, theft and domestic violence. Now proudly bathed in kaleidoscopic colours, the area stands as…
The US has formally launched an investigation into China’s policies regarding intellectual property. The top US trade official, Robert Lighthizer, said his office had “determined that these critical issues merit a thorough investigation”. The move was expected after President Donald Trump asked Mr Lighthizer to review China’s practices. China has…
Venezuela’s controversial new constituent assembly has overwhelmingly voted in favour of assuming the powers of the opposition-led parliament. The move has been rejected by parliament, which said Venezuelans and the international community would not recognise the new powers. President Nicolas Maduro says the new assembly will end the deadly political…
This article contains language that some readers may find offensive. President Donald Trump’s argument that the removal of Confederate statues is a slippery slope to changing history has recharged the perennial debate about America’s tormented racial legacy. “So this week it’s Robert E Lee,” he said on Tuesday of the…