🌍 3 crises you missed

Welcome back.

We built The Beautiful Societies (TBS) because the Global Majority deserves better than headlines filtered through a single lens. Each week, we curate intelligence from voices across the Global South—from Nairobi newsrooms to São Paulo analysts—alongside mainstream sources, giving you the full picture that traditional media misses.

This is how professionals in Lagos, London, and LA stay ahead: by understanding not just what's happening, but where narratives are being shaped. Consider this your intelligence advantage for a connected world.

If you're finding value here, I'd love for you forward this to someone in your network who'd appreciate it. They can join us here.

Welcome to New Readers: Kamala Sandrapragas-Bryant & Rachel Allison from Axe & Saw | Dimitris Karamitsos from BASE

Let's dive in.

Warm wishes,

Deepa

***

Genocide Warnings Intensify as Sudan's El Fasher Falls to RSF: The strategic city of El Fasher, North Darfur, has fallen to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege, triggering widespread reports of mass killings, ethnic cleansing, and sexual assault. Over 36,000 people have fled, with the UN warning of a spiraling humanitarian crisis and potential genocide. Why it matters: The events, including drone strikes on civilians, are drawing international condemnation and renewed scrutiny on external support for the RSF, particularly from the UAE, threatening broader regional destabilization. (More)

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Tightens Grip on Mali's Capital, Threatening State Collapse: The al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) is intensifying its siege on Bamako, Mali's capital, by blocking fuel supplies and disrupting daily life. Recent attacks and blockades have caused severe shortages, prompting international advisories for citizens to leave. Be smart: The potential fall of Bamako could lead to Mali becoming an Islamist republic, with significant security implications for the Sahel region, coastal West African states, and international counter-terrorism efforts. (More)

US and China Establish Military Channels Amid Trade Truce: Following a meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi, the US and China have agreed to establish military-to-military channels to de-escalate potential conflicts. The leaders also reached a trade truce, with the US reducing some tariffs and China pausing rare earth export restrictions and resuming US agricultural purchases. (More)

Venezuela Nears Hyperinflation as Bolivar Plummets: Economist José Guerra warns Venezuela is on the verge of new hyperinflation, with the dollar increasing 445% between October 2024 and October 2025. The central bank's money creation surged 400% in October 2025, driving monthly inflation above 20% and forecasting annual inflation around 500%. (More)

Ghana Imposes Strict Export Repatriation Rules: The Bank of Ghana has tightened export repatriation rules, requiring exporters to repatriate proceeds within 120 days or face fines up to 5,000 penalty units, up to 10 years imprisonment, or both. This aims to stabilize critically low foreign exchange reserves and curb currency pressure. (More)

US Federal Reserve Cuts Rates Amid Economic Slowdown Fears: The US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.75-4% for the second consecutive time, citing concerns over a deteriorating labor market. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated that further rate cuts in December are "far from a done deal," causing market uncertainty. (More)

Hispanoamerica Forges Trilateral Cybersecurity Alliance Against Chinese Digital Expansion: Facing a surge in cyberattacks and concerns over China's digital infrastructure influence, Hispanoamerican nations are forming a trilateral alliance with Taiwan and the U.S. to develop resilient, democratic cybersecurity frameworks and secure telecommunications. Why it matters: This alliance aims to counter state-sponsored cyber threats and reinforce digital sovereignty, offering an alternative to China's centralized tech model. (More)

African Digital Inclusion Threatened by High Smartphone Taxes and Data Costs: High taxes on smartphones and costly data services are preventing millions of Africans from accessing mobile internet, threatening a projected $300 billion GDP boost by 2030 and highlighting a critical "usage gap" over a "coverage gap." Be smart: Policy reforms, including reduced device levies and affordable spectrum, are crucial to unlock widespread mobile internet adoption and economic growth across the continent. (More)

Nvidia Joins India Deep Tech Alliance with $850M Pledge to Boost Startups: Nvidia has joined the India Deep Tech Alliance, committing over $850 million to support Indian deep-tech startups in sectors like space, semiconductors, AI, and robotics, aiming to close a significant funding gap and provide technical guidance. The bottom line: This substantial investment from a global tech leader is set to accelerate India's deep-tech ecosystem, fostering innovation and strategic independence in critical technologies. (More)

Philippines Secures $3 Billion Danish Offshore Wind Investment: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) will invest $3 billion in offshore wind farm projects in the Philippines, aiming to add 2,000 MW of renewable energy capacity and create 4,500 jobs. This marks CIP's debut in Southeast Asia and aligns with the Philippines' goal to transition to cleaner energy sources. (More)

Nigeria Exits FATF Grey List, Boosting Global Investor Confidence: Nigeria has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, a move expected to significantly reduce barriers for international trade and investment, improve global credibility, and attract foreign capital. (More)

Bahrain Secures $17 Billion in Deals at Gateway Gulf Forum: The Gateway Gulf 2025 forum in Bahrain concluded with over $17 billion in landmark partnerships and agreements, attracting significant investments across financial services, ICT, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism sectors. (More)

Brazil's Lula Rejects US Invasion of Venezuela: Brazilian President Lula da Silva has stated his formal rejection of any US military invasion of Venezuela. The bottom line: This declaration from Latin America's largest economy establishes a significant diplomatic bloc against potential US intervention. (More)

Ethiopia Asserts Sovereign Right to Red Sea Access: Ethiopia's House of People's Representatives declared the nation's exclusion from the Red Sea a "historical mistake," asserting that sea access is crucial for sovereignty and national interests, not merely trade. The government is pursuing this goal through peaceful and reciprocal means, in compliance with international law. (More)

Egypt Issues Stern Warning to Ethiopia Over Nile Water and Red Sea Access: Egyptian President Sisi warned that Egypt would not stand idly by regarding Ethiopia's approach to Nile waters and Red Sea access, emphasizing that the Red Sea is a sovereign matter for riparian states. This comes as Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed insists on his country's right to sea access, raising regional tensions. (More)

Oman Invites Global Bids for Major Road Infrastructure: Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is seeking investment proposals from local and international companies for the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) of three key road projects, with bidding documents for the Muscat-Al Dakhiliyah Road available until December 15, 2025, and submissions due by February 23, 2026. (More)

Morocco Launches Tender for New Casablanca Airport Terminal: The Moroccan National Airports Office has issued a call for tenders for the construction of a new 10 billion dirham air terminal at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, with the project divided into nine main lots and an execution period of 40 months. (More)

Guyana Seeks EPC Proposals for US$300M Fertilizer Plant: The Government of Guyana is inviting Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) proposals to design, engineer, construct, and operate a US$300 million ammonia/urea plant at Wales, with responses to the Request for Proposals due by January 22, 2026. (More)

South Korea Launches "K-Star" Tech Visa: The new "K-Star Visa" is to attract high-level talent in science and technology, creating a new pathway for skilled professionals and academics seeking opportunities in the country's advanced tech sector. (More)

Kenya and Senegal Sign Visa-Free Deal: Kenya and Senegal have signed a landmark agreement allowing for visa-free travel between the two nations. (More)

Bermuda Work Permit Policy to Lengthen Timelines: Bermuda has enacted a new work permit policy resulting in shorter visits for business travellers, restrictions on foreign employees (for promotions and changing jobs) and enhanced vetting processes. (More)

💧How 'Skin Flooding' Works for Melanin-Rich Skin: Skin flooding is a technique of layering hydrating products, which can be highly effective for Black skin that is often prone to water loss. The method involves applying products to damp skin, starting with a mist or toner, followed by a serum (like hyaluronic acid), and sealing it all with a moisturizer. (More) Like this? Then you will love Skin by TBS where we cover global beauty for skin of color consumers, from Lagos to Mumbai to São Paulo.

🍕UAE Health Focus: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become increasingly common in the UAE. To identify them, check labels for industrial ingredients you would not use at home, such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, or preservatives. (More)

🐝 Caution with Bee Venom Therapy: In Kenya, bee venom therapy is used for conditions like Lichen Planus and joint pain, with stings applied to specific body points. While some report relief, medical experts caution that extensive clinical trials are lacking, and there are significant risks, including severe allergic reactions. It is also not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with transplanted organs, or low blood pressure. (More)

💰Pay Gap for Latinas in the US: A new report reveals the stark reality of the gender pay gap for Latinas in the U.S., who earn just 54 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. (More)

🥫 The Human Cost of Ending Food Aid: The termination of pandemic-era federal food aid in the U.S. is disproportionately affecting Black households, deepening food insecurity for millions. (More)

🎒Ghana's Mother Tongue Classrooms: Ghana is taking a bold step toward inclusive education by prioritizing instruction in a student's mother tongue. (More)

👀 Uganda's License to Watch: An investigation reveals how Uganda's new digital number plate system is being transformed into a powerful tool for state surveillance. (More)

💔 Emotional Goodbye to Chimpanzee Ikuru: Caretakers at Uganda's Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary held an elaborate and emotional funeral for a 30-year-old chimpanzee, gathering to mourn its passing. (More)