International financial institution and UN specialized agency
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
The United States has paused its ship escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz as it pursues a peace deal with Iran. Officials say the blockade of Iranian ports remains in place while Washington tests an agreement, with Iran insisting on a fair, comprehensive settlement.
The IMF has stressed that high oil prices and Middle East tensions threaten global growth, while the world’s two largest economies maintain dialogue. IMF officials say energy costs are lifting near-term inflation expectations but medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored, and financial conditions are still accommodative.
Botswana is observing three days of national mourning for former president Festus Mogae, who has died. President Duma Boko has praised his governance, HIV/AIDS policy, and economic stewardship as flags are flown at half-mast and officials pay respects.
Inflation in the UK and US remains under pressure as the ongoing Middle East conflict sustains higher energy prices. UK CPI has fallen to 2.8% in April, but analysts warn this may be a brief respite as fuel and gas costs rise. Producer prices in the US have surged in April, signaling rising costs before they reach consumers.
Campaigns protest rising energy costs as Shell and other oil majors report rising profits; governments are weighing measures to curb profiteering while households confront higher energy and food prices amid global tensions.
The IMF has upgraded the UK’s 2026 GDP growth to 1.0% from 0.8%, citing pre-war momentum while warning the Iran war could dampen activity later in the year. The update follows recent data showing stronger-than-expected Q1 growth, with the IMF cautioning that higher energy prices and political uncertainty could weigh on the outlook.
Official data show the UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the three months to March, with pay growth slowing to 3.4% and a sharp 100,000 fall in payroll employees in April. Vacancies have dropped to a five-year low as firms in retail and hospitality curb hiring amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Iran war and rising energy costs.
G7 finance ministers and central bank governors have been meeting in Paris to address the economic fallout from the Iran war and volatility in bond markets. While they have reaffirmed a multilateral approach and support for Ukraine, tensions persist between the United States and other members over Iran, Russia, and energy supplies. The meetings set the stage for Evian summit discussions on critical minerals, global imbalances, and energy transit.
Oil prices have steadied as U.S. and Iran discussions appear to move toward a resolution, with oil benchmarks stabilizing near recent highs. US stock indexes have edged higher amid hopes for progress in Middle East talks while UK equities show mixed signals. The dollar and euro trade within narrow ranges as investors weigh potential risks and policy signals.
Oil markets are facing a prolonged impact from the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts and industry leaders warning that a full rebound in flows may take years. Saudi and UAE officials emphasise resilience strategies to cushion prices, while other observers caution that the damage to global trading systems will extend beyond the immediate conflict.
Ousmane Sonko has been elected leader of the Pan‑African Pastef party at a congress in Diamniadio after being sacked as prime minister on May 22. The split with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is creating a parliamentary standoff as Pastef controls a large majority and Senegal negotiates with the IMF over a debt crisis.
The US‑Israel war on Iran has pushed energy, fertilizer and transport costs higher and forced global agencies to cut growth forecasts. The OECD and other groups have reduced 2026 growth projections, UNICEF has reported soaring freight bills and delivery delays, and US consumer sentiment has ticked up slightly as gas prices ease (15 June 2026).
A Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has produced more than 500 confirmed cases across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and at least 19 confirmed cases in Uganda. WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern; authorities are scaling up testing, treatment centres and cross-border preparedness while contact tracing and supplies remain insufficient.
The US House has advanced a War Powers resolution aimed at constraining President Trump’s authority to wage war on Iran. The measure, passed 215-208 with some Republicans crossing party lines, faces a likely Senate test and a presidential veto. The move comes amid ongoing clashes and ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
The New York Times, The Guardian, CNBC, Al Jazeera and other outlets report that Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general, moving from acting to permanent head of the Justice Department. The nomination faces a Senate confirmation battle amid scrutiny of Blanche’s ties to the Epstein files, the $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund and past actions at the DOJ.
IMF says Saudi Arabia’s economy has shown resilience due to diversified infrastructure and rerouted oil flows, despite pressure from the Middle East conflict. Non-oil activity and exports are affected; forecasted growth adjusts as oil dynamics shift.
Republican factions in Congress have rebuked President Trump on Iran, the White House ballroom funding, and the anti-weaponization fund, while Ukraine aid moves forward. The party faces growing fractures as it weighs next steps ahead of Election Day.
New data show the UK economy has cooled after a stronger start to 2026, with April GDP expected to slip as higher fuel costs damp demand. Retail sales have fallen, and experts warn the energy shock from the Iran conflict is weighing on households and firms. Analysts expect a continued slowdown into Q2.
Oil flows through key Gulf routes have been disrupted as conflicts escalate. Countries are adjusting production and trade, while insurers assess risk. The Strait of Hormuz remains the focal point as sanctions’ adjustments and new toll discussions surface amid regional tensions.
Retired and active security figures warn against regional blame as Nigeria faces a persisting security crisis. Attacks across Kebbi, Zamfara and other states have left dozens dead or abducted; officials urge a united, proactive response while noting political rhetoric is complicating efforts.
The UK economy has contracted by 0.1% in April, with services shrinking 0.2% and manufacturing up 0.4% while the war in the Middle East disrupts activity. Analysts expect slower growth ahead, with the Bank of England expected to hold rates.
UK youth unemployment remains a challenge as around 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds are not in work, education, or training, with forecasts suggesting this could climb to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without urgent government action. Readers share practical advice on securing work amid tough conditions.
The war between the US/Israel and Iran is nearing a tentative framework to end hostilities and reopen critical sea routes. Inflation and energy prices remain elevated as markets await a durable peace and the effort to normalize trade faces ongoing risks.
Bolivia has moved to stabilize the crisis sparked by weeks of road blockades. A state of emergency allows military support to police, roadways are being cleared, and talks continue with labor unions as protests shift and some blocks lift.
Iran, the United States and Pakistan are pursuing a roadmap to end the Iran-US war cycle. Islamabad hosts Iran’s president for talks, as partners including Qatar and the UAE seek to anchor a 60-day plan toward a final deal. Economic and regional gains are being weighed against structural reform needs in Pakistan.
The United States has reiterated that international waterways must remain free of charges as Gulf partners push back against any tolling plan. Rubio has toured the Gulf amid a flurry of developments including a new shipping corridor near Oman, a temporary halt to evacuation efforts, and ongoing negotiations with Iran over a preliminary peace framework. The UN has paused evacuation plans for mariners in the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman coordinates a temporary route with the IMO.
Central banks are maintaining cautious stances as inflation pressures persist. Officials have signalled that rate paths will be data-driven, with ongoing monitoring of energy prices and geopolitical risks. Market expectations hinge on inflation trends and the pace of growth.
Public and parliamentary pressure in Egypt calls for lower fuel, gas, and electricity prices as the government balances subsidies with IMF conditions. Lawmakers question price reforms while experts warn that global trends and regional tensions continue to influence domestic costs.
SK Hynix has raised $26.5bn by selling 177.9m American depositary receipts at $149 each, in the largest-ever US share sale by a foreign company. Its ADRs have begun trading on Nasdaq under temporary ticker SKHYV and will convert to SKHY; the company is using proceeds to expand fabs, packaging and EUV capacity as AI-driven memory demand surges.
Federal authorities allege that charity fronts diverted funds to Hamas-linked figures and to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, with cryptocurrency transfers totaling over $30,000 and dozens of transfers to Gaza. The cases involve a Rochester-area mother who led an anti-Israel group and faces up to 20 years in prison.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
The IMF has revised its global outlook, saying price inflation is easing and growth is stabilising. It forecasts UK inflation to return to 2% by mid-2027, with the UK economy expected to grow about 1% in 2026, supported by policy choices focused on AI, regional growth and EU trade. Downside risks remain from Middle East tensions and commodity volatility.
The US has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf allies, and the IRGC has warned civilians near US forces to stay away; the exchanges have closed much of the strait and pushed oil prices higher.
Prices have fallen across major Israeli cities amid war-related uncertainty. April data show a 19% drop in apartment transactions and a sharp decline in investor purchases, while foreign buyers led Jerusalem's 2025 acquisitions.
The government has proposed ending the affordable housing quotas for new developments of 10 to 49 homes to jumpstart housebuilding. The National Housing Federation warns this could cost up to 32,000 affordable homes over 10 years, hitting rural England hardest. Ministers say the aim is to simplify the process and speed up housing delivery.
The IMF has revised its 2026 growth outlook to 3.0%, citing energy shocks from the Middle East but noting an AI investment boom that is offsetting some pain. The US is forecast to grow around 2.3%, Europe remains subdued, and oil markets show volatility as tensions persist in Hormuz. Inflation is expected to ease only slowly.
Iraq’s prime minister travels to Washington to deepen economic ties as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fighting between the US and Iran intensifies. Oil output, IMF talks, and potential US investment are on the table while Iran-backed groups push back against disarmament. Diplomatic prospects hinge on stabilizing energy flows and expanding state control over weapons.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced there will be no more elections and his congress has begun drafting constitutional changes to extend the presidential term and block opposition candidates. The proposal would make terms seven years and bar those labeled "traitors" or "coup plotters" from office; the UN and the US have condemned the moves.
China has expanded 4.3% year on year in Q2, the slowest pace in over three years. Exports have helped but domestic consumption remains sluggish, with a trade surplus widening as global demand for AI-driven goods supports shipments. Analysts caution that sustained growth depends on domestic demand improving.
Exports have accelerated in June and the first half of 2026, driven by AI and high-tech goods, while domestic spending and investment remain weak. IMF raises growth forecast to 4.6% for 2026, with 4.1% for 2027. Economists warn of an imbalanced growth model as state support and private investment channel into frontier tech.
The OECD has forecast the UK’s GDP will slow to 0.9% in 2026, down from 1.4% last year, citing energy costs and geopolitics. It stresses the need for reforms to boost productivity and address regional disparities, as energy prices remain a risk to growth.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader at a special conference in London and will become prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer formally resigns to the King. Burnham has secured overwhelming support from Labour MPs, pledged a "distinctively Labour" government, and promised to devolve power, tackle social care and focus on growth outside London.
Independent sources report Octopus Energy is pressing the incoming UK prime minister to reform the electricity market. The company says reform could save households up to £114 a year and cut billions in costs by 2050, with further savings if levies are moved to general taxation. Reform also faces a two-year timeline and potential gains for wind, batteries and interconnectors.
FIFA has proposed selling up to 20% of a new commercial arm, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to raise about $4.2bn and offer one‑off $20m payments to each of its 211 member associations. UEFA and several confederations have threatened boycotts, lodged legal and ethics warnings, and flagged potential arbitration over links to investors including Joshua Kushners firm.
The West Bank faces a cash surplus problem as the Palestinian banking system holds far more Israeli shekels than it can convert to electronic balances. Banks are constrained by Israel’s cash transfer limits, while cash from Palestinian labor and commerce continues to flood in. The result is a liquidity crunch that is hampering daily commerce.
The new Labour leader, Andy Burnham, has delivered a nationwide address outlining priorities for restoring government credibility and easing the cost of living. He frames his tenure as a call for honesty, reflection, and a cautious path to steady governance, with a pledge to deliver tangible improvements.
Gas prices remain elevated amid renewed fighting in the Iran conflict. National averages hover near $4 per gallon, with regional spikes on the West Coast. The White House says energy supply will be stabilized, while voters link costs to inflation and political stakes ahead of elections.
Senegal has endorsed former president Macky Sall’s candidacy for United Nations secretary-general, marking a strategic reorientation ahead of the selection process. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has instructed his government to mobilise support, signalling a new coalition-building phase for Dakar. Critics say the move risks justice for victims of past protests.
The Guardian and The Scotsman pieces outline Andy Burnham’s task of navigating EU relations and defence co-operation after inheriting Starmer’s reset agenda. Europe signals openness, but wary demands persist as the UK seeks closer ties without rejoining the single market.