Salvadoran president since 2019, businessman tasked with security reforms
Peru has held a chaotic first round with 35 presidential candidates; Keiko Fujimori is leading with roughly 17% while second place remains contested between Roberto Sanchez and Rafael López Aliaga. The electoral authority head has resigned and thousands of contested ballots are being reviewed as observers say procedural errors occurred but no firm evidence of fraud has emerged.
Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken in his call for peace during his African tour, despite criticism from Donald Trump. The pope remains committed to condemning war and promoting dialogue, while Trump has branded him weak on foreign policy and crime. The visit highlights tensions between the Vatican and US leadership.
Trump has unleashed a fresh attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling him “WEAK” on crime while Leo continues his African tour, urging peace and dialogue. The exchange follows Trump’s deletion of an AI-generated image of himself as a doctor and a string of partisan reactions from U.S. and Vatican allies.
The Venezuelan government has requested and received the release of some individuals detained over alleged corruption at PDVSA. The move follows ongoing efforts to reduce political prisoners and normalize relations with the U.S., amid criticism over the transparency and fairness of legal processes. Today’s date is Tue, 21 Apr 2026.
The ICC has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his deadly "war on drugs". Judges have found substantial grounds to believe Duterte ordered murders and attempted murders during his terms as mayor and president. The trial will proceed despite his defense claiming mental unfitness. Meanwhile, El Salvador is conducting a mass trial of 486 alleged gang members accused of over 47,000 crimes under President Bukele's crackdown.
Abelardo de la Espriella has surged to the top in the first round with about 43% of the vote, ahead of Iván Cepeda (≈41%), triggering a runoff on June 21. The far-right outsider promises hardline security and mega-prisons, while Cepeda advocates Petro’s continuity and Total Peace. Valencia trails after a major collapse.
Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 have devastated Venezuela’s northern coast, with La Guaira hardest hit. Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors as thousands remain missing and buildings collapse across major cities, prompting a national emergency and international aid involvement.
Colombia’s presidential runoff winner is under pressure over US citizenship and possible conflicts of interest. Senator Iván Cepeda has urged Abelardo de la Espriella to renounce his US citizenship and clarify whether he is an agent of the United States. Cepeda warns of civil disobedience if legality conditions are not met.