How US pressure is squeezing Venezuela’s already fragile economy

The Tanzanian government has canceled Independence Day events scheduled for Tuesday amid calls for a day of action from protesters, reflecting rising tensions in the country following recent elections. This decision comes as authorities anticipate significant unrest and have deployed a heavy police presence in major cities to deter protests.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron has faced backlash after a video emerged in which she used a derogatory term to describe feminist activists who interrupted a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who has previously faced allegations of rape. Her comments were intended to criticize the activists' protest methods but have sparked significant outrage.

UK gilt yields have seen a slight decrease compared to other major economies, indicating a potential shift in the bond markets as Chancellor Rachel Reeves navigates fiscal challenges. Despite this drop, the UK still faces a significant premium on borrowing costs, with 10-year government gilt yields rising compared to US Treasury bonds and eurozone counterparts since the last general election.

The US and European nations have called on Rwanda and the M23 rebel group to cease their offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the recent signing of a peace agreement in Washington. This appeal comes as M23 fighters have taken control of the strategic city of Uvira, prompting a mass exodus of civilians into Burundi.

The United States and Russia convened a business dialogue in Dubai aimed at establishing a long-term agenda for enhanced cooperation, as outlined in a joint statement. This meeting signifies a potential thaw in relations between the two nations, which have been strained in recent years due to geopolitical tensions.

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit seeking a legal basis for former President Trump's military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which have been criticized for their minimal impact on drug flows. Experts argue that these actions have resulted in significant loss of life without effectively addressing the drug trade.

The United States has sanctioned several Colombian citizens accused of establishing a transnational network to recruit fighters for the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This action highlights the U.S. government's efforts to combat the involvement of foreign mercenaries in international conflicts, particularly in regions experiencing severe humanitarian crises.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado remains in hiding as uncertainty surrounds her attendance at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. The Nobel officials have expressed concerns over her arrival, reflecting the tense political climate in Venezuela.