August 16, 2022

*) Violent protests erupt in Kenya after deputy president Ruto wins election Violent protests have erupted in Kenya after deputy president William Ruto was declared the winner of the presidential election. The result has caused uproar among the rival candidate Raila Odinga’s supporters, who allege mismanagement and irregularities in the process. Four of seven members of the electoral commission have refused to endorse the result, describing it as "opaque". *) China sanctions seven Taiwanese 'independence diehard' officials Beijing has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials over their support for the island's independence. A Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson said that those sanctioned would not be able to visit China, Hong Kong and Macau. Firms and investors related to them will also not be allowed to profit in China. China has also conducted more military exercises in response to a US Congressional visit to Taipei earlier this month. *) 'Catastrophe' at Zaporizhzhia threatens whole of Europe In Ukraine, recently taken satellite images show scorch marks in fields surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. It follows reports of renewed shelling near the facility. Moscow and Kiev have been blaming each other for the attacks, with Ukraine warning of a possible Chernobyl-like disaster. A "catastrophe" at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine would threaten the whole of Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned. *) UN envoy makes first visit to Myanmar A senior UN official is travelling to Myanmar on a rare visit that comes amid domestic political turmoil and fraying ties between the country and its Southeast Asian neighbours. The UN special envoy for Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer arrived in the country for the first time since she was appointed to the post last October. The trip followed the UN Security Council’s latest call for an immediate end to all forms of violence and unimpeded humanitarian access in the strife-torn country. And finally… *) Space mis