Situation Reports

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi began his testimony before South Africa's Madlanga commission of inquiry regarding his bombshell claims in early July alleging extensive corruption in parliament, the police service and the judiciary, as well as interference by now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in the work of the police, Daily Maverick reported on Sept. 17.

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said the company had no plans to reenter Russia, emphasizing it is only seeking compensation for $4.6 billion in the seized Sakhalin-1 assets, the Financial Times reported on Sept. 18.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced the lifting of a state of emergency in the country's southern Rivers state from Sept. 18 as well as the reinstatement of suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, Reuters reported on Sept. 17.

China's youth (aged 16-24) unemployment rate in August hit 18.9%, the highest since July 2023, when it hit 21.3%, The South China Morning Post reported on Sept. 18.

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security circulated a draft decree requiring expanded security vetting of investment projects across sectors including energy, telecommunications, industrial parks and even golf courses, Reuters reported on Sept. 18.

Large-scale anti-austerity demonstrations organized by all major unions occurred across France against planned spending cuts in the 2026 budget, and major protests are still taking place in Paris, Reuters reported on Sept. 18.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will hold a one-on-one meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and another meeting with Mexican business leaders during a two-day visit to Mexico City, Global News reported on Sept. 18.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu ratified a contentious media law that permits heavy fines and the suspension or even permanent shutdown of outlets found in violation of its provisions, AP reported on Sept. 18.

On Sept. 17, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan announced that they had signed a mutual defense pact that considers an attack against one of them to be an attack against both and implies that Saudi Arabia is under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella, AP reported on Sept. 18.

Two Israelis were killed when a reported aid worker ambushed them at the Allenby Bridge Crossing between Jordan and the West Bank, The Times of Israel reported on Sept. 18, citing the Israeli military.