USA: Helene was bad, Milton much worse
On 9 October Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s west coast, bringing 120 mph winds and widespread destruction. At one point a Category 5 hurricane, the Category 3 storm weakened overnight to a Category 1 storm, but not before destroying over 125 homes and knocking out power for over three million residents. Tornadoes and heavy rain have also caused significant inland damage, with storm surges threatening coastal cities such as Tampa. Officials have warned of severe flooding along rivers and lakes as Milton continues to batter the state, with nearly 100,000 people sheltering in evacuation centres. Florida officials had issued urgent evacuation orders for nearly two million people, many of whom had not recovered from Hurricane Helene. Joe Biden, calling Milton one of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida's history, has urged residents to heed local warnings.
Mozambique: crucial election
On 9 October, 17 million Mozambicans voted for a new president who many hope will bring peace to the oil- and gas-rich Cabo Delgado province, which has faced a jihadist insurgency since 2017. Over 1.3 million people have been displaced due to violence, with 600,000 returning to destroyed homes. The presidential candidates, including Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, Lutero Simango of the Democratic Movement, and independent Venacio Mondlane, have promised to prioritise peace and rebuilding. Chapo has pledged to end terrorism and rebuild infrastructure, while Simango has focussed on addressing unemployment, poverty, and healthcare. Mondlane has promised to eradicate terrorism within a year. Frelimo is expected to win again, despite wide-ranging allegations of electoral fraud in last year’s local elections;it also has been tainted by corruption scandals, with politicians jailed for taking payoffs to favour government-controlled fishing companies. The country is also facing severe food shortages as a result of a long drought: the UN says that 1.3 million people are affected.
Kenya: IMF invited to audit corruption and governance issues
Kenya has officially requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conduct a comprehensive review of its corruption and governance challenges. Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that this will help the government address corruption, a persistent issue negatively impacting the economy and the livelihoods of Kenyans. President William Ruto, who has been facing pressure from widespread protests over high living costs, pledged in July to amend laws aimed at closing loopholes which enable corruption. He wants to focus on holding corrupt officials accountable, reducing government wastage, and curbing opulence among leaders. The IMF's review, which will encompass all government ministries and institutions, aligns with its previous calls for Kenya to address these challenges. Kenya hopes this effort will also secure delayed financial assistance from the IMF, crucial for its 2024/2025 budget.
Japan: new premier calls snap election
Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s newly-appointed prime minister, has dissolved parliament and announced snap elections for 27 October. His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its coalition partner, is expected to win, capitalising on Ishiba's early popularity and a fragmented opposition. He wants to revitalise rural regions affected by Japan's demographic crisis, and aims to create a ‘new Japan’ with increased support for families and flexible work policies. Facing a complex security landscape, including threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, Ishiba plans to expand Japan’s defence capabilities. Ishiba has proposed economic stimulus, particularly for local governments and low-income households, as part of his strategy to lead the country out of deflation. His call for an early election seeks to solidify his mandate before political momentum wanes, while distancing himself from scandals that plagued his unpopular predecessor.
