Chapter 1: Recent Developments in Africa

Last week saw escalating protests in Nigeria against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious police unit recognized for its brutal tactics.

In Lagos, a peaceful demonstration turned tragic on Tuesday night when security forces opened fire, resulting in the deaths of numerous protestors. In the aftermath, 17 police stations were set ablaze across the city. On that same day, police violence claimed the lives of 38 individuals nationwide. Demonstrators are demanding the disbandment of SARS and accountability for its most aggressive officers. Although President Muhammadu Buhari promised to dissolve the unit, actions taken so far have been minimal, with officers merely reassigned rather than held accountable.

Section 1.1: Indigenous Protests in Colombia

Indigenous groups in Colombia have organized the ‘Minga Indígena’ movement, marching to the capital to demand justice for ongoing violence. This movement aims to expedite the implementation of a peace agreement established four years ago with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The agreement was intended to end hostilities and provide essential services such as education and healthcare in war-affected regions. However, despite the withdrawal of FARC, the promised support from the government has not materialized, leaving communities vulnerable to new criminal organizations. According to the human rights organization Indepaz, 233 civic leaders have been killed this year alone, alongside 68 instances of mass killings, highlighting the enduring conflict between the military and armed groups that has caused over 200,000 deaths and displaced six million people.

Subsection 1.1.1: Additional Insights into Colombian Protests

Chapter 2: Violence in Afghanistan

On Saturday, a suicide bomber targeted the Kabul Tutoring Centre, killing 24 individuals and injuring 57 others. This attack underscores the ongoing violence in Afghanistan, even as peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government are underway. Earlier that day, another bombing in Ghazni province resulted in the deaths of eight civilians and a police officer.

The first video from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver discusses various current events, including reactions to the crisis in Afghanistan.

Section 2.1: Religious Milestones

In a notable statement, Pope Francis has expressed his support for same-sex civil unions, advocating for legal recognition. This declaration was made during the premiere of the documentary ‘Francesco’ at the Rome Film Festival.

“What we must create is a civil union law. This way, they are legally protected,” the Pope stated in the film. While he has voiced support for the LGBT community previously, the Vatican has downplayed this recent statement as reiterating earlier views.

Chapter 3: Archaeological Discoveries

In a fascinating discovery, archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a 2,000-year-old cat etching located within the Nazca Lines site.

This striking figure, which measures 40 yards in length, features pointed ears, round eyes, and a striped tail, resembling a domestic cat. The find was made serendipitously during maintenance work at the UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back between 200 B.C. and 100 B.C. This etching is now recognized as the oldest geoglyph discovered at the site.

The second video from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver explores various political landscapes, including the implications of recent archaeological findings.