In Chemmani, near Jaffna, police are now guarding the site of a newly unearthed mass grave, where so far 19 bodies (including three infants) have been discovered. This grim finding has reopened deep wounds for the Tamil community, long scarred by the brutal 26-year civil war. Allegations persist of mass killings and forced disappearances by the state; Amnesty International estimates up to 100,000 disappearances since the 1980s. Chemmani holds particular significance due to the 1996 rape and murder of schoolgirl Krishanthi Kumaraswamy, which led to the first meniton of mass graves in the area. Archaeologist Raj Somadeva, leading the excavation, says that less than 40% of the site has been examined; more graves may exist. Tamil families, desperate for justice, are actively supporting the investigation. It is hoped that the discovery of mass graves like the one found in Chemmani could finally bring closure for them.

On 15 June Catholics in Goma and across the Congo rejoiced as Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese customs official, was beatified by Pope Leo XIV in Rome. Kositi was kidnapped and killed in 2007 after bravely refusing a bribe to allow rancid rice from Rwanda into the country - food which would have harmed vulnerable citizens. At just 26, he chose integrity over self-preservation, knowing the dangers of rejecting corruption. His family and community marked this occasion with pride, viewing his recognition as a powerful symbol of justice and moral courage. Local diocese leaders and churchgoers held prayer sessions and celebrations in Goma, where posters and commemorative cloths featuring his image honoured his legacy. Célestin Kanyabiriri, who led the beatification events locally, called Kositi’s example a divine call for financial honesty and spiritual integrity. Many regard him as a national hero and a martyr who upheld truth even to death.

In a northern region of Brazil known as the Equatorial Margin, where the Amazon River meets the Atlantic, a major environmental and political debate is unfolding. After researching the possibility of offshore oil reserves, the government decided to hold auctions to sell exploration rights in this area. President Lula da Silva, known for his environmental pledges, including a promise of ‘zero deforestation’ in 2023, now supports allowing drilling ‘to fund our energy transition’ and bolster the economy. Critics argue this contradicts his public stance and undermines Brazil’s credibility as it prepares to host COP30. Environmental organisations and even the federal prosecutor’s office challenged the oil auctions, citing inadequate environmental reviews and community consultation. Despite their efforts, they went ahead, with major corporations like Chevron and Petrobras securing exploration rights. Brazil’s environmental agency had initially rejected drilling permits, but its decision was overruled by its own director under government pressure. The outcome reflects Brazil’s struggle to reconcile economic needs with ecological stewardship.

The critical Aukus defence pact, agreed by Australia in 2021 with the USA and UK, to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, faces uncertainty as Donald Trump’s administration reviews its alignment with the ‘America First’ agenda. Valued at over $230 billion, Aukus promises Australia a strategic leap in military capability. However, some US officials are sceptical about the value of sharing its premier defence technology, and have cast doubt on allies ‘pulling their weight’. Australia's leaders are publicly calm, but anxieties are growing. Some warn that the deal was always fragile, while others urge Australia to reassess its dependence on the USA. With the Pentagon citing domestic submarine shortages and economic priorities, questions loom over whether Australia will ever receive the promised Virginia-class subs. Despite the turbulence, the alliance's strategic value in countering China remains. Experts argue that Australia could still defend itself independently, given its geography and resources, but emotional ties to the USA and fear of abandonment persist in national defence thinking.