August 2018 Current Events: World News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for August 2018:
- Pope Declares Death Penalty Inadmissible
- Ceasefire Declared by Ethiopian Rebels
- Ethiopia’s New Prime Minister Grants Forgiveness
- Italian Bridge Collapses
- President Keita Wins Mali Election
- Madagascar to Hold Election in November
- Australia’s PM to Resign
- 19 Die in Hotel Fire
- Mnangagwa’s Victory Confirmed
- Anti-Corruption Measures Voted on in Colombia
- Peru Declares Emergency at Border
- Helicopter Crash in Ethiopia
Pope Declares Death Penalty Inadmissible
On August 2, Pope Francis declared the death penalty inadmissible and his hopes to abolish it around the world. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
Ceasefire Declared by Ethiopian Rebels
On August 12, a rebel group in Ethiopia declared a ceasefire after the government passed various reforms. The reforms are the first step towards peaceful negotiations. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene
Ethiopia’s New Prime Minister Grants Forgiveness
On August 14, Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, released thousands of prisoners. However, many wonder if the prisoners faced torturous conditions as many have begun to talk to the media. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene
Italian Bridge Collapses
On August 14, a bridge in Genao collapsed, killing at least 39 people and injuring another 15. The cause of collapse is currently under investigation. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Antonio Calanni
President Keita Wins Mali Election
On August 16, the Mali government announced that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita won in a landslide against his opposition rival. This will be President Keita’s second term, where he faces an uphill battle as he tries to end violence. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Annie Risemberg, File
Madagascar to Hold Election in November
On August 18, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina announced his plans to run for president again in the November 7 election. Shortly after, Rajaonarimampianina’s rival, former president Marc Ravalomanana, announced he too plans to run for president. Both hope to resolve the political unrest in the area. (Reuters)
Photo Source: Lintao Zhang/Pool Photo via AP
Australia’s PM to Resign
On August 23, Malcolm Turnbull, prime minister of Australia, announced that he would resign from parliament in the near future. His resignation puts Australia’s one-seat majority at risk. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Taylor
19 Die in Hotel Fire
On August 24, a fire at a hot springs hotel in China left 19 people dead and 23 injured. Investigations are ongoing, but it is suspected that the fire began in the kitchen. (Reuters)
Mnangagwa’s Victory Confirmed
On August 24, President Mnangagwa’s debated July 30 victory was confirmed by Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court. In a unanimous vote, the Court stated that no evidence of voter fraud or corruption could be found. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
Anti-Corruption Measures Voted on in Colombia
On August 27, Colombians are voting on seven anti-corruption measures as scandals have become more common. These measures seek to limit lawmakers’ salaries and term lengths, as well as limit the amount of bribes. Reuters suspects that the measures will pass. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ivan Valencia
Peru Declares Emergency at Border
On August 28, Peru’s president Martin Vizcarra declared a 60-day health emergency at the border. The emergency was declared after various Venezuelans crossed the border in attempt to flee the crisis at home. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Martin Mejia
Helicopter Crash in Ethiopia
On August 30, a military helicopter crashed in Ethiopia, killing 18 people. The cause of the crash is under investigation. (Reuters)