During these unique times, the news cycle is mostly filled with stories about the spread of the coronavirus, including topics anywhere from the economic issues it is causing to how celebrities are attempting to help. While such stories are important, we must not forget about other things that are going on in the world . . .
Cameroon, Africa
The president of Cameroon, Paul Biya, has been unseen by the public for 35 days. Theories about the President’s whereabouts have been running rampant throughout the country, while falsified images of the Cameroonian president in France cause unrest in the people over their leader.
If the president remains missing until April 21, then the country must elect a new president as the office cannot remain empty for more than 40 days. Electing a new leader would bring about rapid change in the country as Biya has been president of Cameroon since 1982, making him Africa’s longest ruling leader.
Some believe that new leadership could bring about much needed change in an increasingly corrupt country while others believe that the absence of Biya could cause the downfall of recent economic growth.
Foiled Terror Attack, Germany
Five Islamic State members in Germany were arrested after authorities discovered a plot to launch an attack on a U.S. airbase in Germany. The group initially planned to launch an attack in Tajikistan but shifted their focus to U.S. targets in Germany.
They are believed to be connected to ISIS contacts in Syria and Afghanistan. In addition to the airbase, the terrorist cell also planned to attack a journalist who has been critical of Islam.
Mulan Controversy
Disney’s live action interpretation of Mulan was set to release March 27. However, due to the coronavirus, the release date has been pushed back, and Disney is considering releasing the film exclusively on Disney+.
While the announcement of the remake initially reignited excitement over many’s favorite childhood movie, the film has fallen under controversy. The controversy arose when the film’s star, Liu Yifei, made remarks on the website Weibo that supported the Chinese government’s actions against the Hong Kong protests.
Her post ignited sentiment against the Mulan movie, even causing #boycottmulan to begin trending. As the Hong Kong protests continue, anger towards the Chinese government only grows, creating an uncertain future for the success of the Mulan movie.
The Return of the Bald Eagle
For some good news, two bald eagles have been spotted nesting in cacti in Arizona. The spotting showed tremendous advancement in bald eagle conservation efforts which have been taking place ever since the species were declared endangered in 1978.
Eagles were last spotted in the Arizona desert in 1937. The return of the nestling shows a promising future for the return of the bald eagle and gives hope for the revitalization of our ever failing ecosystem.