Nelson Mandela released from hospital for stomach issues
Nelson Mandela, a former South African president, was released from the hospital Feb. 26 after receiving a laparoscopy, involving a stomach incision to view abdominal organs. Doctors discovered nothing was wrong. Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s current president, announced that Mandela was admitted to the hospital Feb. 25 for abdominal concerns.
Haitian prime minster quits job
Garry Conille, Haiti’s Prime Minister, quit after only four months in office because of increased tension between himself and President Michel Martelly and his cabinet.
Conille was the president’s third choice for prime minister and the only candidate met with approval. President Martelly is now taking quick action to appoint a new prime minister and hopes to appoint one in the next few weeks.
Guantanamo Bay accused of deteriorating prison conditions
Guantanamo Bay prison conditions have decreased dramatically since last year, when the prison officers changed hands according to the lawyers of six high-profile detainees who sent a letter to the Pentagon explaining their displeasure. Food provisions, medicine and hygiene products have reportedly deteriorated, as well as the quality of leisure time for prisoners.
But a Pentagon spokesperson denied any complaints of maltreatment or abusive conditions. All detention operations are expected to meet certain requirements for their occupants, and it is still in question whether or not Guantanamo Bay has abided by these rules.
President of Abkhazia survives sixth assassination attempt
Aleksandr Z. Ankvab, president of Abkhazia, survived his sixth attempted assassination in the last decade Feb. 22. Unidentified assassins used grenades, automatic rifles and bombs, highlighting the instability in Abkhazia, a Russian-controlled territory of Georgia. Ankvab took office in August 2011 after winning a turbulent election and began an operation against criminal groups that had penetrated the country and government. The president remains uninjured from the attack, but at least one bodyguard died and two more were severely wounded.
Powerful earthquake rattles Siberia
Siberia was hit with a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake Feb. 26, the second earthquake to hit in two months. No damage or casualties have been reported yet, but the quake was felt throughout much of the country. In late December 2011, an earthquake devastated many buildings, roads and bridges. Siberia is still rebuilding the damaged areas and may now be faced with more destruction.
Revolutionary group promises to release captives in Colombia
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a rebel group known as the FARC, announced Feb. 26 they are releasing the remaining government members they have kept in captivity for several years.
They also claimed they are deserting the practice of kidnapping, but there is still no promise of a peaceful future. Their plans to release 10 prisoners of war could help end a long civil conflict within Colombia and the surrounding areas.