Peru, Burkina Faso, Niger.

Today's three stories you should know.

Jan 21, 2023

Peru

It’s total chaos in Peru as anti-government protests in which dozens of people have been killed continue to paralyze the country. Today, the government closed the famed tourist site Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail that leads to it in a move authorities said was aimed at protecting tourists and locals. Hundreds of foreigners are reported to be now stranded at the foot of the site. The protests began several weeks ago when President Pedro Castillo was arrested and charged with rebellion after trying to dissolve congress. His supporters are calling for his successor, former vice president Dina Boluarte, to step down and hold fresh elections, which she has refused to do.

Burkina Faso

At least 18 people have been killed in attacks in north and northwest Burkina Faso, according to security officials. Sixteen of the dead were members of a civilian auxiliary force supporting the military in its war against Islamist armed groups in the region. The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have for years been engaged in what appears to be a spiralling war with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. Burkina has also been hit by two military coups this year, both apparently prompted by public anger at the government’s inability to stem the violence.

Niger

Really good news out of Niger today. Researchers say they have more than halved the number of women who die due to blood loss after giving birth in clinics. The remarkable result comes after six years of research during which a three-step process, which includes the use of a low-cost drug, was trialled. During the period, 1,417 fewer women died from bleeding after childbirth than it was estimated would have without the treatment. Bleeding after giving birth - known as postpartum haemorrhage - has long been the leading cause of maternal deaths in low-income countries.