Niger formalizes its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court

The Strait of Hormuz begins to free its first stranded ships. Since this Wednesday, several cargo ships have left the area under a security scheme designed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an arm of the UN.

The measure seeks to evacuate thousands of civilian crew members who were trapped for months by hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran. After a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, the flow of oil and LNG tankers picked up.

Priority for bulk carriers and general cargo

The UN humanitarian plan gives priority to bulk and general cargo ships that entered before the closure of the passage in March. According to Reuters data, the first vessels are already sailing in the Arabian Sea, while another thirty are waiting their turn.

The IMO roadmap plans to free about 11,000 sailors, out of a total census that exceeded 20,000 stranded people. To avoid risks from maritime mines in the strait—barely 30 kilometers wide—conventional traffic was suspended. The ships advance in a staggered manner through corridors coordinated by Iran and Oman.

Security protocol and energy markets

Captains must keep their automatic identification systems (AIS) on and not maneuver without instructions from centers such as the British UKMTO or the French MICA.

In parallel, energy markets are stabilizing. The International Energy Agency reports that the region already exports 85% of its usual crude oil, with a barrel of Brent at $73, close to pre-crisis levels.

Suspension ordered by the Government

The Kenyan Ministry of Health ordered to stop the construction of an Ebola quarantine center for US citizens. Minister Aden Duale’s decision came a day after a court found him in contempt for allowing the project to continue, despite a previous court order requiring its stoppage.

The court had requested to stop the works while a lawsuit filed by civil and constitutional rights organizations is resolved.

Reactions and local context

The center was designed to receive Americans exposed to Ebola abroad, avoiding their direct repatriation to the United States. Protests in the local community have been intense and have left people dead in recent weeks, although official figures are not available.

The case reflects the tensions between the decisions of the Executive and the judiciary in Kenya, as well as citizen unrest regarding projects that they consider imposed from abroad.

The judicial process

A Thai woman, identified as Pavinee Supasirivisan, appeared in court in Myanmar on Tuesday. She faces a charge of violating immigration laws, linked to the death of her ex-husband, a US diplomat found dead in Yangon in May.

During the hearing, three prosecution witnesses testified, including immigration officials. So far it has not been reported whether the accused pleaded guilty or not guilty.

Immigration crime has a penalty of six months to five years in prison. In addition, the woman is also being investigated for homicide, which could carry from 10 years in prison to the death penalty, according to local legislation.

The diplomat was found dead on May 11 at the Sakura Residence & Hotel in Yangon, with stab wounds to his head and neck. The US State Department confirmed the death, but has not revealed his identity. The Thai government has provided consular assistance to the accused.

The case is being handled secrecy. Myanmar authorities have restricted access to information, and journalists are prohibited from attending hearings, a common practice since the 2021 military coup. The lack of transparency raises concerns about due process.