Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, elected as Mexico's first woman president?

Claudia Sheinbaum, who will be Mexico's first woman leader in the nation's more than 200 years of independence, captured the presidency by promising continuity.

The 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist ran a disciplined campaign capitalizing on her predecessor's popularity before emerging victorious in Sunday's vote, according to an official quick count. But with her victory now in hand, Mexicans will look to see how Sheinbaum, a very different personality from mentor and current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, will assert herself.

While she hewed close to López Obrador politically and shares many of his ideas about the government's role in addressing inequality, she is viewed as less combative and more data-driven.

Sheinbaum's background is in science. She has a Ph.D. in energy engineering. Her brother is a physicist. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Sheinbaum said, "I believe in science."Observers say that grounding showed itself in Sheinbaum's actions as mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her city of some 9 million people took a different approach from what López Obrador espoused at the national level.

While the federal government was downplaying the importance of coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded its testing regimen. Sheinbaum set limits on businesses' hours and capacity when the virus was rapidly spreading, even though López Obrador wanted to avoid any measures that would hurt the economy. And she publicly wore protective masks and urged social distancing while the president was still lunging into crowds.

Mexico's persistently high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate challenges after she takes office Oct. 1. The country has seen a 150% uptick in violence, with 37 candidates assassinated during this election cycle, according to a report by the Mexico City-based consultancy Integralia. As CBS News' Enrique Acevedo reports, the murders were linked to cartels who control much of the drug trade in the United States.

On the campaign trail she said little more than that she would expand the quasi-military National Guard created by López Obrador and continue his strategy of targeting social ills that make so many young Mexicans easy targets for cartel recruitment.

"Let it be clear, it doesn't mean an iron fist, wars or authoritarianism," Sheinbaum said of her approach to tackling criminal gangs, during her final campaign event. "We will promote a strategy of addressing the causes and continue moving toward zero impunity."Sheinbaum has praised López Obrador profusely and said little that the president hasn't said himself. She blamed neoliberal economic policies for condemning millions to poverty, promised a strong welfare state and praised Mexico's large state-owned oil company, Pemex, while also promising to emphasize clean energy.

"For me, being from the left has to do with that, with guaranteeing the minimum rights to all residents," Sheinbaum told the AP last year.

In contrast to López Obrador, who seemed to relish his highly public battles with other branches of the government and also the news media, Sheinbaum is expected by many observers to be less combative or at least more selective in picking her fights.

"It appears she's going to go in a different direction," said Ivonne Acuña Murillo, a political scientist at Iberoamerican University. "I don't know how much."

As one of the U.S.' most crucial economic partners, leaders in Washington will be watching closely to see which direction Mexico takes — "particularly in terms of Mexican stability and Mexican reliability for the U.S.," said political analyst Carlos Bravo Regidor. 

Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

 

Another Honorary Doctorate For President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Aerospace.

In a momentous ceremony held today in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in the Aerospace Sector by the Korean Aerospace University. The event, graced by President Hassan and Korean Aerospace University President Hee Young Hurr, marked a significant recognition of President Hassan's contributions to the advancement of the aerospace sector in Tanzania.

President Hassan, known for her dedication to fostering growth and innovation in various sectors, particularly in aviation and aerospace, received the honorary doctorate amidst accolades and appreciation from attendees. Her leadership in enhancing Tanzania's aerospace infrastructure and promoting collaboration with international partners has been widely acknowledged.

The ceremony underscores the deepening relations between Tanzania and the Republic of Korea, particularly in the field of aerospace technology. President Hurr, in his remarks, praised President Hassan's visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in advancing the global aerospace industry.

The awarding of the honorary doctorate to President Hassan reflects not only her personal achievements but also the collective progress of Tanzania in embracing innovation and technological advancement. It serves as a testament to her tireless efforts in driving the nation towards greater heights in the realm of aerospace.

President Hassan expressed her gratitude for the honor, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in propelling the aerospace sector forward. She reiterated Tanzania's commitment to continued partnership with the Republic of Korea and other nations in furthering scientific research and development initiatives.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism for the future of aerospace cooperation between Tanzania and the Republic of Korea, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing mutual interests in the aerospace domain.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has previously been honored with other prestigious honorary doctorates in Law, Social Sciences and Economics from different universities.

Tanzania Targets Nearly 1 Trillion Shillings in Tourism Revenue for 2024/2025

DODOMA, Tanzania – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has unveiled a revenue target of 968.8 billion Tanzanian shillings (bn/-) for the 2024/2025 financial year, Minister Angellah Kairuki announced in Parliament on Friday. This ambitious goal is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the country's tourism sector.

Minister Kairuki, presenting the ministry's budget estimates, requested legislative approval for 348.13bn/- in recurrent and development expenditures. The budget will focus on eight key priority areas aimed at increasing tourist arrivals and boosting revenue.

Central to these efforts is an intensified marketing campaign promoting Tanzania's tourist destinations both domestically and internationally. The campaign will leverage high-visibility platforms such as major football championships, international festivals, and global media outlets. Additionally, the ministry plans to develop strategic tourism products, including historical sites, beach tourism, conference and events tourism, sports tourism, and more.

Security and conservation are also high on the agenda. The ministry will invest in strengthening the protection of wildlife, forests, and historical sites. Plans include employing 850 new conservation officers and constructing 10 new conservation centers across various districts. Technological tools, including drones and GPS satellite collars, will be acquired to enhance wildlife monitoring and protection.

In anticipation of a 6.5% increase in tourist arrivals, bringing the total to 1.95 million visitors, the ministry will enhance electronic revenue collection systems by installing 30 smart gates in eight national parks.

However, some MPs expressed concerns over the budget distribution, particularly the allocation of 19bn/- for development projects versus other charges. They argued that more funds should be directed towards infrastructure and essential social services to address pressing needs.

The ministry is also looking to boost tourism through sports, leveraging popular leagues and competitions to attract more visitors. Partnerships with major airlines and participation in global tourism events are expected to further enhance Tanzania's profile as a prime tourist destination.

Recent initiatives, such as a tennis tournament in Serengeti National Park featuring veteran tennis player John McEnroe, have already yielded positive results. These efforts have significantly increased tourism revenue, which rose from 1.3 billion US dollars in 2021 to 3.4 billion in 2023.

Despite accounting for 21.5% of the national GDP and employing approximately 3.6 million people, the tourism sector continues to expand, promising substantial contributions to Tanzania's economic development.

TZS 6.25 Trillion Loan and Strategic Initiatives Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties Between Tanzania and South Korea

Tanzania and South Korea are fortifying their diplomatic and economic relations through several significant initiatives and agreements, highlighting their growing partnership across various sectors.

Recently, South Korea committed to providing Tanzania with TZS 6.25 trillion ($2.5 billion) loan to support a range of development projects. This substantial financial assistance will fund the expansion of Tanzania's national identification system, improve land data infrastructure, develop water supply and wastewater treatment systems in Iringa, and construct Binguni Hospital in Zanzibar.

In addition to the financial support, the two countries have signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports. This agreement, finalized during the visit of South Korea's first vice minister of Foreign Affairs to Tanzania, aims to facilitate easier movement for top government officials and strengthen bilateral relations.

South Korea's interest in Tanzania extends to the mineral sector, particularly in strategic minerals essential for the fourth industrial revolution, such as those used in electric vehicle batteries. The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) is collaborating with Tanzania's Ministry of Minerals to explore opportunities and develop technologies related to rare metal exploration and carbon capture.

Furthermore, South Korea is contributing to Tanzania's infrastructure development through Hyundai Rotem, a South Korean company involved in supplying electric trains for Tanzania's ambitious Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. This project aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration by linking Tanzania with its neighboring countries.

These initiatives underscore the deepening cooperation between Tanzania and South Korea, encompassing healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and resource management. The strengthened partnership is poised to bring significant economic benefits and foster closer diplomatic ties between the two nations.

PRESIDENT SAMIA URGES STRATEGIC REFLECTION AT AUPSC's 20th ANNIVERSARY

 

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on members of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to reflect on the council’s journey since its inception, assess its achievements, and learn from past experiences.

She urged members to strategize for a future that aligns with the vision of a desired Africa.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of the AUPSC in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, President Hassan emphasized the importance of critical thinking and strategic planning to ensure a sustainable and peaceful Africa over the next two decades.

Explaining the vitality of the matter, she assured the various delegates gathered at the event that Tanzania will continue to give priority to ensuring that the African Union reaches its goal.

“Indeed, the history of our success in the liberation movement of the African continent must give us motivation in our current efforts to protect peace, bring about development as well as ensuring the peace of our people,” she stated.

Detailing on the various achievements of the council, President Samia noted that since its inception, the council has had an important role in promoting peace and stability the continent, contributed in dealing with conflicts and various security threats, contributed to the efforts of the African continent in dealing with terrorism and has endeavored to manage the foundations of human rights, democracy and good governance.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and since its inception, this is the first time for Tanzania to hosts the council.

KENYAN MOUNTAINEER DIED AFTER TRYING TO SUMMIT EVEREST WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN

An experienced Kenyan mountaineer died Wednesday and rescuers are still searching for the Nepali sherpa who was with him, after the team attempted to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, according to the Nepali government and his employer.

The body of 40-year-old Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui was found about 20 meters from the summit of the world’s highest mountain, an official of Nepal’s Department of Tourism told CNN.

“His sherpa is still missing and the expedition agency is still searching for him,” the official Khim Lal Gautam also told CNN by phone, was speaking from the foot of the mountain.

Kirui, a banker based in Nairobi, and the 44-year-old guide Nawang Sherpa were reported missing early Wednesday after going out of radio contact. A rescue team then began searching for them in camps and trails along the expansive mountain, Gautam told CNN.

Kirui’s body was discovered on Wednesday night local time in Nepal, at about 28,970 feet (8,830 meters) above sea level.

His employer KCB Bank called him “a passionate athlete and mountaineer,”

saying he was “the second Kenyan to ever summit Mt Everest” in an post on X.

Kirui documented his brave attempt to climb to the peak of Everest without supplemental oxygen in his last post on Instagram. “A no-oxygen attempt comes with its special preparations and risks, physically my body is ready,” he wrote, also laying out the precautions he was taking.

He listed drugs he was bringing along for any potential illnesses or frostbite and said his guide would also carry an emergency bottle of oxygen.

“And so after heavy investment physically, mentally, timewise (this expedition is

taking more than a month from a regular 8 to 5 banker), financially (the amount of zeros needed to make this happen means I declare bankruptcy immediately I land back in Kenya)… it’s now the moment of truth,” he wrote.

Congratulatory comments and good luck wishes on the Instagram post were soon replaced by condolence messages as word spread that his body had been found.
Kirui was a lover of the outdoors, who ran ultramarathons and climbed some of the world’s most daunting mountains, according to colleagues.

“His indomitable will and unwavering passion for mountaineering led him to conquer the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes,” KCB Group CEO Paul Russo wrote of him. “His recent triumphs on Mt Manaslu and Mt Everest are a testament to his adventurous spirit and determination.”