South Africa has denounced recent actions by the United States in Venezuela, describing them as unlawful and calling for the unconditional release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa’s position is firmly rooted in respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations, arguing that Washington’s conduct threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a UN member state.

Ramaphosa said Pretoria cannot support actions that undermine global legal norms, stressing that South Africa aligns itself with the Venezuelan people rather than external interference.

By taking this stance, South Africa has joined a number of countries openly questioning US policy toward Caracas, presenting the issue as one of legality and international order rather than power politics.

The President warned that ignoring sovereignty weakens the credibility of the international system and sets a dangerous precedent for global relations.

Pretoria has further urged the United Nations Security Council to act decisively within its mandate to preserve peace, protect international law and prevent escalation.

South Africa’s call reinforces its long-standing view that the Venezuelan situation should be resolved through multilateral engagement and dialogue, not unilateral measures  a position likely to deepen diplomatic divisions between Washington and several nations in the Global South.

China continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse in artificial intelligence, fueled by an unparalleled pipeline of STEM talent that far outpaces global rivals, according to recent data and expert analysis.

At the heart of this surge is China’s massive annual output of STEM graduates.

Latest figures indicate the country produces approximately 3.57 million science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates each year, representing about 40-45% of all university degrees.

This vast talent pool – roughly four times that of the United States’ 800,000 annual STEM graduates – provides the human capital driving breakthroughs in AI research, patents and applications.

Experts highlight that China’s STEM dominance extends to advanced degrees.

Projections indicate that Chinese universities will award over 77,000 STEM PhDs annually by 2025-2026, nearly double the U.S. figure of approximately 40,000. Within this, AI-specific expertise is growing rapidly, with China producing almost half of the world’s top AI researchers and leading in AI publications.

This talent advantage translates into tangible outputs. China now accounts for more than 70% of global AI patents, including a commanding share in generative AI, underscoring its strategic focus on open-source development and inclusive innovation.

Victor Gao, a prominent Chinese scholar interviewed at the Doha Forum, emphasised this approach in discussions on the AI revolution.

He warned against any single nation’s dominance, advocating for open-source AI to ensure global participation and prevent existential risks, such as AI surpassing human control.

“China’s model lowers barriers, allowing broader access and collaboration,” Gao said.

Despite challenges, including a projected shortage of millions of AI professionals by 2030 amid soaring demand, Beijing’s investments in education and research – including billions in semiconductor and AI funds – are bridging gaps and attracting global talent.

What Africa Can Learn from China’s AI Talent Strategy

As African nations seek to harness AI for development, China’s experience offers valuable insights for building sovereign capabilities in the technology.

With a youthful population of over 1.4 billion and emerging tech hubs in cities like Nairobi and Lagos, Africa has immense potential.

However, the continent produces an estimated 675,000 STEM graduates annually, a fraction of China’s output relative to population needs.

Experts recommend the following steps:

• Massive Investment in STEM Education — Emulate China’s focus by expanding universities, vocational programs and scholarships to target 1 million annual STEM graduates by 2030, prioritising software engineering and AI.
• Develop Specialised AI Pipelines — Establish centres of excellence and partnerships with Chinese institutions for knowledge transfer, aiming for tens of thousands of AI specialists.
• Promote Open-Source Adoption — Leverage affordable Chinese AI frameworks to address local issues like agriculture and healthcare, fostering innovation without dependency.
• Strengthen Ethical Governance — Create national AI strategies emphasising privacy and fairness to protect sovereignty amid global competition.
• Build Strategic Partnerships — Use forums like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to secure infrastructure investments while prioritising local capacity-building.
• By adapting these lessons, Africa can transition from AI consumer to contributor, driving equitable growth in the intelligence age.
• China’s AI ascent demonstrates that strategic talent development can reshape global dynamics. For emerging regions like Africa, the path forward lies in proactive investment and collaboration to ensure technology serves inclusive progress.

Ugandan authorities have dismissed claims that they intend to shut down internet access during next week’s general elections.

Concerns were reignited after the country’s leading opposition candidate repeated allegations that the government planned to disrupt online services to hinder mobilisation and the sharing of election results.

Those fears intensified on Friday when satellite internet provider Starlink limited its operations in Uganda following directives from the national communications regulator.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, is contesting the 15 January polls. His main rival is Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician.

The election mirrors the 2021 contest, which was marred by violent protests, dozens of deaths and a four-day nationwide internet blackout.

Ahead of the vote, the government has also imposed restrictions on live coverage of riots, illegal demonstrations and violent incidents, arguing that such broadcasts could heighten unrest and cause public panic.

However, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo rejected speculation about an internet shutdown, describing it as unfounded.

“There is currently no decision to switch off the internet,” Thembo told Capital FM, adding that the commission’s responsibility was to ensure stable and continuous connectivity across the country.

Similar assurances were issued by Amina Zawedde, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance, who said government had neither announced nor implemented any plans to disrupt internet services during the election period.

She warned that circulating false or inflammatory information online could create unnecessary fear and instability, stressing that digital platforms were subject to existing laws.

“Online spaces are not above the law,” Zawedde said, noting that the Computer Misuse Act governs internet conduct, including the spread of misinformation and offensive content.

She further emphasised that only the Electoral Commission is legally authorised to announce election results, warning that the publication of unverified figures is unlawful.

“Freedom of expression must be exercised within the confines of the law,” she said.

Despite official reassurances, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has introduced an offline vote-tracking application in anticipation of a possible blackout. The app, named Bitchart, was launched by Bobi Wine and is designed to use Bluetooth technology to share images of polling station result forms and voting data without internet access.

In his New Year address, Bobi Wine accused the government of planning another shutdown similar to those imposed during previous elections, which he said were aimed at silencing citizens and obstructing transparency.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has alleged that Ugandan security forces are using intimidation tactics, including arbitrary arrests and torture, to suppress opposition supporters. The organisation claims to have documented cases of beatings and the use of tear gas against NUP supporters. The BBC has sought a response from the authorities.

Museveni came to power in 1986 after leading a rebel takeover of Kampala and has since won six elections, all of which opposition parties have challenged as fraudulent — accusations the government continues to deny.