The World Today

The World Today
US and Canada
Latin America and the Caribbean

  NIAS TWT Team
6 June 2026

Peru: Presidential runoff scheduled for 07 June                 
On 05 June, Associated Press reported that Peru is preparing for a presidential runoff election scheduled on June 7 between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez. The winner of this election will become Peru’s ninth president in the last ten years, highlighting the country’s ongoing political instability. Moreover, crime and public security have become the most important issues in the election campaign. Many voters are concerned about rising violence, extortion, and illegal mining activities across the country. Fujimori has promised stronger action against crime, including tighter border controls, and stricter law enforcement measures. Meanwhile, Sanchez has called for reforms in the police force and changes to economic policies. He has also assured investors that he does not plan to nationalise industries. This election comes at a time when many Peruvians are dissatisfied with political leaders and government institutions. Voters are looking for a leader who can improve security and bring greater political stability to the country.
(“Peruvians will vote in a runoff to pick a ninth president in 10 years as crime fears dominate,” Associated Press, 05 June 2026)

Venezuela: IMF appoints new mission chief for the country
On 04 June, Reuters reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) appointed Alvaro Piris Chavarri as its new mission chief for Venezuela. Piris currently works as an assistant director in the IMF’s African Department and also serves as the IMF mission chief for Ethiopia. He has previously worked on IMF programmes in countries such as Mozambique, Lebanon, and China. The appointment is important for Venezuela as it is trying to restructure more than USD 150 billion in foreign debt and to improve its relations with international financial institutions. The country has been unable to repay its external debt since 2017 and has recently restarted contacts with the IMF and the World Bank after years of limited engagement. Meanwhile, the IMF is considering an Article IV consultation with Venezuela. This is a regular review process used by the IMF to assess a country’s economic situation and policies. These development reflects ongoing efforts to  rebuild economic cooperation between Venezuela and international financial institutions.                                                                                                                                          (“IMF taps Alvaro Piris as new mission chief for Venezuela, Bloomberg News reports,” Reuters, 04 June 2026) 

Mexico: Monterrey increases security for the 2026 World Cup tournament
On 05 June, the BBC reported that authorities in Monterrey are using new security technologies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Robotic dogs will patrol areas around the stadium, while security teams will monitor activities across the city from a central command centre. The police department will also use helicopters, including two Black Hawk helicopters, and about 90 armoured vehicles during the tournament. Officials said these measures are intended to improve security and respond quickly to any incidents. Monterrey will host four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city is one of several locations in Mexico selected to host games during the tournament. The preparations show Mexico’s efforts to ensure safety and maintain security during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.                                                                
(“Robodogs and helicopters: One Mexican city’s approach to World Cup security,” BBC, 05 June 2026)

Cuba: Díaz-Canel Condemns New US Sanctions
On 05 June, Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticised new US sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. He described them as “aggressive” and “perverse.” The new sanctions target Díaz-Canel, members of his family, and individuals linked to the Castro family as part of Washington’s plan to increase pressure on Cuba’s communist government.Díaz-Canel argued that the sanctions would deepen the ongoing crisis and will further worsen tensions between the two countries. The latest sanctions come at a time where the economic and energy crisis in Cuba persists. The restrictions on fuel supplies and financial transactions has been one of the major contributing factor to this. Cuban officials state that the sanctions are aimed at destabilising the country. Meanwhile, US argues that they are necessary to hold Cuba’s leadership accountable. The ongoing dispute continues to deteriorate the relation between Havana and Washington.
("‘Aggressive and perverse’: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel slams new US sanctions," Wion, 05 June 2026) 

Deported Latin American migrants return to their home countries
On 05 June, AP news reported that more than half of the 15 Latin American migrants deported by the US to the Democratic Republic of Congo in April have returned to their home countries. The deportations were carried out under agreements allowing certain African countries to accept third-country deportees. According to lawyers involved in the cases, at least eight migrants have left Congo in recent weeks. Several of those deported had previously received rulings from US immigration judges indicating that they could face persecution if sent back to their countries of origin. Human Rights groups and immigration advocates have criticised the policy as it pressurizes the deportees. Despite this, few migrants remain in Congo.
("Half of Latin Americans deported from US to Congo return home," AP News, 05 June 2026)

Cuba: Raúl Castro makes first public appearance since indictment
On 06 June, Reuters reported that former Cuban leader Raúl Castro appeared at a public event in Havana for the first time since being indicted by the US last month. Cuba's state television showed the 95-year-old attending an Interior Ministry celebration. The indictment was a part of Trump's administration plan to increase pressure on Cuba. Despite the accusations made by the US, Cuba has rejected the accusations and condemned recent US measures targeting senior officials. Castro's appearance comes in a time where the situation between the nations have intensified.
("Cuba's Raul Castro, wanted by US, appears at event in Havana," Reuters, 06 June 2026) 

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