Brazilian president Michel Temer has signed a decree putting the military in charge of security in Rio de Janeiro, following a rise in street crime and drug gang violence.

Massed robberies and gunfights during carnival, followed by a storm that killed four and caused chaos, have heightened a sense that the city is slipping out of control. “I am taking this extreme measure because the circumstances demand it,” Temer said after signing the decree on Friday. “Enough.” The army has operated in Rio during the last year and did so during the Olympics and the World Cup. But Temer’s decree will also put the army in charge of the city’s police force – the first time Brazil has taken such a decision since it introduced a new constitution in 1988 following two decades of military dictatorship.It takes immediate effect, though a vote in Congress could overturn it, and lasts until the end of the year. Security in Brazil is normally under the control of individual states. It will now be run by General Walter Braga Netto, who helped coordinate security during the Olympics two years ago, local media reported.

“It is a recognition that there is serious instability in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” said Roberto Dias, a professor of constitutional law at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo. “It is very serious to suspend the autonomy of a state because the rule in a federation is autonomy.”(Theguardian)…[+]

Cyril Ramaphosa invoked the memory and message of Nelson Mandela as he pledged to restore economic growth, fight corruption and tackle entrenched inequality in South Africa in the first major speech of his presidency on Friday.

“Guided by [Mandela’s] example, we will use this year to reinforce our commitment to ethical behaviour as well as ethical leadership. We are not merely honouring the past but building the future … South Africa belongs to all who live in it,” Ramaphosa, 65, said. “It is a new dawn that is inspired by our collective memory of Nelson Mandela and the changes that are unfolding … We will build a new nation and confront the injustices of the past and the inequalities of the present.” The former deputy president was sworn in as head of state hours after being elected unanimously by parliament to replace Jacob Zuma, who resigned late on Wednesday following accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement.(theguardian)…[+]

The FBI admitted on Friday it failed to investigate a specific report in January that Nikolas Cruz could be plotting a school shooting. The agency said the tip should have been investigated thoroughly because it was a “potential threat to life”. Cruz was arrested on Wednesday and has since been charged with murdering 17 people at a high school this week. On 5 January, a tipster who was close to Cruz called the FBI and provided information about Cruz’s guns, desire to kill people, erratic behavior and disturbing social media posts. The FBI says the caller expressed concerns Cruz could attack a school.

Jeff Sessions, the US attorney general, issued a curt statement after the FBI admission saying that warnings signs had been missed with “tragic consequences”. He said: “We must do better.” Sessions said he had ordered a department of justice review of how the FBI and DOJ respond to indications of potential violence. The review would consult family members, mental health officials, school officials and local law enforcers, he said.(theguardian)…[+]