The International Monetary Fund forecasted on Tuesday that Latin America's economy would report the most profound decline in 40 years as is expected to contract by 8.1 percent amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"Smaller countries and economies dependent on raw materials and tourism are in a particularly difficult position," the IMF noticed in a statement as the Caribbean region relies heavily on tourism, one of the sectors hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib blasted Israel on Friday for imposing "oppressive conditions" on her visit to the occupied West Bank.

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Israel, who was conditionally allowing Tlaib to visit the occupied West Bank, issued a list of demands for the U.S. congresswoman that prohibited her from promoting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) during her stay.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a second installment of over US$2.5 billion to Ecuador for economic development, Friday, the agency reported.

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With 10.5 years to pay off the debt, Ecuador accepts a second loan from the IMF with its 3.2 percent interest, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) said.

Some 150 people have been reported missing after a vessel sunk in lake Kivu in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Felix Tshisekedi stated Tuesday.

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"I am very sad about the sinking of a canoe on April 15 on Lake Kivu, the provisional missing is 150," Tshisekedi posted on his office's Twitter account, also adding that there will be consequences for those who are responsible for the shipwreck.