The region witnessed mass displacement of people during and after the armed conflict, resulting from a power struggle between the Eritrea-backed Ethiopian Federal Government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

The war claimed more than 600,000 lives and displaced over three million, exposing vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly to the risk of deprivation and rights abuse. Cases of alleged weaponised food insecurity and ethnic cleansing have been reported.

“Measured by the number of deaths, the Tigray War in Ethiopia is the deadliest armed conflict of the 21 st century and one of the bloodiest since the end of the Cold War, claiming the lives of over 400,000 soldiers and up to 300,000 civilians,” observes a 2024 report that classifies the conflict as a genocide, citing fundamental breaches of international law.

The blazing guns were silenced through the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed in November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa. However, the conflict’s underlying causes were not addressed, like the territorial dispute over Western and Southern Tigray and the alleged historical marginalisation of Tigrayans, which has sown mistrust that undermines the endurance of the Pretoria agreement.

The displaced live in about 90 overcrowded IDP camps, like Hitsats, located near the Eritrean border, hosting over 800,000 people. These communities face numerous challenges , including mental distress and hunger. The scarcity of natural resources, particularly clean water, has been exacerbated by the recent drought, making it difficult for IDPs to cope.

Aid cuts have further hampered humanitarian efforts. “As aid actors scale back or suspend activities in the region due to funding constraints, the most vulnerable are experiencing reduced access to medical care, water and sanitation services … while overall humanitarian needs continue to exceed collective capacity,” notes Joshua Eckley, Doctors Without Borders’ head of mission for Ethiopia.

In recent months, the tensions between warring parties have re-emerged, forcing people to flee their homes again. This has sparked fears of renewed fighting, amidst uncertainty and the increasing possibility of Ethiopia’s neighbour, Eritrea, backing Tigrayan rebels against federal forces. 

The re-escalation highlights the need to address the foundational factors, especially the “persistent ethnic rivalries and clashes and the incessant disputes between regionally-based elites (particularly from the Tigray, Amhara and Oromo regions) for control over the federal government, institutions and finances”, analysts suggest.

Thus, the sustainable solution to this instability requires a multi-faceted approach prioritising justice concerns and the war-ravaged region’s recovery; otherwise, it risks being a cosmetic remedy that won’t stand the test of time. Civil society organisations could play a crucial role in rehabilitation and recovery, just like in Northern Uganda after the 20-year Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) war. CSOs could also advocate for the displaced persons’ protection, flagging human rights violations, and complementing the federal government’s efforts towards poverty eradication and social justice.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

For the first time since the collapse of Bashar al‑Assad’s 14-year regime in December 2024, Syria will hold parliamentary elections from September 15 to 20. Voting will take place under an interim constitution to fill 150 assembly seats. Of these, 100 will be elected by provincial electoral colleges, while the remaining 50 will be appointed by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa. The elections mark a crucial step in reestablishing a permanent government in Syria, which is still reeling from a 14-year civil war and the Assad family’s 53-year rule.

41% US tariff bad for rebuilding Syria — analysts

Despite limited trade ties with Washington, a rebuilding Syria is still expected to feel the pinch of the steep 41% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump, analysts said . Just over six months since the fall of the Assad government and the establishment of a transitional administration, Syria is seeking foreign direct investment — an option undermined by the new US tariff. Syria runs a trade deficit with the US: It exported $11.3 million worth of goods to Washington in 2023, while importing only $1.29 million in American products.

New Senate bill aims to keep US forces in Syria

A draft US Senate measure would bar further reductions to American troop levels in Syria without Pentagon certification that mission goals against ISIS remain intact. The provision follows White House-backed plans to consolidate forces at a single base in Hasakah. It comes amid stalled efforts to integrate Kurdish-led SDF forces into Syria’s national army and renewed clashes near the Tishreen Dam. The Senate is expected to vote on the $853 billion defence bill after its September recess.

Deepening Syria-UK ties post-Assad discussed in talks

British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on August 5, as London continued to step up its engagement with Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. According to state-run SANA, the two discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional stability. In July, the UK announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Syria after a 14-year break.

ISIS claims 3 new attacks on Syrian Democratic Forces

The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for three separate attacks targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) across Deir Ezzor. The August 5 attacks in both the eastern and western countryside of Deir Ezzor left two fighters dead and four others injured. One of the attacks struck a diesel tanker, but casualties from that incident remain unconfirmed. SDF is a Kurdish-led military alliance that played a key role in the US-backed campaign to drive ISIS out of northeastern Syria.

The ruling junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, seized power in 2021. It relies on airstrikes, forced conscription and foreign support mainly from China and Russia to stay in power.

Against the Myanmar military is the resistance. It's a mix of ethnic armed organizations such as the Arkan Army, Kachin Independence Army, Ta'ang National Liberation Army and pro-democracy fighters from the National Unity Government and the People's Defense Forces.

Bottom line, Burma's military is at its weakest point yet and 2025 could be a turning point in the war.

Disinformation campaigns in Syria have surged following the recent ousting of the Assad regime, raising concerns about a potential return to civil war. Researchers, like Zouhir al-Shimale from Verify-Sy, note that various factions exploit misinformation to further their agendas and delegitimise rivals, according to DW . Social media posts—often misleading or false—have contributed to public anxiety, especially among groups associated with the former regime, such as Alawites, who fear reprisals.

Germany and France seek a 'new beginning' with Syria

International actors, particularly Russia and Iran, are implicated in these disinformation efforts, aiming to shape narratives in their favour. Current misinformation includes exaggerated claims of violence and persecution, with both local and foreign entities amplifying biased content against Syrian rebels. Such disinformation not only influences domestic perceptions but may also sway international views on Syria’s stability post-Assad, reports 69 News .

Syria puts entry restrictions on Lebanese after border clash

Syria has imposed new entry restrictions on Lebanese citizens following a border skirmish with armed Syrians, according to Lebanese security sources. According to The New Arab , this marks the first diplomatic friction between the neighbours since rebels toppled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad last month. Previously, Lebanese nationals could enter Syria without a visa, but now only those with residency permits or official permission are allowed. A Lebanese General Security official expressed surprise at the sudden border closure, noting no new measures had been communicated.

German FM says Europe will not fund creation of new Islamist structures

Germany and France are seeking a political "new beginning" with Syria, announcing a visit by their foreign ministers to meet de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa and civil society representatives. Baerbock emphasised the importance of inclusive political processes in Syria's future, while al-Sharaa suggested it might take up to four years to hold elections, reports The Jerusalem Post .

Israel strikes Syrian military factories and research centres near Aleppo

Israel has conducted airstrikes targeting military factories and research centres near Al-Safira, east of Aleppo, resulting in significant explosions that damaged radar systems and missile battalions. Syrian media described the attack as a major escalation, with no immediate casualties reported. The strikes follow a previous attack near Damascus that killed 11 people. Since the regime's collapse in December 2024, Israel has carried out 498 strikes across Syria to neutralise potential military threats, reports The New Arab . Israeli officials assert their actions aim to eliminate strategic heavy weapons, despite most Syrian military systems being outdated. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned Israel's increases in military activity, asserting that foreign intervention is no longer justified and warning of potential escalation.

Myanmar authorities arrested three individuals, including a Malaysian national, for drug trafficking activities in Yangon. A joint anti-narcotic task force conducted a vehicle search on December 22, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal substances, including 238.5 grams of 'Happy Water,' 27 grams of ketamine, and 400 stimulant tablets. Another suspect apprehended had additional drugs, culminating in a total haul of 6.125 kg of 'Happy Water,' 950 grams of ketamine, and 240 ecstasy pills. Following the arrests, the Malaysian suspect was discovered in possession of another 75 grams of ketamine, 450 ecstasy pills, and drug manufacturing equipment. According to The Star , the total estimated value of the confiscated drugs amounts to approximately 278 million kyats (roughly US$132,000), with reports indicating that the suspects targeted young individuals in entertainment venues across Yangon. Legal proceedings are now underway to address these serious allegations.

Mass tourism strategy

Myanmar's Myeik Archipelago is preparing to welcome a vibrant New Year celebration in 2025, focusing on elevating service quality for both domestic and international tourists. The region aims to showcase its unique charm and natural beauty, establishing itself as a premier holiday destination through memorable experiences for visitors, TTW reports.

Thailand denies arm purchases for Myanmar

In neighbouring Thailand, The Edge reports that the country's central bank and anti-money laundering agency have responded to claims made by a UN expert regarding the potential facilitation of weapons purchases by Thai banks for Myanmar's military. Although a June UN report suggested that Thai banks channelled US$120 million to Myanmar's junta in fiscal 2023, the findings disclosed no evidence of associations with arms procurement, instead highlighting occasional transactions with individuals mentioned in the report. This review underscores the necessity for enhanced anti-money laundering practices to mitigate the risks of funding illegal activities and human rights violations.

China charges Myanmar Golden Triangle syndicate suspects with murder

Chinese authorities have made substantial strides in tackling cross-border cybercrime by charging 39 suspects, including 16 individuals from Myanmar, in connection with serious offences such as murder and telecom fraud linked to the significant Ming family. As reported by My News , these criminal factions reportedly coerced individuals into participating in telecom scams, generating millions of dollars daily. Since September, over 31,000 telecom fraud suspects have been extradited from Myanmar to China, revealing the extensive nature of these criminal operations, particularly in Myawaddy, a border town.

Myanmar is one of the world's biggest refugee contributor

The UNHCR has documented a troubling increase in the global refugee count, which has surpassed 122 million in 2024, a rise from 117.4 million in the previous year. UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe has characterised the situation as 'shocking,' reinforcing the urgent need for protective measures for those affected. Major contributing factors include the ongoing civil war in Sudan, displacing over 11.8 million individuals, in conjunction with crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar. Furthermore, conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon have resulted in the displacement of over 1.7 million people, further exacerbating the global refugee crisis, The Star reports.

“Before the coup, we could work overtime until 9 p.m. and earn extra money for personal expenses,” Wai Wai said. “Now, the salary we earn is just for supporting our family, and the money left is only enough for food,” she told the AFP.

To stretch her limited income, Wai Wai skips breakfast most days and eats meat only once a week. Her meals typically consist of rice with vegetables or fried eggs.

Another worker, 19-year-old Thin Thin Khine, shares similar struggles. She and her two sisters, all employed in the garment industry, find it impossible to save or spend on anything beyond basic necessities. “In the past, we could buy two or three pieces of clothing every month,” she said. “Now we can’t afford new clothes, cosmetics, or personal care items. Food is the priority.”

Factory owners, too, are caught in the economic downturn. Rising living and rental costs have tightened profit margins, leaving them unable to improve wages for workers.

“The working situation right now is like we invest more money and get less profit,” said Khin Khin Wai, a garment factory owner. She estimates that a daily wage of $2 would be the bare minimum for workers to survive but acknowledges her inability to meet that threshold. “We aren’t in a position to pay more.”

Despite these hardships, the garment sector remains one of Myanmar's few economic lifelines, generating billions in export revenue. However, the industry’s reliance on low wages and precarious working conditions highlights the human cost of this success.

Myanmar's economy has been in freefall since the military coup in 2021, which plunged the nation into civil war and prompted international sanctions.

"When I stepped on the landmine, I passed out," he recalled. "When I woke up, the sky and trees were spinning. From that instant, you are disabled; nothing is the same as before," he told the AFP.

Hla Han is one of hundreds of victims of landmines scattered across Myanmar, a deadly legacy of decades of conflict between the military and ethnic rebel groups.

According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), Myanmar recorded more landmine casualties in 2023 than any other country, surpassing war-torn Syria and Ukraine.

The ICBL's latest report revealed that at least 228 people were killed and 770 others injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Myanmar last year. The ongoing civil war, sparked by the military’s 2021 coup, has intensified the problem as new factions like the "People's Defence Forces" battle the junta, adding to the numerous mines laid across the countryside.

For families like Hla Han’s, the consequences are devastating. "Everything is different and difficult after my father lost his leg," said his daughter, Aye Mar. "When he was able to work, we didn't need to worry about anything."

In northern Shan state, 77-year-old Yar Swe Kyin urged her husband, Tar Swe Kyin, not to visit their fields on July 7, a day marked as inauspicious in the Burmese calendar. He insisted on checking their rented farmland and never returned.

Survivors like Hla Han emphasise the urgent need to clear landmines before displaced families can return safely.

Hunger and disease could claim the lives of over 2 million people by the end of this year, with the toll potentially rising to over 10 million by 2027 if the ongoing civil war persists without any intervention.

A joint statement by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and the Mercy Corps, noted that "Sudan is experiencing a starvation crisis of historic proportions. The silence is deafening. People are dying of hunger every day, and yet the focus remains on semantic debates and legal definitions."

The crisis began in April 2023, when  violent clashes  erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. This power struggle has plunged the country into chaos, resulting in widespread violence, displacement, and destruction. Civilians have been the hardest hit, with millions fleeing their homes and many trapped in besieged cities with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies.

The ongoing conflict has also severely disrupted agriculture, leading to a dramatic decline in food production and exacerbating the already dire situation. 

Just last week, the UN migration agency warned that the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Sudan had surged to 9.9 million across all 18 states. This figure includes 2.8 million displaced before the conflict and an additional 7.1 million since it began.

"More than half of all internally displaced persons (IDPs) are women, and over a quarter are children under the age of five," the IOM stated in a June 6 release.

According to the IOM, over 2 million people have fled Sudan, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.

"In total, some 12 million have been forced to flee their homes in Sudan, with more than 2 million crossing borders into neighbouring countries, principally to Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt," the organisation said.

"The question I have for you today is a painfully valid one: How much suffering and loss of life must the people of #Sudan endure before the world takes notice? Isn’t ten million internally displaced enough to compel urgent global action?" said Mohamed Refaat, head of IOM Sudan.

The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 due to escalating tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to intense fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and other parts of the country. While the exact number of casualties remains unknown, reports indicate that up to 9,000 people may have been killed in the first six months of the war.

According to the latest figures released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 10 million people have been displaced within war-torn Sudan, with 7.26 million fleeing their homes since the war broke out in April 2023. Sudan is facing the world's worst displacement crisis, with the UN warning of the risk of famine.

Saudi aid group launches health projects to support hospitals

Saudi aid group KSrelief inaugurated three health projects in Port Sudan on the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan to provide medical equipment to hospitals. The projects aim to benefit over 200,000 individuals and were announced in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Sudan Ali bin Hassan Jafar, as reported by Arab News .

Child rights violations

The United Nations has added Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to a blacklist for harming children in war, citing a “shocking” 21% increase in grave violations against children in 2023. The report also highlighted a 480% increase in grave violations against children in Sudan. “In 2023, violence against children in armed conflict reached extreme levels, with a shocking 21% increase in grave violations,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The annual report verified 30,705 “grave violations” committed last year in various conflict zones, including the war in Gaza.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Sudan defeated South Sudan 3-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, claiming the top spot in Group B. Walieldin Khidir, Yasir Mozamil Mohamed, and Mohamed Abdel Raman scored the goals for Sudan. South Sudan remains at the bottom of the table.

ICC seeks evidence of war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's civil war. In a video statement, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that people in Sudan are being attacked and killed due to the colour of their skin. The UN has warned of a strong possibility of genocide in Darfur, with reports of organised and systematic attacks on civilians. The situation is described by Khan as a "profound attack on human dignity." He added, "I believe based upon the information that we are receiving that we are on the precipice of something even worse.”

In the presence of senior government officials, diplomats, opposition groups, civil society, and bilateral partners in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya on Thursday, May 16, the South Sudanese government and rebel leaders signed the declaration of commitment to the Tumaini Initiative which means "hope" in Swahili.

This week, Kenya hosted high-level mediation talks initiated by President William Ruto earlier this month, aiming to establish a foundation for lasting peace in South Sudan as well as discuss the modalities of holding general elections scheduled for December.

Conflicts in South Sudan began in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir, from the Dinka ethnic group, accused his former deputy Riek Machar, from the Nuer ethnic group, of attempting a coup. This accusation escalated into violence between soldiers affiliated with each leader.

A peace agreement signed in August 2015 was short-lived after renewed violence. Further negotiations led to another agreement in June 2018, with a pledge to form a unity government.

Despite these peace agreements signed in 2015 and 2018 amidst international sanctions, conflicts in South Sudan have persisted over the years.

For President Boakai, the decision represents a necessary and courageous step forward. "Liberia has endured downpours of agony," he stated .

Critics of the war crimes court caution that it may reopen old wounds, yet Liberian President Boakai believes it will pave the way for “justice and healing.”

Adama K Dempster, one of the lead campaigners for the war crimes court, emphasised its importance. "It's an open show of support for war victims and survivors of the civil wars," he told the BBC .

In April, 28 out of the 30 senators in the Liberian Senate voted to establish the war crimes court following a similar vote of approval by the lower house of parliament in the previous month.

Atrocities throughout the bloody conflicts that lasted from 1989 to 2003 included forced child military recruitment, rape, and mass executions. However, Liberia has not yet held a trial for any crimes committed during the violent conflicts, despite calls from both domestic and foreign parties.

Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia and the chief mastermind of both civil wars, is presently serving a 50-year sentence in the United Kingdom for war crimes, however, for his involvement in the conflict in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

The path to establishing the first war crimes court has been marked by challenges and milestones, including past attempts at reconciliation.

In 2006, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address the aftermath of the conflicts. Although the TRC identified individuals who should be prosecuted for war crimes in 2009, political controversy and a lack of action stalled progress.

Intense weapon fires were reported in the vicinity of Toussaint Louverture International Airport on the evening of March 5, causing anxiety among residents in nearby neighbourhoods. The gunfire was part of a series of incidents involving armed groups attempting to seize control of airport facilities. This violence, aimed at various public institutions, including the Guy Malary terminal, is believed to be part of a series of activities to prevent the return of Prime Minister Ariel Henry to Haiti, reports media agency Alter Presse . Henry's attempts to return from travels abroad have so far been unsuccessful.

4,733 prisoners on the run

According to the Office for Citizen Protection (OPC), a total of 4,733 prisoners fled from the prison during attacks by armed gangs on March 2, 3, and 4. The OPC expressed alarm over the escalating insecurity, particularly in Port-au-Prince, reports local media Le National . The OPC criticized the authorities' indifference towards the incidents and lamented the lack of security reinforcement near the detention centres amid the crisis. The OPC highlighted the threat posed by escapees to judicial officials and called for measures to protect the remaining prisoners.

UN response

In response to the escalating security crisis in Port-au-Prince, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent action in Haiti and financial support for the Multinational Security Support Mission (Mmas). He also urged the de facto government and political factions to agree on measures for democratic restoration through elections. Guterres reiterates the need for international support to combat gang violence, reports media agency Alter Presse .

US will not deploy soldiers

John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, informed reporters that high-level U.S. government officials maintained close contact with Haitian government officials and international partners over the weekend to stabilize the situation and pursue a lasting political solution. Following 72 hours of diplomatic engagement, the Biden administration will not deploy American troops in Haiti to support the Haitian National Police's security operations, local media Haiti Libre reported. Instead, they are mobilizing urgent support for Haiti. The United States will also not provide a military plane to accompany the Prime Minister and his delegation to Haiti, who have been stranded in the USA since March 2 due to the temporary suspension of commercial flights to Haiti.

Civil war threat

Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, issued a threat of a potential civil war if contested Prime Minister Ariel Henry remained in power amidst Haiti's escalating violence. Chérizier, who leads an alliance of armed gangs called "the G9 family" and its allies, warned of dire consequences if Henry did not resign and if the international community continued to support him, reports local media Haiti Loop . The gangs, controlling important parts of Haiti and the capital, intensified attacks against infrastructure and strategic sites during Henry's trip abroad. Chérizier, a former police officer sanctioned by the UN, said Haiti would either become a paradise or a hell for all its inhabitants.

Taiwan remained a Japanese colony for half a century after China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. Following the defeat of Japan in World War II, China’s Nationalist government, led by the Kuomintang (KMT), took control of Taiwan. Not long after, the Nationalists which also ruled mainland China under the Republic of China (ROC) were attacked and defeated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Chinese Civil War which led to the Nationalists retreating to Taiwan in 1949. CCP took power and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing, China.

During this period, the U.S. supported Taiwan economically, and it now operates independently with its government and a population of twenty-three million people, though recognition is limited.

Mainland China since then has vowed to unify Taiwan with mainland China.

Cross-strait tensions

Mainland China insists on the " One China " principle, saying there’s only one China, considering Taiwan as part of its territory and itself as the sole legitimate government. They aim for Taiwan's eventual reunification with the mainland and claim that the 1992 Consensus binds Taiwan to this idea, even though there is disagreement on its content.

Taiwan rejects reunification and seeks independence. Despite Taiwan's push for independence, Mainland China remains committed to reunification and has intensified efforts to bring Taiwan under its control, saying it has not ruled out force in achieving this goal.

"One China" possibility

In the 1980s, relations between Taiwan and China began to improve as Taiwan eased restrictions on visits and investments in China. In 1991, Taiwan officially declared an end to the war with China. However, China proposed the "one country, two systems" model, offering significant autonomy to Taiwan under Beijing's control, a proposal that Taiwan rejected.

President Tsai, who took office in 2016, disputed the existence of the 1992 consensus and increased defense spending, reaching a record budget of nearly $17 billion for 2022.

China has since heightened military measures, including frequent patrols and naval displays around Taiwan. Taiwan reported a surge in cyberattacks from China, accusing Chinese groups of hacking into its government agencies. China also implemented various diplomatic and economic pressures on Taiwan and its international partners including suspending cross-strait relations, restricting tourism to Taiwan and intimidating countries that have ties with Taiwan, emphasizing its proposal for reunification under the "one country, two systems" formula and maintaining the option to use force if necessary.

In a 2019 speech , China’s President Xi said , "We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means.”

The likelihood of a China-Taiwan War

The fact that China hasn’t ruled out using force to achieve Taiwan’s “reunification” raises concerns about the likelihood of war. However, experts hold differing views on the likelihood and timing of a Chinese invasion . Some experts point to 2049 as a critical date, given President Xi's emphasis on achieving the "Chinese Dream" by then.

Regardless, The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has prioritized preparing for a Taiwan contingency, and Taiwan has been a significant driver of China's military modernization . 

Can Taiwan defend itself against China in the breakout of a war? Taiwan may face challenges considering China’s defense spending , estimated to be around twelve times that of Taiwan.

President Tsai has however allocated a record budget of over $19 billion for 2023 in defense spending. The U.S. under President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has also expressed a commitment to come to Taiwan's defense if attacked by China.

On January 9, China issued a threat of additional trade measures against Taiwan, escalating tensions ahead of elections on the island. Taiwan accused Beijing of engaging in "economic coercion", and election interference that includes military activities and expressed displeasure over a surprise Chinese satellite launch conducted in its airspace.

The situation reflects heightened political and economic tensions between the two sides and as it reaches its peak, the world closely watches and holds its breath in anticipation of the next chapter.

617 violent incidents happened in the DRC between March 1993 and June 2003. Every one of these instances suggested that there were flagrant breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights, the United Nations reported in 2003.

Lumbala was detained in Paris in December 2021 and was the subject of an official inquiry for “complicity in crimes against humanity,” according to French anti-terror prosecutors.

There have been reactions from human rights groups and NGOs from the international community on social media following this announcement.