“Africa CDC is concerned about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, insecurity in affected areas, gaps in contact listing, infection prevention and control challenges, and the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan,” warns Africa CDC in its latest statement .

One case in Uganda on May 14 th validates these concerns: a 59-year-old Congolese man from DRC died of Ebola three days after being admitted in a Kampala hospital.

Cross-border mobility is a double risk: it spreads the disease fast, and it impedes trade and people’s livelihoods especially those living along borders.

What’s more worrying is how the epidemic compounds the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, where insecurity has already displaced thousands. Ituri’s high levels of displacement, driven by armed insurgency in areas like Djugu, strain refugees and IDPs who are already under economic pressure. That same insecurity hinders healthcare workers from reaching the people who need them most.

For families already displaced by violence, this isn’t just a health alert, but a reminder that safe areas may not remain safe for long.

Previous outbreaks in DRC, notably between 2018 and 2020, claimed thousands of lives and strained the country’s resources. The country is home to over half a million refugees and nearly 6 million IDPs – people who urgently need support to navigate health emergencies.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, or someone who has died from the disease. Considering how highly infectious Ebola is, the mass movement of people fleeing to safer areas risks spreading the virus faster. Refugees and IDPs need clear, timely and accessible information about the disease and its symptoms.

Access to water and detergents among displaced populations in the region is shrinking by the day due to aid cuts. This alone will make observing the standard prevention procedures, like keeping hands and surfaces clean, nearly impossible.

Ebola has killed over 15,000 in Africa in the last fifty years, demonstrating the need for sustainable mechanisms to manage its emergence and transmission. Efforts towards an Ebola vaccine offer optimism, but the virus mutates, producing multiple variants that will require an integrated approach.

African countries can’t keep waiting for aid that isn’t coming. They must find alternative funding sources to fill the gaps. The international community holds a shared responsibility to support epidemic response because infectious diseases know no borders. Supporting such efforts, particularly in East Africa which has built coordinated response mechanisms over the years, protects the global community and limits the emergence of new and dangerous variants.

African governments should design policies that foster collaboration between private and public organisations to advance vaccine research. This will help curb the heavy reliance on foreign intervention, which is often marked with vested interests. COVID-19 proved it: global north countries prioritised their populations first, and by the time help arrived, many African lives had already been lost.

The article solely represents the views of Simpson Muhwezi, a Ugandan freelance writer and development practitioner.

Footage showed damaged homes, waterlogged rooms and household items floating in muddy floodwater. Another resident, Nelson Joao Adriano, said entire homes, including bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, had been inundated, and called for families to be relocated from flood-prone areas.

Victims also criticised the authorities for failing to respond adequately, saying the stagnant water posed serious health risks and had made daily life unbearable. While the death toll from the floods rises, residents say they feel abandoned and are demanding urgent support.

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.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said hospitals are facing frequent blackouts, shortages of essential medicines and difficulties operating critical equipment, with major disruption to services including oncology care, dialysis, emergency services and maternal and infant care. OCHA said about 16,000 cancer patients need radiotherapy, and more than 12,000 relying on chemotherapy are being affected by power and resource shortages.

Fuel shortages are also limiting ambulance movements and slowing aid operations. OCHA said nearly one million people depend on water delivered by tanker trucks, while more than 80% of water-pumping infrastructure relies on electricity, leading to widespread service disruptions.

The UN said it is engaging member states, including the United States, to ensure humanitarian assistance can be delivered.

It is a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose commanders were close allies in the post-Omar al-Bashir transitional government. Despite being the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with widespread severe hunger and malnutrition, the Sudan war is receiving far less global attention than it needs. Not only has this worsened access to humanitarian support, but it has also fuelled the conflict’s persistence by failing to spark urgency.

The shift in global attention has contributed to prolonged suffering in a country with over 21 million people experiencing acute hunger and growing rates of malnutrition. “WFP has been forced to reduce rations to the absolute minimum for survival. By the end of March, we will have depleted our food stocks in Sudan. Without immediate additional funding, millions of people will be left without vital food assistance within weeks,” notes Ross Smith, World Food Programme (WFP)’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response.

The dwindling interest by the international community can be attributed to competing global priorities such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US-Israel war against Iran which have diverted attention and resources from the Sudan civil war.

The precarious working conditions in cities like Darfur and El Fasher where civilian massacres have been reported, render reporting on the conflict dangerous, with scores of journalists allegedly imprisoned, others injured or killed in the line of duty .

Disproportionate media coverage is especially concerning, as it distorts public perception, facilitates the spread of false information and undermines the need to hold warring parties accountable, amid reports of potential war crimes committed by the RSF in western Sudan.

Sudan’s neighbours have had to contend with the crisis. For instance in February, numerous armed incidents were reported near the Sudan-Chad border, including a drone attack that left more than 20 people injured near Adré. 

According to a report by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), another drone killed two parents and injured their infant between Abgamra, North Darfur and Tiné town within Chad’s Wadi Fira region. The country has also experienced an increased refugee influx, recording approximately 913, 537 new arrivals between April 2023 and February 2026. This has exacerbated its dire humanitarian situation amidst aid cuts.

The limited international attention to this crisis is a litmus test for African institutions like Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). It weighs their ability to rise to the occasion and resolve conflicts peacefully, considering the regressive economic and social impact of insecurity on the continent’s efforts to further integrate and achieve collective prosperity.

The crisis equally highlights the need to bolster press freedom in times of conflict, particularly to counter the disproportionate global attention on Sudan’s conflict.

“This disparity reflects more than geographic proximity—it reveals an implicit hierarchy of crises, where some conflicts are seen as more urgent and deserving of intervention than others. If Rwanda taught us anything, it is that history tends to repeat itself in new forms,” analysts caution.

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

Residents reported that water quickly overwhelmed their temporary shelters, washing away belongings and leaving families struggling to protect children and elderly relatives. Attempts to dig drainage channels in the sand were largely ineffective against the force of the storms.

Displaced parents described moving young children to safer locations while returning to flooded camps to recover what possessions they could. Many emphasised that tents provide little protection from harsh winter weather, calling for more durable solutions such as caravans.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, highlighted the impact on social media , noting that harsh winter conditions are compounding more than two years of suffering. He warned that people are surviving in flimsy, waterlogged tents and amid ruins, with their living conditions deteriorating further.

Local media reported that the storms have been deadly, with at least 17 people killed, including four children. Humanitarian agencies have cautioned that without improved shelter and protection, further casualties are likely as the winter season continues.

"Partners indicate that at least 120,000 people were displaced between September and December, as water prices soar, food becomes increasingly scarce, livestock die, and livelihoods collapse, " OCHA said in the update released on Monday, December 22.

The situation is also disrupting education, with more than 75,000 students having dropped out of school nationwide. OCHA anticipates that the upcoming dry season, spanning January to March, will exacerbate existing drought conditions. 

The agency warned of increased water shortages, further livestock deaths, and rising food insecurity across many regions. 

"Authorities are appealing for urgent assistance to avert a possible collapse of pastoral and farming livelihoods and to prevent avoidable loss of life. They warn that the next four months will be critical, as the next rainy season is not expected until April 2026," the update stated. 

Despite the challenges, OCHA confirmed that the UN and its partners are actively involved in the response. "Support includes assessments, mapping available supply stocks, and coordinating emergency responses across water, food, nutrition, health and shelter sectors." 

Humanitarian teams are also delivering cash assistance, distributing animal fodder, rehabilitating boreholes, and conducting field visits to monitor conditions and prepare for early interventions, according to OCHA. However, these operations are severely limited by ongoing financial constraints. 

Earlier this month, it was reported that over 680 staff members with UN agencies in Somalia had been laid off since the beginning of 2025, following widespread funding shortages that have disrupted various humanitarian and development programs.

In response to the crisis, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher allocated $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support immediate needs. OCHA emphasised that "substantially more support is urgently needed."

The Somali NGO Consortium (SNC) also voiced concern over the deteriorating situation.

 “The resources required to save lives are shrinking while communities grow more desperate. Somalia cannot afford to reverse the hard-won progress of recent years,” Nimo Hassan, Director of the Somali NGO Consortium, said in a December 14 press release .

With just days before the end of 2025, officials indicate that the humanitarian response plan for Somalia had received only about $370 million of the $1.4 billion required, representing just one-quarter of the total funding target.

Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the layoffs included 158 international staff and 522 Somali employees. Key agencies affected include UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Smaller entities such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also faced staff reductions.

Officials explained that the layoffs resulted from a sharp decline in financial support from international donors. 

The drop in funding has stalled ongoing development and humanitarian programmes, including those previously backed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“The diversion of donor resources to crises in Ukraine , South Sudan, and Syria has further strained the funding available for Somalia,” one source said. 

The source added that the budget cuts are limiting the UN’s ability to provide essential services and development programmes to vulnerable communities.

Somalia’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan is significantly underfunded, with only 23.7% of the required resources secured. The UN reported that the number of people receiving emergency food assistance fell from 1.1 million in August to 350,000 in November.

These reductions are occurring at a time when humanitarian needs in Somalia remain high. The UN estimates that at least 4.4 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity through December. 

Additionally, 1.85 million children under the age of five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition through mid-2026.

The RSF announced control of El Fasher on Sunday after intense battles with the Sudanese army. RSF leader and Sudan’s Founding Council Chair Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo described the capture as a “strategic shift in the war ” and “a change in favour of Sudan’s unity.”

Dagalo also said a committee would be formed to investigate reported violations during the fighting, following media reports of mass killings. The UN has said more than 1,350 civilians were killed in El Fasher.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s army chief and de facto ruler, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, insisted his forces remained capable of reversing the situation, vowing to “protect Sudan, its sovereignty, and the stability of its people regardless of the challenges.”

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since fighting erupted between the army and the RSF in April 2023. More than 20,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured, while around 12 million have been displaced. Over 25.6 million Sudanese are now facing severe food insecurity, according to UN figures.

Clara Brugada presented her first report to the local Congress, highlighting progress in security, public investment, housing, and transport. She claimed serious crimes have decreased and that the city now has a “historic budget” for social and infrastructure projects. Brugada also pointed to new legal reforms, including tougher penalties for extortion, while critics argue her government still faces major challenges in mobility and water management.

At least 47 dead after heavy rains hit five states

Torrential rains across central and eastern Mexico have left at least 47 people dead and dozens missing in states such as Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, and Querétaro. The federal government announced support plans and a census to assess damage. Roads have been cut off, thousands of homes flooded, and entire communities remain isolated. President Sheinbaum visited the affected areas, promising coordinated relief efforts with local authorities.

Online debate over Sheinbaum’s report and possible T-MEC tensions

Social media erupted following President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first report and speculation over a possible strain in Mexico’s trade relations with the US and Canada. Discussions on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from support for Sheinbaum’s tone to criticism over uncertainty around the USMCA (T-MEC). Around 40% of online mentions focused on Washington’s warnings about treaty compliance, while others cautioned against any move that could threaten economic stability.

Judicial reform sparks concerns over rule of law

An opinion piece titled “El poder o la ley” (Power or the Law) warned that recent judicial reforms could undermine the separation of powers. The article argues that electing judges through politically influenced processes and restricting the use of constitutional appeals would weaken the rule of law. Legal experts fear these moves could erode judicial independence, discourage investment, and deepen mistrust in institutions.

Archive footage from before the war reveals a stark contrast: families enjoying Gaza’s beaches, Muslims and Christians attending prayers, and the bustling daily life in the territory’s cities. Now, those images are juxtaposed with collapsed buildings, rubble-strewn streets, and desperate residents searching for food, medicine, and missing loved ones.

The war began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed 1,139 people, including approximately 300 festivalgoers, according to Israeli authorities. Israel responded with widespread airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, initiating one of the region's deadliest and most protracted conflicts in recent history.

In a potential turning point, U.S. President Donald Trump last week unveiled a new peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began this Monday in Egypt, signalling a possible diplomatic breakthrough. Hamas has reportedly accepted parts of the plan, including the release of all remaining hostages held since the initial attack.

Despite ongoing violence and humanitarian collapse, international mediators are cautiously optimistic that the new round of negotiations may lead to a ceasefire and pave the way for longer-term peace in the region.

The prime minister revealed that several weeks ago, he ordered the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to enter Gaza City, described as Hamas’s most significant stronghold, to increase military pressure. At the same time, Netanyahu met with former U.S. President Donald Trump and his team, seeking a diplomatic breakthrough. “Instead of Israel being isolated, Hamas is isolated,” he said. “As a result of the intensified military and diplomatic pressure, Hamas was pressed to agree to the plan we brought.”

Under the proposed deal, Netanyahu said, Hamas would release all 48 remaining hostages in the first stage, while Israeli forces would redeploy but maintain control of key areas deep inside Gaza to ensure security and prevent Hamas from reestablishing its strongholds.

Thunberg was among activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which said it was attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The group warned earlier that it was sailing into a “high-risk area” about 150 nautical miles off Gaza before contact was lost.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel ’s interception of the flotilla, calling it a “violation of international law” and urging international pressure for the release of those detained.

Israel, however, described the mission as a “political provocation”, defending the blockade as lawful under international maritime rules and claiming some participants had ties to Hamas, an accusation the organisers strongly denied.

Flotilla missions have repeatedly tried to challenge Israel’s naval blockade since 2008. Most have been intercepted, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which ten Turkish activists were killed by Israeli commandos, sparking global outcry. 

“In Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti, we see the consequences of arriving late,” André said, pointing to mass displacement and human rights abuses in Latin America and the Caribbean. “We could have acted in time; we could have prevented the repeated and systematic violation of human rights and the exodus of millions of people who today seek refuge and other forms of international protection, and we did not.”

André accused world powers of lacking political will rather than financial resources, calling humanitarian aid “the price we pay for not taking timely preventive action.” He urged countries to strengthen real-time information-sharing, harmonise regulatory frameworks, and coordinate regional responses to prevent future crises, according to The Tico Times newspaper.

Costa Rica, long recognised for its role in regional peace and human rights advocacy, linked Latin America’s instability to broader global security concerns. André warned that migration corridors across the Americas are being exploited by organised crime and drug trafficking , compounding humanitarian pressures.

The foreign minister also expanded his appeal to global challenges, calling for the “complete, verifiable, and irreversible elimination” of nuclear weapons, warning that the risk of nuclear conflict is at its highest in decades and the urgent collective action on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change , pollution, and biodiversity loss, including advancing energy transitions, ocean protection, and finalising a global plastics treaty.

Costa Rica's intervention highlights an escalating frustration among small and mid-sized nations regarding the perceived inability of larger powers to respond decisively to both regional and global crises.

“Humanitarian security requires shared responsibility and coordinated action to preserve the stability our peoples deserve,” André said.

In Khan Younis on Thursday, displaced families gathered outside the al-Saada charity kitchen, waiting hours to receive a pot of rice or beans. Volunteers inside worked frantically, but the supply fell short of the need.

“Every day, about 20,000 people benefit from this charity kitchen,” said owner Saad Abdin. “Those who receive food survive; those who do not suffer even more.”’

Residents described a grim routine of waiting, hoping, and often leaving empty-handed. Um Ebrahim, who fled from the Aqsa University area, said some days she managed to return home with one or two meals, while on others she had nothing for her children .

Israel’s restrictions on the entry of goods have made meat, fish and eggs virtually unattainable. 

“People here are suffering from malnutrition,” Abdin said. “There is not enough food to go around for all the displaced in Khan Younis.”

The United Nations has warned that Gaza City is already in “Phase 5” — the highest category of food insecurity — with half a million people at risk of hunger, destitution and death. Aid agencies say conditions are worsening daily as fighting intensifies.

On September 16, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major ground operation in Gaza City. The Israeli army has described the city as a “dangerous combat zone” and urged residents to evacuate south, but aid groups say nowhere in the Strip is safe.

The war , now in its twelfth month, began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,100 people and taking over 200 hostages. Since then, Israeli bombardments and ground operations have killed at least 65,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

At the UN, speaker after speaker condemned the scale of Israel’s campaign and supported the establishment of a Palestinian state. 

Leaders from Africa, Latin America and the Arab world urged stronger international action, accusing the Security Council of paralysis. Several called for an immediate ceasefire and warned that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is a stain on global leadership.

Operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the activists had intended to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and later deliver a symbolic amount of aid to the region.

Now, a fresh group of activists called the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is attempting to break through Israel's blockade once more in order to bring aid to Gaza.

They argue Israel's blockade is an "illegal siege on Gaza" as it breaches the 4th Geneva Convention against 'collective punishment' of civilians and the San Remo Manual (1994).

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for the past 18 years. Since October 2023, it has further tightened restrictions, limiting the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently stated that Gaza is already experiencing the worst-case scenario of famine. The IPC called for immediate action to end the violence and allow for “unimpeded, large-scale, life-saving humanitarian response” to prevent “catastrophic human suffering”.

However, Israeli officials argue that the blockade is necessary to prevent aid from reaching Hamas. They have labelled the flotilla activists as “terrorists”.

The GSF, made up of dozens of boats and hundreds of activists from 44 countries, left Barcelona, Spain, on September 1. They expect to reach Gaza by mid-September.

The GSF, consisting of dozens of boats and hundreds of activists from 44 countries, departed from Barcelona, Spain, on September 1 and is expected to reach Gaza in mid-September. Organisers say the effort is aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver food, medicine, and other aid.

The joint statement called on all parties to respect international law and refrain from any unlawful or violent acts against the flotilla. It warned that violations, including attacks in international waters or illegal detentions, would be met with accountability.

“Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments,” the statement read.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coordinated, nonviolent fleet of small vessels sailing from Mediterranean ports in a bid to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It unites a diverse coalition of international activists, including participants from earlier land and sea initiatives such as the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and the Global Movement to Gaza. 

The small vessels are carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice, biscuits, and milk powder, which are crucial, especially at a time when international agencies have reported clear signs of famine in Gaza.

Activist Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri said the initiative demonstrates solidarity with civilians in Gaza.

“We are preparing the humanitarian aid. We are bringing on the ships to Gaza to break the siege and feed our children , our brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip,” he said.

“This is a mission that we are going to go together. We are going to go as one strong power.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coalition of activist groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement for Gaza, and the Sumud Nusantara.

The ships are expected to travel through Italy and Tunisia before reaching Gaza in mid-September.

Previous flotillas have attempted similar missions. Some succeeded in delivering aid, while others were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, resulting in fatalities.

A flotilla is a group of vessels organised to transport essential supplies such as food and medicine to areas where conventional delivery routes are blocked or restricted. 

Humanitarian flotillas usually operate under international maritime law and with the backing of global organisations.

Israel has repeatedly stated that “unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.” 

Officials have also previously criticised flotillas bound for Gaza, describing them as “selfie yachts of celebrities,” “stunts,” and “Instagram activism,” and alleging possible links to Hamas.

“This is not a conquest. Israel has no plans or desire to permanently occupy Gaza. This is liberation from a brutal terror regime,” Miller stated.

Representatives from the UK, France, Russia , and other nations warned that the plan risked breaching international humanitarian law. 

James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, said, "Expanding military operations will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict. It will not secure the release of the hostages. It will only deepen the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” 

“This is not a path to resolution. It is a path to more bloodshed," he added.

The United States backed Israel’s position. US Representative Dorothy Shea told the council that Hamas “is not negotiating in good faith” and added, “This war could end today if Hamas let the hostages and all of Gaza go free.”

Netanyahu said the IDF had been ordered to dismantle the “two remaining Hamas strongholds” in Gaza City and the central area around al-Mawasi. He outlined a three-step humanitarian plan, including designated safe corridors for aid delivery, increased air drops by Israeli forces and partners, and more safe distribution points managed by the US and Israeli-backed Gazan Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The UN reported earlier this month that nearly 1,400 Palestinians had died seeking food since May 27, including 859 in areas near GHF sites. Netanyahu accused Hamas of “violently looting the aid trucks” and deliberately causing shortages.

Reports suggest that the plan to take control of new areas in Gaza could take up to five months to complete.

Footage from the protest shows participants holding placards that read “Stop the Gaza genocide” and chanting slogans such as “Boycott Israel .” The protest took place at the Invalides metro station in Paris.

“The Americans are the main participants in this war, in this ongoing genocide. They have killed more than 500 Palestinians with their forces as they came seeking humanitarian aid. Today, the American statement saying that they will move on to another plan to recover Israeli prisoners in Gaza means an acceleration of this ongoing genocide,” Salah Hamouri, a Franco-Palestinian lawyer and member of the Emergency Palestine association, stated.

The protest comes after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would officially recognise the State of Palestine in September. If implemented, this would make France the first permanent member of the UN Security Council and the first G7 country to take such a step.

“Because of its position and its ability to influence international policy , but also because of its responsibility to sell arms and help the State of Israel continue to bomb the Gazans in the Gaza Strip,” Ali, one of the protesters, commented on France's role in the conflict. “So France has a great responsibility. Today, we hear talk of recognising the State of Palestine. For me, this is just a way of relieving the pressure felt domestically, but for me it's a responsibility in total,” he added.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP) , the hunger crisis in Gaza has reached critical levels. One-third of the population reportedly goes multiple days without food, and one in five people is facing starvation. The WFP also warns that nearly 100,000 women and children are experiencing severe acute malnutrition and are in urgent need of treatment.

In one such camp, a group of young Sudanese volunteers has stepped in to ensure children don’t lose access to education. “The initiative, honestly, was launched through the efforts of young people. There is no supporting entity, no organisations or bodies backing it,” said Jamal Ahmed, a volunteer. “The youth collect contributions, identify what’s lacking, and provide it to the school. We submitted aid requests to several organisations and initiatives, but the response was that this camp is just a temporary stop and there’s no mandate to support education. That’s why we rely entirely on our own efforts, especially the children’s parents, who are the main pillar of this initiative,” he told Viory.

Despite these challenges, the initiative has managed to provide classes for children from kindergarten to sixth grade. A teacher at the camp explained the hurdles they still face, “Through the initiative, we’ve been able to provide education for children from kindergarten up to sixth grade. But we still lack so much, some children study out in the open with no mats, no school supplies, and no toys. We're grateful to anyone who offers support, and all thanks go to our brothers and sisters in the 'Our Hands for the Country' initiative,” he said.

Around 13 million people have been displaced, including 3.8 million who have fled to neighboring countries.

Health clinics in Baidoa, Somalia, report worsening child malnutrition and declining vaccination coverage. According to Save the Children’s Moazzam Malik, prolonged drought, loss of livelihoods, and climate change have left families in urgent need. He also cited the impact of international aid reductions. Meanwhile, the U.S. conducted additional airstrikes in Somalia last week—the 49th since President Donald Trump returned to office, as recorded by the New America think tank.

Turkey’s Erdoğan and Mohamud discuss counterterrorism and regional tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara on Friday, July 11, to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on counterterrorism and regional cooperation. The meeting took place behind closed doors at the Presidential Complex, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate. The talks occurred amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia following a stalled mediation process over Ethiopia’s port access deal with Somaliland. The agreement, signed in January 2024, grants Ethiopia access to a portion of Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for support for Somaliland’s international recognition. Somalia opposes the deal, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. Turkey has been mediating since February 2024.

Egypt delays troop deployment to AU Somalia mission

Egypt has yet to deploy its pledged battalion to the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), raising concerns over the mission’s stability. While AU officials publicly describe the situation as a delay, diplomatic sources suggest Cairo is increasingly unwilling to participate. As a result, the AU has extended the mandate of a Burundian contingent to fill the gap. The 1,091 Egyptian troops were scheduled for deployment in the Middle Shabelle region, a strategically important area now left exposed due to the drawdown of the previous mission, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Somalia’s HirShabelle state begins voter registration for direct elections

In south-central Somalia, Ali Gudlawe Hussein, president of HirShabelle state, initiated a voter registration drive in the state’s capital, Jowhar, on Sunday, July 13, a push for the state’s first direct elections in over half a century. He became the first registrant during a public ceremony attended by hundreds. The registration, overseen by the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), supports a federally-backed transition from the clan-based power-sharing system to a “one person, one vote” electoral model.

Puntland president denies claims of anti-federal agenda

President of the autonomous state Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, has rejected accusations that his administration is acting against the Somali federal government. In a public address in its capital, Garowe on Saturday, July 12, Deni reaffirmed Puntland’s commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, describing the state as a foundational part of the federal structure. The statement follows growing political tensions with Mogadishu over disputed proposals involving the Sanaag region, which Puntland opposes.

Viv Ansanm, led by gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, and Gran Grif, led by Luckson Elan, have been central to a wave of violence that has destabilised much of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The latest update to the UN Sanctions List 2653 , which now includes seven individuals and two entities.  

“These sanctions close the door to all possibilities of negotiations with these thugs. They must be eliminated. This is my conviction,” said Haitian political figure Michel André.

The U.S. Department of State previously warned that any individuals or organisations providing material support to these gangs could face criminal prosecution and possible expulsion or entry bans. It also emphasised that all assets and interests of the designated entities within U.S. jurisdiction would be blocked.

“Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the American financial system and the resources they need to carry out attacks,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement following the initial designation.

The UN action follows alarming findings from its Expert Group on Haiti, presented in a Security Council meeting on June 5, 2025.

The data highlights the persistent and deadly burden of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, which continue to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

The map, colour-coded to highlight this deadly disparity, shows countries in red where mosquito-borne diseases, especially malaria, are the leading cause of death and surpass both homicides and traffic accidents.

These red zones stretch across much of Central and Western Africa, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda , and Cameroon. In contrast, countries in yellow indicate that human-related causes remain the top killers.

According to the WHO, malaria alone killed an estimated 619,000 people in 2021, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in Africa. Children under five account for around 80% of malaria deaths in the region, making it not only a public health emergency but also a humanitarian crisis.

Mosquitoes, primarily the female Anopheles species, transmit the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Other diseases like dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever also contribute to the mosquito death toll, though malaria remains the most deadly by far.

The WHO, however, has prioritised malaria in its global health agenda, including the rollout of the RTS,S malaria vaccine , which began pilot programmes in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. While promising, vaccine supply and logistical challenges mean full implementation remains years away.

Efforts are also being made to innovate mosquito control, from genetically modified mosquitoes to drone-assisted larvicide spraying. However, experts warn that climate change may expand mosquito habitats, increasing the risk in new regions.

Lake Chad province in the west hosts over 268,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), uprooted by armed violence and flooding. Across the regions, access to healthcare, clean water , shelter, and basic protection is deteriorating.

The situation has worsened since the suspension of U.S. funding from USAID and the Bureau of Population, Refugees , and Migration (PRM) support that had sustained much of the lifesaving response.

The report also reveals that the funding halt has forced the closure of maternity wards, suspended mobile clinics, and disrupted the delivery of essential reproductive health supplies to over 80 health facilities.

Despite escalating needs, UNFPA has received less than $1 million of the $27 million it urgently requires for 2025.

In April 2025 alone, the UNFPA undertook the following;

UNFPA is coordinating with partners across Chad to maintain operations, including safety audits in IDP camps, GBV case management, and youth education on reproductive health.

Chad’s crisis is no longer looming, it is here, escalating, and underfunded.

The cost of inaction will be measured in lives lost, dignity denied, and futures cut short.

What they said

“The level of hunger and destitution and desperation that was found (is) severe and confirmed the risk of famine in those areas,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan, speaking to reporters in Geneva via video link from Port Sudan. He added, “Supplements for young children and pregnant and nursing mothers are out of reach because of a lack of resources … Without urgent support we will not be able to deliver the food package that the Sudanese need.”

The situation is driven by a combination of climate-related shocks, public health emergencies, and economic instability, according to a recent UNICEF Zimbabwe humanitarian report .

The crisis is largely attributed to an El Niño-induced drought that has severely disrupted food production, alongside multiple public health threats, including cholera and malaria.

As of April 30, the country had recorded 740 cholera cases and 20 deaths, with a 2% case fatality rate. "The main drivers of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases remain poor access to safe water and inadequate sanitation coverage, particularly in informal settlements such as farming, fishing and artisanal mining communities,” the report stated.

In addition, 125,021 cases of common diarrhoea and 54 associated deaths were recorded by April. Dysentery and typhoid also remain concerns, with 7,588 and 60 suspected cases, respectively, reported since January.

The crisis has extended to the education sector. Since the onset of the rainy season, 92 schools have been damaged, mainly involving collapsed roofs on classroom blocks and teachers’ cottages. “Communities and local authorities are doing what they can to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and ensure the safety of students and teachers,” said the Education Cluster Update .

There has been a marked rise in school absenteeism and dropouts, primarily due to hunger. Emergency teaching materials are being rapidly depleted, leaving gaps in the national response.

In response, UNICEF and its partners have scaled up humanitarian operations. A total of 1,176 health workers, including 611 women and 565 men, have been trained in cholera surveillance and infection control. Nutrition programmes are also being expanded in the 18 most affected districts, with a focus on preventing all forms of malnutrition.

“There is a critical need to expand the coverage of programmes aimed at preventing all forms of malnutrition,” the report noted. “This includes scaling up care groups and strengthening district food and nutrition security committees.”

In South Kordofan, renewed fighting in Dibebad forced around 2,800 people, mostly women and children, to flee last week. Many are now scattered across Al Quoz locality and into West Kordofan, with limited access to basic services. Conditions in the state capital, Kadugli, have significantly worsened amid heavy shelling and restricted humanitarian access, the Sudan Tribune reports.

Authorities in Northern State said 6,000 people displaced from North Darfur, Khartoum, and West Kordofan arrived in Dabbah locality between May 12 and 22.

Health conditions are also deteriorating, with Dujarric noting an 80% rise in suspected cholera cases in Khartoum over the past two weeks, now exceeding 8,500. The World Health Organisation has delivered supplies, but “much more is needed,” he said. An inter-agency assessment also identified widespread respiratory infections, malaria, and skin conditions, driven by inadequate shelter, sanitation, and access to clean water.

With the rainy season looming, the UN and partners are working to preposition aid, establishing storage hubs in Geneina, Nyala, and Tawila in Darfur. Cross-border operations from Chad will support West and Central Darfur.

Around 250,000 children in North Darfur have lost access to education since the war began in April 2023. Humanitarian partners have only reached 14% of the targeted children due to insecurity and lack of funding.

The UN renewed calls for “increased, flexible and timely funding” and “unimpeded access” to ensure aid reaches those most in need across the country.

In contrast, the RSF maintains control over much of the Darfur region and parts of South and West Kordofan. Areas of ongoing combat are marked in purple, while other contested or isolated pockets are highlighted in yellow. The map uses green to represent areas controlled by the Sudanese army and red for those under RSF control, Sudan Khbar reports.

The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023 in the capital Khartoum, has resulted in shifting frontlines, especially in central regions. The army reports that it has recently regained control of Khartoum, Sennar, and Al-Jazirah states after extended clashes.

The map is intended to provide an updated overview of military positions and the current distribution of forces across the country.

The RSF has not issued an official response to the map, though sources linked to the group have questioned the accuracy of the army's territorial claims.

“2,323 new cholera cases have been recorded, including 51 deaths over three weeks, 90% of which were identified in Khartoum State, especially Karrari and Jebel Aulia,” a statement from the Ministry read.

The outbreak has been fueled by severe water shortages, worsened after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled three power stations in Omdurman on May 14, causing widespread power outages across the capital. With water supply systems down, residents have turned to unsafe sources such as shallow wells and direct extraction from the Nile, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Sudan is also currently facing multiple public health threats, including dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis, measles, and diphtheria, with infection and mortality rates varying by region.

The Ministry of Health has launched several public awareness efforts, including home visits, community dialogues via interactive theatre and mobile cinema, and mass media campaigns focused on disease prevention.

The Ministry estimates that up to 80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas and 45% in other parts of the country are no longer operational, largely due to shortages of medicine , electricity, clean water, and medical personnel.

In Port Sudan, field teams delivered food aid and household essentials to internally displaced persons at the “Peace and Happiness Between Two Homes” shelter centre, part of a broader effort to improve living conditions in displacement hubs. Similar aid operations in Gedaref have already reached thousands of families with food packages and shelter support.

Displaced individuals from across the Red Sea, Gedaref, and Kassala states welcomed the aid with gratitude, acknowledging the consistent support provided by the people of Qatar through Qatar Charity since the outbreak of the conflict.

Many recipients noted that the assistance has significantly alleviated their daily hardships and reinforced their ability to endure the ongoing crisis, Qatar News Agency reports.

Pakistan has cancelled all flights to and from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as tensions with India escalate following a terrorist attack in Jammu that killed 26 tourists. The precautionary measure, reported by NDTV World , is aimed at securing airspace amidst fears of military action by India. Officials are investigating the efficacy of the hotel’s fire safety mechanisms, as the tragedy unfolded with many guests trapped, leading to tragic fatalities.

Probiotic Dairy Market on the Rise in India

India’s gut-friendly dairy segment is experiencing significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 25% by 2032, as reported by Just Food . Reports indicate that health consciousness and rising disposable incomes are key drivers behind the increasing consumer interest in probiotic products, which include yogurt and buttermilk. Major Indian dairy brands are investing in marketing these products as they cater to a health-savvy consumer demographic, particularly urban youth.

Hotel Blaze in Kolkata Causes Tragic Loss of Life

A devastating fire at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals, including two children. The fire, is reported by NBC News to have originated near the kitchen on the first floor, spread quickly, engulfing the building where many guests were present. The incident has prompted an inquiry into the hotel’s firefighting measures and safety protocols, as gross negligence in fire safety may have contributed to the fatalities.

India to Conduct Caste Census for the First Time in Decades

In a historic decision, India’s government has announced it will conduct the first official caste census since independence, aiming for comprehensive representation of the nation’s varied social demographics. This move, according to France 24 is expected to impact affirmative action policies significantly, as over two-thirds of India's population belongs to lower caste groups historically subjected to discrimination. With careful planning and execution, this census will reveal vital data to address societal disparities.

Air India Fleet Modernisation: Retrofit Programme Gains Momentum

Air India has surpassed the 50% mark in its $400 million cabin retrofit programme, enhancing passenger experiences across its fleet. This initiative, a key component of the airline’s five-year transformation strategy, is aimed at modernising both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Despite industry-wide supply chain challenges, Air India is committed to completing the extensive upgrades by 2027, marking its integration with Vistara’s fleet, which adds complexity but potential for increased market competitiveness, reports Aviation A2Z .

Expressing deep concern, Geng outlined the escalating crisis in Haiti, marked by rampant gang violence and a deteriorating state, which has led to a critical humanitarian situation for its citizens. During a special session, María Isabel Salvador presented a grim report detailing the staggering violence, with over 1,000 individuals killed and more than 1 million displaced since December, warning of an impending point of no return due to this escalating violence.

Geng’s remarks attributed a significant portion of the crisis to the historical interference of the United States, asserting that the U.S. has been the greatest external factor disrupting Haiti’s security and development. He condemned the American interventionist policies , which have included military deployments and the installation of puppet governments, asserting that the U.S. has consistently been the primary source of arms fueling gang violence in Haiti. He cited a recent report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime illustrating that gangs in Haiti possess greater firepower than police forces.

Additionally, Geng criticized the U.S. for its lack of substantial contributions to the Multinational Security Support Mission, despite promises of financial assistance. He referenced the freezing of $13 million in aid by the Trump administration earlier this year as an example of the inconsistent support provided to Haiti.

In conclusion, the Chinese representative urged a reevaluation of U.S. actions in Haiti and emphasized that the future of Haiti should not be jeopardized for the U.S.'s strategic interests. He called for a commitment to effective, targeted assistance rather than superficial engagements, reaffirming support for collaborative efforts with regional organizations like Caricom and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.

Pope Francis was renowned for his vocal stance on humanitarian crises globally, including the one in Gaza. His death signifies a loss of a significant voice advocating for peace and human dignity, which resonated with many Palestinians, although they are predominantly Muslim.

In a statement, Hamas remarked on the Pope’s consistent opposition to war fare and aggression, noting his condemnation of what they termed as war crimes against the Palestinian populace. Leaders from both Israel and Palestine expressed their sorrow over his passing and acknowledged his efforts towards fostering dialogue and understanding.

Tributes to Pope Francis emerged from both Christian and Muslim communities on social media , reflecting on his empathetic approach towards civilians affected by violence. His final Easter message highlighted concerns over rising anti-Semitism, while also emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza where conflict continues to wreak havoc.

Following Hamas's attacks, Pope Francis had advocated for the freedom of hostages and promoted dialogue as crucial for peace. In a notable escalation of criticism, he called for an investigation into allegations of genocide regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, urging careful examination of the situation from a legal standpoint.

Pope Francis’s relationship with Palestinian communities spans back to before the current hostilities. His poignant act of praying at a wall in Bethlehem during a 2014 visit symbolized his support. Despite health challenges, he maintained communication with Christian leaders in Gaza, decrying violence against civilians.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog commended the Pope for fostering Jewish-Christian relations and interfaith dialogue, hoping his prayers for peace would come to fruition. Meanwhile, Bassem Naim from Hamas expressed that the loss of Pope Francis would leave a significant void, attributing it to his principled stance against injustices faced by Palestinians.

As the tumultuous situation in Gaza persists with no signs of peace or hostages' release, many Palestinians feel they have lost a powerful advocate. The ongoing conflict remains complex, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagements amidst widespread suffering.

“When the war started, there was food shortage. There is no food. So [turtle meat] is an alternative for other sources of protein,” Abdel Halim Qanan, a local fisherman, told the AFP.

Majida Qanan, a 61-year-old displaced resident, described the scarcity, saying, “Crossings are closed and markets are empty. There are only cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. I buy two small bags for 60 or 80 shekels.”

She explained that the turtles, once caught, are shared among neighbours rather than sold for profit. “We distribute it to families, and everyone eats it and shares it. It is not for sale. We catch it and distribute it to those who are willing to eat it.”

For many Gazans, this practice is not entirely new. Abdel Halim Qanan recalls that turtle meat sustained his ancestors when they were displaced from Al-Jura, near Ashkelon, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. “Back then, they suffered from hunger and poverty, and they too consumed turtles,” he recalled.

Israel maintains that Hamas is diverting aid, a claim the militant group denies. Meanwhile, humanitarian corridors remain shut, and aid deliveries have stalled, leaving civilians increasingly cut off from vital resources.

Afghanistan remains at the very bottom, still facing the devastating consequences of decades of war, political instability, poverty, and limited access to basic services.

Not far behind are Sierra Leone and Lebanon—two nations grappling with severe economic crises, institutional dysfunction, and persistent social unrest that continue to erode the quality of life.

Other countries in the bottom ten include Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, where economic struggles, inadequate healthcare systems, and governance challenges hinder progress toward greater well-being.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen, ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises intensify suffering and insecurity, making happiness feel like an unattainable luxury.

Rounding out the list are Comoros and Lesotho, where weak infrastructure and high poverty levels contribute to low life satisfaction.

While happiness may seem like a subjective concept, it often reflects deep-rooted structural issues that must be addressed to build a better future.

These rankings are based on how people rate their own lives, as measured through surveys conducted by Gallup in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

"Council expressed its grave concern and outright condemnation of the recent developments in Sudan, in particular the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its affiliated political and social forces of the establishment of a parallel government in the Republic of Sudan, and warned that such action carries a huge risk of partitioning of the country," the statement read.

The AU emphasised that no member state or international actor should recognise or support any parallel government or entity seeking to govern any part of Sudan’s territory. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity while calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"Council does not recognise the purported parallel government or entity in the Republic of Sudan," the AU declared, urging all parties involved in the conflict to respect calls for a ceasefire, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, and to commit to comprehensive peace talks.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 12 million civilians, making it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Kenya security officials plead not guilty to triple murder

On Thursday, February 20, over a dozen Kenyan security officials pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2022 killings of two Indians and one Kenyan—a high-profile case that was one of several incidents prompting the disbandment of a notorious police unit. Read more here .

Congo president plans unity government in response to eastern crisis

According to his spokesperson on Saturday, February 22, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi is set to establish a unity government as he grapples with mounting domestic pressure over his response to an offensive by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the eastern provinces. Read more here .

Influx of 40,000 fleeing Congo war worsens Burundi humanitarian plight, UN says

On Friday, February 21, the U.N. reported that Burundi is confronting a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with over 40,000 people seeking refuge there in just two weeks to escape fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more here .

Asia

Vietnam parliament approves plan for leaner government

The National Assembly of Vietnam approved a bold reform plan on February 18, aiming to reduce up to 20% of government bodies as the country seeks to cut costs and enhance administrative efficiency. Read more here .

Researchers discover world’s oldest pyramid in Indonesia

Researchers have discovered what may be the world's oldest pyramid, with the site known as Gunung Padang located in the hills of West Java, Indonesia. Read more here .

Philippines' VP Duterte fights back against impeachment: Video

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has petitioned the Supreme Court to dismiss an impeachment complaint filed against her, marking her first legal challenge in a case that could ultimately remove her from office and impose a lifetime ban on holding public office. Read more here .

Latin America

Bus crash in Brazil kills 12 university students

Late on Thursday, February 20, firefighters and local media reported that a bus transporting Brazilian university students collided with a truck near Ribeirao Preto in the southeastern state of São Paulo, resulting in 12 fatalities and 19 injuries. Read more here .

Five of Chile's stolen children take off to reunite with birth families

On Friday, five U.S. adoptees departed from Houston to reunite with their birth families in Chile for the first time, after being taken as infants during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. Read more here .

Panama will dismiss Chinese influence claims in a U.S. military meeting

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said Thursday he instructed the foreign minister to dismiss claims of Chinese influence over the Panama Canal in talks with the U.S. Southern Command chief. Read more here .

The violence has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among the population, with many forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Musahada Babunga Bienfait a motor conducter told AFP "At the level of Dar es Salaam, there will be no solution. I am convinced that there won't be given that he hasn’t left. He had to confront directly with, so, Paul Kagame, the Rwandan president, because he is the real enemy of the DRC. The Congolese who are at the level of North Kivu, those who are in South Kivu fighting are just pawns, but the real enemy of our country is really Rwanda."

The relative calm follows intense clashes between Congolese soldiers and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which seized control of much of Goma on Sunday. Fighting has largely subsided, but uncertainty looms as M23 fighters gain ground in the mineral-rich region.

On Thursday, January 30, M23 vowed to push further west toward Kinshasa, the DR Congo capital, signalling potential escalation. The group's capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, marks a significant development in a region plagued by decades of violence involving multiple armed groups.

Rwanda, which denies backing M23, claims its primary objective is to eliminate fighters linked to the 1994 genocide. However, critics argue the neighbouring country is motivated by a desire to exploit DR Congo's vast mineral reserves, crucial for the global electronics industry.

Clashes between the Congolese military and the M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, have resulted in at least 25 deaths and nearly 370 injuries.

Residents of Goma are pleading for international assistance as the situation continues to deteriorate. Many are trapped in their homes, unable to leave due to the ongoing violence. "We are in our beds because we are afraid," said one resident.

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwandan forces, has made substantial advances in recent weeks, encircling the key city of Goma.

This strategic city, home to around 2 million people, is a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts. The rebels' swift advance has led to the closure of Goma's airport, further complicating evacuation and aid efforts.

Reports indicate that several Congolese soldiers have surrendered to the M23 rebels as the fighting intensifies. The Congolese army, known as FARDC, has struggled to maintain control over strategic points in the region. Despite government claims of holding key areas, including the Goma airport, the situation on the ground remains fluid and uncertain.

" People are fleeing everywhere," says Alice Feza, a displaced woman seeking refuge. "We’ve been hearing shots and blasts all night."

Feza, who has already fled multiple times from conflict zones in Kiwanja, Rutshuru, and Kibumba, expressed her exhaustion and despair. "If the situation deteriorates further, I’m not going to flee again. I’m tired of running. We thought we could find safety in Goma, but even here, people are fleeing. The roads are closed, and crossing the lake isn’t safe either. We have nowhere to go."

Many displaced individuals, like Feza, face an uncertain future, with limited access to safe shelters and essential services. "We’re suffering a lot," she said. "This war keeps catching up with us, and now we have nowhere left to turn."

North and South Kivu provinces, rich in minerals, have been plagued by violence for over three decades. Since 2021, the M23 rebels have seized significant territories, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands and left communities struggling for survival.

Efforts to ease tensions hit a roadblock in December when peace talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi were cancelled. Since then, the M23 rebels have made steady advances toward Goma, a strategic city with over a million residents.

HRW's Asian Director, Elaine Pearson, during a press conference in Thailand, emphasised that governments around the world are intensifying their crackdowns on political opponents, activists, and journalists.

The report documents numerous instances of arbitrary arrests, wrongful imprisonments, and unlawful killings by both state and non-state actors.

"I think the sort of democratic backsliding, the weakening of democratic institutions, the fact that in countries from Pakistan to Cambodia, we've seen political opponents hounded into exile, imprisoned. Here in Thailand, obviously, you had the Move Forward Party dissolved by the Constitutional Court. Civil society is really under siege everywhere," Elaine said.

One of the most alarming examples highlighted in the report is Yemen, where warring parties, particularly the Houthis, have further repressed civil society and obstructed humanitarian aid.

The Houthis have arbitrarily detained and disappeared dozens of United Nations and civil society staff, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Haiti has been grappling with severe gang violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has led to a power vacuum, exacerbating the violence and instability. Armed groups now control large swathes of the city, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

"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.

The South Sudan government has reached an agreement with Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to restore operations along a critical 237-kilometre segment of the Greater Nile Oil Pipeline. This collaboration is pivotal, enabling the export of South Sudan's crude oil to the Port of Sudan. Historically, this pipeline facilitated the transport of more than 150,000 barrels of oil daily. However, it had ceased operations due to armed conflicts, resulting in severe economic repercussions—most notably, public salaries have gone unpaid for ten months, and prices for essential goods have surged. A recent joint workshop has confirmed plans for oil flow resumption; operations are anticipated to resume within 45 days, with initial shipments projected to arrive in three months. 

Ethiopia grants $738 million loan to South Sudan for major cross-broader project

Ethiopia has granted a $738 million loan to South Sudan to facilitate the construction of a major cross-border infrastructure project—a 220-kilometre road connecting the two nations. The terms stipulate that loan repayment will be sourced from South Sudan's crude oil sales to Ethiopia, effectively binding economic cooperation to infrastructural development. This initiative aligns with a prior agreement established in May 2024 and aims to bolster connectivity between South Sudan's Paloich, Maiwut, and Pagak regions and the Ethiopian border. The construction will be managed by Ethiopian contractors and includes a grace period of four years, followed by a ten-year repayment schedule. 

Kenyan president Ruto to visit South Sudan

Kenyan President William Ruto is scheduled to visit South Sudan to engage in critical discussions with President Salva Kiir concerning the Tumaini Initiative. This initiative is designed to facilitate peace talks between the South Sudan government and opposition factions that have yet to sign the peace agreement. This diplomatic mission comes in response to President Kiir’s request for Kenya to spearhead mediation, succeeding the Community of Sant’Egidio's previous role in Rome. The Presidential Press Secretary, Lily Martin Manyiel Ayuel, has underscored the importance of this visit in reaffirming Kiir’s commitment to the Tumaini Initiative amidst speculation of its potential abandonment. A prior meeting between Ruto and South Sudan officials addressed concerns regarding the initiative’s operational mechanisms, suggesting it should serve as a complement to the 2018 Peace Agreement rather than serve as a replacement, although acceptance of these terms by the opposition remains uncertain.

South Sudan grapples with hunger and cholera outbreaks

South Sudan is currently grappling with an acute humanitarian crisis characterised by escalating rates of hunger and cholera outbreaks. UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF, have called for heightened international support, noting that over half the population faces crisis-level hunger. Factors impeding aid include limited funding, geographical obstacles to isolated communities, and high food prices, exacerbated by economic instability and ongoing conflict. Moreover, the influx of refugees from Sudan, combined with severe flooding, has destroyed agricultural yields and displaced significant segments of the population. Currently, the WFP’s outreach has only reached 38% of those in dire need, often necessitating the provision of half-rations.

US embassy in South Sudan advocates for press freedom

The US embassy in South Sudan has highlighted the necessity of protecting journalists from harassment and detention. This statement coincides with the observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The embassy has reiterated the demand for a thorough investigation into the controversial death of journalist Christopher Allen during South Sudan's civil conflict in 2017. According to Reporters Without Borders, South Sudan’s ranking has significantly plummeted to 136th on the World Press Index, a stark decline from 118th in 2023, signalling an increasing climate of impunity for crimes committed against journalists worldwide.

Tedros also highlighted the collapse of Sudan’s health system, with 70-80% of health facilities no longer functioning. Outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue, and measles, combined with rising conflict-related sexual violence, have further worsened the crisis.

Expressing frustration, Tedros noted the lack of international attention, stating, "The situation in Sudan saddens me deeply, but I'm also saddened that the crisis is not receiving the global focus it deserves."

Since April last year, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Independent UN experts revealed that their fact-finding mission had uncovered "harrowing" human rights violations by both sides, warning these acts could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.  

"The greatest impacts are expected in central and southern Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya," the agencies stated in an alert issued in Nairobi, Kenya's capital.

Other affected countries include Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, where the second rainy season occurs from October to December. The first rainy season occurs from March to May.

The agencies warned that below-average rains could lead to "crop failures, deteriorating pastoral conditions, water shortages, atypical livestock movements, increased disease outbreaks, and heightened food insecurity and malnutrition."

They urged humanitarian partners to collaborate with local and national governments to support contingency planning, preparedness activities, and the identification of anticipatory actions to mitigate the impacts of potential drought.

In July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the Greater Horn of Africa is experiencing one of the worst hunger crises of the last 70 years with millions facing hunger due to one of the worst droughts in recent decades, exacerbated by years of conflict and instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising food prices partly due to the war in Ukraine.

Over 37 million people in the region are facing acute hunger, with approximately seven million children under the age of five acutely malnourished, according to the UN . The food crisis is also leading to a health emergency, with increased risks of disease outbreaks like cholera, measles, and malaria.