Niger’s military junta has banned the French aid group Acted from working in the country, further escalating tensions with France. This move comes after the junta’s recent shift towards Russia for security, leading to the expulsion of French troops and the French ambassador. The decision to revoke Acted’s license, along with another aid group’s, highlights the growing rift between Niger and its former Western partners.
Resolute Mining’s CEO, Terry Holohan, and two other executives have been detained by the Malian military junta. This incident highlights the increasing risks for foreign mining companies operating in Mali as the government tightens its control over the sector and seeks to renegotiate contracts under a new mining code. The detention comes amidst concerns over the company’s practices and follows a similar incident involving Barrick Gold earlier this year.
Myanmar’s military junta has unexpectedly called for an end to fighting and peace talks with armed groups opposing its rule. The offer comes after three years of intense conflict and as the military faces mounting pressure on the battlefield. The junta’s call for peace is seen as a desperate attempt to regain control amidst escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The death toll from floods triggered by Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar has climbed to 268, with 88 people still missing. The disaster, which has affected the entire region, highlights the devastating impact of the storm and the ongoing challenges faced by Myanmar, already grappling with internal conflict.
Myanmar’s military junta has significantly tightened passport issuance and usage, imposing restrictions on travel and effectively limiting the freedom of its citizens. This crackdown, part of a broader strategy to maintain control amidst the ongoing political crisis, has impacted the lives of countless individuals seeking to travel for work, study, or personal reasons.
Myanmar’s military government has announced plans to conduct a national census next month, citing the need to compile voter lists for a future general election and analyze population data. This announcement comes amidst a raging civil war, with the military facing resistance from both pro-democracy fighters and ethnic militias. Critics have expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of any elections organized by the military, citing concerns about the lack of freedom of media and the imprisonment of political opponents, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The census, which is scheduled to take place from October 1st to 15th, has raised concerns about the security of citizens and the potential use of data by the military for surveillance and control.
Myanmar’s military government is conducting a nationwide census in October, aiming to use the data for a planned election in 2024. This election is widely criticized as a sham and is unlikely to be recognized by the international community. The census comes amid ongoing civil war and widespread opposition to the junta’s rule.
China has voiced support for Myanmar’s military junta’s plan to hold fresh elections, despite widespread concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the polls. This backing comes as Myanmar continues to grapple with violent unrest and political instability following the 2021 coup, raising concerns about the potential for further bloodshed. China’s support is driven by its strategic interests in Myanmar, including maintaining a key ally and ensuring the stability of the region for its Belt and Road Initiative projects.
China has pledged technical support and aid to Myanmar’s military junta for conducting a census and subsequent elections, despite widespread international condemnation of the junta’s rule and the planned elections. The move signals Beijing’s continued backing of the junta, which is facing growing resistance from armed rebel groups. The planned election has been widely criticized as a sham, with many parties disbanded or controlled by the junta.
The escalating conflict in Myanmar between the military junta and ethnic armed groups has triggered a humanitarian crisis, prompting calls for India to review its policy and engage with the armed groups. Experts discuss the complexities of the situation, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes humanitarian assistance and stability in the region.
