This is a roundup of news articles, reports, and other materials focusing on (in)security issues and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of Security in Context. The goal is to shed light on knowledge production on security-related issues of public interest from critical perspectives and from global south readings of security issues by highlighting media from four particular regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and developing Asia. Entries may include academic journal articles, think tank reports, non-governmental organizations releases, official documents or government-commissioned research, and regular news items. The material included in the Roundup covers SiC's key security issues: Climate Change, Security and International Relations, Migration and Displacement, Covid-19 and Capitalism, Technologies of Surveillance, Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Sexuality, Arms and the Military-industrial Complex, and Censorship.
You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each roundup to admin@securityincontext.com.
Latin America and the Caribbean
HAITI: Gang occupation of top court highlights dire security situation
June 30, 2022
Warnings that kidnappings and homicides have reached unprecedented levels, as well as advisories of gangs tightening their control over the capital, are being issued in Haiti concerning their security. Warnings follow the occupation of the Haitian supreme court by heavily armed gang members as security continues to deteriorate.
CUBA: Economic recovery hopes dim
June 30, 2022
Cuba’s state electric company has issued various warnings regarding ongoing reports of electricity shortages that are affecting large sectors of the island. The shortages are a high concern for the Communist Party of Cuba because blackouts were a driving factor in the July 2021 anti-government protests.
Colombia Truth Commission Gives Scathing Report on Civil War
June 29, 2022
On Tuesday, a Truth Commission presented a final report on the ongoing armed conflict in Colombia. The report urged the government, military, and rebel groups to recognize the suffering they have caused and to stop attempting to resolve political conflicts with violence.
The UN Refugee Agency is exaggerating the number of Nicaraguan refugees
June 29, 2022
As the United Nations Refugees Agency reports that 102,000 people in 2021 fled Nicaragua to find asylum in Costa Rica, there is pushback on the accuracy of this report. This inaccurate statement furthers the myth that Nicaragua is suffering from a refugee crisis.
Ecuador's Government Lifts State of Emergency Amid Protests
June 26, 2022
Amidst an indigenous-led strike that led to a state of emergency, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso lifts restrictions. Despite the opposition petitioning to have Lasso removed from office, President Lasso goes forth with ending the state of emergency as the strikes continue.
Africa
Libya: 20 people found dead in desert near border with Chad
June 30, 2022
Twenty people were found dead in a broken-down vehicle on the border between Libya and Chad. It is presumed they died of thirst.
UN envoy to DRC warns security council on escalating security situation
June 30, 2022
The UN envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo warned the Security Council that the rebel group M23 could cause instability both in the DRC and Rwanda.
Migrants killed by Moroccan police: Excessive use of force, UN says
June 29, 2022
Morocco and Spain resorted to "excessive use of force" against sub-Saharan migrants wishing to enter Melilla, killing at least 23. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric condemned the act.
Senegal: Authorities ban planned protest amid tensions
June 29, 2022
Senegalese authorities banned an anti-government demonstration in Dakar, citing threats to public order and insinuating the protest was propaganda.
Sudan recalls envoy to Ethiopia after execution of seven soldiers
June 27, 2022
Sudan called for the return of its ambassador to Ethiopia after the Ethiopian military executed seven captive Sudanese soldiers.
June 23, 2022
Farmers in northern Ethiopia require international efforts to combat a lack of fertilizer and seeds during planting season, measures that would ensure a good harvest and more access to food.
Middle East
Egypt delivers joint statement on water and human rights at HRC
June 29, 2022
Egypt’s permanent representative to the UN, Ahmed Ehab Gamal Al-Din, delivered a joint statement recognizing access to safe drinking water as a derivative of the right to physical health, mental health, and human dignity.
Israeli Government Registers Land Adjacent to Al-Aqsa Mosque
June 29, 2022
The Israeli government has filed papers to register land near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a location recognized as the third-holiest for Muslims around the world.
‘Turkey seeks extradition of 33 terror suspects from Finland, Sweden’
June 29, 2022
Tukey is awaiting the extradition of 33 terrorist suspects from Finland and Sweden on account of a trilateral deal whereas Turkey has demanded the extradition of wanted persons, as well as lifting previously-imposed arms restrictions on the country.
Toxic gas leak at Jordan's Aqaba port kills 13, injures hundreds
June 28, 2022
A chemical storage container fell at Jordan’s Red Sea port of Aqaba, releasing chlorine gas, killing 13 and injuring 260. At least half of the injured are being treated for chemical exposure with some still in critical condition.
Iran Welcomes Thaw in Ties with Saudi Arabia, Egypt
June 27, 2022
Iran’s foreign minister showed support for plans regarding reopening embassies in Tehran and Riyadh to build stronger relations between Iran and Egypt.
Developing Asia
Philippines to swear in new leader as Duterte leaves
June 30, 2022
Ferdinand Marcos Jr–nickname BongBong–was sworn in as the 17th President of the Philippines.
Taiwan rebuffs Philippines complaint about S. China Sea live fire drills
June 29, 2022
Taiwan rejected complaints from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs about live-fire drills in the South China Sea, with Taiwan arguing they have a right to conduct drills, issuing prior warnings as per protocol.
China provides $2.5 billion loan to Pakistan to boost its forex reserves
June 28, 2022
Due to Pakistan’s fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves, China has provided the country with a $2.5 billion loan.
Indonesia will use Covid tracking app to sell cheap cooking oil
June 28, 2022
Indonesia will use the Covid tracking app PeduliLindungi to allow citizens to buy up to 10 kilograms of cooking oil each day in the government’s attempt at tempering prices.
Indian imports of Russian oil explode media
June 25, 2022
Sales of Russian oil to India have increased in recent months, now making up an estimated 10% of India’s imports.
Key Issues
This section includes the most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues
June 30, 2022
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reports that 9,000 Tigrayans are being held in Semera, Afar illegally.
Govt to end special insurance coverage for Covid-19 patients
June 29, 2022
As Thailand transitions to a post-pandemic stage on July 1st, the country’s government will no longer be paying for medical services for Covid-19 patients. Instead, patients must pay for services themselves or through health insurance.
More Than 100 Slayings in Syria Camp Since January 2021, UN Says
June 29, 2022
According to the UN, over 100 detainees in Syria’s Al-Hol camp have been killed since January 2021. While many in the detention facility have ties to the Islamic State jihadist group, others are women and children.
News: 562 stranded Ethiopian migrants wish to leave Malawi
June 27, 2022
According to Ethiopian authorities, 562 Ethiopian migrants in Malawi want to return to Ethiopia due to mistreatment and exploitation in both Malawi and its neighbors.
