Myanmar's military government released over 6,100 prisoners and reduced sentences to mark the country's independence anniversary, but it remains unclear if political detainees like Aung San Suu Kyi were included. The move coincides with ongoing elections and widespread political unrest, with thousands of political prisoners still detained. The release is part of traditional holiday amnesties, but critics question its sincerity amid ongoing repression.
Mali's military rulers have arrested a French national, Yann Vezilier, on suspicion of spying for France and attempting to destabilize the country, amid ongoing political and security tensions, including recent arrests of soldiers and generals linked to a coup plot, with Mali breaking ties with France and seeking Russian support for security.
Niger's military government has suspended BBC broadcasts for three months, accusing the network of spreading fake news that could destabilize social peace and demoralize troops. This follows BBC reports on jihadist attacks in the Tillaberi region, which allegedly killed 91 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians. The junta claims these reports are baseless and aim to undermine troop morale. The suspension affects BBC radio programs but not its website or shortwave broadcasts. This move is part of a broader trend of media suspensions by military-led governments in West Africa, including Burkina Faso and Mali, amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies.
Human rights groups in Guinea report that over 135 people, mostly children, were killed in a stadium crush in Nzérékoré, a figure much higher than the official count of 56. The tragedy occurred after a controversial refereeing decision led to violence, with police using tear gas as fans tried to flee. The military government has warned against spreading unverified information and is conducting an investigation. A judicial inquiry has been ordered, and the government has declared three days of national mourning.
A stampede at a soccer stadium in Nzerekore, Guinea, resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people, including several children, following fan clashes during a local tournament. The incident occurred after a disputed penalty led to chaos, with security forces using tear gas to control the situation. The tournament was held in honor of Guinea's military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, and has sparked calls for an investigation by a political coalition. Guinea has been under military rule since a coup in 2021.
Australian mining company Resolute Mining has agreed to pay Mali's military government $160 million to settle a tax dispute after the company's British CEO and two other staff were detained. The payment will be made in installments, with $80 million paid immediately. The detentions are part of Mali's broader efforts to increase its share of income from foreign mining operations, following a coup in 2021 and a new mining code that allows greater state and local investment.
Myanmar's military government has triggered a backlash and renewed calls for support from resistance forces after announcing sweeping conscription rules, requiring young people to serve in the armed forces for at least two years, extendable to five years in times of national emergency. The move has been met with criticism on social media and is seen as a turning point for the military, which has faced increasing defeats and desertions in recent months.
Myanmar's military government has announced compulsory military service for all young men and women as the country's turmoil continues, with the army facing defeats in battles with ethnic militias and anti-coup fighters. The conscription law will require men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve at least two years under military command, with potential extensions during a state of emergency. The move comes as the military-installed president warns of the country breaking apart if fighting is not brought under control, and follows the junta's recent extension of a state of emergency.
Myanmar's military government has activated a conscription law, requiring young men and women to serve at least two years in the armed forces, as it faces setbacks against nationwide armed resistance. The law, enacted for the first time, applies to males aged 18-45 and females aged 18-35 and comes amid the army's struggle to contain resistance forces and ethnic minority armed groups. Evading conscription is punishable by prison and a fine, and there are reports of forcible recruitment in urban areas. The military government's forces are stretched thin, and the country is in a state of civil war following the 2021 seizure of power.
Former military leader of Guinea, Moussa Dadis Camara, has been recaptured and returned to prison after a jailbreak attempt. His lawyer denies that Camara willingly participated in the escape, stating that he was kidnapped by armed men. The heavily armed commando also freed two other former officials who are currently on trial alongside Camara. The army described the operation as an attempt to sabotage government reforms and reaffirmed its commitment to the current authorities. Camara has been detained since September 2022 and is facing charges related to a 2009 attack on civilians.
Burkina Faso's military government announced that it successfully foiled a coup attempt by arresting several individuals involved in the plot. The transitional government did not provide further details but stated that the alleged perpetrators aimed to destabilize the country. This comes amid rumors of discontent within the military and recent protests in support of the government. The junta also suspended a news publication for allegedly spreading "untruthful" information. Burkina Faso has a history of political instability, a worsening humanitarian crisis, and the presence of militant Islamist groups. The country recently cut military ties with France and signed a mutual defense pact with Mali and Niger.
Burkina Faso's military government announced that it had successfully thwarted a coup attempt on September 26, 2023, arresting several alleged participants. The country has experienced political instability, with two coups in the past year, both driven in part by discontent over the government's failure to address a jihadist insurgency. Despite government claims of regaining territory, the insurgency continues to pose a significant threat, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Gabon's military government, which seized power in a coup last week, has appointed former opposition leader Raymond Ndong Sima as the prime minister of its transitional government. Sima, an economist and critic of President Ali Bongo, served as Bongo's prime minister from 2012 to 2014 and ran against him for president in 2016. The military government, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, has promised economic reforms and free and fair elections but has not provided a timeframe. The coup in Gabon is the eighth in three years in West and Central Africa.
Myanmar's military government has reportedly moved former leader Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest ahead of the expected extension of a national state of emergency. Suu Kyi, who was removed from power by the military in 2021, has been transferred to housing used by government officials in Naypyitaw.
The military government in Mali has adopted a new constitution that grants sweeping powers to President Assimi Goïta and the armed forces, including the ability to dictate government policy and dissolve parliament. The constitution also establishes a senate and demotes French from an official to a working language. Critics fear that these changes make it easier for the military to renege on their promise of returning power to civilian leaders after the 2024 presidential election. The opposition movement has denounced the reforms, citing irregularities and violations of the law in the recent referendum.
