Myanmar's recent election, heavily controlled by the military junta that seized power in 2021, is expected to favor the ruling regime, though some voters see it as a potential, albeit limited, opportunity for change amid fears and repression.
Myanmar's elections have begun under military control amid widespread violence, with key opposition figures banned and large areas excluded due to ongoing conflict. The vote is widely condemned as illegitimate, with international observers present but the military claiming public support. Violence and repression continue, with arrests and attacks reported, and the UN warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Myanmar's military junta has initiated a controversial election amid ongoing civil war and widespread human rights abuses, with many citizens and international actors criticizing the process as illegitimate and a sham, while the military seeks to legitimize its rule and re-engage with the international community.
Myanmar's first election since the 2021 military coup is underway, but it is widely regarded as a sham with limited participation, restricted opposition, and ongoing civil conflict, supported by China but condemned by Western nations.
Myanmar's military government has charged over 200 individuals with violating election laws ahead of a controversial election, amid accusations of unfairness and ongoing civil conflict, with severe penalties including the death penalty for disrupting the electoral process.
Myanmar's military government has charged over 200 individuals with violating election laws ahead of a controversial election, amid accusations of unfairness and ongoing civil conflict, with severe penalties including the death penalty for disrupting the electoral process.
SpaceX has disabled over 2,500 Starlink devices used by scam centers along Myanmar's border with Thailand, as part of efforts to combat cyber fraud linked to the military junta, which continues to operate extensive scam networks despite crackdowns. The move highlights ongoing issues with cybercrime in Myanmar, where scam centers exploit Starlink's internet services to facilitate illegal activities, and reflects broader international concerns about the role of technology in transnational crime.
SpaceX has disabled over 2,500 Starlink devices used by scam centers along Myanmar's border with Thailand, as part of efforts to combat cyber fraud networks operating in the region, which continue to thrive despite crackdowns and military raids. The scam centers, often involving forced labor and extensive use of Starlink for internet access, are a significant part of Myanmar's illicit activities, with ongoing concerns about their impact and the military's role in their operation.
Myanmar's military junta, led by Min Aung Hlaing, is rebranding itself and planning staged elections amid ongoing atrocities and widespread international condemnation. Evidence from UN investigations reveals systemic torture, executions, and violence against civilians, including children, as the military seeks to legitimize its rule through a sham electoral process that is unlikely to be free or fair. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing conflict, repression, and international skepticism about the junta's intentions.
Niger's military government has suspended BBC radio for three months, accusing it of spreading false information that could destabilize social peace and undermine troop morale. This move follows similar bans on other Western media outlets like Radio France Internationale and France 24, amid reports of a jihadist attack in the Tera region that the junta denies occurred. The suspension reflects a broader trend of Sahel countries turning away from Western media and aligning more with Russia for security needs.
A crowd crush at a soccer match in Nzerekore, Guinea, resulted in at least 56 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident occurred during a match between Labé and Nzérékoré teams, with chaos reportedly sparked by a controversial refereeing decision. The government is investigating the cause, while former leader Alpha Conde criticized the event's organization amid existing national tensions. The match was part of a tournament organized by Guinea's ruling military junta, led by Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup.
Burkina Faso's military junta has extended its transition period by five years following national consultations, despite most political parties boycotting the talks. The junta, which took power in September 2022, has struggled to address security issues and has shifted its military alliances from France to Russia. The new charter allows for potential elections before the end of the transition period, with Capt. Ibrahim Traore remaining as transitional president.
Myanmar rebels claim to have seized the last remaining military base in the key border town of Myawaddy, dealing a significant blow to the military rulers. The town's strategic importance for trade and as a location for online scam factories adds to the significance of the rebels' victory. The junta's increasingly brutal attacks have led to a nationwide armed resistance movement, with concerns of potential airstrikes in Myawaddy. The fall of Myawaddy is the latest in a series of defeats for the junta, highlighting its inability to reverse its losses.
Myanmar's military junta is facing significant defeats, losing control of key border areas and experiencing low morale and defections within its ranks. The pro-democracy movement and various armed groups are challenging the junta's rule, leaving the military severely overstretched. The possibility of regime implosion or leadership change looms, with regional countries, particularly China, playing a complex role in influencing events in Myanmar.