Global Crises Unfold: Gaza Evacuation, Biden Campaign
Concerns, and African Bloc Splits
Evacuation Orders in Gaza City
On July 10, Israel issued an evacuation order for all
Palestinians to leave Gaza City, affecting around 250,000 residents. This
follows a similar directive from October last year when Israel asked 1.1
million residents to move south. Despite the severe risk, many Palestinians are
staying put, as safe havens within Gaza are scarce and dangerous. The ongoing
conflict has displaced approximately 1.9 million people within the Gaza Strip,
with over 38,000 killed and 100,000 fleeing to Egypt. The UN now estimates
Gaza's population at 2.1 million, down from 2.3 million. Humanitarian efforts
are severely strained, with hospitals shutting down and aid deliveries
disrupted. Israeli strikes have targeted shelters, killing dozens and
exacerbating the crisis.
Biden Campaign Overshadows NATO Summit
The recent NATO summit in Washington DC (July 9-11) focused
officially on supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. However, attention
shifted to concerns about President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities and the
implications for his re-election campaign. On the eve of the summit, a Russian
missile strike killed 44 people in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing conflict.
NATO allies pledged $43 billion in annual military aid to Ukraine, with the US
offering additional air defenses. The potential return of Donald Trump, a NATO skeptic,
added to the summit’s tension. The Gaza conflict was absent from the summit's
agenda, underscoring global prioritization issues.
Sahelian Juntas Exit West African Bloc
ECOWAS faces a significant crisis with the exit of
military-led Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, who have formed the Alliance of
Sahel States. This new alliance plans to establish a joint investment bank,
development projects, and a military force to combat jihadist insurgencies. The
three nations' departure has tested ECOWAS's unity, previously a robust
15-country alliance facilitating free movement for 400 million people. The
coups in these francophone countries led to threatened military interventions
and sanctions from ECOWAS, which were later eased to prevent further fragmentation.
Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is tasked with mediating the
crisis.
Rwanda's Role in the Eastern DRC Conflict
A UN report estimates 3,000-4,000 Rwandan troops are aiding
the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. This year, Rwanda’s support, described as
“de facto control,” has significantly bolstered the rebels' territorial gains.
The conflict is increasingly regional, with southern African and Burundian
troops supporting the Congolese army against M23. Ugandan military officials
are also implicated, providing logistical support to M23. Rwanda’s involvement
reflects its strategic interests in the region, aiming to counteract regional
rivals.
Kenyan Protests and Political Shake-Up
In Kenya, anti-government protests have intensified, leading
to significant political shifts. President William Ruto dissolved his cabinet
on July 11, sacking all but one cabinet secretary. This followed the
resignation of police Chief Japhet Koome, whose officers were accused of
brutality against demonstrators. Ruto promised a more inclusive government
after abandoning controversial tax proposals. The protests, driven by the Gen Z
demographic, remain leaderless and resist dialogue, with further demonstrations
planned. The movement continues despite attempts to quell it, including
overtures from opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Diego Garcia Asylum Seekers' Legal Struggle
Around 60 Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers on Diego Garcia
face dire conditions and legal limbo. US authorities blocked a hearing intended
to address their unlawful detention on the British-held island, where the US
maintains a military base. The asylum seekers, detained for nearly three years,
report inadequate medical care and abuse. Their lawyers argue for relocation to
the UK, citing exorbitant costs to maintain their detention on the island. The
UK government has spent £39 million annually on this, underscoring the need for
a sustainable resolution.
