A recent attack in Myanmar resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people and the injury of 47 others when a motorised paraglider dropped two bombs on a crowd gathered in Chaung U township. The attack occurred during a national holiday and a peaceful protest against the military government. The township, located in the Sagaing region, has been a key battleground in the ongoing civil war, with large areas controlled by volunteer militias. Amnesty International has condemned the junta’s use of motorised paragliders, which is part of a disturbing trend as the military faces difficulty procuring equipment.
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In a recent move, Burkina Faso’s junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has enacted a law criminalizing homosexuality, following Traore’s meeting with the Russian president in Moscow. The law, unanimously passed by the transitional parliament, imposes prison sentences of up to five years and fines for those found engaging in homosexual acts, with foreign nationals facing deportation. This legislation is part of a broader family and citizenship reform and will be accompanied by an awareness campaign, mirroring similar actions taken by neighboring countries like Mali, and reflecting a broader trend of tightening anti-LGBTQ+ laws across the African continent.
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The United States has lifted sanctions on several entities and individuals linked to Myanmar’s ruling generals, prompting concerns from human rights groups and politicians. These delistings include companies previously sanctioned for their ties to military-owned firms and arms production, such as KT Services & Logistics and Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company. The US Treasury stated the removals were routine, but critics argue the decision undermines efforts to hold the military regime accountable, especially given the ongoing civil war and the junta’s deadly attacks on civilians. Despite the removals, the US continues to maintain sanctions against key figures and state-owned banks, recognizing that financial restrictions remain a critical tool to limit the regime’s access to foreign currency.
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Trump’s extension of the “national emergency” declaration for Myanmar is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. The decision, announced on a Thursday, keeps in place sanctions against the military junta, a move that has drawn both praise and condemnation. While the stated justification remains somewhat opaque, the extension undoubtedly impacts ongoing conflicts within the country, its struggling economy, and the international community’s efforts to address human rights abuses.
The ongoing instability in Myanmar, characterized by a brutal civil war and a military junta’s iron grip on power, creates a volatile environment. The country is riddled with deep-seated problems, including widespread corruption, rampant crime, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood