autonomy

Guerillas harass paramilitaries in Burma

Faced with a growing insurgency from regional guerilla cells integrated into the armed resistance network known as the People's Defense Force (PDF), Burma's junta has been training its own paramilitary corps made up of conservative Buddhists, Burman ethno-nationalists and other regime supporters—named the Pyu Saw Htee, after a legendary king of the ancient Pagan Dynasty. Its strongest base of support is in the Ma Ba Tha (Patriotic Association of Myanmar), which has long been accused of fomenting attacks on Muslims and ethnic minorities. But the Pyu Saw Htee's efforts to establish local control are being met with effective guerilla harassment. (Photo of Pyu Saw Htee militia from pro-junta media outlets, via Myanmar Now)

Africa

Nigeria drops ‘terrorism’ charges against Biafra separatist

The Nigerian Court of Appeal on Oct. 13 dismissed all terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Nigerian authorities have identified IPOB as a “terrorist organization,” but international organizations including the Council… Read moreNigeria drops ‘terrorism’ charges against Biafra separatist

Africa

Somalia: clan militia takes on al-Shabab

The jihadist group al-Shabab is facing a local clan-based rebellion in central Somalia—one the embattled Mogadishu government hopes might spread throughout its zones of control. As resistance to the insurgent group has grown, lawmakers and clan elders have been backing… Read moreSomalia: clan militia takes on al-Shabab

The Caucasus

‘Cleansing’ of Armenian culture in Azerbaijan exclave

New clashes broke out on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan Sept. 13, with each side accusing the other of violating the ceasefire. Fighting was first reported near the Lachin Corrdior, which connects Armenia to the autonomous ethnic Armenian enclave within… Read more‘Cleansing’ of Armenian culture in Azerbaijan exclave

Syria

Remembering the Daraya massacre

At a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Minsk, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin signed documents allowing Russian tactical nuclear weapons to be deployed on Belarusian territory. Shoigu and Khrenin cited a "sharp escalation of threats on the western border of Russia and Belarus." Meanwhile, at a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union in Moscow, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko implied to an interviewer that the nuclear weapons may "already" be stationed in Belarus. The European Union responded to the signing with a statement condemning the agreement, calling it "a step which will lead to further extremely dangerous escalation." (Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense via BAS)

South Asia

Podcast: India’s forgotten wars

In Episode 137 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg explores two of the many under-reported internal conflicts in India, which are rooted in unresolved issues left over from the colonial era in spite of 75 years of Indian independence. In the east-central interior, the Naxalite… Read morePodcast: India’s forgotten wars

Africa

Senegal: peace process with Casamance rebels

The concluding of a peace agreement between Senegal and separatist rebels in Casamance is being hailed by the government as “an important step” toward ending the 40-year conflict in the southern region. The deal was signed Aug. 5 in neighboring Guinea-Bissau by… Read moreSenegal: peace process with Casamance rebels

Syria

Turkey escalates drone strikes on Rojava

A Turkish drone strike on July 22 targeted three members of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) who were driving in a vehicle near the northeast Syrian town of Qamishli. All three women were killed, and several passers-by injured by shrapnel. The Syrian Observatory of… Read moreTurkey escalates drone strikes on Rojava

Africa

Sudan: regime spurring ethnic violence?

Fighting between Hausa and Berta tribespeople broke out in Sudan’s Blue Nile state last week, leaving dozens dead. The clashes, centered on the localities of Gaissan, Roseiris and Wad Al-Mahi, apparently began in a land dispute. Tensions were elevated following… Read moreSudan: regime spurring ethnic violence?

Africa

Tentative peace talks for Ambazonia

After three years of conflict, a tentative peace process is underway between the Cameroon government and scessionist rebels demanding independence for the country’s two western anglophone regions. Cameroon is a majority francophone country, and its Northwest and Southwest regions complain that they… Read moreTentative peace talks for Ambazonia

Central Asia

Karakalpakstan retains right to secede after unrest

Following a day of angry protests that left 18 dead and hundreds wounded, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on July 2 announced that he will not proceed with a planned constitutional change to revoke the right of the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, in the… Read moreKarakalpakstan retains right to secede after unrest

Africa

Tanzania: troops fire on Maasai herders

Tanzanian security forces on June 10 fired on Maasai herders in a dispute over seizure of traditional grazing lands for a new game reserve. The trouble started when hundreds of troops of the Field Force Unit arrived in Wasso village of Loliondo division, in northern Ngorongoro… Read moreTanzania: troops fire on Maasai herders