Mali, Taiwan, Rwanda
Today's three stories you should know
Mali
Attacks on two villages in central Mali, claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), have killed several people, authorities said. The incidents come after a massive and coordinated JNIM operation across the country last month in which it launched attacks on government forces and military sites, alongside the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg separatist group. Mali has had a military government since a coup in 2020, which was partly provoked by the previous administration’s inability to defeat JNIM and other al-Qaeda- and ISIS-affiliated groups. JNIM has grown in strength and boldness in recent months, launching fuel blockades and capturing territory as it battles the governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger across a sprawling and porous tri-border region.
More from AP here.
NB: Proximities has published a deep dive on the conflict in Mali and the Sahel. You can read it here. There is also a deep dive on the wave of coups in West Africa here.
Proximities Picks
A century after Britain’s only general strike, the latest issue of New Internationalist magazine revisits the dramatic events of 1926 and examines their lasting legacy. As workers around the world face mounting attacks on pay, conditions and union rights, we explore the renewed relevance of the general strike as a tool for resistance and solidarity. Featuring reports from the frontlines of labour struggles in Argentina, the United States and India.
Proximities readers can get full digital access to the issue for 20% off using the code PROXIMITIES at check out at subscribe.newint.org
Taiwan
Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament has approved extra defence spending of $25 billion, an amount that falls far short of the figure the government wanted as it seeks to deter China from military action. President Lai Ching-te had asked for a supplementary defence package of T$1.25 trillion ($39.81 billion) to buy U.S. arms and manufacture equipment domestically, including drones. China views self-ruled Taiwan as a rogue part of its territory that it has not ruled out using force to take control of. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party is viewed as softer on China – its leader Cheng Li-wun visited Beijing last month.
More from the FT here.
NB: Proximities has published a guest essay on Taiwan by Melissa Chan. Read it here.
Rwanda
Rwandan singer Aimable Karasira has died after overdosing while being released from prison, according to prison authorities. The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) said he died at Nyarugenge Hospital due to an overdose of prescription medication, and that he was suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and poor mental health. Government critics said the death was suspicious and demanded an independent investigation. The 48-year-old was well known as a YouTuber who criticised the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party, and he was in prison for inciting division. An RCS spokesperson said Karasira was being escorted out of prison when he took an extra dose of his medication, adding that prison officials took the medication from him but it was too late. Rights groups regularly accuse the RPF government of killing and disappearing opponents.
More from BBC here.