This is a roundup of news articles, reports, and other materials focusing on (in)security issues and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of Security in Context. The goal is to shed light on knowledge production on security-related issues of public interest from critical perspectives and from global south readings by highlighting media from four particular regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and developing Asia. Entries may include academic journal articles, think tank reports, non-governmental organizations releases, official documents or government-commissioned research, and regular news items. The material included covers SiC's key security issues: Climate Change, Security and International Relations, Migration and Displacement, Covid-19 and Capitalism, Technologies of Surveillance, Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Sexuality, Arms and the Military-industrial Complex, and Censorship.
You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each roundup to admin@securityincontext.com.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Nicaraguan migrants at the U.S. border – are they being “pushed” or “pulled”?
December 23, 2022
Washington claims that increased levels of migration from Nicaragua are people fleeing political repression. However, in reality, migrants’ motives are more economic than socio-political. The U.S. takes a very critical position on Nicaraguan politics in order to justify its exploitative foreign policy on moral grounds.
IDB: “Caribbean Countries Should Prepare For Prolonged Effects Of External Economic Shocks In 2023”
December 22, 2022
A report by the Inter-American Development Bank shows that rising external prices and import costs are projected to have a serious effect on Caribbean countries in 2023.
Overthrow of President Castillo Exposes the Race and Class Divide in Peru
December 22, 2022
Peruvians continue to support President Pedro Castillo despite accusations of corruption, unfulfilled campaign promises, and other political shortcomings. President Castillo is a symbol of the structural discrimination in Peruvian politics.
Saab Oral Argument Focuses on Legitimacy of Maduro Government
December 21, 2022
In 2019, the U.S. accused Alex Saab, an associate of Nicolas Maduro, of conspiracy and money laundering. Recently, an evidentiary hearing was held and the defense argued that Saab should have diplomatic immunity, however, the U.S. is using its claims of corruption in the Venezuelan election to undermine this legal argument.
UNITED STATES V. ALEX NAIN SAAB MORAN, DOCKET NO. 19-CR-20450-RNS
July 25, 2019
This is the official indictment and case document for the U.S. versus Alex Nain Saab Moran, an associate of President Nicolas Maduro.
Africa
Over 50 killed in ethnic clashes in South Sudan's Jonglei region
December 29, 2022
An estimated 57 people were killed by armed groups of young Nuer people in South Sudan’s Jonglei region, who were targeting those part of the Murle ethnic group in the region.
In South Africa, ransom kidnappings are on the rise
December 28, 2022
A surge of kidnappings in South Africa since 2016 - with over 4,000 reported between July and September of 2022 - is establishing the crime as a new and frightening regularity for citizens of the country.
Nigeria insecurity: 2022 was a bad year and points to need for major reforms
December 28, 2022
Nigeria has faced a number of serious security challenges in 2022, including terrorist attacks and violence across every region of the country throughout the year.
Law amending law on fight against money laundering and terrorism financing adopted
December 27, 2022
Algeria’s Deputies of the People’s National Assembly has passed into law an amendment that can help fight against terrorism and money laundering in the country.
December 24, 2022
The number of children in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia facing drought has doubled since July, with the UN warning there may not be enough international funding to help everyone.
DRC: fighting between the M23 and a Congolese self-defense militia renewed
December 22, 2022
Fighting between M23 rebels and a self-defense militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Rutshuru region has been renewed after a few days of no fighting.
Technicians discuss actions to eradicate child labor
December 16, 2022
A seminar in Angola promoted by the Ministry of Public Administration, Work and Social Security trained workers in Kunene's child protection system regarding the eradication and prevention of child labor in the nation.
Middle East
Sources: 3 police personnel killed, 12 injured in armed attack near Ismailia
December 31, 2022
Three armed individuals attacked security surrounding the Al-Saliheen Mosque in the Ismailia Governorate killing and injuring several in the area in Egypt. The Interior Ministry has called this event a terrorist attack.
UN suspends Afghanistan operations over women aid worker ban
December 29, 2022
After the Taliban banned female aid workers, the UN halted certain "time-critical" programs in Afghanistan and warned that many more will soon follow.
Opinion| The nuclear agreement in light of European fear, American rejection, and Arab anticipation
December 28, 2022
While the US and the EU hope to re-negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, Iran has no intention of reaching another agreement and was able to publicly enrich Uranium to 60%. There are many political factors which inhibit the prospect of another deal.
Tensions, strikes and bombings stain 2022 in Mideast
December 20, 2022
While there were a number of turbulent events in the Middle East in 2022, many sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and crude oil rebounded following the Covid-19 Pandemic. This article is a brief summary of the most notable events of 2022 in the Middle East.
Latest Islamic State attack highlights security challenges facing Iraq
December 19, 2022
The Islamic State in Iraq has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on Iraqi Security forces. These attacks have left several dead and highlight a serious security issue in Iraq.
Developing Asia
Suu Kyi is sentenced to seven more years in prison by Myanmar's regime.
December 30, 2022
A junta-controlled court sentenced civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to seven additional years in prison in December for the final of over 20 counts against her since her removal nearly two years ago. Court sources said that Suu Kyi, who has been in regime custody since the military took control in a coup on February 1, 2021, was found guilty on five corruption allegations related to her administration's leasing and purchase of disaster relief helicopters.
The Indian rupee declines by more than 10% in 2022, the most since 2013
December 30, 2022
As a result of the U.S. Federal Reserve's tough monetary policy stance to contain inflation, the dollar soared in 2022, making the Indian rupee one of the worst-performing Asian currencies. It lost 10.14% of its value in one year, the most since 2013.
December 30, 2022
The membership of Noida-based Marion Biotech has been suspended by India's top pharmaceutical export commission amid claims that syrups made by the company were to blame for the deaths of 18 infants in Uzbekistan. The firm has been informed by Pharmexcil, a division of the ministry of trade and industry, that the charges have given the pharmaceutical sector a "poor name" on a worldwide scale and may also result in "trust concerns."
December 29, 2022
The last week of 2022 showed China's political efficiency. After the nation's top health authority announced on December 26 that it would downgrade COVID-19 management and lift quarantine requirements on inbound travelers from January 8, 2023, various ministries responsible quickly removed anti-COVID measures in their areas, effectively reopening China's borders after three years of lockdowns.
Japan-Saudi Arabia carbon recycling, hydrogen energy partnership
December 28, 2022
On December 27, the Japanese industry ministry announced that Japan and Saudi Arabia had signed a memorandum of cooperation in the energy sector to establish a carbon-neutral society through the promotion of the circular carbon economy and other relevant technologies.
Prime Minister Sheikh requests more Turkish investment in Bangladesh
December 27, 2022
Ankara's ambassador to Dhaka, Mustafa Osman Turan, paid Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a goodbye visit on December 27 and requested substantial Turkish investment along with collaboration in the sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas.
Coalition led by the left changes Nepali politics
December 26, 2022
With the backing of the UML, President Bidya Devi Bhandari selected Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal as prime minister of Nepal on December 25, thereby ending the coalition government set up to remove KP Oli of the UML from office in 2021. Dahal, who previously served in the office in 2016, is now in his much-desired third term as prime minister. Despite being just the third-largest in Parliament with 32 elected members, his left-led alliance has backing from seven political parties and holds a 169-majority in the House.
Former President Yameen is given an 11-year prison sentence and is now housed at Maafushi Prison.
December 25, 2022
Former President Abdulla Yameen of Maldives was found guilty of corruption and money laundering charges in connection with the leasing of Aarah island in the Vaavu atoll to a foreign company for resort development. He was sentenced to 11 years in jail and fined USD $5 million by the Criminal Court.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
BNP, 32 parties conduct massive Dhaka showdowns as collective movement takes form.
December 31, 2022
In the first coordinated program of what is being called a collective campaign to overthrow the government and prepare the foundation for free and fair elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and 32 other like-minded opposition groups planned a parade of showdowns on December 30 in different districts of the capital.
The 'discriminatory' nature of the travel restrictions aimed at China
December 29, 2022
After China's COVID-19 fight reached a new phase, most nations welcomed China's opening to international tourists and encouraged Chinese to travel abroad. However, a few nations, like the US and Japan, regard China's openness as an opportunity to slander Beijing. They have put travel restrictions on Chinese newcomers, alleging "unfounded" and "discriminatory" measures in an effort to discredit China's three years of COVID-19 regulations.
Algeria Cracks Down on Last Remaining Independent Media Outlet
December 29, 2022
Radio M, Algeria’s last independent journalistic media outlet, was charged with publishing articles that pose threats to national security and suspicion of foreign funding, the latest in a long line of crackdowns on independent news outlets across the nation.
Farmers’ massive protest against gov’t policies erupts in Delhi
December 19, 2022
An estimated 100 thousand Indian farmers congregate in Ramleela Maidan in capital New Delhi to protest Indian policy towards farmers. Protests throughout the year have prompted Prime Minister Modi to withdraw several anti farmer laws.
