Author: nidhin anil

Over the past decade, there has been a sharp rise in terrorism on the African continent. Both state and non-state entities, encompassing terrorist groups, militias, rebel factions, and more, have increasingly targeted civilians in their campaigns of violence. From Somalia to Mali and Sudan to Mozambique, the continent has repeatedly witnessed gruesome acts of violence. Western and Northern parts of Africa primarily encompass vast and sparsely populated areas, spanning some of the most rugged landscapes on earth. Its geographical complexities present numerous challenges to effective governance and the establishment of security measures. Serving as a setting for both state security…

February 2024 marks three years since the Myanmar military seized power, overthrowing the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup led to a massive civil disobedience movement and the formation of a National Unity Government with the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and affiliated ethnic militias confronting the military on several fronts. The situation at the Indo-Myanmar border is concerning, with refugees from Myanmar settling in Mizoram and Manipur. The political and socio-economic landscape of Myanmar remains deeply troubled, characterized by continued military rule, widespread conflict, and significant humanitarian challenges. Tensions in Myanmar The civil war in…

The One Nation One Election panel, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is gearing up for discussions with political leaders in the upcoming days as part of its efforts to present its report ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The committee’s upcoming meeting is set for February 10. Up until now, the committee has received feedback from 26 out of the 47 parties it approached for their opinion on simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Background and Context One Nation One Election is a electoral system where the voting for all three tiers of government –…

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently concluded his 11th annual visit to Africa from January 13-18, covering Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and the Ivory Coast. The visit aimed to strengthen economic and security ties, building on the outcomes of the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue in August 2023. Wang Yi focused on implementing initiatives supporting Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development. This visit also serves as a precursor to the upcoming ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2024 (FOCAC). Historical Roots China’s historical connections with North-east Africa can be traced back to 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. The renowned Zheng He…