terrorism
DRC
In the first two weeks of June, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed approximately 150 people in incidents across the North Kivu and Ituri provinces. In just one attack, for example, on 7 and 8 June, the group killed at least 41 people in attacks against three villages in Beni Territory, North Kivu. The uptick in ADF attacks has coincided with a reduced military presence in the wider eastern region amid the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping forces from the country and the redeployment of Congolese troops in the southern part of North Kivu to counter the advance of another rebel group, the March 23 Movement (M23).
Civil Unrest
Kenya
On 18 and 19 June, hundreds of people demonstrated in Nairobi and Mombasa to denounce the government’s proposed tax increases in a bill that was due to be tabled in parliament. Police arrested 210 protesters in Nairobi, while also firing teargas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. The demonstrations caused major traffic and commercial disruptions in the cities’ central business districts, as many businesses in the area remained closed due to fears of possible looting. While the government has scrapped some of its initial tax proposals, particularly those impacting the cost of basic goods, further civil unrest over the bill is likely in the coming weeks.
Civil unrest
Argentina
On 12 June, thousands of activists demonstrated in Buenos Aires to demand that lawmakers vote against a bill proposed by President Javier Milei, which comprises several controversial economic and political reforms. Some major points of contention include austerity measures, privatisation, and the declaration of a one-year state of emergency which would grant the executive sweeping powers over administrative, economic, financial, and energy matters. Demonstrators burnt debris and threw rocks at police, while officers responded by firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Police also arrested 18 protesters. The incident follows a series of widespread protests to denounce Milei’s reforms, and further civil unrest is likely in the coming weeks.
Political Violence
Mexico
On 3 June, gunmen shot and killed the mayor of Cotija Municipality, Michoacán State. The assassination came a day after the country’s general and local elections. Although authorities did not immediately identify a suspect, drug cartels are active in the region, and frequently assassinate government officials, particularly near or during elections. Since the start of the campaign season, official figures indicate that more than 20 people running for office have been killed, although independent surveys have put the number closer to 40.
Civil Unrest
United States
On 28 May, unionised academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles initiated a strike to denounce the administration’s crackdown on campus protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The strike included teaching assistants, academic researchers, and other graduate staff, prompting disruptions to classes and the marking of papers. The work stoppage formed part of systemwide rolling strikes by academic workers at UC which began at the Santa Cruz campus, and expanded to another five out of 10 UC campuses. However, on 7 June, a judge ordered a temporary halt on the strike, following a lawsuit filed by UC which argued that the strikes would cause ‘irreparable harm’ by disrupting classes and research ahead of final exams.
Civil Unrest
Taiwan
From 21 to 28 May, thousands of pro-government supporters protested outside the parliament building in Taipei to denounce an opposition-backed bill that would enhance parliament’s oversight in government and limit the powers of newly elected President Lai Ching-te. While the demonstrations were peaceful, political tensions escalated into physical clashes between lawmakers during parliamentary debates on the matter. Although parliament approved the bill on 28 May, Lai has sent it back to the opposition-led legislature for review on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and difficult to implement. As a result, a second round of parliamentary debate began on 19 June, and activists resumed protests. Increasing division between Lai’s executive and opposition leaders in parliament is likely to drive further political protests in the coming months.
War
South Korea
On 11 and 18 June, South Korean border guards fired warning shots in response to North Korean soldiers briefly crossing the militarised demarcation line between the two countries. The two breaches were likely accidental, coinciding with building activity to install landmines and anti-tank barriers on the North Korean side of the border. The incident comes amid elevated tensions between North and South Korea, after North Korea sent balloons filled with refuse into South Korea on 29 May, and South Korea responded by sending balloons filled with propaganda material. Further low-level confrontations between the two countries are likely in the coming months.
Terrorism
Iraq
Between 26 May and 3 June, armed assailants attacked several US fast food restaurants in Baghdad, in retaliation for the US’s support for Israel amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. In one such attack on 3 June, for example, a group of pro-Palestine assailants caused significant property damage at a restaurant on Falastin Street. Police intervened arresting at least 12 attackers but injured at least three people during the operation. In addition, a US construction company and a UK education and research facility reported attacks with stun grenades and firearms, although there were no casualties nor major property damage. Following the 3 June attack, authorities deployed counter-terrorism forces, and increased surveillance and security outside US-owned businesses in the city. As a result, the number of incidents has decreased; however, armed groups maintain a strong intent to conduct further attacks while the conflict in Gaza is ongoing.
Civil unrest
France
In June, thousands of people participated in demonstrations across the country to denounce increased support for right-wing political parties. The demonstrations followed the EU parliamentary election, which saw the French far-right Rassemblement National winning 37 percent (or 30 seats) of the country’s 81 seats in the regional legislature, an increase from 29 percent in the previous EU parliament election. The outcome of the EU vote prompted President Emmanuel Macron to call for snap parliamentary elections in France on 30 June and 7 July – a move surprising various stakeholders, including those in his centrist Renaissance party. Protests to denounce the far-right are likely to persist in the aftermath of the national polls.
