Weekly News Recap (16 – 22 February 2026) © Photo by Coast Guard News via Flickr International Justice Section Bosnia and Herzegovina: Court Upholds War-Crimes Convictions for Abuse of Prisoners...
Weekly News Recap (3 - 9 February 2025)
© Photo by International Committee of the Red Cross via Flickr
- Kenya: Victims of Abduction Urge ICC to Investigate Human Rights Violations
- Georgia: Opposition Leaders Arrested Amidst Electoral Protests
- ICJ: OIC Granted Permission to Participate in Advisory Proceedings on Israel’s Obligations in Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Tunisia: Opposition Leader Receives 22-Year Jail Sentence for Plotting Against State Security
- Italy: Justice Minister Defends Repatriation of Libyan War Crimes Suspect
- EU: General Court Upholds €320 Million Fine Against Poland for Judicial Reforms
- Philippines: Human Rights Group Calls for Reforms in Anti-Terrorism Laws
- US: Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Bid to End Birthright Citizenship
International Peace & Security Section
Central African Republic: Rebel Attack Kills at Least 5 Soldiers
Uganda: 1,000 Soldiers Deployed to East Congo Near Conflict Zone with Rebels
US: President Trump to Wind Down Humanitarian Organisation USAID
El Salvador: 70 Soldiers Deployed to Support Mission Fighting Gang Violence in Haiti
Congo: M23 Rebels Seize New Town Despite Announcement of Ceasefire
West Bank: Israeli Assault on the West Bank has Displaced More Than 26,000 People
Niger: At Least 10 Soldiers Killed in Ambush on Border with Burkina Faso
- Niger: The Red Cross Ordered to Leave the Country
International Justice Section
Kenya: Victims of Abduction Urge ICC to Investigate Human Rights Violations
On 3 February 2025, it was reported that victims of enforced disappearances in Kenya called upon the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch an investigation into alleged human rights abuses, including abductions and police brutality, which they claim constitute crimes against humanity. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), along with other local rights groups and several affected individuals, formally requested the ICC’s involvement during a press conference held on 2 February 2025. The petitioners, including victims Bob Njagi and Aslam Longtom, recounted their harrowing experiences of being abducted and subjected to torture by security forces, purportedly for advocating for economic reforms and better governance in Kenya. They highlighted the failure of the Kenyan justice system to address these violations effectively. The call for ICC intervention comes amidst a reported increase in human rights violations across the country, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) recently expressing alarm over the rise in enforced disappearances targeting human rights defenders. The KNCHR has urged the Kenyan government to take decisive action to curb police brutality and uphold the constitutional rights of its citizens. Human Rights Watch and other organisations have also criticised the Kenyan government for its inadequate response to arbitrary detentions and police violence, particularly relating to the 2023 protests. These groups have reiterated the need for the government to release individuals detained without just cause and to hold accountable those responsible for these human rights abuses. The victims and human rights organisations hope that ICC involvement will bring international scrutiny and pressure, leading to improved accountability and justice for the victims.
Georgia: Opposition Leaders Arrested Amidst Electoral Protests
On 3 February 2025, it was reported that police arrested two key opposition figures, Nika Melia, former chairman of a major opposition party, and Gigi Ugulava, former mayor of Tbilisi, during anti-government protests on 2 February 2025. The arrests occurred as thousands of demonstrators tried to block a highway leading into the capital, demanding new parliamentary elections. The European Commission’s Vice President and EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, criticised the actions on social media platform X, labeling the arrests as “brutal” and “unacceptable” and noting that Georgia does not meet the expectations for an EU candidate country. Levan Ioseliani, the public rights defender of Georgia, reported instances of police using excessive force and mistreating protesters and journalists. Further concerns were raised by Amnesty International, which confirmed allegations of violence against protesters. Notably, Saba Skhvitaridze, a protester, was reportedly tortured while in police custody, a claim supported by medical examinations showing injuries consistent with his allegations. These incidents of violence and political arrests are part of broader unrest that has gripped Georgia since controversial parliamentary elections in November 2024. The situation worsened following the decision by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to suspend EU membership negotiations until 2028, a move that has provoked widespread criticism and intensified demonstrations. President Salome Zourabichvili has resisted calls to resign and disputes the legitimacy of the elections and the subsequent parliamentary actions. Tensions in the country escalated further with the end-of-year inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as President.
ICJ: OIC Granted Permission to Participate in Advisory Proceedings on Israel’s Obligations in Occupied Palestinian Territory
On 4 February 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) granted the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) permission to participate in the advisory proceedings regarding Israel’s obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Court’s decision enables the OIC, a significant coalition of 57 Muslim-majority countries, to contribute its perspective on the legal questions at issue. The OIC’s involvement comes at its own request and follows the initiation of the case by the UN General Assembly. Acting ICJ President, Judge Julia Sebutinde, indicated that the OIC’s participation is expected to provide pertinent information pertinent to the legal queries under examination, as per Article 66 of the ICJ Statute. The OIC has been given until 28 February 2025 to submit a written statement. While the Court has not yet outlined subsequent procedural steps, this marks a crucial phase in the broader legal efforts to scrutinise Israel’s responsibilities under international law concerning its activities in the Palestinian Territories. The advisory opinions of the ICJ, although not binding, are highly influential in shaping international law and diplomacy, especially in addressing complex geopolitical issues.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/196/196-20250204-pre-01-00-en.pdf
Tunisia: Opposition Leader Receives 22-Year Jail Sentence for Plotting Against State Security
On 5 February 2025, Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahdha party and a prominent critic of President Kais Saied, was sentenced to an additional 22 years in prison. The charges, as reported by lawyers, include “plotting against state security.” This sentencing adds to Ghannouchi’s previous convictions for receiving illegal foreign funding and involvement in “terrorism.” Ghannouchi has been imprisoned since April 2023 and has boycotted court proceedings, protesting the lack of judicial independence. The court’s decision also affected several members of his family and other associates, with sentences ranging from five to 37 years for various charges including attempting to change the state’s form and committing hostilities against the president. This wave of severe sentences also impacted other significant political figures and journalists, emphasising the tense political climate under President Saied, who took power in a controversial move in 2021. The case has been criticised as political by Ghannouchi’s party and international observers, highlighting concerns over the erosion of rights and legal processes in Tunisia.
https://www.newarab.com/news/tunisia-opposition-leader-ghannouchi-handed-new-jail-sentence
Italy: Justice Minister Defends Repatriation of Libyan War Crimes Suspect
On 5 February 2025, Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio defended the controversial decision to repatriate Osama Njeem, a Libyan accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, citing issues with the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC had issued the warrant on 18 January 2025, accusing Njeem of committing grave offences at Mitiga Prison in Libya, including acts against detainees imprisoned for their religious beliefs or alleged affiliations with opposing armed groups. Njeem was arrested in Italy on 19 January 2025, but Italian authorities released him and sent him back to Libya just two days later, on 21 January 2025, without consulting the ICC. This action prompted the ICC to demand an explanation and led to an investigation against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for the circumstances surrounding Njeem’s release. Minister Nordio critiqued the ICC’s warrant in the Italian Parliament, highlighting “inaccuracies, omissions, discrepancies, and contradictory conclusions” and mentioned receiving an informal email from Interpol shortly after the arrest which compounded the confusion. The ICC later amended the warrant to correct typographical errors regarding the dates of the alleged crimes. Opposition leader Elly Schlein criticised the decision as a “political choice,” accusing the government of acting in defense of a torturer rather than upholding international law. The ICC has reiterated the obligation of all State Parties to cooperate fully with the court’s investigations and prosecutions of crimes under the Rome Statute.
EU: General Court Upholds €320 Million Fine Against Poland for Judicial Reforms
On 5 February 2025, the EU General Court affirmed a significant financial penalty against Poland, totaling approximately €320 million, due to the country’s failure to comply with EU laws following its judicial reforms initiated in 2019. These reforms, particularly those enacted in December 2019, were found to contravene foundational principles of the European Union, leading to the imposition of legal sanctions. Initially, in November 2021, Poland was subjected to a daily fine of €1 million after failing to adhere to a previous court order that required the suspension of certain national judicial provisions. Following adjustments made by Poland in June 2022, which sought to better align its laws with EU directives, the daily fine was subsequently reduced to €500,000. Despite these adjustments, the inconsistencies in Poland’s payment of the accrued fines prompted the European Commission to recover the owed amounts by offsetting them against various claims Poland had within the EU. This method resulted in the collection of approximately €320 million for penalties that accumulated from July 2022 to June 2023. The General Court’s decision to dismiss Poland’s legal challenge against the Commission’s method of offset confirms that these actions did not violate EU law and were justified as a means to enforce compliance. This ruling comes as Poland’s new government, under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, actively seeks to reverse the controversial judicial reforms and restore adherence to the rule of law. This shift has been instrumental in persuading Brussels to release significant funds previously frozen in response to the judicial overhaul.
Philippines: Human Rights Group Calls for Reforms in Anti-Terrorism Laws
On 5 February 2025, Amnesty International called on the Philippines government to stop using anti-terrorism laws against human rights activists and development workers, criticising the nation for its harsh measures against civil society. The rights group highlighted the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, which have been employed to issue arrest warrants and freeze assets of non-governmental organisations and their staff. The organisation pointed out the practice of “red-tagging,” where individuals and groups are labeled as communists without substantial proof, leading to various forms of harassment. This includes baseless arrest warrants based on single testimonies, which were notably applied against staff members of an organisation promoting sustainable agriculture, who were arrested under allegations of financing terrorism based on a testimony from 2014 by a former Communist Party member. Amnesty International condemned these actions as part of a state-sponsored intimidation campaign, urging the Philippine government to reform its legislation to ensure it does not hinder or criminalise the essential services provided by civil society organisations. The group also demanded the dismissal of all charges against detained development workers and human rights advocates, advocating for a more conducive environment for their operations. Furthermore, Amnesty International recommended dismantling the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, a government body established in 2018 aimed at addressing armed conflicts but criticised for contributing to the red-tagging of activists. The call for reforms is part of a broader appeal to protect freedom of expression and prevent the misuse of laws intended to combat terrorism, amid ongoing concerns over the targeting of civil society by the Philippines authorities.
US: Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Bid to End Birthright Citizenship
On 6 February 2025, a US federal judge halted President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents in the United States. Maryland District Judge Deborah Boardman ruled that the measure contradicts longstanding US law and tradition that grants citizenship to nearly all individuals born on American soil. The order, which would have revoked citizenship for newborns unless at least one parent was a US citizen or permanent resident, faced immediate legal challenges. Judge Boardman stated that the policy runs counter to the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, historically interpreted to confer citizenship automatically to most children born in the US. This decision extends a previous restraining order from a Seattle judge who declared the order “blatantly unconstitutional.” Legal battles are expected to continue, with further hearings scheduled and potential appeals by the Trump administration looming. The case highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration policy, particularly the issue of birthright citizenship, which some argue incentivises illegal immigration and birth tourism.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg8kk9j3j0o
International Peace & Security Section
Syria: Car Bomb in Northern Syria Kills at Least 20
On 3 February 2025, it was reported at least 20 people had been killed in a car bomb in the city of Manbij in northern Syria. According to rescuers, at least 14 of those killed were women, with another 15 women injured. The victims were predominantly agricultural workers. This was the country’s deadliest attack since the Bashar al-Assad regime was overthrown from power in December. The Syrian presidency described it as a “terror attack” and stated those responsible will be brought to account. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Manbij is located about 30 km (19 miles) from the Turkish border. Since the Syrian civil war began 13 years ago, control over Manbij has changed multiple times. In December, Turkish-backed groups seized it from the US-backed Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). The SDF had gained control over Manbij from Islamic State militants in 2016. Monday’s attack is the second in Manbij in three days, a car bomb on Saturday killed four people and injured nine others.
Central African Republic: Rebel Attack Kills at Least 5 Soldiers
On 3 February 2025, it was reported at least 5 soldiers had been killed and several more injured following an attack by a rebel group in the Central African Republic. The Coalition of Patriots for Change, an anti-government armed group, attacked soldiers at a military outpost in the village of Kouki in the northwestern prefecture of Ouham. Since 2013, the Central African Republic has been embroiled in conflict, when predominantly Muslim rebels gained control and ousted then-president François Bozizé. In 2019, a peace deal was enacted but it only lessened the hostilities, which later resulted in six of the 14 armed groups who had signed up withdrawing from the agreement. In 2020, the Coalition of Patriots for Change was established in the aftermath of the agreement. Despite its wealth of natural resources including gold and diamonds, the Central African Republic is among the world’s poorest countries. Over the past number of years, rebel groups have had free rein to obstruct mining exploration attempts by foreign companies. Russian-backed Wagner mercenaries have set up operations in the country in an attempt to fight rebel groups and restore peace. However, the forces have been accused of human rights violations and backing President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s military regime, who has been in power since 2016.
https://apnews.com/article/central-african-republic-rebels-attack-266824d242fe04d910ed8d14cdcedb82
Uganda: 1,000 Soldiers Deployed to East Congo Near Conflict Zone with Rebels
On 4 February 2025, it was reported Uganda had deployed more than 1,000 extra soldiers near the conflict zone in eastern Congo where the Congolese army is fighting M23 rebels, with growing fears of a regional escalation. The Ugandan soldiers will support Congo’s army on the outskirts of Goma in its fight against another insurgency, the Islamist Allied Defence Forces (ADF). According to UN reports, Uganda’s extra deployment will raise its numbers there to about 4,000-5,000 soldiers. Uganda has been helping Congo fight the ADF since 2021 under the military offensive Operation Shujaa. However, UN experts have accused Uganda of supporting M23 rebels, the ethnic Tutsi-led group backed by Rwanda fighting for control over mineral-rich eastern Congo. Congo’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, emphasised the purpose of Ugandan soldiers in the area was to combat the ADF. Muyaya also stated there is still suspicion about Uganda and what is happening with the M23. Uganda has denied claims it has trained M23 rebels and provided the group a rear base to move soldiers and weapons. The M23 fighters have seized much of North Kiuv province and the regional capital Goma, and have continued their advances towards Bakavu, the regional capital of South Kiuv. Uganda has supported Congo’s fight against the Islamic State-allied ADF since the late 1990s. Both ground and air attacks have halted ADF advancements and forced them to escape strongholds. But concern over Uganda’s position in relation to the M23 insurgency in Congo is heightened as Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan President who serves as head of the military, has shown public support for Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame. He also referred to M23 as “brothers of ours” fighting for the rights of Tutsis in Congo.
Sudan: Attack on Hospital in Khartoum Kills 6
On 4 February 2025, the Sudanese Health Ministry reported six people had been killed and a further 38 injured after Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled the Al-Nou Hospital in Omdurman in Khartoum. The Sudanese Doctors Network called the attack a “deliberate strike” on a medical facility which is in violation of international law. On Saturday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry alleged the RSF were responsible for an artillery attack on the Sabrin market in Omdurman which resulted in more than 60 deaths. The RSF have denied the claims, saying it had not targeted populated regions. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and RSF have been fighting a deadly war, with the UN estimating the conflict has led to more than 20,000 deaths and the displacement of 14 million. However, other research institutes estimate the death toll is significantly higher, at around 130,000. There are growing calls from the international community to end the conflict, with a humanitarian crisis now imminent with millions of people at risk of famine and death due to food shortages.
US: President Trump to Wind Down Humanitarian Organisation USAID
On 4 February 2025, US President, Donald Trump, announced he will wind down the US Agency for International Development, in what will be a major overhaul of how the US distributes foreign aid. USAID allocates billions of dollars of humanitarian aid around the world and Trump’s latest actions have left the agency in turmoil. Just hours after taking office, Trump signed a 90-day pause of foreign aid and directed Elon Musk to review the agency, because he wanted to make sure it aligned with his “America First” policy. Trump stated Musk did a “great job” in his review of USAID, referring to the “fraud” he found, without presenting any evidence of fraud. Concerns have been raised regarding Trump’s plans, with worries financial cuts to USAID will lead to severe consequences for essential life-saving aid globally. In the fiscal year 2023, the US distributed US$72 billion of aid worldwide, partly through USAID. This aid covers a range of issues including women’s health in areas of conflict, access to clean water, HIV/AIDS treatments, energy security, and anti-corruption initiatives. This covered 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the UN in 2024. Yet, this amounted to just 1% of the total yearly US budget. Hundreds of USAID programs across the globe are now halted after Trump’s freeze was signed on 20 January 2025. Following Trump’s aid pause, the State Department declared global stop-work orders, with the exception of emergency food assistance. Experts have warned the move puts people’s lives in severe danger. Several USAID staff members have since been put on leave, and hundreds of contractors have been left in financial difficulty with unpaid invoices, resulting in staff layoffs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was appointed acting head of USAID. Rubio informed Congress on Monday of the imminent plans to restructure USAID, where some sections of the agency may be integrated into the State Department while other sections may be fully abolished.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-confirms-he-is-winding-down-usaid-2025-02-04/
El Salvador: 70 Soldiers Deployed to Support Mission Fighting Gang Violence in Haiti
On 4 February 2025, a military contingent of 70 soldiers from El Salvador arrived in Haiti to support the ongoing UN-backed mission to fight violent gangs in Haiti’s capital. The international mission is led by Kenya, who last month deployed more police officers to the mission, bringing the number of Kenyan officials in Haiti in excess of 600. Jamaica and Guatemala have also deployed security personnel to the mission. Haiti’s battle with gang violence continues across the capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, with a recent armed attack resulting in at least 40 deaths in an upscale community. There have been calls to transform the Kenyan-led mission into a UN peacekeeping mission by the US and other countries as they state the current mission lacks funding and security personnel. The UN reported at least 5,600 people were killed and a further 2,200 others injured last year in Haiti, while more than one million people were forced to flee their homes because of the crisis.
Congo: M23 Rebels Seize New Town Despite Announcement of Ceasefire
On 5 February 2025, it was reported the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have continued their offensive in Congo despite the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire. The M23 rebels captured the town of Nyabibwe in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province, moving the rebels closer to the South Kivu provincial capital Bukavu, a city the rebels said last week they had no plan to capture. Nyabibwe is located between Goma and Bukavu and is a mining town where gold, coltan and other metals are produced. Congo’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, stated the M23 group violated the ceasefire in the early hours of Wednesday morning where they met opposition from the Congolese army. Corneille Nangaa, Congo River Alliance leader, a coalition including M23 rebels, confirmed the group seized Nyabibwe, and stated “they attacked us and we defended ourselves.” M23 rebels announced a humanitarian ceasefire on Monday, which was due to take effect on Tuesday. Congo government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, said the M23 group’s latest attack is proof the ceasefire was a “ploy.” Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels to steal valuable natural resources. Rwanda denies the claims, and asserts it is acting in self-defence and to protect ethnic Tutsis. The scale of devastation is still being measured from what happened in Goma last week, with reports of civilian casualties, destroyed infrastructure, overcrowded hospitals, and dead bodies left in the streets. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimates more than 2,800 people were killed in Goma.
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250205-m23-s-unilateral-ceasefire-a-ploy-dr-congo-govt
West Bank: Israeli Assault on the West Bank has Displaced More Than 26,000 People
On 6 February 2025, it was reported after two weeks of Israeli offensives in the northern area of the occupied West Bank that thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, and homes have been demolished, including the Jenin refugee camp. The Israeli army said they launched a counterterrorism operation against armed Palestinian fighters, targeting the areas of Jenin, Tulkarem and now Nablus. It is estimated at least 26,000 people have been forcibly displaced. The Israeli army has destroyed large areas of Gaza, and killed more than 47,000 people, including at least 25,000 women and children. Meanwhile, Gazan authorities have updated the death toll to 61,709 to include the 14,222 people missing who are presumed dead. Since the start of the year, more than 70 people, including 10 children, have been killed by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank. In Jenin alone, at least 38 people have been killed. Since the 19 January ceasefire in Gaza was announced, Israel has begun large-scale military operations across the West Bank. In a new report issued by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), it finds since the war began in October 2023, the healthcare system in the occupied West Bank has been in “a state of perpetual emergency,” It describes how the access to essential services, including healthcare, has been severely restricted due to the violence. It also examines the healthcare restrictions in the context of “segregation and apartheid” as described by the International Criminal Court (ICJ). The report discloses “a pattern of systematic interference by Israeli forces and settlers in emergency healthcare delivery.” The Palestinian Health Ministry estimates at least 884 people have been killed in the West Bank since the war began.
Niger: At Least 10 Soldiers Killed in Ambush on Border with Burkina Faso
On 6 February 2025, Niger’s military junta stated at least 10 soldiers had been killed in an ambush on a military unit near the border with Burkina Faso. The soldiers had been deployed to the western village of Takzat to detain criminals who had been stealing cattle. The attackers initially fled the area, but the military reported it had killed around 15 “terrorists” the following day. For over a decade now, Niger and its neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali have been battling a jihadi insurgency, including groups allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. In recent years, all three nations have had military coups, and the ruling juntas have ended defence agreements with France, instead turning to Russia’s mercenary units for security support. Also, the three countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation by setting up their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States. However, since the military juntas gained power, the security situation in the Sahel region has deteriorated, with a record number of attacks and civilian deaths by Islamic militants and government forces.
Niger: The Red Cross Ordered to Leave the Country
On 6 February 2025, it was reported the military junta in Niger had ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to shut down its offices and leave the country. In November, Nigerien authorities aired concerns in relation to the EU’s unilateral distribution of humanitarian funding to NGOs, including the ICRC, which was “in disregard of the principles of transparency and good collaboration.” According to ICRC reports, from January to June 2024, ICRC initiatives have helped approximately 140,000 people in Niger. For 35 years, the ICRC claims it has provided essential services in Niger including health care, sanitation and drinking water, as well as vaccination for animals. The Nigerien military junta have not provided a reason for the eviction. Meanwhile, the ICRC have yet to issue a statement on the eviction order.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/niger-orders-closure-of-red-cross-report/3474048
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