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International Peace & Security Section
Somalia: Cancels All Agreements with UAE Amid Sovereignty Dispute
Japan-Philippines: Sign New Defence Agreements Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Uganda: National Elections Commence Amidst Internet Shutdown and Security Clampdown
Cuba: Mass Rally Condemns US Operation in Venezuela and Demands Maduro’s Release
Liberia: Civil War Survivor Fears Reprisals After US Deportation of Alleged Warlord
Austria: Rights Group Files Criminal Complaint in Austria Over Gaza War Crimes
On 12 January 2026, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) announced that it had filed a criminal complaint with Austrian authorities against an Israeli soldier accused of serious violations of international humanitarian law during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The complaint was lodged after confirmation that the suspect, Yonatan Akriv, was present in Austria. The filing is based on an investigation conducted by HRF, which documents Akriv’s role in the 8717th “Alon” Battalion, a unit the organisation says was responsible for the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. According to the complaint, the allegations concern ground operations in northern Gaza that involved the large-scale demolition of civilian buildings after Israeli forces had established full control over the area, actions HRF argues cannot be justified by military necessity. HRF has urged Austrian authorities to investigate the crimes Akriv is alleged to have committed as part of what it describes as a broader Israeli campaign involving widespread and systematic attacks against Gaza’s civilian population, amounting to crimes against humanity and genocide. The foundation maintains that Austria is legally obliged to examine the case in line with its international commitments, including those under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
CJEU: Upholds Inclusion of Syrian Businessman on Sanctions List
On 14 January 2026, the General Court of the European Union issued a judgment dismissing the appeal of Syrian businessman Issam Anbouba regarding his inclusion on the EU’s sanctions list related to the situation in Syria. Anbouba had contested the Council of the European Union’s decision to maintain asset freezes, entry bans, and economic restrictions against him, which were based on his alleged ties to the former Syrian regime. The General Court concluded that the European Council did not err in law by retaining his name on the sanctions list. The court emphasised that restrictive measures adopted under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) must uphold the rights of defence, proportionality, and effective judicial protection during judicial reviews.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62024TJ0403
KSC: Closing Statements in Thaçi’s Trial Scheduled for February
On 15 January 2026, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (KSC) announced that closing statements in the trial of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi will take place between 9 and 18 February at the KSC in The Hague. The Prosecution will deliver its closing statements on 9 and 10 February, followed by Victims’ Counsel on 10 February. Thaçi’s Defence will be heard on 11 February, Veseli’s Defence on 11 and 12 February, Selimi’s on 12 and 13 February, and Krasniqi’s on 13 and 16 February. The Trial Panel may pose questions on 16 February, with responses from the parties scheduled for 18 February, when the defendants will also be given the opportunity to address the court. All four accused face six counts of crimes against humanity and four counts of war crimes, allegedly committed between 1998 and 1999 in Kosovo and northern Albania against civilians and other non-combatants. They were arrested and transferred to The Hague in November 2020. The trial began in April 2023 and concluded its evidentiary phase in December 2025, after testimony from 134 witnesses and the admission of written statements. Judges are now expected to deliberate and issue a verdict within 90 days.
https://www.scp-ks.org/en/closing-statements-thaci-et-al-war-crimes-case
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Court Confirms Indictment of Four Former Soldiers Over 1993 War Crimes
On 15 January 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest court announced that it had confirmed the indictment of Nesib Talic, Jusuf Karalic, Nasid Delalic, and Sabahudin Sarajlic, former soldiers of the 7th Muslim Brigade of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for war crimes allegedly committed against Croat and Serb civilians in 1993. The suspects are accused of committing serious abuses against civilians detained in the basement of the Zenica Music School. According to the indictment, the defendants subjected prisoners to unlawful detention, mistreatment, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The abuses resulted in two deaths: one as a consequence of beatings, and another involving the killing of a civilian who attempted to escape. Nasid Delalic and Sabahudin Sarajlic are accused of directly participating in the crimes, while Nesib Talic and Jusuf Karalic are accused of failing to prevent and punish the offences.
https://balkaninsight.com/2026/01/15/bosnian-court-indicts-four-over-war-crimes-in-music-school/
ICC: Court Renews Call for Witnesses in Duterte Investigation
On 15 January 2026, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) again appealed to witnesses of the crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Rodrigo Duterte to provide information to the Court. The crimes under investigation include killings, torture, and sexual violence, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019, as part of the so-called “war on drugs” campaign. The ICC is seeking information from direct witnesses, including members of the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies possibly involved in anti-drug operations. The Prosecutor’s Office has reopened its communication channels and assured potential witnesses that all information will be handled confidentially. The appeal aims to strengthen the Court’s evidence-gathering efforts as it continues to assess individual criminal responsibility for the crimes. The renewed call comes amid ongoing legal developments in the case, including defence motions filed on behalf of Duterte. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the Court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a state party.
https://www.brigadanews.ph/icc-appeals-for-witnesses-in-duterte-drug-war-case/
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1319899240175268&set=a.149440740554463
South Korea: Former President Yoon Sentenced to Five Years in Prison in First Martial Law Verdict
On 16 January 2026, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for obstruction of justice and related offences connected to his attempted imposition of martial law in December 2024. The court found Yoon guilty of using the presidential security service to prevent authorities from executing a lawful arrest warrant against him, as well as fabricating official documents and circumventing legal protocols for declaring martial law. This is the first judicial ruling related to the events surrounding his failed martial law declaration in December 2024. Yoon retains the right to appeal and is facing additional trials on related charges, which could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment if he is convicted of insurrection.
ICJ: Myanmar Denies Genocide Allegations in Rohingya Case
On 16 January 2026, Myanmar presented its defence before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), contending that Gambia had failed to establish a case for genocide in its lawsuit alleging violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention against the Rohingya Muslim minority. During the hearings, Myanmar’s representative informed the judges that the 2017 military offensive in Rakhine, was a legitimate counter-terrorism operation rather than an act of genocide. The Gambia, supported by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, argues that the systematic violence demonstrates genocidal intent. The hearings, which opened on 12 January, marks the first full genocide trial at the UN’s highest court in over a decade. The case, initiated by The Gambia in 2019, alleges that Myanmar’s military carried out mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement against Rohingya communities during a 2017 “clearance operation,” in violation of the Genocide Convention. Hearings are scheduled to run through 29 January, during which both parties will present evidence and legal arguments. The outcome of this case is anticipated to have repercussions beyond Myanmar, potentially influencing other major cases, including South Africa’s genocide claim against Israel.
Somalia: Cancels All Agreements with UAE Amid Sovereignty Dispute
On 12 January 2026, Somalia announced it was severing all agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), annulling deals covering key port operations, security cooperation, and defence. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the decision was based on reports that the UAE engaged in actions undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence. Analysts link the move to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December, a self-declared breakaway region, and to allegations that the UAE has supported separatist actors in Somalia and other parts of Africa, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Mogadishu has also launched an investigation into what it described as the unauthorised use of Somali airspace and airports following the arrival of a Yemeni separatist leader in the UAE via Berbera port. Somaliland, which maintains de facto independence and hosts significant Emirati commercial and security investments, rejected Somalia’s authority, while some Somali states with UAE ties, including Puntland and Jubaland, may not fully comply with the federal decision.
Syria: Kurdish Protests Erupt After Violence in Aleppo Raises Fears of Renewed Conflict
On 13 January 2026, several thousand Syrian Kurds demonstrated in the northeastern city of Qamishli following the withdrawal of Kurdish-led forces from Aleppo after days of deadly clashes. The protests came amid rising tensions between Kurdish authorities and Syria’s new central government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose pledge to reunify the country after years of civil war has been met with scepticism by Kurdish groups wary of Islamist-led rule. Fighting in Aleppo last week left dozens dead and forced more than 150,000 people to flee Kurdish-held neighbourhoods, deepening mistrust and stalling an agreement made in March last year aimed at integrating Kurdish authorities into the state. Kurdish officials warned that continued military offensives could void the deal entirely, while demonstrators accused both Damascus and Ankara of targeting Kurdish communities. Concerns have grown that the violence could escalate beyond local clashes as Syrian authorities declared parts of eastern Aleppo still under Syrian Democratic Forces control a “closed military zone” and ordered armed groups to withdraw further east.
Japan-Philippines: Sign New Defence Agreements Amid Rising Regional Tensions
On 15 January 2026, Japan and the Philippines signed two defence agreements in Manila, further strengthening their military ties amid rising tensions in the East and South China seas. One deal, the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, allows the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces conduct joint training, while the other includes a US$6 million Official Security Assistance package from Tokyo to build facilities for rigid-hulled inflatable boats donated to the Philippines. The agreements build on a previously signed Reciprocal Access Agreement, which permits the deployment of forces from either country to the other’s territory for joint exercises, including live-fire drills. Speaking at a joint briefing, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said the deals would “enhance mutual interoperability and readiness”, while Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasised opposition to “unilateral attempts to change the regional status quo by force or coercion”, in a clear rebuke to China without naming it. The moves come as Manila and Beijing continue to clash over territorial claims in the South China Sea, while tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated following Japanese remarks suggesting possible military intervention if China attacked Taiwan.
Greenland: European Troops Deployed as US Annexation Threats Escalate
On 15 January 2026, troops from several European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, began arriving in Greenland to bolster Denmark’s military presence as talks with the US highlighted a “fundamental disagreement” over the Arctic island’s future. Danish and Greenlandic officials met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss President Donald Trump’s ambitions for American control, which Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected, emphasising that Greenland is not for sale and does not wish to be governed by the US. The deployments, part of a NATO rotation, aim to safeguard Arctic security amid growing strategic interest from Russia and China. Residents in Nuuk welcomed the European presence as a signal that Greenland’s interests are represented but expressed continued concern over US ambitions for the island’s resources. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced the creation of a working group with the US to address security concerns while respecting Denmark’s red lines, a step described by Danish officials as modest but positive for ongoing diplomatic dialogue, though they warned that the risk has not disappeared.
Uganda: National Elections Commence Amidst Internet Shutdown and Security Clampdown
On 15 January 2026, polls opened across Uganda as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni sought to extend his four-decade rule. The election began under a nationwide internet blackout ordered by the government to curb “misinformation,” a move the United Nations warned undermines electoral transparency. Despite heavy military patrols in Kampala and Jinja, more than 21.6 million voters were called to the polls to choose between the incumbent and his primary challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. The lead-up to the vote was marked by significant repression, with hundreds of opposition supporters arrested and rallies disrupted. Bobi Wine, often seen wearing a flak jacket, characterized the contest as a struggle against a military dictatorship, accusing the state of plotting to rig results behind the communications blockade. While the Electoral Commission attributed voting delays to technical glitches, the atmosphere remained tense as citizens “election-proofed” their homes against potential unrest. With 70% of the population under age 35, the result is seen as a defining moment for a generation facing high unemployment and shrinking political freedoms.
Venezuela: Rival Leaders Compete for Influence with Trump Administration
On 16 January 2026, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, marking a strategic attempt to gain influence following the recent US military operation that captured longtime leader Nicolás Maduro. Machado presented Trump with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal, calling it a tribute to his “commitment to our freedom.” While Trump accepted the gift, his administration has expressed scepticism regarding Machado’s political standing, with White House advisors suggesting she lacks the domestic support necessary to lead the country’s transition. Instead, the Trump administration has signalled a pragmatic willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy. Despite her ties to the previous regime, US officials have described Rodríguez as “extremely cooperative” for meeting demands to release political prisoners and ensuring US access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. While Machado seeks to frame her movement as the only legitimate path to democracy, Rodríguez is positioning herself as an effective partner for Washington’s economic and security goals. This dual-track diplomacy leaves the US administration balancing relations between two rival leaders to secure regional stability and resource interests.
Cuba: Mass Rally Condemns US Operation in Venezuela and Demands Maduro’s Release
On 16 January 2026, tens of thousands of Cubans gathered outside the US Embassy in Havana to denounce the US military operation in Venezuela and demand the release of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The government-organised demonstration was held in response to the deaths of 32 Cuban officers, part of Maduro’s security detail during the US raid on his Caracas residence earlier this month. Framed by Cuban authorities as a defence of national sovereignty, the rally featured nationalist symbols, chants against US imperialism, and strong rhetoric from President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who accused Washington of ushering in an era of aggression and neo-fascism. The protest came amid escalating tensions after US President Donald Trump urged Cuba to strike a deal with his administration and signalled an end to the Venezuelan oil supply to the island, which is already facing severe economic strain and power shortages.
Liberia: Civil War Survivor Fears Reprisals After US Deportation of Alleged Warlord
On 16 January 2026, a survivor of Liberia’s civil war warned that his life is at risk following the deportation of Mayama Sesay, an alleged former warlord, from the US to Liberia. Sesay, a former commander of the all-female armed unit known as the Women’s Artillery Commandos, was part of LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy). Her return has renewed calls for the establishment of a long-delayed war crimes court in Liberia. The survivor alleges that Sesay, also known as “Black Diamond,” ordered the killing of his sister in 2003. According to witness accounts, she commanded the shooting of between six and ten women who were collecting rice from a container. The witness also reports having been assaulted by fighters under Sesay’s command. Sesay was deported for immigration violations after allegedly concealing her role in the conflict. The survivor testified against her while she was still in the US and now fears retaliation following her return, stating that he has received death threats. Sesay is the second alleged warlord deported by the US, following George Boley in 2012. Human rights advocates warn that deporting individuals accused of serious crimes without domestic accountability mechanisms endangers victims and witnesses and discourages future testimony. Activists argue that Liberia’s failure to prosecute war-era crimes continues to fuel fear and impunity. Although the government has recently received draft legislation to establish a war crimes court, the process may take months. Survivors insist that justice and witness protection cannot wait and urge the government to make clear that retaliation against witnesses will not be tolerated. Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency says the case is being treated as a priority.
Weekly News Recap (23 February – 1 March 2026) © Photo by Babak Fakhamzadeh via FlickrInternational Justice SectionIACtHR: Finds Brazil Responsible for Racial Discrimination and Negligence in Case of Police Killing of Black Youth Ukraine: First War Crimes Charges Announced Over Russian Atrocities in UkraineCyprus: Court Approves Extradition of Israeli
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 ECtHR: Finds Bulgaria Failed to Investigate Racist Motive in Assault ECtHR: Finds Serbia Failed to Carry Out an Effective Investigation
Weekly News Recap (9 – 15 February 2026) © Photo by DW Akademie – Africa via Flickr International Justice Section KSC: Closing Statements Begin in Thaçi’s Trial Hong Kong: High Court Sentences Jimmy Lai to 20 Years’ Imprisonment Mali: Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentence Against Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara
