Conflict Weekly

Conflict Weekly
Congo: M23 Violence and Failed Peace Efforts in Eastern DRC

Conflict Weekly #299, 18 September 2025, Vol 6, No. 38

IPRI Team
18 September 2025
Photo Source: AP Photo

Conflict Weekly #299, 18 September  2025, Vol 6, No. 38
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Anu Maria Joseph


DR Congo: M23 reorganising for a renewed offensive; no sign of peace
Anu Maria Joseph
 
In the news
On 18 September, Reuters and Africanews reported that the Congolese army and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are remobilising troops and reinforcing their military positions in North and South Kivu provinces. The new development came after the warring sides accused each other of violating the terms of the US and Qatari-led peace and ceasefire accords. 

On 14 September, M23 rebels paraded over 7,000 recruits in Goma. The group said that the new recruits included surrendered Congolese soldiers. 

On the same day, Amnesty International representative, Christian Rumu, stated: "We are still concerned about forced recruitment that we have documented since the takeover of the M23 in North Kivu and South Kivu. This might affect the peaceful process that both the DRC, Rwanda, and M23 are trying to reach through the Doha and Washington processes."

Issues at large
First, M23's motivations to continue violence. M23, a Tutsi-led and Rwanda-backed rebel group, seized and has been in control of Goma and Bukavu, the regional capitals of North and South Kivu, since January 2025. The group currently has nearly 14,000 troops across eastern DRC, according to the UN. M23 has security and economic motivations in the region. The security objective is to protect the minority ethnic Tutsis, whether it's in Rwanda, DRC or Uganda, and fight against their historical rivals—the Hutu-led Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) armed group in DRC. The group has been forcefully recruiting from the captured regions. The economic objective is to control the eastern DRC's vast mineral towns, illicit mineral trade and network. With an advantage in achieving both objectives, the group seem to have no interest in adhering to any peace efforts.

Second, the Doha and Washington peace accords and their limitations. Over the past two months, the US and Qatar have mediated two important deals between the warring parties: a US-led peace deal between Rwanda and DRC and a Qatari-led direct ceasefire deal between DRC and M23. The US-led peace deal conveyed an impression of a return to peace in the DRC. However, the deal rarely discussed a resolution; rather brought a political settlement between Rwanda and DRC, ignoring the underlying issues behind the conflict. Moreover, the deal was criticised for being transactional after the US linked its economic interests. The Qatari-led ceasefire was supposed to set the stage for comprehensive peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels. According to the deal, M23 agreed to withdraw from the regions it seized, and the DRC agreed to release M23 prisoners. However, the violence resumed immediately after DRC and M23 failed to adhere to the terms of the agreement. 

Third, mistrust between DRC and Rwanda. The US-led peace deal was built on a fragile trust between the DRC and Rwanda. The conflict in eastern DRC involves a decades-long hostilities between Rwanda and DRC over historical grievances and rivalries, ethnic issues, the Rwandan genocide, two Congo wars, and territorial disputes. For DRC, more than resolving the conflict, the deal meant the entry of the US and an end to the illicit mineral trade in the region. For Rwanda, M23 has been a major source of accessing mineral reserves in eastern DRC. Still, Kigali caved into the international pressure to sign the deal, calculatedly that it can always adopt a strategy of denying its support to M23, thereby protecting its strategic ambiguity.

In perspective
The remobilisation and recruitment imply that the region shall anticipate another wave of violence soon. Many fear that M23 is aiming for Kinshasa and the fall of the government. Immediate developments following the peace deal and the ceasefire deal imply that neither side had the intention to comply with any commitments of the deals. There is no sign of peace. Once again, a rushed and exclusive peace deal and ceasefire have failed, and added to the list of failed peace efforts in eastern DRC. While underlying issues remain ignored, peace efforts turn transactional, and commitment and compliance remain elusive, a sustainable peace in eastern DRC appears to be challenging.


Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups

Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Lekshmi MK, Aparna A Nair, M Kejia, Rizwana Banu and Vaihali Chittrothu 

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: NASA blocks Chinese citizens from visiting its facilities
On 11 September, NASA banned Chinese nationals carrying US visas from visiting its facilities and networks. This move was made in light of concerns regarding China's progress in space technology. NASA has restricted the employment of Chinese citizens. However, SOEs and firms have been able to engage as contractors and students. NASA’s spokesperson Bethany Stevens informed that an internal action has been taken and stated: “Restricting physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities, materials, and network to ensure the security of our work.” This year, Chinese citizens additionally lost physical and virtual access to NASA data.

The Philippines: Protests against China’s Huangyan Dao nature reserve plan
On 11 September, China rejected the Philippines' protest against China’s plan to establish a natural reserve at Huangyan Dao. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, said: “The move is fully within China's sovereignty and aims to protect the island's ecological environment and biodiversity, in line with both domestic and international law.” He added that “it reflects China's role as a responsible country committed to sustainable development.” He also stressed that the territory has long been settled through international treaties. They called on the Philippines to give away false claims and to stop provocation and infringements. 

North Korea: Most restrictive country in the world, says UN report
On 12 September, a UN human rights report stated that repression and government surveillance on citizens in North Korea have severely deepened, making it the most restrictive country in the world. Heightened surveillance, expanded use of forced labour, and frequent executions worsen the situation. A first such landmark report had been released in 2014, revealing that North Korea had committed crimes against humanity. The latest report is based on the accounts of over 300 witnesses and victims who fled the country and reported a further erosion of freedom since 2015. "Under laws, policies and practices introduced since 2015, citizens have been subjected to increased surveillance and control in all parts of life," says the report. Pyongyang has rejected a UN Human Rights resolution that authorised the report.

Australia: Sign a defence communique with Papua New Guinea
On 17 September, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape signed a defence communique. According to this, a mutual defence treaty will be signed by the following cabinets of both countries. While stating the mutual defence alliance is of national interest, Marape said: "I made a conscious choice that Australia remains our security partner of choice."

South Asia
Nepal: President appoints Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister; schedules election for 5 March
On 13 September, Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel's office "dissolved the House of Representatives" and stated that new elections will be held on 5 March, adding that the country will be led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. Her appointment is the result of two days of intense negotiation between the President, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and protest leaders. Her appointment is in the background of former Prime Minister KP Oli's resignation, triggered by Gen-Z protest on social media ban.

Afghanistan: UNHCR closes aid centres for Afghan returnees, citing the Taliban’s ban on female workers
On 12 September, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, said that the UNHCR on 9 September had terminated operations at eight centres in Afghanistan because of the Taliban’s ban on female workers. These centres provided cash and other types of support to Afghan returnees. Jamal emphasised that this step “was an operational decision” and is not meant to “punish anyone or to make a statement.” He acknowledged that this decision has created “an enormous amount of suffering” but simply proves that the UNHCR cannot function “without female workers in certain circumstances.” This development comes after over one million Afghan refugees from Pakistan have been driven back to their home against their will, from August to September this year, under Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Jamal said that the UNHCR continues to negotiate with the Taliban on this issue, hoping to reopen the centres.

The Middle East and Africa
Iran: US imposes new sanctions against Iranian nationals and companies 
On 16 September, Al Jazeera reported that the US has imposed fresh sanctions against individuals and entities involved in illicit fund transfers that support Iran’s military activities. Among those sanctioned are Iranian nationals and companies based in Hong Kong and the UAE. The US Department of the Treasury revealed that these fund transfers, through “shadow banking networks,” circumvent the sanctions to the advantage of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Ministry of Defence. The latest sanctions are a part of US President Donald Trump’s larger goal of reducing Iran’s oil exports to zero.

Syria: Foreign Minister al Shibani presents a new plan for Suwayda 
On 16 September, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani announced a new plan for restoring security in the province of Suwayda after a meeting with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi and US Syria’s envoy Tom Barrack in Damascus. This new plan includes facilitating the return of those displaced (around 160,000) by the sectarian violence that had broken out in the province on 13 July between the Druze community and the Bedouin tribes. The plan also proposes an internal reconciliation process. Safadi said: “We want Syria to stabilise, recover and rebuild after years of destruction and suffering, and to start practical steps toward a brighter future for all Syrians.” 

Qatar: Arab League-OIC emergency summit in Doha
On 15 September, around 60 countries, members of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), gathered in Doha for an emergency summit to mull a response to Israel’s earlier bombing of the Qatari capital. The leaders expressed their solidarity with Qatar and denounced the attack as “cowardly.” In his opening statement, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani termed the bombing as “blatant, treacherous, and cowardly” and accused Israel of not having any “genuine interest in peace” and “thwarting negotiations.” Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) vowed to “activate a joint defence mechanism,” the details of which remain unclear. The GCC revealed that talks are ongoing to develop “Gulf deterrent capabilities.” 

Yemen: US imposes fresh sanctions against the Houthis 
On 11 September, Al Jazeera reported that the US has imposed fresh sanctions against the Houthis, including 32 individuals and entities, and four vessels. The US Treasury Department revealed that the sanctions are aimed at curbing “fundraising, smuggling and attack operations” by the Houthis. Among those sanctioned are Houthi-affiliated shipping companies, petroleum smugglers and China-based companies that have allegedly aided the transportation of “military-grade components” to the Houthis. Undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, John K Hurley, highlighted that the group continues “to threaten US personnel and assets in the Red Sea, attack our allies in the region and undermine international maritime security in coordination with the Iranian regime.”

The War in Gaza: UNGA endorses declaration towards a two-state solution; calls for an immediate end to the war 
On 12 September, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a declaration outlining "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The seven-page declaration emerged from a July 2025 UN conference hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, boycotted by Israel and the US. The resolution passed with 142 votes in favour, ten against, and 12 abstentions. It comes ahead of the UNGA meeting on 22 September, where the UK, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium are expected to recognise Palestine. The declaration condemned Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s actions in Gaza, including civilian casualties, siege, and starvation, "which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis." It called for an immediate end to the war and supported a temporary UNSC-mandated stabilisation mission. The declaration called on Israel to "issue a clear public commitment to the two-state solution, including a sovereign and viable Palestinian State." The US called the vote a “misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt," while Israel’s UN ambassador stated: "You are not advancing peace; you are advancing terror."

Sudan: SAF captures Bara from the RSF
On 13 September, Sudanese armed forces and allied groups captured the city of Bara from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. Bara had served as a strategic stronghold for the RSF, enabling attacks on El Obeid and control over northern Kordofan. The city’s location along the Sadarat Highway added to its tactical importance. Despite reports of the RSF acquiring long-range drones earlier this year, the group suffered heavy losses in the battle. The SAF described the operation as a decisive effort to reclaim territory from RSF control.

Sudan: The US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt call for a humanitarian truce and an immediate, permanent ceasefire
On 13 September, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt proposed a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transitional process to establish civilian-led governance. The statement said: "There is no viable military solution to the conflict, and the status quo creates unacceptable suffering and risks to peace and security." On 12 September US imposed sanctions on Sudan's finance minister, Jibril Ibrahim and an Islamist militia Baraa Ibn-Malik Brigade, with an "aim to limit Islamist influence within Sudan and curtail Iran’s regional activities."

South Africa: Seven Chinese nationals jailed for human trafficking 
On 11 September, seven Chinese nationals were sentenced to 20 years in prison by a South African court for human trafficking and kidnapping. The group smuggled 91 Malawians, including 37 children, into the country and forced them to work in harsh conditions at a Johannesburg factory. Workers endured long hours, poor pay, and unsafe environments, with some smuggled in shipping containers. The factory, named Beautiful City, violated multiple labour laws. Officials welcomed the verdict, calling it a step forward in combating human trafficking.

Ghana: Accra receives 14 deportees from the US
On 11 September, Ghana agreed to accept West African nationals deported from the US. Fourteen deportees have arrived in Ghana, and President John Dramani Mahama stated that the government will assist in their return to their home countries. The deportations are part of the Trump administration's immigration policy of deporting illegal migrants to "third-countries" other than their countries of origin, to deter immigration. In July, Eswatini received five deportees and South Sudan eight. In August, Rwanda, after agreeing to accept up to 250 deportees, received seven migrants. Mahama did not specify a cap on how many deportees Ghana would accept. He stated that Ghana was approached by the US on accepting deportees, and he “agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable because all our fellow West Africans don't need a visa to come to our country.”

Africa: DR Congo in need of support as Ebola cases rise, says WHO official
On 12 September, as DR Congo faces its first Ebola outbreak in three years, a WHO official said: "We have the expertise, DRC has the expertise, but we need to be able to get the people and supplies into place and we need to be able to pay for the operations." This is the 16th outbreak and first in Kasai province since 2008. He mentioned that the limited capacity and lack of a new treatment facility may result in an expanded outbreak. Additionally, WHO plans to request 40,000-50,000 Ebola vaccine doses for the campaign.

DR Congo: 193 people die in two boat accidents 
On 13 September, two separate boat accidents in Equateur province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulted in at least 193 fatalities. The first incident occurred on Wednesday in Basankusu territory, where a motorised boat capsized, killing at least 86 people, mostly students. The second accident took place on Thursday in Lukolela territory, where a whaleboat carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized, leaving 107 dead and 146 missing. Authorities cited improper loading and night navigation as contributing factors. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 200 survivors recovered so far. 

DR Congo: ADF attacks leave 89 dead in Eastern Congo
On 11 September, according to the officials, at least 89 civilians were killed in two separate attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) targeted a funeral in Nyoto and launched another assault in Beni, both in North Kivu province. The Congolese and Ugandan militaries have been conducting joint operations against the ADF, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019. Authorities say several militants have been neutralised and hostages freed.

Niger: 127 civilians executed by jihadists since March, report by Human Rights Watch
On 11 September, a report by Human Rights Watch stated that nearly 130 civilians were executed by Islamist insurgents in Niger since March. The attacks, including a mass killing of over 70 worshippers at a mosque in Tillabéri region, were blamed on Islamic State-linked ADF fighters. Witnesses described brutal scenes and accused the army of failing to respond to warnings. HRW says jihadist groups have destroyed schools and religious sites, imposing strict controls on civilians. 

Europe and the Americas
The War in Ukraine: Sweden to allocate USD 70 million in military assistance to Ukraine
On 11 September, Sweden's Defence Minister Pal Jonson stated that USD 70 million will be budgeted for military support to Ukraine. He said: "We have immediately been in contact with Poland's defence minister, where we have said we are willing to make available resources if Poland identifies an interest in this." He expressed "solidarity with Poland." The allocation of the budget will be managed by Sweden's defence material agency.

Russia and Belarus: Conduct joint military exercises Zapad 2025
On 16 September, RT reported on Russia and Belarus conducting joint military exercises Zapad 2025. According to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the exercise included rehearsals for launching Russia's tactical nuclear weapons and Oreshnik hypersonic missile. 7,000 troops took part from Belarus, while Russia claimed involvement of 100,000 troops across both countries. Putin said that the drills aimed to exercise repelling potential threats against the joint defence between Russia and Belarus. The exercise is held every four years to showcase its military capacity. 

Ukraine: Russian strikes kill and injure several across Zaporizhzhia and Mykolaiv regions
On 16 September, Ukrainian officials reported on Russia’s overnight strikes killing at least two and injuring several across multiple Ukrainian cities. According to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, one died in Zaporizhzhia in fires, while in the southern Mykolaiv region, one was killed and two were injured. Over 100 drones and about 150 glide bombs were observed to be launched by Russia across central, southern, and eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as “aerial terror” and called for a multi-layered air defence system. 

Ukraine: DIU claims attacks on Russian oil facilities
On 15 September, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (DIU) claimed destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region. The system is estimated to be valued at USD 40 to USD 50 million. It was capable of targeting threats from the air, sea, and land. On the same day, Ukraine claimed responsibility for targeting the Kirishi oil refinery, a major facility located southeast of St Petersburg. On 13 September, a similar attack was reported on the Bashneft facility in Russia's Bashkortostan region. There were no casualties reported. 

Spain: Records its highest temperature since 1961
On 16 September, Euronews reported on Spain witnessing its hottest summer on record in 2025, with an average temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous high of 24.1 degrees Celsius set in 2022. According to the national meteorological agency AEMET, Ruben del Campo, an AEMET spokesperson, confirmed that this marks the highest summer temperature recorded since 1961, and warned of a continuity of the trend. The summer of 2025 saw a series of heatwaves, and extreme temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius in parts of the southwest. Until now, over 1,100 people have died from heatwaves.


About the authors
Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis are Project Associates at NIAS. Brighty Ann Sarah and R Preetha are postgraduate students at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. Rizwana Banu, and Aparna A Nair are undergraduate students at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. M Kejia is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry. Swati Sood is an undergraduate student at Vivekananda College, University of Delhi. Vaihali Chittrothu is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, St Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad.
 


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
Does this leave Jeff Bezos grounded, Elon Musk unchallenged, and NASA’s lunar timeline in jeopardy?
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollah’s retaliation
June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal: 
Why did the Permanent Court of Arbitration reject Rwanda’s claims? What was Rwanda’s complaint? Why did the UK cancel the deal?
June 2026 | CWA # 2129

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa This Week:
The Ebola fear in DR Congo and the Elections in Ethiopia amidst conflicts
May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

The Shenzhou-23 Mission:
China’s Space Missions, Technology, and Infrastructure
May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B

The Crisis in Cuba:
The US Sanctions, Energy Crisis, and Economic Instability
May 2026 | CWA # 2123

Akshath Kaimal

The Ebola and the DR Congo:
Multiple Outbreaks, Fragile Healthcare System, and Ineffective Global Responses
May 2026 | CWA # 2122

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative
May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East
The US-Iran War Week Thirteen: Escalating Hostilities, Tenuous Ceasefire and Tense Negotiations
May 2026 | CWA # 2119

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
The Ebola spread in DR Congo, The Faye-Sonko split in Senegal, and the Deepening US military involvement in Nigeria
May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

The Putin-Xi Summit
Trade, Technology, Security, and Pipeline
May 2026 | CWA # 2114

Glynnis Winona B

What makes the UAE a global player?
Explaining the Governance, Economy, People, and Strategic Influence of a Small Middle Eastern State
May 2026 | CWA # 2113

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Sri Lanka and the US-Iran War 
Rising oil imports, Austerity measures and State capacity
May 2026 | CWA # 2111

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Trump-Xi Summit
The Africa Forward Summit 2026 I North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026
May 2026 | CWA # 2110

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:
Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
May 2026 | CWA # 2092

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Ten
CW Column on Middle East: Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE's Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East:
Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAEs Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

King Charles's US Visit:
Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAEs Exit from OPEC:
Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure
May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:
Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Japans New Defence Posture:
From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
A Fragile Ceasefire, Attempts to Control Hormuz and the Stalled Talks in Islamabad
April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Expanding Drone Warfare, Russia's Strategic Patience and Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach
April 2026 | CWA # 2068

Femy Francis

China-Japan Tensions
Escalating Defence Posturing and Economic Decoupling
April 2026 | CWA # 2067

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar
April 2026 | CWA # 2066

Akshath Kaimal

The Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Recurrent Clashes, Defiant Taliban, Contesting Narratives and Emerging Chinas Role
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The Middle East (JanMar 2026):
The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (JanMar 2026):
Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners
April 2026 | CWA # 2062

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
April 2026 | CWA # 2061

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
April 2026 | CWA # 2059

Adarsh Vijay

India and the World(Jan-Mar 2026)
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy, Balancing the US relations and Resetting the China ties
April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)
Political Upheaval, Generational Change and Economic Uncertainty
April 2026 | CWA # 2057

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regimes Consolidation Game
April 2026 | CWA # 2056

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2055

Haans J Freddy

East Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Chinas military operations near Taiwan, Japan-China tensions and South Koreas security challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

Chinas External Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):
Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting
Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?
March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Broken ceasefire, Expanding military strikes and Worsening humanitarian situation
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War
UNSC Resolution 2817 between Clear and Unified Message and Manifest Injustice
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

Chinas Two Sessions 2026
New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget
March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
March 2026 | CWA # 2012

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Long-range strikes, Defence adaptation and the EUs energy dependence
March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026
The Rise of the New and the Fall of the Old
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026
Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape
March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

The Forgotten South Sudan Conflict
Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement
March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Budget 2025-26
Legislating stabilisation under IMF discipline and coalition constraints
December 2025 | CWA # 1970

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China
PM Keir Starmers visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

R Preetha

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
May 2025 | CWA # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan