Conflict Weekly

CWA # 1653
Conflict Weekly
The Farmer-Herder Conflict in Nigeria, and Remembering the Genocide in Rwanda

IPRI Team
10 April 2025
Photo Source: Reuters

Conflict Weekly #276, 10 April 2025, Vol.6, No. 15
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Esther Gamako Zugwai & Anu Maria Joseph

Nigeria: The Farmer-Herder Clashes
Esther Gamako Zugwai
 
In the news
On 7 April, Daily Sabah reported that 52 people were killed and nearly 2,000 were displaced in a series of attacks by gunmen in the Bokkos district of the Plateau state. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): "Over 1,820 individuals have been displaced. Three displacement camps have been established." 

On the same day, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, who would face “severe punishment.” 

Issues at large
First, a brief background to farmer-herders clashes in Nigeria. The north-central state of Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa, known as the middle belt, has been an epicentre for farmer- herder conflicts since 2014. Plateau state consists of 40 ethnic groups. The farmer-herder clashes are an ethno-religious conflict mainly between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers from the Berom and Irigwe ethnic groups. In  2017, the Benue state enacted a law prohibiting open grazing and building ranches for the rearing of livestock, ending herders' habit of roaming freely. The anti-grazing law resulted in an influx of herders to the neighbouring states of Plateau and Nasarawa. This exacerbated the tensions and increased the number of clashes in the Plateau and Nasarawa states.

Second, the farmer- herder clashes in recent years. The origins of the farmer-herder clashes are first recorded in the 13th and 14th centuries. However, it became a national security threat after the formation of independent Nigeria in 1960. The number of attacks and clashes has increased recently; there was an attack in Katsina state in June 2024, a violent attack in Zurah village of Plateau state in May 2024, Nasarawa state clashes in 2024, and Benue state from January 2023 to February 2024. In December 2023, there was a devastating attack in 18 villages in Bokkos LGA, which also spilled to Barkin Ladi LGA. The increasing number of attacks and clashes are attributed to ineffective legislations and lack of political will to address the grievances of the communities, rapid urbanisation, shift from an agricultural economy, lack of and restricted access to farmland and grazing land, migration of herders, population growth and climate change.

Third, factors behind farmers-herders clashes. The farmer-herder conflicts are fuelled by competition over limited resources such as land and water. It is exacerbated by climate change, reduction of grazing land through agriculture expansion, desertification, population growth, ethno-religious tensions, and deepening social divisions. According to the US Geological Survey, 84,000 square kilometres of grazing land for the herders were lost to the farmers between 1975 and 2013 in the Middle Belt, which accounted for 38 per cent. Additionally, with the population growth (the UN says Nigeria's population grew by 4,796533 between 2023 and 2024, marking one of the fastest-growing populations in the world), the state has given importance to diversifying its economy towards agriculture and oil. Weak resolution mechanisms led communities to resort to self-help measures, including vigilantism and retaliatory attacks, banditry and cattle rustling, further strained relations between farmers and herders.

Fourth, inadequate state response. In May 2019, former President Mohamoud Buhari approved the RUGA initiative to address the farmer- herder crisis in 11 states. It was suspended in July 2019 after it was protested as a land-grabbing move by the federal government. It was replaced by the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) 2019- 2028, a ten-year plan. In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development. The livestock reform committee was inaugurated as a long-term solution to the recurring clashes. However, none of the initiatives have made any significant developments to address the clashes.
 
In perspective
First, the significance of the violence and government response. The violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt between farmers and herders has worsened since 2018 and is currently claiming more than the dreaded Boko-Haram insurgency. The recent attack in Bokkos reflects the inadequacy of reforms and the proper functioning of state institutions to tackle the farmer- herder clashes. 

Second, the capacity of the armed forces. Nigeria’s armed forces are overstretched fighting banditry and Islamic insurgency in the north, and all 36 state and the federal police have failed to address the crisis. Though the security agencies claim to have made arrests in previous attacks, there are no records of convictions for the perpetrators of these crimes. Without fundamental reforms to address the underlying causes behind the farmer-herder problem, the clashes are likely to continue. 

Rwanda: Remembering the Genocide after 31 Years
Anu Maria Joseph
 
In the news
On 7 April, Rwanda commemorated 31 years of the 1994 genocide. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath and lit the Flame of Remembrance, a symbolic fire that will burn for the next 100 days to remember the 100 days of slaughter. Kagame stated during the ceremony: “What didn’t kill us and finish us 31 years ago has hardened us, prepared us for the bad things that will always come. We will not die without a fight like last time.”

On the same day, UN Secretary General Antonio-Guterres, during the annual ceremony mourning the Rwandan genocide, commented: “It was intentional. It was premeditated. It was planned, including through the hate speech that inflamed division, and spread lies and dehumanization. And it was the product of a collective failure to act.”

The President of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yang, added: “Despite early warnings, despite clear signs of impending catastrophe, the world stood by as the killing unfolded. Governments debated while cries for help went unanswered, while lives were lost. Today, as we reflect on our failure, we must ask: Have we truly learned from the past? Have we done enough to ensure that such atrocities never happen again? Or is it happening somewhere as we speak?”

Issues at large
First, a brief note on the genocide. On 7 April 1994, extremist Hutus started slaughtering moderate Hutus and ethnic Tutsis. The genocide began against the alleged involvement of the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in the death of President Juvenal Habyarimana. The slaughter lasted for 100 days, killing more than 800,000 people. Through radios and newspapers, the Hutus spread the genocide propaganda under the phrase "weed out the cockroaches." Neighbours and families killed each other using machetes and small arms. Husbands killed their Tutsi wives out of fear. More than 15,000 women and girls were raped and kept as sex slaves. The genocide ended on 4 July 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), backed by Uganda, captured territories and marched into the capital, Kigali. 

Second, the truth and reconciliation process in Rwanda. The Gacaca (a community-based) courts played a major role in Rwanda’s truth and reconciliation process. They dealt with the crimes committed during the genocide and processed 1.9 million cases before concluding in 2012. The Gacaca Courts involved a decentralised approach encouraging the perpetrators to take accountability, confess their crimes, ask for forgiveness and make reparations. The second initiative was the Reconciliation Villages. In the Reconciliation Villages, the survivors and perpetrators live together to promote peaceful coexistence. Third, the genocide convicts (around 60,000) were reintegrated into society through the Itorero programme. Fourth, the idea of ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda,’ meaning ‘I am Rwandan’ spread the spirit of the national identity over the Hutu, Twa, and Tutsi ethnic identities. 

Third, the regional ramifications. The post-genocide developments disrupted the fragile social systems in eastern DR Congo, triggering two Congo wars and continuing violent rebellions. The extremist Hutus who carried out the genocide and fled to eastern Congo formed an armed organization, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation Rwanda (FDLR). When the FDLR began receiving support from the Congolese government, hundreds of minority ethnic groups in eastern Congo began forming armed groups in defence against FDLR and each other. M23 is a Congolese Tutsi-led rebel group which, in January, took absolute control of North and South Kivu in eastern Congo. M23 is allegedly being supported by the Rwandan government to keep FDLR out of the country. 

Fourth, international inaction and late acknowledgement. The UN and the Belgian forces were present in Rwanda during the genocide. The UN Mission to Rwanda (UNAMIR) was deployed in October 1993 to implement the Arusha Agreement to end the conflict between the RPF and the Rwandan government. The mission did not stop the killing as it did not have the mandate. The Belgian forces withdrew after ten soldiers were killed. The US, after its troops were killed in Somalia in 1993, was not interested in getting involved in another African conflict. France, an ally of the Hutu government (France had supported the Hutu-led government’s fight against the Tutsi-led RPF militia since 1990), evacuated its citizens and was accused of not doing enough to stop the violence. It was only in 2021, after 27 years, that French President Emmanuel Macron, for the first time, acknowledged its "overwhelming responsibility" for the genocide. In 1999, the UN acknowledged its failure to stop the genocide. Worse is the international reluctance to acknowledge the "G-word." It was the avoidance of a genocide determination that led to the international community's inaction in Rwanda. 
 
In perspective
First, lessons learnt. 31 years into truth, justice and reconciliation, Rwanda took a right path and a great model of social reconstruction. The reconstructed society, enriched by economic stability and better lives, has encouraged Rwandan society to be less likely to hold onto past grievances. Besides, Rwandan society’s willingness to forgive and reconcile is a story of great lenience. While Ethiopia, Sudan, DRC and several other African countries drown into violent conflicts driven by decades of ethnic and communal animosities, domination and subordination, the Rwandan model is an inspiration of co-existence.

Second, lessons never learnt. Although the international community collectively agreed that early action could have prevented the Rwandan genocide, little has been done to achieve the "never again" promises and not to repeat the same mistakes. And the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) remain aspirational. While the international actors avoid using the 'g-word,' anyone with a conscience should feel that genocide and ethnic cleansing are synonyms. And genocides disguised in many other forms and terms are being repeated in Sudan, Gaza, and Ethiopia.

NIAS Conflict Tracker
Where, When and What
D Suba Chandran and Padmashree Anandhan

Gaza: Continuing Airstrikes and a New Corridor
During the last week, the military operations and air strikes by Israel continued in Gaza. Last week, Israeli military entered northern parts of Gaza. According to news reports, airstrikes in the region killed more than ten. According to Israel, the strikes were targeted on Hamas command and control centre in the region. On 9 April, another airstrike in the neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to news reports, killed 23. The airstrike, according to Israel, was targeted against a Hamas operative. 

On 3 April, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the construction of a new corridor across Gaza, cutting off Rafah from the rest. Projected as a “Second Philadephi Corridor,” the new “Morag Corridor” will cut the southern parts of Gaza from the rest. The Philadelphi Corridor is a small narrow strip of 14 kms that divides Gaza and Egypt. The Morag Corridor, named after a former Israeli settlement in the region, that was dismantled in 2005. The Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza is another strip that is controlled by the Israeli Defence Forces. The objective of these Corridors is aimed at pressurizing Hamas, control the movement of the population and create security zones.

On 10 April, the Israeli military acknowledged that its earlier version of an encounter in March that killed paramedics was flawed. During March, in southern Gaza, the Isreali military killed around 15 who were paramedics. According to initial accounts, the van carrying them did not have emergency lights, and those who were killed were militants belonging to Hamas/Islamic Jihad.

Pakistan: Protests continue against the crackdown of Baloch activists
During the last week, in Balochistan, the protests continued against the arrest of Baloch activists by the State. They started during the last week of March 2025 in the Mastung district in Balochistan, following the arrest of activists belonging to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) by the state.

The BYC stands for “Baloch Solidarity Committee” and has been fighting against the state to address issues relating to enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and related human rights violations in Balochistan. During the third week of March 2025, the state arrested Dr Mahrang Baloch in Quetta, the provincial capital, along with a few other members of the BYC. Dr Baloch is a prominent activist, who has been fighting for human rights issues for the last decade, ever since her father was abducted and killed.

The Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) of Mengal faction, established by Sardar Ataullah Mengal in the 1990s, is a prominent Baloch political party in the province. Led by his son, Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, the BNP-M took up the BYC cause and has been protesting during the last two weeks. Multiple rounds of negotiations between the provincial government and the BNP-M have failed to reach an understanding. The protests that started in the Mastung district have now come to Quetta, the provincial capital.

Ukraine: Increased air strikes and stalled talks 
On 4 April, intense drone and missile attacks by Russia on Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Kyiv Oblasts caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage. This reveals a tactical strategy to attack Ukraine’s moral and civilian resilience amidst the ceasefire negotiations. 

Ukraine’s capture of Chinese citizens further complicates the war from the geopolitical spectrum, as China, which claimed to be neutral, has possibly strained its diplomatic posture. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy continues to push for more military aid from the West, citing the growing Russian aggression amid the US negotiations.

Whereas, Russia continues to advance by taking over small villages across southern, eastern and northern Ukraine and Kursk. Its claims focus on the increased attacks on its energy infrastructure by Ukraine, portraying deadlock in the ceasefire negotiations and complex regional tangles, with Ukraine stuck between intense military pressure and revived international commitment.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Nuha Aamina, Abhiruchi Chowdhury, Nova Karun and Fleur Elizabeth Philip 

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Imposes 34 per cent tariff on all US imports
On 4 April, China’s Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced the imposition of an additional 34 per cent tariff on all US imports from 10 April. This comes after the US imposed 34 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Chinese products. This comes on top of the already imposed tariffs of 20 per cent, bringing the total to54 per cent, which will take effect from 9 April. The commission stated that the US does not follow the international trade rules and undermines Chinese economic rights and interests. It added that the move would harm the US interests and the global economy. They called for the US to lift the unilateral tariffs and resolve the trade dispute through consultation.

Taiwan: 564th Armored Brigade of the Taiwan Army conducts live-fire drill in Tainan
On 8 April, the Taiwan Army’s 564th Armored Brigade conducted a live-fire training exercise at the Southern Training Center in Tainan. Troops carried out “concentrated fire” exercises with CM-11 tanks and were involved in unexpected situations to sharpen response capabilities. The exercise was held in parallel with the computer simulation portion of Han Kuang 41 and has been extended to 14 days this year to account for various Chinese gray-zone tactics. This follows the joint military exercises conducted by China near Taiwan last week. 

Myanmar: Suspension of all visas over increasing death toll 
On 8 April, Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population suspended all visas for foreign tourists as the death toll continued to increase after the devastating earthquake the previous week. The military has announced the death of 3600 people, and more than 200 are missing. It added that the foreign relief teams will not act independently but will need authorization beforehand, which will be provided based on their cooperation with the authorities.

New Zealand: Government unveils new NSD 12 billion defence capability plan
On 7 April, RNZ reported that the New Zealand government will invest NZD 12 billion over four years on defence. Of that, NZD nine billion will be allocated for a "modern, combat-capable" New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), as per the 15‑year Defence Capability Plan. This boost will raise defence spending from one cent of GDP to two per cent by 2033. Key 2025–2028 investments include long‑range missile systems, enhanced strike and maritime surveillance, including uncrewed vessels and drones, upgraded helicopters and aircraft, anti‑tank and counter‑UAS systems, cyber and space capabilities, and infrastructure and logistics modernization. The plan, reviewed biennially, reflects a strategic shift toward high‑tech, regionally relevant capabilities amid rising Pacific security risks and has cross‑coalition support as New Zealand aligns with allies, boosting defence outlays. 

Papua New Guinea: 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit PNG coast
On 05 April, the United States Geological Survey reported a 6.9‑magnitude quake in Papua New Guinea’s coast. It struck at a depth of ten km near New Britain Island’s southern shore, about 194 km southeast of Kimbe. The US Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert, which was later canceled. Residents and resort managers in the Pomio district and Kimbe province reported minor tremors, no structural damage, and calm seas. Multiple smaller quakes of magnitude 4.9–5.3 were recorded. The quake was felt as far as Port Moresby, 620 km away, and in Kokopo.

South Asia
Pakistan: Army vows heavy-handed approach against destabilizing attempts
On 4 April, Pakistan’s army leadership vowed to restore peace in Balochistan while blaming foreign proxies of political stakeholders. This statement was made at the 268th Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters. They maintained that any attempts of domestic and foreign elements to instill chaos and thrive on it would be thwarted. They expressed commitment to preventing disruptive elements from fulfilling their “narrow” political agendas at the cost of Balochistan’s stability and prosperity. The conference extended support to the government via law enforcement agencies to implement measures aimed at curbing terror financing.

Pakistan: Security forces kill eight militants attempting to infiltrate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 6 April, security forces killed eight militants in Hassan Khel, North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As per an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) communique, the militants tried to trespass the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and failed as border security forces opened fire. Security forces initiated a military “operation” to root out any militants present in the region. The ISPR highlighted how Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to install better surveillance on its side of the border. Pakistan has also been pushing the Afghan government not to let their land become a breeding ground for anti-Pakistan terrorists. The Taliban government has consistently rejected Pakistan’s claims. However, a UN report published in February indicated how the Taliban government has been providing “logistic, operational and financial” to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan: Balochistan protests continue
On 7 April, Senior Vice President of Balochistan National Party (BNP-M), Sajid Tareen, claimed that the government arrested 70 people, of which 13 were jailed under the Maintenance of Public Order law. This development comes as the BNP carried out a peaceful protest, marching to Quetta on 6 April. It came to a halt as forces were deployed at Lakpass. These protests were launched against the arrest of Baloch Yakhjeti Committee leader Mahrang Baloch and several other activists. Tareen stated that the detainees were unaware of the charges against them and criticized the government for suppressing dissent. Separately, four protestors sustained serious injuries after security forces opened fire in Wadh, while FIRs were reportedly registered against leaders and workers of the BNP. 

In light of government attempts to prevent the marchers from entering Quetta, BNP President Sardar Akthar Mengal announced a strike across Balochistan and vowed to hold the sit-in until demands were met. Meanwhile, a contingent of law enforcers was deployed to arrest Mengal. Meanwhile, a partial strike was observed by the business community in Quetta, while all activity was suspended in Mastung, Sibi, Kharan, Noshki, Khuzdar, Kalat, Dera Murad Jamal, Dalbandin, Bela, Uthal, Hub, Turbat, Panjgur and Gwadar. 

India: Electronic surveillance to be set up along Pakistan and Bangladesh borders
On 7 April, Union Home Minister Amit Shah alluded to the testing of two electronic surveillance models to detect infiltrators and tunnels along the Jammu border to provide technical assistance to forces deployed at the borders shared with Pakistan and Bangladesh. He said: “After the installation of the technology, soldiers will find it much easier to receive information and respond immediately to any actions by the enemy.”  These technologies are expected to be deployed in four years. He expressed concern regarding the presence of terrorism in the region, as four militants infiltrated Kathua and killed four policemen on 27 March. Additionally, more than 30 terror-linked incidents have been reported in Jammu since 2021. 

Bangladesh: Myanmar confirms 180,000 Rohingyas out of 800,000
On 4 April, the Bangladeshi government announced Myanmar’s confirmation of 180,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh. It marks a breakthrough in the prolonged repatriation process between both countries. The 180,000 are part of a list of 800,000 Rohingyas submitted to Myanmar in six batches from 2018 to 2020 by Bangladesh. Myanmar has promised to speed up the verification of the remaining 550,000 on the list. Currently, camps in southeastern Bangladesh serve as the largest refugee settlement of Rohingyas. This development follows talks held between the High Representative of Bangladesh Kahlilur Rehman and Deputy Prime Minister of Myanmar Than Swe on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC summit hosted in Bangkok. 

The Middle East and Africa
Iran: US-Iran nuclear deal talks in Oman on 11 April 
On 9 April, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, said that Iran is ready to have talks with the US on 11 April over its nuclear programme. However, urged President Trump to agree to a no "military option" and that Iran would "never accept coercion." The statements came after the US announced "direct talks" on a new nuclear deal in Oman. Araghachi later insisted that the talks will be "indirect." Announcing the talks, Trump said that Iran would be in "great danger" if talks conclude unsuccessfully. 

War in Gaza: President Macron says France could recognise Palestinian state
On 9 April, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France could recognise a Palestinian state "in the coming months." He said that the move would be finalised during the UN conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict in June. Macron said: “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months. I’m not doing it to please anyone. I’ll do it because at some point it will be right." Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar responded that "any unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state would be a "boost for Hamas." Saar added: “These kind of actions will not bring peace, security and stability in our region closer – but the opposite: they only push them further away." Palestine state has been recognised by 147 out of 193 UN members so far. 

War in Gaza: Israel advances towards southern Gaza
On 9 April, Al Jazeera reported that at least 35 people had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City's Shujayea area. Israeli military claimed that the attack targeted a senior Hamas leader responsible for planning and executing attacks in the region. Israeli military announced that its forces are advancing into Shejaiya and the Morag Corridor in southern Gaza. The military corridor was established by seizing areas between Rafah and neighbouring Khan Younis. On 9 April, during his visit to the Morag Corridor, Israel's Minister of Defence, Israel Katz, said: "We are now slicing through the strip, and we are increasing the pressure step by step, so that they [Hamas] will give us our hostages." Meanwhile, on the same day, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that following Israel's blockade of all aid entry into Gaza and resumed attacks, "aid has dried up [and] the floodgates of horror have re-opened" and that "Gaza is a killing field, and civilians are in an endless death loop."

DR Congo: N’djili River floods kill over 33 people  
On 7 April, BBC reported the death of over 33 individuals in Kinshasa due to flooding and incessant rains. Half of the city’s 26 districts, home to 17 million people, are affected by the floods. The floods have disrupted access to drinking water. Many residents blame the government for its slow response. The government has set up emergency shelters for those affected by the flood. In 2022, during a similar flooding in Kinshasa, at least 100 people were killed.

Europe and the Americas
Europe: NATO foreign ministers meet; calls to increase defence expenditure
On 3 April, NATO foreign ministers held a meeting in Brussels amid tensions caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Since Trump, relations between the US and its NATO allies, particularly Europe and Canada, have been tense due to his stance on trade imbalances and the possibility of reducing US military presence in Europe. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in the summit, urged NATO members to commit to increasing their defence spending to five per cent of their GDP and emphasised that the US will remain highly active in the alliance. On the same day, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that there were no plans for a sudden withdrawal of US forces from Europe. He said that the US must focus on multiple global issues, but NATO’s primary concern will be to defend its territory against Russian threats, even after the Ukraine conflict is resolved. European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, emphasised collective defence as a symbol of European solidarity and a key strength of the EU. Ahead of an informal meeting of EU defence ministers, Kubilius highlighted the importance of solidarity in defence, where every member state shares responsibility not only for its own security but also for collective defence. He stressed that a lack of investment in defence by any member state weakens the entire EU. 

Greece: Seven migrants dead in the Aegean Sea after boat capsizes
On 3 April, in the Aegean Sea, a boat containing migrants sank, killing seven. The incident happened between the Greek Island of Lesbos and the Turkish mainland. The boat was on the way to Lesbos from Türkiye. There is no definitive cause behind the capsize and no information on those on the boat’s passengers. The Greek islands are the first destination for illegal migrants seeking to reach other European countries, escaping poverty, conflicts and economic crises. In 2024, about 54,000 reached Greece, and according to the report by Refugee Support Aegean (RSA), 171 are dead or are considered missing.

Ukraine: Massive missile attacks across Kyiv by Russia
On 6 April, according to Ukrinform, Kyiv witnessed a massive missile attack by Russia, injuring three and causing fires across non-residential buildings and vehicles. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s air defence systems countered part of the barrage, but damage and explosions were observed. Simultaneously, in Mykolaiv, Russia struck residential buildings and launched missiles into the Chernihiv Oblast in northern Ukraine. This comes after a deadly attack on 5 April in Kryvyi Rih city. In response, Zelenskyy ordered Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha to intensify bilateral talks for a new Ramstein-format meeting and the swift delivery of Patriot systems and other air defence hardware. He urged for accelerated military assistance and the co-production of defence technologies to boost long-term resilience and security.

About the authors
Esther Gamako Zugwai is a postgraduate student at the University of Mysore. Anu Maria Joseph and Padmashree Anandhan are Project Associates at NIAS. Nuha Aamina, Femy Francis and Abhiruchi Chowdhury are Research Assistants at NIAS. Fleur Elizabeth Philip is a Research Intern at NIAS.  Nova Karun is a postgraduate student at Pondicherry University. 


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GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
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?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
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?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1727

Aparna A Nair

Second China-Central Asia Summit:
China’s continuing search for regional partners, and the emphasis on the BRI
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
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?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
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?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
Conflict Weekly
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
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
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
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
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
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

D Suba Chandran

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
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
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

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

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan