Attachments
Global Overview
Our monthly conflict tracker highlights five conflict risks in July.
- Jihadists in Burkina Faso killed over 100 soldiers in what could amount to the deadliest attack on the military since anti-jihadist operations began in 2015. The incident exposed and fuelled divisions within the armed forces, leading to speculation of threats to the regime’s grip on power.
- The spectre of all-out conflict between Israel and Hizbollah loomed large as cross-border attacks intensified, with Israel targeting southern Lebanon with deadly airstrikes and Hizbollah launching major rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel.
- The Rapid Support Forces advanced into Sudan’s Sennar state, storming the capital Sinja and forcing thousands to flee. The paramilitary could take over the entire state in coming weeks, expanding hostilities to previously peaceful parts of the country.
- Tensions mounted in the run-up to Venezuela’s presidential poll on 28 July as the Maduro government, unwilling to relinquish power, continued to manipulate electoral conditions. Outright fraud remains possible.
CrisisWatch identified six deteriorations in June. Notably:
- Israel escalated deadly violence on Palestinians in the West Bank and approved plans to recognise illegal settlements there, as its deadly assault on the Gaza Strip continued.
- Thousands took to the streets in Kenya to reject a controversial finance bill, prompting clashes with security forces that left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
- In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces sharply escalated attacks in North Kivu province, killing hundreds of civilians.
- Chinese Coast Guard boats shoved into four Philippine navy vessels in the South China Sea, injuring eight navy personnel and further straining ties between Beijing and Manila.
Aside from the scores of conflict situations we regularly assess, we tracked significant developments in: Bolivia, Cuba, Gabon, Honduras, Madagascar, Moldova, New Caledonia and South Africa.