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📰 Major DRC prison break

📰 Major DRC prison break

and Congo-Rwanda tensions rise

Ross Crabtree
September 04, 2024

Hello,

Today's updates include the UK's suspension of certain military exports to Israel and Turkiye's application to join the BRICS economic bloc.

In the Americas, a Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González, while in Mexico, President López Obrador presents his final government report ahead of a controversial judicial reform plan that has raised concerns in Washington.

More details below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇬🇧 🇮🇱 Britain suspends certain military exports to Israel: The UK announced the suspension of certain military equipment exports to Israel, signalling increased public criticism of its ally over the conduct of its ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 40 thousand Palestinian deaths. Israel’s military tactics have drawn growing international scrutiny as the civilian death toll rises and humanitarian aid efforts are obstructed—destroying much of Gaza in the process—prompting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to find the plausible facilitation of genocide. The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suspended around 30 of its 350 export licences for military goods to Israel, citing concerns that these items could be used in ways that violate international law.

2️⃣ 🇹🇷 NATO member Turkiye applies to join BRICS economic bloc: In a strategic move that could reshape its global alliances, Turkiye has formally applied to join BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several other emerging economies. This step reflects Ankara's aim to diversify its foreign policy and economic ties amid shifting global dynamics. BRICS advocates for a multipolar world order and challenges Western-led institutions such as the IMF. Turkiye's bid aligns with its strategy to assert a more independent role on the global stage, balancing relations with both Western and global powers. Turkish officials highlight the benefits of BRICS membership, including enhanced economic cooperation, new market access, and collaboration in infrastructure, technology, and energy. Turkiye's strategic location between Europe and Asia and its growing economy could make it a key addition to BRICS. The application process will be challenging, requiring approval from all BRICS members. If accepted, Turkiye would be the first NATO member to join, marking a significant shift in global power dynamics.

3️⃣ 🇻🇪 Arrest warrant issued for Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez: A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo González, the opposition candidate believed by some independent sources to have defeated President Nicolás Maduro in the recent election. González, a 75-year-old retired diplomat, stepped into the political spotlight earlier this year after agreeing to run in the 28 July presidential election, following the disqualification of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Despite Maduro's unsubstantiated claims of victory, growing evidence points to a significant loss for the authoritarian leader, who faces widespread public discontent over Venezuela's economic collapse, which has forced millions to flee the country. If convicted of the alleged crimes, González could face a lifetime in prison.

4️⃣ 🇲🇽 President Obrador presents final government report ahead of controversial judicial reform plan: Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) presented his final government report on Sunday, defending his administration’s achievements just a month before he is set to hand over power. The event, held in Mexico City's central Zocalo, drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, reflecting López Obrador’s high approval rating, currently at 73%, as his six-year term concludes. During his nearly two-hour speech, AMLO highlighted the establishment of "true democracy" and the foundation of a "new stage" for Mexico. On October 1, he will pass the presidency to Claudia Sheinbaum, a fellow Morena party member who secured 60% of the vote in the June 2 election, making her Mexico's first female president. Sheinbaum will inherit AMLO’s legacy, including a set of constitutional reforms, notably a controversial judicial reform. The plan, which includes electing judges and magistrates by popular vote, has sparked concerns about politicising the judiciary and threatening its independence. Critics, including U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar, warn that the reform could endanger Mexico's democracy and its trade relationships, particularly under the USMCA agreement with the United States and Canada.

5️⃣ 🇹🇳 Tunisian Electoral Authority approves only two candidates to challenge President Saied; one already detained: Tunisia’s electoral authority on Monday approved only two candidates to challenge President Kais Saied in next month's election, one of whom was immediately detained. Businessman Ayachi Zammel, one of the approved candidates, was arrested on Monday over allegations of falsifying voter signatures, according to his lawyer. Last month, the treasurer of Zammel's former party faced similar charges. The electoral authority confirmed that besides Saied, only Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui—a former left-wing MP—are eligible to run in the October 6 election, out of an initial 17 candidates. The decision follows a ruling by Tunisia’s highest administrative court last week that reinstated three candidates previously barred by the electoral commission. Observers are concerned about democratic backsliding in Tunisia, where Saied has suppressed political opposition, suspended parliament, and amended the constitution, consolidating his power ahead of the campaign season starting September 14.

Major Story

🇨🇩🇷🇼 129 KILLED IN ATTEMPTED DRC PRISON BREAK, AS RWANDA RELATIONS FURTHER DETERIORATE

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported that at least 129 people were killed during a failed escape attempt from Kinshasa's Makala prison. The incident occurred on Monday amidst a fire that engulfed the prison's administrative buildings, including the infirmary.

Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo stated on X that the provisional death toll includes 24 individuals who were shot after warnings were issued. Additionally, around 59 people were injured.

The prison, which holds approximately 14,000 to 15,000 detainees, many of whom are awaiting trial, has seen previous jailbreaks, including a major incident in 2017 when over 4,000 prisoners escaped following an armed attack.

Proxy Conflict with Rwanda

Amid the aftermath of the Makala prison break attempt, Kinshasa has intensified accusations against Rwanda—alleging violations of sovereignty, civilian atrocities, and breaches of international law—in the ongoing eastern Congo conflict. President Félix Tshisekedi, supported by U.S. and U.N. experts, claims Rwanda is backing the M23 rebel group militarily.

Rwanda has denied these allegations but acknowledged in February that it deployed troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, citing security threats from a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

This legal action follows efforts by Congolese Deputy Minister of Justice Samuel Mbemba to press the court on the matter. Rwanda is also facing charges before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The DRC is demanding accountability and urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to accelerate its investigation into Rwanda's actions. The government has launched a "Justice for the DRC" campaign to advocate for victims' rights and raise awareness.

Eastern Congo remains engulfed in violence, with over 120 armed groups clashing for control of land and resources. The conflict has resulted in arbitrary killings and widespread sexual abuse, especially in North Kivu province.