_{Image source: CNN}

Yemen

In Yemen, Houthi Rebels claimed to have seized majority control of the city of Marib. Marib is an oil rich city and it seen as an important stronghold for the fight against the government forces. Hundreds of people have died in the fighting before Houthi rebels were able to claim victory. Houthi rebels also took responsibility for rocket attacks on Saudi Arabia, which Saudi Arabia said caused no casualties or injuries. This all comes on the heels of the UN announcing Yemen is in a critical condition due to high hunger levels throughout the country.

North Ireland

North Ireland’s government said that the 1998 peace agreement between the UK and NI is now null and void. The agreement ended decades of fighting between North Irish (Nationalist) and UK-Irish (Unionist) over how to best move forward with peace. Under the UK-EU Brexit deal sets up customs checks and other obstacles to the previously seamless trade and commerce between the nations. In addition it imposes new checks on some trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Northern Ireland stated that it is committed to peace and democracy, but that the government of the Republic of Ireland and England should “..not underestimate the strength of feeling on this issue”. As a way of easing the red tape measure until a resolution is met, UK announced on Wednesday that it was extending the grace period until October while the government figures out the best way forward.

Senegal

Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s arrest led to minor protests in Senegal, which resulted in one person dying in the town of Bignona. Sonko’s arrest is based on rape charges, which lead to protests by his supporters in multiple cities across the country. Sonko is the leader Pastef Party – the major party challenging current president Macky Sall- and is seen as the favorite to win the election in 3 years. He is seen as a popular 46-year-old that is favored amongst the younger generation.

Ethiopia and Eritrea

United Nations has launched an investigation into “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity” in Ethiopia’s Tigray region committed by Eritrea’s military late last year. The Eritrean military, with the help of Ethiopian government, went into the Tigray people to force them to accept the results of the election that saw the end of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front political power in 2019. In January of 2021, the Ethiopian government cancelled the party’s registration; which has led to further hostilities in the region.