CHRONIC CRISES
COVERAGE OF ONGOING GLOBAL CONFLICTS
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex and long-standing geopolitical and ethno-religious dispute primarily centered around the land of historic Palestine, a region located in the eastern Mediterranean. The conflict involves competing national, historical, religious, and territorial claims by Israelis (primarily Jewish) and Palestinians (primarily Arab Muslims and Christians).
As of December 31, 2022, according to Israeli Prison Service's figures, the Israeli authorities are holding 866 Palestinians in administrative detention, without charge or trial based on alleged secret evidence.
The continued facilitation of the the transfer of Israeli citizens into settlements in the occupied West Bank constitutes a war crime, and leads to tensions increasing each year, leading to catastrophic consequences for both sides.
IRAN
Iran underwent a significant political and societal transformation after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, resulting in the establishment of an Islamic Republic under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini.
The new government implemented strict interpretations of Islamic law, affecting various aspects of public and private life, including dress codes. One of the most visible aspects is the mandatory hijab requirement for women. The government enforces a dress code that includes covering the hair with a headscarf, wearing modest clothing that covers the body, and avoiding tight-fitting attire. Violations of the dress code can result in fines, arrests, and even imprisonment.
The September 2022 Iranian ‘morality police’ beating to death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini sparked international outrage and the strongest challenge to the regime since its inception.
SUDAN
A new chapter of the Sudan conflict erupted in mid-April , when a renewed power struggle exploded between two rival military factions. The Sudanese army, led by de facto leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, clashed with the RSF, a coalition of militias loyal to Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
Initially, in 2019, these groups had cooperated to remove Sudan's former authoritarian leader, Omar Bashir, prosecuted by the ICC for war crimes, and to establish a power-sharing arrangement with civilian entities. However, this coalition crumbled in 2021 following a military coup orchestrated by the Sudanese army and the RSF, thwarting Sudan's brief advancement towards democracy.
Subsequently, the factions turned against each other, particularly after negotiations to integrate the RSF into the Sudanese army faltered. Determining the hierarchy in their new structure remains a central issue, while thousands of civilians lost their lives, with millions internally displaced and on the move.
Kosovo
Kosovo has faced a series of crises from its inception, yet its recent confrontations are being characterized as some of the most intense. Tensions started to escalate in late May 2023, following the assumption of office by ethnically Albanian mayors. The turnout for the snap local elections in April was remarkably low, at just 3.47%, as the majority of the Serbian population in northern Kosovo boycotted the vote. They proclaimed that their abstention is the result of the disregard the government had shown towards their calls for increased autonomy.
On May 29, during demonstrations staged by Serb protesters, clashes transpired, leading to over 40 injuries among the Kosovo Force - the NATO peacekeeping contingent, which had been safeguarding municipal structures. In the aftermath, protests have subsided, but persist.
SYRIA
The Syrian conflict, commencing over 12 years ago, has resulted in the loss of more than 350,000 lives and the displacement of half of Syria's inhabitants. In a blatant violation of international laws of warfare, chemical weapons have been employed against civilians.
Assisted by Iran and Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad currently holds sway over the majority of the country, and is expected to maintain his position. The Arab League's decision to reinstate Syria's membership in May 2023, after having suspended it at the conflict's onset in 2011, further solidified Assad's authority.
The Islamic State/Daesh no longer maintains control over any territories, however remains a threat, helf in check largely by the Kurdish forces, which retain substantial influence in northeastern Syria. Concurrently, various armed opposition factions, including the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group associated with Al-Qaeda, exert control over regions around Idlib in the northwest.
Turkey is also engaged in military operations in Syria and Iraq, primarily aimed at curbing the Kurdish-led SDF in Syria and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, both of which it (together with the EU and the U.S.) classifies as terrorist groups. Meanwhile, the civilian populace in Syria contends with dire destitution, ranking among the most impoverished globally.
Ethiopia
The devastating two-year-long armed confrontation in northern Ethiopia, initiated in November 2020, exacts a grim toll on civilians.
A ceasefire was brokered between the primary conflicting factions in November. Within some areas, notably Oromia, both state security forces and armed factions perpetrated grave violations. The authorities intermittently severed internet and communication services in regions impacted by the conflict, with Tigray experiencing such communication cuts since June 2021.
The confluence of conflict, turmoil in numerous regions, and the advent of drought further exacerbated what stands as one of the planet's most extensive humanitarian crises.
In 2022, over 20 million people needed humanitarian aid. Furthermore, journalists and civil society organizations within the nation encounter an increasingly antagonistic and restrictive milieu for reporting and advocacy.
MALI
In 2022, the government of Mali escalated its repression of media outlets and dissenting voices, constricting the space for civic engagement. These transgressions unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing political turmoil and strained relations with Mali's diplomatic allies due to the decision to engage the services of the Wagner Group, a private military security contractor with strong affiliations to the Russian government.
The transitional government, which assumed control following a coup in 2021, the second such military upheaval in under a year, hindered efforts to probe the increasing claims of misconduct by state actors. Impunity endured for past and present violations perpetrated by all armed factions.
Progress in reinstating state authority and essential services, including the judiciary, remained minimal. The humanitarian crisis deepened due to global food shortages, the impacts of climate change, and, for a portion of the year, regional economic sanctions arising from the political turmoil. The count of the internally displaced escalated from the previous year, reaching 422,000.
mozambique
Mozambique experiences ongoing assaults perpetrated by a group linked to ISIS, locally recognized as "Mashababos" or Al-Shabab. Mozambican armed forces, aided by troops from Rwanda and the regional force of the Southern African Development Community, markedly bolstered their presence in the affected areas, reclaiming territories previously under insurgent control. The situation maintained its unpredictability throughout 2022, as clashes shifted to previously unaffected southern zones of Cabo Delgado and northern parts of Nampula province.
Government security forces across the nation continue to employ force and arbitrary detentions to curtail individuals' right to engage in peaceful protests. The domain of press freedom encountered pressures, with new legislations that restricted freedom of expression and impinged on the work of journalists being discussed or enacted in the national parliament. The European Union has now granted additional military assistance to the SADC mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). Moreover, Mozambique secured a two-year non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, commencing in January 2023.
MEXICO
Mexico grapples with a long-term crisis characterized by kidnappings, disappearances, and drug-related criminal violence, resulting in a direct annual death toll exceeding thirty thousand individuals.
The 2023 unrest in Sinaloa commenced on January 5, 2023, subsequent to the apprehension of Ovidio Guzmán, the son of incarcerated drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, instigating a wave of turmoil within the state of Sinaloa. As a reprisal for Ovidio Guzmán's arrest, members of the cartel obstructed roadways with incendiary vehicles and initiated assaults against the armed forces. In an incident reflecting the escalating situation, bullets targeted two aircraft (one civilian and the other military), prompting the closure of Culiacán International Airport.
By January 13, the Mexican Secretary of the Interior, Adán Augusto López Hernández, proclaimed that "normalcy has been reinstated" in Sinaloa. Official records indicate the casualties encompassed ten soldiers, one police officer, and nineteen suspected members of the Sinaloa Cartel. The intensity of the violence compelled the Mexican military to undertake a series of armed operations, employing planes and helicopters to engage cartel affiliates. This represents only the latest outburst of violence in a decades long crisis.
Cyprus
Since 1974, the majority of Cyprus's Greek and Turkish Cypriots have resided separately in distinct northern and southern regions of the island, demarcated by a UN-controlled buffer zone. The Cypriot capital city, Nicosia, remains the last divided capital in the world.
The buffer zone, known as the 'Green Line,' spans about 180 km across the island. In some parts of the historic Nicosia, it narrows down to a mere few meters, while in other sections, it expands to several kilometres. Its boundaries to the north and south coincide with the positions held by the conflicting parties after the ceasefire of August 16, 1974, as documented by UNFICYP.
In alignment with UN's mission to work toward restoring normal conditions, various segments of the buffer zone are utilized for agriculture and habitation. Several villages and designated zones (referred to as Civil Use Areas) within the buffer zone accommodate a population of over 10,000 people, with civilians enjoying unrestricted access to these locations.
Outside of these areas, any civilian movement or activities necessitate specific authorization from UNFICYP. In contrast to Civil Use Areas, certain portions of the buffer zone remain untouched by human presence. Vestiges of former villages, shops, and remnants from bygone lives are scattered throughout. UNFICYP diligently monitors the buffer zone around the clock. Moreover, highly mobile units remain prepared to swiftly address emergencies. Around 1,000 incidents transpire within the buffer zone each year, ranging from mere verbal altercations to unauthorized firearm usage.
Afghanistan
Since assuming control of Afghanistan on the 15th of August 2021, the Taliban authorities have further intensified their stringent limitations on the rights of women and girls. The state is systematically curtailing female entitlements to education, employment, mobility, and assembly. The Taliban's actions have also led to substantial media censorship and restricted access to information, alongside a heightened frequency of arrests targeting journalists and other dissenting voices.
The situation in Afghanistan has devolved into one of the globe's most dire humanitarian crises, with over 28 million individuals – accounting for two-thirds of the populace – urgently requiring humanitarian aid. According to the UN, four million people face acute malnutrition, including 3.2 million children under the age of 5. This emergency is accelerated by severe weather incidents.
The nation also grapples with widespread unemployment. Numerous jobs titles have been lost to the conflict and resource shortage, particularly among women who have been terminated from their positions, and prohibitions have been enforced against women's employment within humanitarian organizations, save for limited spheres.
somaliland
Somaliland, asserting its independence from Somalia but lacking international recognition, has experienced an ongoing erosion of political freedoms and civic space.
The 2021 elections ushered in a fresh legislative mandate for elected representatives, and decisions issued by national authorities are enforced across the majority of Somaliland's claimed territory. Nonetheless, persistent delays in holding elections have intermittently cast doubt on the legitimacy of the elected government, a trend that persisted in 2022.
In September, the National Electoral Commission announced the postponement of the presidential election, citing "time, technical, and financial constraints." Additionally, the Guurti government unilaterally extended its own mandate, which had already lapsed, by an additional five years.
Additionally, journalists have encountered arbitrary detentions, threats, and physical attacks, with a prevailing climate of impunity for these offenses. In April 2022, law enforcement apprehended 10 journalists while they were reporting on an attempted large-scale prison escape in Hargeisa.
yemen
The civil war in Yemen began in 2014 as a spill-over of legitimate grievances of the populace, and has since escalated into an all-encompassing conflict which left the nation on the prospering Arabian Peninsula with one of the highest poverty rates in the world.
On the 1st of April 2022, the UN disclosed its achievement of brokering a two-month truce accord between the Houthi armed faction and the Saudi and United Arab Emirates-led coalition in Yemen. Subsequently, the truce was extended for an additional two months on June 2 and August 2. However, on October 2, the conflicting parties failed to prolong the temporary ceasefire.
Throughout the truce's duration, Yemen continued to witness violations and transgressions, including unlawful attacks resulting in civilian casualties, restrictions impeding the movement of individuals and humanitarian aid to and from Taizz, the third-largest city in Yemen, as well as arbitrary detentions and coerced internal displacement.
After more than seven years, the enduring conflict in Yemen has precipitated one of the world's most substantial humanitarian emergencies. The UN has repeatedly appealed to all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and allow for the safe passage of aid and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. Over 20 million Yemenis are in dire need of aid, grappling with insufficient access to food, healthcare, and basic infrastructure. The conflict has encompassed illicit assaults on civilian establishments such as residences, medical facilities, schools, and bridges, marked by deliberate and indiscriminate actions.
SOuth sudan
The people of South Sudan endured yet another year marred by violence, famine, and formidable trials in 2022. The ongoing conflict is marked by violent confrontations among armed factions in Upper Nile, southern Central Equatoria, and southern Unity states, and has led to widespread displacements and grave abuses, some of which could potentially meet the criteria for war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The scourge of conflict-related sexual violence endured. Communal and multi-dimensional hostilities persisted across much of the nation, resulting in fatalities, mass displacements, pillaging, and extensive property destruction. In parallel, the authorities maintained a pattern of intimidating, harassing, and subjecting critics, journalists, demonstrators, and human rights advocates to arbitrary detentions without affording them a fair trial.
The nation faced its most severe humanitarian predicament since its inception, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealing that a minimum of 7.7 million individuals grappled with food insecurity. Over 2.2 million people experienced internal displacement, further compounded by an additional 2.3 million individuals who sought refuge beyond the country's borders.
On the 30th of May 2023, the UN Security Council voted to extend sanctions against South Sudan for another year. While the UN SC rightfully seeks to condemn violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties, the targeting of civil society, including journalists, human rights defenders and humanitarian personnel, in practice, the worst effects are often felt by those very civilians.
LIBYA
Since the removal and subsequent demise of former leader Muammar al-Qaddafi in October 2011, Libya has grappled with significant challenges in the process of reconstructing its governmental institutions. In July 2012, Libya's provisional administration handed over authority to the recently elected General National Congress; however, the GNC confronted a multitude of difficulties in the subsequent two years, including the September 2012 Islamist militants assault on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, which had far-reaching repercussions.
The proliferation of armed groups, including the Islamic State, throughout the nation further complicated the situation. Foreign nations also displayed a keen interest in Libya's affairs. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, and Russia lent their support to Haftar’s LNA, while Turkey, Qatar, and Italy backed the UN-endorsed GNA. In October 2022, the GNA inked a deal with Turkey to initiate oil and gas exploration off its coastline. Greece and Egypt, both in maritime border disputes with Libya, denounced Turkey's actions, raising the prospect of potential conflict in the Mediterranean region.
PALESTINE EMERGENCY
10 October 2023 Update
Following the recent developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Chronic Crisis Project suspends all-but-essential operation.
The platform will be dedicated to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the OPT as a whole, and South Lebanon, until further notice.
THE CHRONIC CRISES PROJECT
The Chronic Crises Project works with war correspondents and conflict-focused journalists, international lawyers, humanitarian aid workers, local residents and affected populations to report on conflicts, wars, and other man-made crises occurring around the world. Its role is to provide accurate, timely, and objective information to the public about what is happening on the ground in war zones and areas of long-term conflict, with the view to maintain awareness past the increasingly rapid news cycles.
Correspondents rely on official statements of governmental and non-governmental organisations operating in the area, and conduct interviews with soldiers, commanders, local residents, and other relevant sources to gather information about the conflict as it progresses. Many correspondents are skilled in visual storytelling and use photography, videography, and other media to document the events they witness. Their visuals help convey the reality of the conflict to the public and often have a powerful impact. Depending on the circumstances, hey may be embedded with military units or operate independently. All correspondents strive to provide a balanced and objective account of the events they witness, and any opinion feature is marked accordingly and subject to editorial input.
The project seeks to go beyond reporting immediate events and aim to provide analysis, historical context, and geopolitical understanding, to explain the root causes of the conflict, its impact on the region, and the wider implications for global affairs, and to remain in place after most cameras leave.