Global Watch August 31, 2025

In a world marked by rapid shifts and deepening crises, PowerMentor Global Watch provides a weekly glimpse into pressing developments across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. From armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies to natural disasters and political turmoil, this brief delivers clear, reliable insights to help you stay informed, advocate strategically, and respond with purpose.

🧭 PowerMentor Global Watch

Weekly Insight | Global Events That Shape Our World
This week’s global snapshot captures deepening violence in Sudan and Gaza, dangerous attacks on humanitarian workers in Yemen, escalating conflicts in Burma (Myanmar), and a mix of natural disasters and diplomatic engagements across the globe.

🌍 AFRICA

🔥 Conflict & Armed Violence

• Sudan:

  • al-Fashir Crisis: At least 13 dead, 116+ injured due to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelling in al-Fashir and Nafasha Market.

  • Parallel Power Grab: RSF leader Dagalo sworn in as head of a rival government in Nyala, deepening national division.

  • Oil Threat: Sudan’s Foreign Ministry threatens to suspend oil field operations after RSF attack in Heglig.

  • Leadership Change: Maj. Gen. Mukhtar Fadil Mukhtar appointed RSF Secretary-General.

• Democratic Republic of Congo:

  • CODECO ambush in Djugu results in 16 hostages taken on RN 27 highway.

  • Technology Leap: President Tshisekedi enters deal for CDF 400M satellite to boost national infrastructure.

• Nigeria:

  • 12 drown fleeing armed groups in a canoe capsizing incident in Zamfara State.

• Kenya:

  • Mau Narok clashes burn residences and cause road blockages.

• Uganda:

  • Investigation underway after presidential advisor Jennifer Namutebi assaulted in Kampala.

🏥 Health & Humanitarian

• Sudan:

  • MSF resumes full medical services at Zalingei Hospital, previously suspended due to attacks.

🏛️ Political & Diplomatic

• Benin:

  • Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni nominated for 2026 presidential election.

• Algeria:

  • Acting PM Ghrieb leads regional back-to-school supply fairs.

• Egypt–UK Relations:

  • Egypt removes UK Embassy security barriers citing reciprocity, prompting embassy shutdown in Cairo.

• Cameroon:

  • President Biya encourages national hope despite growing instability.

🌏 ASIA / OCEANIA

🔥 Conflict & Violence

• Gaza Strip:

  • Heavy Israeli airstrikes hit Sabra, Khan Younis, Gaza City, Jabalia, Nuseirat, and Bir al-Naja, killing civilians including children.

  • Key Hamas figures killed, including Hazem Naim and possibly spokesperson Abu Obaida.

• Yemen:

  • Houthi militants arrest humanitarian workers, raid WFP and UNICEF offices, and begin targeted campaign against aid agencies in Sanaa and al-Hudaydah.

  • Arrests include 6 WFP staff; operations suspended.

• Burma (Myanmar):

  • Hpakan Conflict: Clashes between ethnic armed groups and military kill 2 and injure 7.

  • Airstrike in Jabalia also reports child deaths (note: article ambiguity suggests multiple regional impacts).

• Bangladesh:

  • Violence at University of Rajshahi leaves 8 injured during protests.

• Iraq:

  • National Security arrests: 54 militants, 30 drug dealers, and 85 cyber-blackmailers in August.

• Lebanon:

  • Parliament Speaker Berri defends resistance, warns of "satanic minds," and condemns attacks on Lebanese Army and UNIFIL patrols.

🌪️ Disasters & Emergencies

• India:

  • Tunnel landslide in Uttarakhand traps 11; 8 rescued.

  • Red rain alerts in Himachal Pradesh.

• Pakistan:

  • Flash floods submerge homes and farmland in Bahawalpur.

• Thailand:

  • Flooding strikes Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Phetchabun and more.

  • Victory Monument protests block roads in Bangkok.

• Australia:

  • Wildfire response ongoing in Beaudesert, Queensland.

🌐 Geopolitics & Diplomacy

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

  • President Xi Jinping hosts summit in Tianjin, meeting with leaders from Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and others.

  • Xi: SCO must ensure global security and governance.

• Energy Deals:

  • Azerbaijan and China discuss renewable energy partnerships.

• Gulf Region:

  • Qatari Emir meets US CENTCOM Commander.

  • GCC–Japan Ministerial Meeting scheduled for Sept 1 in Kuwait.

• Indonesia:

  • President Prabowo warns of “emerging terrorism and treason”, and cancels parliamentary perks.

• India:

  • Minister Shah launches emergency response and inaugurates developments in Gujarat.

🛡️ Summary Takeaways

• Sudan and Gaza remain at the epicenter of violence, with Burma (Myanmar) continuing to suffer from underreported ethnic clashes.

• Yemen's humanitarian crisis deepens, with aid workers detained and agencies under siege.

• China’s SCO diplomacy dominates regional headlines, suggesting a shift in global security coordination.

• Climate disasters across Asia and Africa continue to displace thousands and disrupt infrastructure.