PowerMentor Global Watch - This Week’s Highlights (Aug 15–16)
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.
AFRICA
Conflict & Security
Sudan: Multiple casualties reported in drone and airstrikes on al-Koma; military conflict escalating.
DR Congo: Over 40 civilians killed by Allied Democratic Forces in Lubero; a string of aircraft crashes near Kisangani—at least 3 deaths confirmed.
Nigeria: Vote-buying arrests in Kaduna and Benue; electoral integrity under strain. INEC staff allegedly caught with large sums of money.
Somalia: 11 al-Shabaab militants, including a senior commander, eliminated by intelligence ops across three regions.
Disasters
Guinea: Severe flooding displaces residents; 791 homes underwater, 37 collapsed, and injuries reported.
Senegal: Three killed (including a child) in flooding in Koumpentoum.
Politics & Governance
Nigeria: President Tinubu releases NGN 16.7B to rebuild Mokwa Bridge, bolstering infrastructure.
Libya: Municipal elections proceed smoothly amid fragile stability.
Niger: Plans to reopen 85 schools in post-conflict areas.
Health
Sudan: Health Ministry launches campaign against disease vectors in Khartoum.
DR Congo: Morgue in Mbanza-Ngungu urges families to collect bodies within 10 days—likely linked to health system breakdowns.
Diplomacy
Egypt & Algeria: Foreign ministers jointly call for Gaza ceasefire and end to starvation tactics.
Egypt: Boost in social protection programs announced by President al-Sisi.
ASIA / OCEANIA
Conflict
Gaza: Israeli airstrikes kill dozens; aid access restricted; hospitals overwhelmed, lives at risk.
Myanmar: 20+ killed in airstrikes in Hpakan and Mogok; monastery bombed near Pauk; intense clashes with ethnic armies.
Pakistan: Emergency declared in flood-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; 15+ militants targeted in Shangla.
Syria: Wildfires near Latakia and Hama partially contained; aid convoy enters al-Suwayda.
Extremism & Propaganda
ISIS & affiliates: Publish new propaganda videos (Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria), showing tactical coordination and online media sophistication.
Jaysh al-Adl (Iran) and Afghanistan Freedom Front claim lethal strikes on government targets.
Disasters
New Caledonia: Five earthquakes over magnitude 5.6 strike Loyalty Islands region.
China: Van plunges into sea in Weihai—6 killed, 2 missing.
Australia: 5.6-magnitude quake recorded in Queensland.
Turkey: Forest fires rage across Diyarbakir; 963 personnel deployed.
Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza Strip: IDF reportedly bombs al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for 13th time; IDP tent attack kills 2, injures 15.
Bangladesh: 202 hospitalized amid escalating dengue outbreak in Dhaka.
Diplomacy & Politics
Azerbaijan–Ukraine: Foreign Ministers hold strategic talks.
Cambodia–Thailand: Agree to improved border coordination to avoid conflict.
India: Election Commission to host major press conference on Aug 17.
