The army chief, analysts say, has driven Pakistan's geopolitical reemergence over the past year as a soldier-diplomat.

Field Marshal Asim Munir becomes Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces under 27th Amendment, boosting military control.

Mass demonstrations in recent weeks over power and water shortages have killed more than 20 people.

US Park Police officer Patrick O’Hanlon isn’t unique in his behavior. He just got caught.

A full busload of National Guard members were seen Tuesday morning picking up trash around Lafayette Park, just outside of the White House.

Even though Trump says it’s about the crime rates, it’s not actually about the crime rates. Just like he used the hallucination that the entirety of Los Angeles was under siege by &#822…

Even though Trump says it’s about the crime rates, it’s not actually about the crime rates. Just like he used the hallucination that the entirety of Los Angeles was under siege by “violent” protesters to justify sending in the troops, the reality was that any violence was contained to a few small blocks in the […]

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir cements power through election rigging, tenure extension, and military dominance, report states.

“Hysterical.” “Alarmist.” “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” “He’ll be constrained by institutions.” “There are adults in the room.” “You’re overreacting.” “The generals won’t let him.” “Stop being so d…

Pakistan’s enduring search for saviours reflects a deep-rooted political immaturity, favouring strongmen over institutions and reform

Mali’s military junta has dissolved all political parties in the country amid a growing crackdown on dissent since the army seized power. “All meetings of members of political parties and organisations of a political character are dissolved across the national territory,” according to a presidential decree read out on state TV on Tuesday. It was signed by military leader Assimi Goïta, who seized power after coups in 2020 and 2021 and is due to stay in power for at least another five years despite pledges to hold elections. The move is expected to spark fresh resistance by political parties who have been demanding the country returns to democratic rule. Since last year, the military authorities have intensified a crackdown on political activity. Last week, following a rare pro-democracy protest, two opposition leaders were abducted by armed men saying they were police officers. The authorities have not commented on the reported arrests. A national conference organised by the regime – but boycotted by leading opposition parties – last month recommended naming Gen Goïta as president until 2030. The move sparked condemnation from opposition figures and human rights groups. The junta originally committed to holding elections in February 2022. The presidential decree warned Malians not to ignore the dissolution of political parties but did not outline any penalties. It said that anyone working in a political or administrative role could “continue their duties without party affiliation”. The order follows the suspension of all political activity – another recommendation from the national conference – which sparked uproar among the opposition. A coalition of a hundred parties had planned a protest against the transitional authorities last week but postponed it following the suspension of political activities. Opposition leaders have condemned the dissolution of political parties. “No matter how hard they try to make you invisible, your value doesn’t depend on their recognition,” Nouhoum Togo, president of the Union for the Safeguarding of the Republic (USR) party, posted on social media. Moussa Mara, a former prime minister and opposition figure, described the junta’s restrictions as dealing “a severe blow to the reconciliation efforts initiated last year”. Analyst Ulf Laessing said the country’s military leaders were trying to “break with old elites who had been in charge since independence and were seen as very close to former colonial power France”. Since taking power, the junta leader has formed an alliance with coup leaders in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, pivoting the region towards Russia after drastically reducing ties with former colonial power France. Gen Goïta has also withdrawn Mali from the regional grouping Ecowas over its demands to restore democratic rule. Burkina Faso and Niger have also left the grouping. – BBC The post Military rulers in Mali dissolve all political parties appeared first on The Namibian.

Decree signed by General Goita suspends activities ‘until further notice’, citing ‘reasons of public order’.

General Zia-ul-Haq's 1977 decision to suspend—not abrogate—the 1973 Constitution marked a shift in military strategy, favouring control via legal continuity

Niger’s military ruler has been sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years. Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani has led the country since 2023, after he deposed Niger’s elected President, Mohamed Bazoum. On Wednesday, Gen Tchiani took the presidential office under a new charter that replaces the West African country’s constitution. He was also promoted to the country’s highest military rank of army general, and signed a decree ordering that all political parties be dissolved. During a ceremony in the capital, Niamey, Gen Tchiani said of his new military rank: “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.” The transition to democratic rule is in line with recommendations that a commission made following national discussions. This five-year time period is “flexible” depending on the country’s security status, the new charter says. Niger has been plagued by jihadist attacks for many years – one of the issues junta leaders cited when staging their coup. The military takeover followed a string of others in the region – neighbouring Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are also run by juntas. All four countries have severed ties with former colonial power France and forged new alliances with Russia. And all except Guinea, have pulled out of Ecowas, the West African regional bloc. Niger’s relations with Ecowas broke down when the junta proposed a three-year transition period to democratic rule straight after the coup. Ecowas called this plan a “provocation” and threatened to intervene with the use of force, before later backing down. Gen Tchiani’s administration is prosecuting former President Bazoum on allegations of committing high treason and undermining national security. Bazoum is still being held in the presidential palace with his wife, while his son was granted a provisional release last January. According to state-run news agency ANP, Gen Tchiani said that Niger’s new charter was in line with traditional constitutions but also takes “unprecedented measures to protect our natural resources so that Nigeriens truly benefit from the exploitation of their wealth”. – BBC The post Niger coup leader sworn in as president for five years appeared first on The Namibian.