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Congo and Rwanda Agree to New Peace Pathway
A U.S.-brokered deal offers hope in the Congo.
Nathaniel Nepomuceno
April 26, 2025
🌍 Welcome to this week’s Unwestern! From a major breakthrough between Congo and Rwanda to a cosmic "smiley face" lighting up the night sky, the world delivered plenty of twists, turns, and a few much-needed bright spots. Dive in, stay informed, and spread the word!
Last updated on April 25th, 2025 at 16:01 UTC-5
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Africa
Congo and Rwanda Agree to Pathway to Peace
After years of tensions and accusations of backing rebel groups, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered agreement to end violence. Both sides agreed to pull stop providing military support to armed groups and to draft a peace deal by May 2, though skepticism remains high after repeated failed truces. The announcement comes after a significant advancement by M23, amid fears of a broader regional war fueled, and mineral wealth competition. Many Congolese, Rwandans remain cautious, hoping peace will finally stick.
Al-Shabaab militants clashed with Somalia’s army for control of a key military base this week. An Al-Shabaab victory would sever a key connection between the capital and southern Somalia. Read more
The World Food Programme warned its operations in Ethiopia are at a breaking point, with hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation as UN is forced to cut funding programs. Aid workers are bracing for a devastating humanitarian fallout. Read more
Latin America & the Caribbean
Mexico Dismisses Noboa Assassination Plot Claims
Mexico’s government has rejected claims from Ecuador that Mexican criminal groups are plotting to assassinate President Daniel Noboa, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated. The Noboa administration had raised a “maximum alert” following intelligence reports warning of planned attacks, allegedly orchestrated by Noboa’s defeated election rivals with Mexican cartel support, though no concrete evidence has been made public. President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the reports as “unscrupulous,” while tensions remain high after last year’s embassy raid in Quito.
Mexico is expanding its largest port, betting on a trade boom despite the resurgence of U.S. tariffs under President Trump. Officials say the project could be a game-changer for Mexico’s economy. Read more
Guatemala arrested an Indigenous leader from the 2023 protests, accusing him of terrorism. Activists say it’s a politically motivated crackdown on dissent. Read more
Middle East
UN Warns Gaza Food Stocks Are Fully Depleted
The United Nations announced that its food supplies in Gaza have completely run out, blaming Israel’s ongoing blockade for the dire humanitarian situation. Aid agencies say famine is imminent if border crossings remain closed, especially with medical supplies also drying up. Israel claims security concerns are driving the restrictions, but human rights groups argue the blockade amounts to collective punishment. More than 400,000 are reportedly living on UN-provided meals.
Iran and Russia inked a deal for 55 billion cubic meters of gas supplies along with nuclear project investments, deepening their strategic partnership. Officials from both countries hailed it as a new era of cooperation. Read more
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas faces growing calls to name a successor amid fears of political instability. His long rule is seen as increasingly fragile. Read more
Eastern Europe
Romanian Populist Rises as Presidential Race Heats Up
Eurosceptic firebrand George Simion is surging in Romania’s polls, tapping into frustration over inflation, corruption, and perceived EU overreach. Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), is running a populist campaign that echoes nationalist movements across Europe. His rise is a warning shot for Brussels, which fears another member state could pivot hard-right. The November election remains unpredictable, with nearly 40% of voters still undecided. Romania could become the next big test of Europe's political stability.
Serbian students cycled to France and are now running to Brussels in a dramatic protest demanding EU action against political repression at home. Their marathon journey has drawn international media attention. Read more
A senior Russian general was killed by a car bomb near Moscow, marking one of the most high-profile assassinations since the Ukraine war began. Authorities have not named suspects yet. Read more
Asia & the Pacific
Tensions in Kashmir Surge After Deadly Attack
India launched a massive security crackdown in Kashmir following a deadly militant attack that left 26 tourists dead in Pahalgam. Prime Minister Modi vowed a "strong response," while Pakistan denied involvement and warned against escalation. The violence threatens to derail fragile diplomatic backchannels between the nuclear-armed rivals. Meanwhile, the Indian army chief made a high-profile visit to the region to oversee operations. Locals fear another cycle of repression and unrest may be starting.
South Korea’s presidential frontrunner pledged to tackle the “Korea Discount,” vowing economic reforms to boost the country’s global investment appeal. Analysts say it's a key issue ahead of elections. Read more
China prepared to launch a replacement crew for its space station, sending three astronauts to maintain its Tiangong orbital outpost. The mission highlights China’s growing space ambitions. Read more
Good News Around the World
Tunisia launched a $24 million project to restore forests and boost rural economies.
The African Development Bank says the initiative could be a major model for sustainable development.
A zoo in Spain has opened a “retirement home” for elderly elephants.
The sanctuary gives aging animals space, care, and companionship in their final years.
Yesterday, two planets and the moon formed a cosmic "smiley face."
Skywatchers around the world caught this rare triple conjunction in the early morning.
That’s your global recap for the week! Stay curious, stay informed, and catch you in the next issue of The Unwestern.
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