Weekly Links

By Patrick Pierson.

In Uganda, the government has now implemented complete social media blackouts twice in the past three months. President Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, was promoted to the position of two-star general this week, prompting some to speculate as to whether or not a succession plan is in the works. In addition, opposition leader Kizza Besigye is now being held in a maximum security prison near Kampala on treason charges surrounding a ‘fake swearing-in ceremony.’ And this report highlights the lucrative illegal gold mining trade in Uganda and its close association with child labor in the country.

Unfortunately, the humanitarian nightmare in Yemen remains as fraught as ever. This has lead some to suggest the Yemeni case as a prime example of what happens when counterterrorism operations become myopically focused on using military interventions to solve political problems. This story highlights the thousands of Ethiopians who continue to cross into Yemen with hopes of finding better jobs in Saudi Arabia, despite the risks and danger of crossing an active war zone. And while the war certainly affects all Yemenis, the country’s ‘untouchables‘ face a particularly dire situation. Against all odds, these women have managed to establish micro-businesses in the midst of the conflict.

Recent studies suggest 16% of El Salvador’s GDP is lost to gang-related violence. This report implicates police forces in a murder-for-hire network in the country. Some see extortion as a requisite form of life insurance.

In case you missed it, check out this great piece from Maria Stephan, highlighting the potential role of Pope Francis in advocating for a ‘just peace.’ Also, be sure to visit this site dedicated to coverage of civil resistance around the globe.