Gl in Brief | 26 June 2026
Africa
Niger has submitted a request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
The decision follows Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso leaving the Economic Community of West African States and forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The group is forging closer military, economic, and foreign policy ties, cutting Western military ties, and allowing Russian mercenaries onto its territory.
The JNIM terror group’s attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, is the second attack on the airport this year. The jihadist group may be shifting strategy to expand operations to urban areas to target critical infrastructure.
The International Monetary Fund has committed to supporting sub-Saharan Africa due to difficulties caused by the Middle East conflict. The IMF has already accelerated and augmented funding to some nations.
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The ICC, AU, and ECOWAS responses to Niger's request to leave the ICC.
Further political, economic, and military integration within AES members and cooperation with Russia.
JNIM’s targeting of Chinese mine workers through kidnapping and extortion.
CCP diplomatic or security responses to targeting of Chinese mine workers
Americas
The U.S. continues diversifying critical mineral supply chains following reports of an agreement with Kenya.
NATO plans to increase security in the Arctic and High North. Around 30,000 troops participated in Exercise Arctic Sentry, simulating the defence of NATO’s northern flank against an eastern threat.
Venezuela is managing two major earthquakes that forced the closure of the Caracas airport. Early assessments project the death toll to exceed 10,000.
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G7 and the U.S. seeking critical mineral agreements with emerging economies.
Russian diplomatic statements or signalling in response to NATO defence increases and Arctic drills
Asia Pacific
The Chinese Communist Party has passed the Ethnic Unity Law, which comes into effect on 1 July. A clause in the law allows for individuals or groups to be held accountable for undermining "ethnic unity and progress or inciting ethnic separatism." Critics argue the law could provide a legal basis to pursue individuals abroad.
Western governments, including the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany, have raised concerns over Chinese Coast Guard activity east of Taiwan.
Taiwan has conducted a simulation to counter a potential CCP maritime blockade. The simulation included a coast guard law enforcement response and military drills.
North Korea commissioned its largest warship as part of naval capabilities, with reports it is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. A second destroyer is also planned with no date announced.
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Chinese coast guard grey-zone activity around Taiwan and the Philippines.
Diplomatic responses to the CCP’s Ethnic Unity Law.
Future North Korean naval expansion and missile integration.
Europe
NATO allies have increased defence spending substantially, demonstrating greater burden sharing. Rutte stated Europe and Canada have committed an additional US$1.2 trillion in defence spending since Trump first took office.
Ukraine continues to conduct long-range strikes inside Russia targeting energy and military infrastructure. The Moscow oil refinery was hit, with reports indicating it could take six months to repair.
Ukrainian strikes have reportedly contributed to oil product shortages, price increases, and long queues in Russia.
The EU announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference the first disbursement of €3.2 billion under the Ukraine Support Loan. A further €1.1 billion was allocated under the Ukraine Investment Framework to support recovery, reconstruction, and investment.
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Continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy, military infrastructure, and targets in Crimea.
Russia's conventional and drone strikes in response to Ukrainian long-range attacks.
Russian diplomatic statements on NATO defence increase.
NATO summit announcements on defence industry contracts, spending, and military technological investments.
Middle East
Transits through the Strait of Hormuz increased but remain disrupted, with the IRGC reportedly issuing conditions and routing instructions to commercial vessels. Reports indicate a projectile struck a vessel, prompting the International Maritime Organization to suspend the planned evacuation of 11,000 seafarers.
Israel remains in Lebanon, with a senior official stating there would be no withdrawal from the buffer zone. The reports contrast with earlier statements by the U.S. State Department that Israel had withdrawn from part of its buffer zone.
Yemen’s Houthis have stated that they will target any Israeli presence in the breakaway region of Somaliland should military cooperation between Israel and Somaliland proceed.
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Continued disruption or conditional access in the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli troop movements and the status of Israel’s buffer zone inside Lebanese territory.
Houthi military activity in the Red Sea or on Israeli-linked assets.