The protests are being organized by families of victims and civil society groups seeking justice and accountability for more than 60 people who were killed during demonstrations that culminated in protesters storming the Kenyan Parliament in 2024.

Authorities blocked major highways leading into Nairobi, while Parliament remained heavily barricaded and many businesses stayed closed amid heightened security concerns.

President William Ruto recently stated that citizens would be allowed to exercise their right to protest, but emphasized that the government also has a responsibility to protect public order, ensure schools remain open and allow economic activities to continue.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said police would provide security and escort peaceful demonstrators, but warned that criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests would face firm action.

The planned demonstrations have received support from opposition leaders, who are demanding greater transparency in the government’s compensation program for victims of the 2024 unrest.

Many affected families say justice has been slow. Edith Wanjiku, whose 19-year-old son Ibrahim Kamau was fatally shot during the protests, said her family has yet to receive compensation despite completing all required documentation.

According to families of victims, only a small number of affected households have received compensation so far, raising questions about the selection process and the pace of implementation.

The June 2024 protests were triggered by widespread opposition to a proposed finance bill that sought to increase taxes amid rising living costs. Thousands of mainly young protesters took to the streets, and security forces opened fire after demonstrators breached Parliament grounds, resulting in dozens of deaths.

President Ruto has described the compensation initiative as an acknowledgment of harm suffered by victims and their families, while maintaining that the payments should not be interpreted as an admission of government liability.

Authorities remain on high alert as demonstrators prepare to gather across Nairobi, with concerns over potential unrest and disruptions in the city.

The facility, located about 200 km (125 miles) north of Nairobi, was being developed to accommodate potential U.S. citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is battling a significant Ebola outbreak. The center was designed with approximately 50 isolation beds and was expected to be operated by U.S. medical personnel.

The project has triggered strong public opposition since its announcement in May, with critics questioning both the decision-making process and the prospect of hosting individuals potentially exposed to Ebola in a country that has never recorded a confirmed case of the disease.

Rights organizations petitioned Kenya’s High Court, arguing that authorities had proceeded with the project without adequate public consultation or transparency. The court subsequently ordered a suspension of work, but government agencies continued preparations at the site.

On Monday, the court ruled that Duale was in contempt for failing to comply with or respond to the earlier order and directed him to appear for sentencing.

Appearing before the court on Tuesday, Duale apologized and said he had instructed officials to cease all activities linked to the facility.

“I have directed the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia Air Base facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive petition or until further orders of this court,” Duale told the court.

The controversy has fueled protests in Laikipia County, where demonstrators have voiced concerns about public health risks and government transparency. According to authorities, three people have been killed during unrest linked to opposition to the project.

The United States has pledged $13.5 million to strengthen Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response capabilities. However, opponents of the quarantine center have also criticized what they describe as unequal arrangements that would see Kenya host a facility intended for foreign evacuees.

The legal challenge against the project remains before the court, which will determine whether the facility can proceed once the substantive petition is heard.

The disciplinary action follows a wave of nationwide unrest that began in December as demonstrations over rising living costs and later evolved into broader anti-establishment protests. The movement reached its peak in January before continuing in smaller forms on university campuses across the country.

According to the Fars news agency, the university’s Disciplinary Committee issued separate preliminary rulings ordering the expulsion of six students for their alleged participation in unrest that took place in February.

Fars reported that the students were accused of organizing and leading unauthorized gatherings, using language deemed insulting by authorities, engaging in activities considered hostile to the Islamic Republic, and committing other disciplinary violations.

The report did not indicate whether the students face separate criminal proceedings in Iran’s judicial system, including before revolutionary courts, which frequently handle cases involving national security and political offenses.

Among the allegations cited by Fars was the display and promotion of the Lion and Sun emblem, a historic national symbol that appeared on Iran’s flag before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The emblem is often associated with opponents of the current political system and supporters of exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.

Sharif University of Technology, widely regarded as Iran’s most prestigious engineering and scientific institution, has historically been a focal point for student activism and political debate.

The protests that spread across Iran earlier this year drew international attention and prompted criticism from foreign human rights organizations, which accused authorities of carrying out a harsh crackdown. Iranian officials have rejected those accusations, maintaining that violence during the unrest was driven by individuals they describe as terrorists backed by the United States and Israel.

Neither the university nor Iranian authorities immediately released additional details regarding the disciplinary rulings or the appeals process available to the affected students.

Community leaders and immigrant support organizations in Belfast have warned that recent anti-immigrant violence reflects deeper social tensions that have been building for years beneath the surface of Northern Ireland’s communities.

Speaking after unrest that targeted immigrant-owned properties and left residents fearful for their safety, local advocates said the violence did not emerge in isolation but followed a prolonged period of growing hostility toward migrants and ethnic minorities.One local resident whose business was attacked described how an individual attempted to gain entry to a building before being turned away.

According to the account, the person then moved around the property, smashed a window and threw an incendiary device.Community representatives said the incident has heightened concerns among immigrant families and refugees already worried about their safety.

The violence has also disrupted the work of organizations supporting newcomers. The 174 Trust, a Belfast-based charity focused on building relationships between local residents and immigrant communities, was forced to halt activities after the disturbances. Refugees displaced from their homes have since sought assistance through the organization’s clothing bank and support services.

Tim Magowan, executive director of the 174 Trust, said recent incidents have exposed tensions that many minority residents have experienced for years.”What was clear was it was underneath the surface, bubbling away,” Magowan said.

According to Magowan, many people from ethnic minority backgrounds living in Northern Ireland have personal experiences of discrimination or hostility. He said the recent unrest has highlighted the need for broader efforts to address prejudice and strengthen community relations.

The violence follows previous episodes of disorder, including riots in Ballymena last year, which also drew attention to concerns about racism and anti-immigrant sentiment in some communities.Observers have pointed to the role of social media and anti-immigration rhetoric in shaping public attitudes.

Some community leaders argue that narratives portraying immigrants as a threat have become increasingly visible online and have contributed to an atmosphere in which hostility is more openly expressed.Magowan noted that Northern Ireland remains less ethnically diverse than many other parts of the United Kingdom.

He estimated that people of colour account for only a small proportion of the local population, which can contribute to limited interaction between different communities.He also argued that Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian division has shaped how communities perceive identity and difference.

Many residents continue to live in largely homogeneous neighbourhoods, while physical and psychological barriers built over decades of conflict remain present in everyday life.

According to Magowan, these historical patterns have influenced how some people respond to demographic change and increasing diversity.Community organizations are continuing efforts to support those affected by the violence while calling for stronger action to counter racism and improve understanding between established residents and newer arrivals.

Two Ugandan care workers were evacuated from their home in north Belfast after spending several hours trapped inside during a night of violence that saw properties attacked, vehicles set alight and emergency services deployed across the city.

Sumayah Nakazibwe and Stella Ariokot said they were forced to remain barricaded inside their house near the Crumlin Road area while disorder unfolded outside and fires spread through nearby streets. The women said smoke entered their home as neighboring properties and vehicles were targeted during the unrest.

According to Nakazibwe, the disturbances began with groups of young people gathering and moving through the area. She said many of those involved were dressed in dark clothing and wearing face coverings.

Initially, the situation appeared limited to isolated acts of vandalism, including the burning of tires taken from a bus and rubbish bins placed along the roadside.
The violence later escalated as groups moved into residential streets where families from a range of backgrounds, including Romanian, Nigerian, British and Irish communities, live alongside one another.

Nakazibwe said attackers began targeting vehicles, setting some on fire and throwing projectiles. As flames spread and smoke intensified, residents contacted police and fire services for assistance. She said the volume of incidents across Belfast appeared to stretch emergency resources, with firefighters taking time to reach the area because of multiple ongoing emergencies.

The two women remained inside their home for approximately four hours as the situation deteriorated. They said emergency responders advised them not to leave because of concerns for their safety. According to Nakazibwe, they were encouraged to put on their care worker uniforms in case their professional roles might help de-escalate any confrontation should rioters attempt to enter the property.

Reflecting on the experience, Nakazibwe said the violence highlighted how little attackers may know about the people they target. She noted that many migrant workers in Northern Ireland provide essential services, including caring for elderly residents and vulnerable individuals within local communities.

As the attacks intensified, the women feared their home could become a target. Ariokot said Nakazibwe lost consciousness at one stage after stones were thrown at their windows. While remaining in contact with emergency services, Ariokot followed instructions provided by ambulance personnel until her colleague regained consciousness.

The women eventually left the property only after assistance arrived from their church community. Pastor Jack McKee of New Life City Church said he decided to travel to the area after learning that members of his congregation were trapped.

McKee described arriving to find a heavily secured scene involving police officers in riot gear, multiple fire engines and ambulance crews operating amid ongoing disorder. He said groups of masked individuals remained present in the area, with some carrying bricks.
According to McKee, emergency responders faced significant challenges reaching affected residents because of the level of violence and disruption on surrounding streets. He said the atmosphere remained volatile even as authorities attempted to bring the situation under control.

A charity worker involved in supporting affected families said police escorted residents from danger and remained with them until temporary accommodation could be arranged. The displaced families were taken to safety while authorities assessed conditions in the area.

Local residents said some of the houses targeted during the unrest were occupied by ethnic minority families. One neighbor claimed attackers appeared to focus on specific properties associated with migrant communities. The same resident also alleged that individuals from different community backgrounds had participated in the violence, reflecting an unusual convergence in an area historically shaped by sectarian divisions.

The disturbances have drawn attention to concerns about the safety of migrant workers and minority communities living in parts of Northern Ireland. The region has increasingly relied on international workers in sectors including health care and social care, where staffing shortages have led employers to recruit from overseas.

The experiences described by Nakazibwe and Ariokot underscore the risks faced by residents caught up in episodes of urban disorder, particularly when emergency services are required to respond simultaneously to multiple incidents. Their account also highlights the role played by community organizations, faith groups and support networks in assisting vulnerable residents during periods of crisis.

For the two care workers, the immediate focus remained on personal safety after an evening they described as one of fear and uncertainty. Having spent hours unable to leave while violence unfolded around them, they were eventually escorted from the area and relocated to temporary accommodation as authorities worked to restore order.

The shutdown affected major urban centers, including the regional capital Muzaffarabad, where residents reported largely deserted markets, closed shops and inactive transport hubs. Similar conditions were reported in other towns across the territory.The strike followed violent confrontations on Sunday in the city of Rawalakot between JAAC supporters and security personnel.

According to authorities, seven people were killed in the unrest, marking one of the deadliest episodes of political violence in the region in recent years.The clashes erupted after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a formal constitutional amendment.

The JAAC, an alliance established in 2003, has campaigned for expanded political rights for residents of the territory and has long demanded the elimination of the refugee seats. The group argues that the arrangement grants disproportionate political influence to individuals who do not live within the territory.

Residents told local media that public participation in Tuesday’s strike was difficult to assess, with some people appearing to support the shutdown while others remained indoors due to concerns over potential violence.Prior to Sunday’s clashes, the JAAC had announced plans for a strike and a long march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad.

Witnesses said thousands of supporters gathered in the eastern city of Mirpur on Tuesday in preparation for the planned mobilization.Authorities responded by deploying additional police and security personnel throughout the region.

Internet services were also suspended in several major cities in an effort to limit mobilization and prevent further unrest.Police and regional government officials accused armed JAAC supporters of opening fire on security forces during Sunday’s violence. The organization has not publicly responded to those allegations in the information provided.

The regional government formally banned the JAAC last week, citing concerns over public order and security. Dozens of supporters have since been detained as part of the crackdown.Regional Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said his administration remains willing to engage in dialogue with representatives of the movement.

He stated that most of the group’s demands had been addressed during negotiations held last year, with the exception of issues relating to refugee seats and certain benefits provided to government officials and ministers.According to Rathore, those unresolved matters require legislative action because of constitutional limitations.

The refugee seats are allocated to individuals and families who migrated to Pakistan from Indian-administered Kashmir following decades of conflict over the disputed Himalayan territory. The arrangement was designed to provide representation for displaced communities affected by the region’s long-running political dispute.

Kashmir remains divided between Pakistan and India, both of which claim the territory in full. The dispute has been a central source of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since their independence in 1947 and has led to multiple wars and recurring periods of instability.

Political tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have intensified ahead of elections scheduled for next month, with debate over refugee representation emerging as a major issue following the recent court ruling and subsequent unrest.

The violence erupted after supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement advocating economic and governance reforms, pressed ahead with planned demonstrations despite being outlawed by authorities under anti-terrorism legislation.

Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in Rawalakot, said three civilians were killed and about 40 others wounded during the clashes.

Police said four officers were also killed and 23 injured, bringing the overall death toll to seven.

Authorities moved against the organization over the weekend, sealing its central office and imposing restrictions on large public gatherings in Muzaffarabad, the largest city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Police confirmed that more than 70 JAAC members were arrested during operations carried out ahead of the planned protests.

Despite fears of wider unrest, markets in Muzaffarabad reopened on Monday under a heavy security presence. Residents had earlier rushed to stockpile supplies amid concerns that demonstrations and possible shutdowns would disrupt daily life.

JAAC leaders rejected the government’s decision to classify the group as a terrorist organization, describing the move as political repression and insisting their campaign is focused on legitimate demands for economic relief, political accountability and governance reforms.

The latest confrontation follows a similar wave of unrest in September, when protests led by the group triggered days of clashes that left nine people dead.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir has witnessed periodic demonstrations in recent years over inflation, electricity costs, governance issues and demands for greater political representation.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir remains one of South Asia’s most sensitive territorial disputes. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full but administer separate portions following their partition and independence from British rule in 1947.

Residents fleeing clashes between rival armed groups gathered on Monday near routes leading to Toussaint Louverture International Airport after gunmen attacked neighborhoods, burned homes and expanded fighting across parts of Port-au-Prince, according to residents and local authorities.

Monique Verdieux, 56, said she escaped after armed men set houses ablaze in her neighborhood, leaving her separated from relatives who fled in different directions.“I am now sleeping in the street,” Verdieux said, adding that returning home was too dangerous.

The latest violence underscores the deepening collapse of public security in Haiti, where gangs have steadily expanded territorial control since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Authorities estimate criminal groups now control more than 90% of Port-au-Prince, while kidnappings, looting and sexual violence have spread beyond the capital into rural regions.

Haiti has remained without an elected president since Moïse was killed at his private residence, contributing to a prolonged political vacuum and weakening state institutions.Security concerns near the airport have also alarmed major businesses operating in the country.

Haitian rum producer Rhum Barbancourt and two of the nation’s largest bottling companies warned in a joint statement on Sunday that worsening insecurity and damaged roads around the airport were hampering patrols by security forces and disrupting commercial activity.

“The government’s response has been largely insufficient,” the companies said, adding that deteriorating road conditions near the airport had further undermined efforts to secure the area.Operations at the airport are now severely restricted, according to the statement.

The violence has intensified despite the gradual deployment of an international security mission backed by the United Nations. In April, the first contingent of foreign troops linked to the mission arrived in Haiti to support local police in combating armed groups.

The U.N. Security Council approved plans in September for a multinational force of 5,550 personnel, although the full contingent has yet to be deployed.

Troops from Chad are among those reported to have arrived in the country.According to the International Organization for Migration, gang violence has displaced more than 1.4 million people across Haiti.

The agency said roughly 200,000 displaced people are living in overcrowded and underfunded shelters in the capital.

The latest violence occurred in Mullam village in Ukhrul district, where armed confrontations broke out between opposing groups amid longstanding tensions between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the mainly Christian Kuki population.“In a heavy exchange of fire, three individuals sustained fatal bullet injuries,” Manipur police said in a statement issued late Friday.

Authorities did not specify which community the victims belonged to, but said security forces had intensified deployments in the area to prevent further escalation.“Security measures have been enhanced in the area,” police said, adding that operations were continuing.Manipur has remained deeply unstable since large-scale ethnic violence erupted in 2023, triggering one of India’s most serious internal security crises in recent years.

More than 250 people have been killed and around 60,000 displaced since clashes first intensified between the Meitei majority and Kuki tribal groups, according to official figures.The conflict centers on disputes over land ownership, political representation, and access to public sector jobs, with both communities accusing each other of discrimination and encroachment.

Rights groups and civil society activists have also accused local political leaders of inflaming ethnic divisions for electoral and strategic advantage, further complicating peace efforts.Although violence had eased in recent months, tensions have remained fragile.

Earlier this month, four people, including two children, were killed in an attack blamed on a Kuki armed group, triggering retaliatory anger among Meitei groups.In the aftermath, a Meitei mob stormed a paramilitary camp, raising fresh concerns over the state’s ability to contain unrest despite heavy federal security deployment.

The violence in Manipur has drawn national attention not only because of its scale but also because of its impact on minority communities, migration patterns, and regional security along India’s sensitive northeastern frontier.

Separately this week, 249 Indians from Manipur and neighboring Mizoram belonging to the Bnei Menashe community arrived in Tel Aviv after Israel approved funding for the immigration of around 6,000 members of the group.

The Bnei Menashe claim descent from one of the “lost tribes” of Israel and have long sought recognition of their Jewish ancestry, adding another layer to the region’s complex identity politics.

Their oral history traces a migration across Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China before settlement in northeast India, where many later converted to Christianity under 19th-century missionary influence.

As fresh violence returns to Manipur, security officials remain on high alert over the possibility of wider reprisals in a state where ethnic mistrust continues to challenge political stability and peacebuilding efforts.

.The unrest, now in its fourth day, has disrupted activity in one of Asia’s largest planned industrial townships, where thousands of manufacturing units operate. Protesters, many employed in small factories, have been demanding higher wages and improved labour conditions amid rising living costs linked to global supply disruptions.

Workers said their grievances include long working hours, unpaid overtime and lack of adherence to government labour guidelines. Vinay Mahoti, a worker from Bihar employed in a hosiery unit, said demonstrations that began within factory premises spread to the streets as employees from multiple companies joined in.

Visuals showed protesters marching, chanting slogans and clashing with security personnel, with some overturning vehicles and setting them on fire while others hurled stones at barricades.

Local police said they were attempting to restore order using limited force. “Senior police and administrative officials are making persistent efforts to counsel the workers and urge them to maintain peace and restraint,” the Gautam Budh Nagar police said in a statement.

Narendra Kashyap called on demonstrators to engage in dialogue with authorities, urging a peaceful resolution to the dispute.The protests follow similar labour unrest in the neighbouring state of Haryana last week, where the government responded to worker demands by ordering a 35% increase in minimum wages.

Rising inflation and cost pressures, partly driven by global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, have intensified economic strain on industrial workers, contributing to growing unrest in key manufacturing regions.