Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, global politics saw leadership changes in Japan and the Czech Republic, unrest in Georgia and Morocco, new defence agreements, US and Caribbean policy moves, and steps towards peace.

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Trump announces Gaza ceasefire plan as Hamas agrees to partial US proposal

Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Gaza will begin “immediately” once Hamas agrees to a new US plan to end the war. Under the proposal, Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line, Hamas would release remaining hostages and eventually disarm, while Israel would halt its offensive, release Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction. 

Indirect talks in Egypt aim to finalise technical details, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targeting a resolution within days. Hamas has accepted some elements but says further consultations are needed. The plan has broad international support. Families of hostages have welcomed progress but warned extremists on both sides could undermine the deal.

UN approves gang suppression force to tackle violence in Haiti

The UN Security Council has approved a new Gang Suppression Force of up to 5,500 police and soldiers to combat escalating violence in Haiti. Proposed by the US and Panama, the force will operate independently while supporting the Haitian National Police, expanding beyond the limited scope of the current 1,000-strong Kenyan-led mission. It will be commanded by a designated leader and overseen by partner nations, including the US. 

Haiti’s UN ambassador, Ericq Pierre, described the decision as a “decisive turning point” in efforts to restore security. China and Russia abstained, citing funding and operational concerns. Haiti remains gripped by gang violence and instability since President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021.

EU backs ‘drone wall’ strategy as part of defence against Russia

EU leaders meeting in Copenhagen have backed plans to strengthen Europe’s defence and sustain aid to Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called recent airspace violations over several EU states “hybrid war tactics” and urged faster action, with a defence roadmap due within two weeks. 

Leaders also discussed a proposed €140 billion “Reparations Loan” for Ukraine, financed through profits from frozen Russian assets. While most countries supported the plan, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever voiced legal and financial concerns, given Belgium’s role as host to Euroclear. Von der Leyen said any risks would be shared across member states to ensure collective accountability.

Sanae Takaichi elected LDP leader, set to be Japan’s next prime minister 

Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister, has been elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, defeating Shinjiro Koizumi in a run-off vote. 

Parliament is expected to confirm her as prime minister on 15 October, making her Japan’s first female leader. A close ally of the late Shinzo Abe and aligned with the party’s right wing, Takaichi is known for her conservative views and visits to the Yasukuni Shrine. 

She faces major challenges, including an ageing population, labour shortages, economic slowdown, and rising tensions with China. Despite the historic milestone, analysts suggest her leadership is unlikely to bring significant change on gender equality or social reform.

Andrej Babis wins Czech election

Former Czech prime minister Andrej Babishas led his populist ANO party to victory in parliamentary elections, winning just under 35% of the vote and 81 of 200 seats. Lacking a majority, Babiš is expected to begin coalition talks with two right-wing eurosceptic groups — Motorists for Themselves and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD). 

While ANO and the Motorists oppose EU climate targets such as the 2035 petrol and diesel car ban, divisions remain with the SPD, which demands a referendum on EU and NATO membership — a move Babiš rejects. Analysts say he may instead pursue a minority government backed informally by these parties. 

Georgia municipal elections spark anti-government protests; Morocco sees continued youth-led calls for reform

Police in Georgia used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse protesters attempting to enter the presidential palace during municipal elections largely boycotted by opposition parties. Demonstrators criticised the ruling Georgian Dream party for undermining democracy and aligning the country closer to Russia, calling for EU integration and a “peaceful revolution.” Authorities condemned the rally as illegal, with analysts describing the election as a “mock vote” with low turnout.

Meanwhile in Morocco, youth-led protests organised by GenZ 212 entered their eighth day, demanding better healthcare, education, and an end to corruption. Demonstrations, largely peaceful, have taken place in cities including Tetouan, Casablanca, and Rabat, following reports of maternal deaths in public hospitals that sparked wider discontent over social services and inequality.

US government shuts down; Trump pledges Qatar defence

The US government has shut down for the first time since 2018–19 after Congress failed to pass a funding deal, leaving around 750,000 federal workers facing furloughs. Essential staff, including military and law enforcement, must continue working without pay. The Congressional Budget Office estimates losses of $400 million per day, with delayed economic data adding uncertainty. The impasse stems from disputes over healthcare and Medicaid cuts in Donald Trump’s spending bill. 

Meanwhile, President Trump has signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar after Israeli air strikes in Doha killed several Hamas representatives. The order highlights Qatar’s strategic role, though its legal authority remains unclear without Senate approval.

TPLF accuses international guarantors of failing Pretoria Peace Agreement 

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused the US, EU, AU, and UN of failing to enforce the Pretoria Peace Agreement nearly three years after its signing. The 2020–2022 Tigray conflict between the TPLF and Ethiopia’s federal government caused tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and displaced over two million people, with severe humanitarian shortages. 

The Pretoria Agreement outlined withdrawal of occupying forces, safe return of IDPs, political rights restoration, and humanitarian access. The TPLF describes current conditions as a “silent genocide” and criticised Ethiopia’s electoral board for revoking its legal status in May 2025. Leaders urge AU mediation and full compliance with the accord to prevent further tensions.

PNG and Australia sign mutual defence treaty; Russia and Ethiopia advance nuclear power cooperation

Papua New Guinea has approved the Pukpuk Treaty, a mutual defence agreement with Australia. Prime Minister James Marape described it as reflecting “trust, history, and a shared future,” while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a “formal alliance.” The treaty includes a mutual defence clause, support to modernise PNG’s military, creation of a 3,000-strong reserve, expansion of the defence force to 7,000 troops, and opportunities for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force. The deal comes amid Pacific strategic competition, with PNG emphasising it will respect existing third-party defence ties, including with China.

Separately, Russia and Ethiopia signed an action plan to advance a nuclear power plant, continuing a 2017 cooperation framework in nuclear energy, science, and infrastructure.

Caribbean states launch historic free movement agreement

Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have launched a landmark free movement agreement, allowing citizens to live and work across their borders without permits. Effective from 1 October, the initiative expands on the Caricom Single Market and Economy by granting indefinite residency and employment rights. 

Officials hope it will curb the migration of skilled workers to North America and Europe while deepening regional integration. Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, hailed it as “a breakthrough” for cultural and economic unity. However, some, including former Caricom communications chief Kendol Morgan, warned of possible strain on social services such as healthcare.

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