Australia
Anti-Semitic attack attributed to Islamic State supporters on Bondi
Beach in Sydney (14 December), targeting a Hanukkah gathering (16
dead, including one attacker, and 42 people injured).
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Peace agreement in Washington between Rwanda and the DRC (4
December) derailed by ongoing fighting in the east. AFC/M23 capture
the strategic city of Uvira (South Kivu, 10 December), heightening the
risk of the conflict spreading across the region; Further fighting despite
the group’s unilateral announcement of withdrawal (18 December) and
the establishment of a parallel administration.
Benin
Failed coup attempt (no significant violence) in the run-up to the
strategic elections of 2026: gunfire and explosions reported in Cotonou,
initiated by a group of soldiers, quickly neutralised by the armed forces
and their regional allies.
Bangladesh
Riots and escalating socio-political violence following the murder of a
leading figure in the 2024 student uprising (18 December onwards).
Renewed violence amid anti-Indian sentiment (lynching of a Hindu
worker accused of blasphemy 18 December): buses set on fire, media
outlets destroyed, Christian sites targeted by homemade bombs.
Venezuela
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have risen sharply since
mid-December 2025. Explosions were reported in Caracas in the night of
2 to 3 January and the US president confirmed a large-scale military
operation that led to the capture and exfiltration of President Nicolas
Maduro and his wife, as well as airspace restrictions. The Venezuelan
government condemned the violation of its sovereignty and declared a
state of external unrest. According to estimates, at least 55 people were
killed. The situation remains highly volatile.
Côte d’Ivoire/Guinea
For Côte d’Ivoire the end of a strategic election year was marked by
Guinea legislative and presidential elections held without incident and won by
the ruling party, while for Guinea it signalled a return to constitutional
order after four years of military rule, amid continuing political tension.