This week, Myanmar’s earthquake survivors face renewed violence amid ongoing conflict. Russia declares unilateral ceasefire amid Ukraine conflict. Gaza ceasefire talks show signs of progress, Qatari PM says. Will Rwanda and DRC reach a peace agreement?
Myanmar’s Earthquake Survivors Face Renewed Violence Amid Ongoing Conflict
One month after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, the nation grapples with compounded crises. The quake resulted in over 3,770 deaths and more than 5,100 injuries, leaving survivors in dire conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and shelter.
Despite initial ceasefire declarations to facilitate relief efforts, reports indicate that the country’s ruling junta has continued airstrikes, complicating aid delivery and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. On April 28, the London-based Centre for Information resilience reported that it had documented 80 air attack incidents across Myanmar between March 28 and April 24. The CIR also reported several paramotor attacks.
Myanmar has remained in a cycle of conflict and oppression since the junta took over the country in a coup in February 2021. The country’s various ethnic groups have been fighting for autonomy, and those who openly oppose the junta often face persecution and violence.
Russia Declares Unilateral Ceasefire Amid Ukraine Conflict
On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine, set to coincide with Victory Day commemorations from May 8 to 10. The Kremlin described the pause as a humanitarian gesture and urged Ukraine to reciprocate.
However, Ukrainian officials expressed skepticism, questioning the timing and sincerity of the ceasefire, and called for an immediate and genuine cessation of hostilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the ceasefire as an “attempt at manipulation,” noting that Putin had not accepted the 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine had agreed to.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” adding that Ukraine was ready for a “lasting, reliable and complete ceasefire” for at least 30 days.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that while US President Donald Trump welcomed Putin’s willingness to pause the conflict, Trump has been very clear that he wants a permanent ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks Show Signs of Progress, Qatari PM Says
Negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza have reportedly showed some signs of progress. The talks are said to be witnessing a “a bit of progress” according to Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. After Hamas rejected Israel’s most recent ceasefire over a week ago, the group now seems set on an agreement involving the release of all remaining hostages as part of a deal to end hostilities for at least five years, BBC reported.
However, the PM noted that the two parties still disagree on what a ceasefire would entail, and that while Hamas had agreed to hand over the remaining hostages in exchange for an end to war, Israel wanted the hostages released without a vision for an end to the conflict.
Israelis and Palestinians have suffered painful losses due to the war since October 7, 2023, when over 1,200 people were killed in Israel. On April 27, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that 52,243 Palestinians had been killed within the past 18 months.
Will Rwanda and DRC Reach a Peace Agreement?
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 25, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) aim to draft a peace deal by May 2, committing to respect each other’s sovereignty and refraining from militarily supporting armed groups.
This development comes just after the government of the (DRC) and the March 23rd armed movement (M23) signed a joint declaration on April 24, committing to work to restore peace after years of violence in the DRC’s eastern region. Rwanda has actively backed M23, as revealed in an investigation commissioned by the UN Security Council, however, Rwanda denies supporting the group.
Some analysts are taking a cautious approach to the planned agreement, saying that it is not yet clearly agreed whether M23 rebels must withdraw from occupied territories. It remains to be seen whether the two countries will reach a peace agreement.
Keywords: Myanmar, earthquake, humanitarian crisis, Russia, Ukraine, ceasefire, Gaza, Israel, Hamas, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, DRC
Tara Abhasakun
Tara Abhasakun is a journalist in Bangkok. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
