Latest news for 27 June 2025

UNITED STATES

Mass diplomat layoffs today?

There’ve been growing rumours of significant layoffs at the US State Department today (Friday). And rather than using traditional metrics like performance or skillset, word is hundreds of US diplomats will be on the chopping block based on the job they happen to be in right now (diplomats shift roles a lot). (Intrigue’s rumour mill)

Comment: It’s presumably part of the administration’s efforts to cut costs and get the department more onboard with the president’s agenda. But thinning the ranks of your diplomats might complicate any efforts to achieve peace through strength.

ISRAEL

More aid halts.

Israel has halted aid deliveries in the north of Gaza, after images emerged of armed men sitting atop aid trucks. Local clan chiefs say these men were protecting the aid, not Hamas members stealing it. Meanwhile, Hamas has claimed responsibility for planting a bomb that killed seven Israeli troops in Khan Younis. (The Guardian)

DR CONGO

Peace at last?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Rwanda are expected to sign a truce in Washington today (Friday) to end years of conflict. (East African)Comment: We’ll take any good news, but the pact seems pretty vague on key details, like the timeline for any withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DRC turf.

CHINA

Neighbooouuurs, unite!

Just as NATO wrapped its summit, China answered by hosting the defence ministers from the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), including China, Russia, India, Iran, and several of the ‘Stans. China used the gathering to call for a joint response to “hegemonic behaviour” (ie, the US). (Strait Times)

Comment: The SCO isn’t exactly known for its joint responses — several of the Central Asian members are seizing Russia’s distraction to chart a more independent course, while India continues to strike a balance between wanting a seat at the table, yet also using that seat to halt consensus lest its rival China gets too much done.

IRELAND

Vaccines ahoy.

The same day the US health secretary (RFK Jr) announced a halt to support for the international ‘Gavi’ vaccine alliance over what he described as safety concerns, Ireland was one of several Western governments pledging a ramp-up in funding, guided by Ireland’s “principle of reaching the furthest behind first.” (Euractiv)

MYANMAR

Elections, finally?

The ruling junta has announced plans to hold elections later this year or early next. (CNA)

Comment: Our working assumption is any elections would be a sham given how many contenders are in jail, but it might be an attempt to ease international pressure and explore a way out of the brutal civil war the junta’s 2021 coup triggered.

GUATEMALA

Deal or no deal.

There are differing reports on what agreements Guatemala and Honduras might’ve signed during a visit by US homeland security chief Kristi Noem this week. Noem says she signed deals allowing the US to deport asylum-seekers, whereas Honduras and Guatemala have each issued varying denials. (AP)

Comment: It’d be politically touchy for these two left-leaning governments — and from countries already seeing emigration to the US — to then sign these kinds of deals with the US. Our guess is they both did deals, but are managing the optics.