In this edition of the Global Kidnap Bulletin, we spotlight the re-emergence of conflict in Ethiopia, exploring the likelihood of long-term instability undermining the country. This Bulletin also considers the uncertainty for international organisations operating in Afghanistan amid the Taliban’s continued use of arbitrary detentions, the dynamics underpinning the proliferation of illegal mining in South Africa, and the security environment in Haiti following a surge in kidnapping incidents. Lastly, we unpack the challenges facing Colombia’s untested administration following the devastating August 2026 earthquake.
World news in brief
A roundup of key political violence developments globally. Read this article
A peace built on sand: The post-Pretoria re-emergence of conflict in Tigray
Long-simmering tensions between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) reached a breaking point in late September when widespread clashes re-emerged across northern Ethiopia. However, unlike in the 2020-22 Tigray War, it is now the TPLF leading a broad-but-fragile coalition, while the Ethiopian government runs low on regional allies. Read this article
The cost of operating: Humanitarian organisations in Afghanistan
Despite the Taliban’s efforts towards increased international engagement, including with the US, recent detentions demonstrate that the operating environment remains unpredictable for international organisations. Read this article
Dangerous depths: Illegal mining in South Africa
Illegal mining has proliferated across South Africa in recent years. Despite recent law enforcement efforts to clamp down on illegal mining networks, commercial operators and local communities continue to contend with associated security risks and rising crime, as well as environmental damage and weakening infrastructure. Read this article
Taken: Kidnapping surge in Haiti
While security operations have targeted armed gangs and sought to improve conditions in parts of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, gangs’ continued ability to expand, control territory and target perceived high-net worth individuals is likely to sustain kidnapping risks for foreign travellers, aid workers and personnel operating in Haiti. Read this article.
Fault Lines and Fiscal Strain: Colombia’s Earthquake Tests De la Espriella
The devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake has presented an immediate operational and political challenge for Colombia’s new President, Abelardo de la Espriella, forcing an untested administration to manage a major national humanitarian response while simultaneously attempting to establish its legislative and executive authority. Read this article.
