People gathered across Myanmar today in one of the largest demonstrations since the military seized power more than two weeks ago. In addition to calling for the release of detained officials, protesters sought to discredit (Al Jazeera) the military’s claim of overwhelming public support for its coup. In places including Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, motorists stopped their vehicles (Reuters, AFP) on roadways to impede military and police trucks. 

UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews raised concerns (OHCHR) that the military could respond to today’s protests, which followed three nights of internet blackouts, with increased violence. Yesterday, a trial for Myanmar’s deposed de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, began. The military added a new charge against her for breaking the country’s natural disaster management law by violating pandemic-related regulations. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations criticized the move.

Japan began administering COVID-19 vaccines today, two months after countries including the United States started their campaigns and five months before Tokyo is set to host the Olympic Games. The order in which people are given vaccinations will be based (Japan Times) on risk factors for COVID-19.

This CFR Backgrounder explains global COVID-19 vaccine efforts.

North Korea: Leader Kim Jong-un’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, made her first public appearance (Yonhap) since January 2020 at a concert honoring deceased leader Kim Jong-il, state media reported. South Korea’s intelligence agency said she has kept indoors (SCMP) due to concerns about the coronavirus.

The country agreed to reforms needed for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to release roughly $500 million (Reuters) in funds previously designated for the country, pending executive approval from the body. Pakistan could eventually receive $6 billion after further reviews.

Princess Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, whose father rules the Emirate of Dubai, said she is concerned for her life, the BBC reports. She alleged that her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has held her hostage since 2018. The United Nations said it will question the United Arab Emirates.

Iraq: Several countries and the United Nations condemned Monday’s deadly rocket attack that was apparently aimed (Al Jazeera) at a military complex used by the U.S.-led coalition in the city of Erbil. The United States did not rule out retaliation (CNBC).

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns (UN News Service) about insecurity and other issues facing the Sahel region during a summit of the Group of Five for the Sahel. After the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron said he will not immediately reduce (Al Jazeera) France’s military presence in the region.

Rwanda: The trial of Paul Rusesabagina, whose actions during the Rwandan genocide inspired a Hollywood film, began today (East African) in the capital, Kigali. Rusesabagina, a critic of President Paul Kagame, faces various terrorism-related charges that international observers have widely condemned.

Security forces in Belarus searched the homes (RFE/RL) of journalists and rights activists, temporarily detaining or taking into custody more than thirty people. A human rights center and an association for journalists were also searched. Opposition figures, the European Union, and others condemned the country-wide raids.

France: The National Assembly passed a bill that President Macron and his allies say will combat so-called Islamist separatism (WSJ) by increasing oversight of mosques and religious schools, among other measures. Opponents say the proposed legislation unfairly targets Muslims.

The government announced proposed amendments (CBC) to Canada’s gun legislation that would institute a voluntary buy-back program for banned firearms and permit localities to prohibit handguns, among other reforms. The bill is expected to pass (Hill).

This CFR Backgrounder compares countries’ gun policies.

Mexico: Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the country will raise the issue (Reuters) of unequal COVID-19 vaccine access at the UN Security Council today. Mexico has recorded two million COVID-19 cases.

The United States dropped its designations (Al Jazeera) of the Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen, as a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated global terrorists. Announced last week, the move reverses a final-hour decision by the Donald J. Trump administration that many feared would aggravate the humanitarian crisis in war-torn Yemen.

This CFR Backgrounder explains Yemen’s tragedy.