2nd martial law plans

Author

Global Recap
December 05, 2024 • Read in: 8 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yes, you read that right.

While I was finishing today’s newsletter, I received breaking news from South Korea (hence the use of a Korean news source for the story below).

The military has been ordered to prepare for emergency mobilization, with troop leaves and discharges reportedly suspended in what seems to be preparations for a possible second martial law.

Oh, and one more small note: people are fearing that another pandemic may be starting in the Congo. 😬

🇰🇷 SOUTH KOREA
Second Martial Law?

It seems like President Yoon may have another plan up his sleeves.

Tensions are rising in South Korea as the Military Human Rights Center has reported signs of a potential "second martial law" being imposed.

Orders

According to the Military Human Rights Center, several army units have been instructed to be on standby for possible emergency deployment.

  • Multiple army units have received orders to prepare for emergency mobilization by December 8th.

  • The orders came just hours after the opposition party announced plans to impeach the president.

Martial Law Concerns

The prospect of a second martial law declaration has raised alarms, as the country is still recovering from the previous period of military rule.

  • South Korea previously experienced a period of martial law in the 1980s, which was a stain on its democratic history.

  • The Military Human Rights Center stated that "even though martial law has been lifted, the army units are maintaining emergency measures and refusing to stand down."

  • This suggests the military may be positioning itself to intervene in the political crisis, despite the country's democratic progress.

Calls for Restraint

Experts and civil society groups are urging the military to respect the constitution and avoid any extra-legal actions.

🇨🇩 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Mystery Disease X

A mysterious flu-like illness, dubbed “Disease X,” has struck the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leaving health officials scrambling for answers.

The disease primarily affects young people and appears to be transmitted through the air.

Outbreak Details

The outbreak has sickened hundreds and claimed 79 lives since late October.

  • Almost 200 of the 376 affected are children under five.

  • Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, difficulty breathing, and anemia.

  • The first cases were reported on October 24 in the Panzi health zone, Kwango province.

  • National authorities were alerted on December 1.

Health Officials' Response

Health officials are racing against time to identify the cause.

  • Jean Kaseya, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, expects answers within days.

  • The investigation is crucial to prevent further spread and fatalities.

🇪🇺 EUROPE
TikTok Ordered to Freeze Data

The European Union has ordered TikTok to freeze data linked to the Romanian elections. This move comes amid rising concerns over foreign interference and the influence of social media on political outcomes.

EU's Bold Move

The EU isn't messing around with its latest directive.

  • On December 5, 2024, the EU issued a "retention order" under the Digital Services Act.

  • This order demands TikTok to freeze data related to the Romanian elections.

Election Interference

The timing of this order is no coincidence.

  • The US voiced concerns over potential foreign interference in Romania's elections.

  • Pro-Russia ultranationalist Calin Georgescu surged to victory in the first round of the presidential contest on November 24, 2024.

Social Media Influence

TikTok's role in the elections has raised eyebrows. But how much of this is genuine concerns about fairness or simply frustration with the unexpected outcome?

  • Documents declassified by Romanian security officials showed Georgescu was massively promoted on TikTok.

  • Coordinated accounts, recommendation algorithms, and paid promotion were used to boost his campaign.

  • Georgescu declared zero funds spent in the campaign.

Russia's Denial

Russia has denied any involvement in Romania's election campaigns.

  • The documents suggested Romania had been the target of "aggressive hybrid Russian attacks."

TikTok's Response

TikTok is cooperating with the EU but remains cautious.

  • A TikTok spokesperson said, "We have already been cooperating with the (European) Commission and will continue to do so."

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Macron Refuses to Resign

French President Emmanuel Macron is refusing to step down despite calls for his resignation and the recent political storm that ousted his prime minister.

Prime Minister Resigns

  • On December 5, 2024, Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned after a historic no-confidence vote.

  • Macron blamed the “far-right” and “far-left” for the chaos, calling them an “anti-Republican front.”

Macron's Responsibility

Macron admits his own role in the political mess.

  • He acknowledged his June decision to dissolve parliament led to the current crisis.

  • Despite criticism, Macron promised to name a new PM within days, who must form a government that can pass a budget for 2025.

Calls for Resignation

People are not holding back.

  • “Far-left” leader Manuel Bompard called for Macron's resignation.

  • “Far-right” leader Marine Le Pen warned of increasing pressure on Macron.

  • Protesters, skeptical that a new prime minister will bring change, are demanding Macron’s resignation.

Economic Concerns

Political instability is shaking France's economy.

  • Moody's warned that the government's fall could worsen France's debt situation.

  • Macron's upcoming speech is expected to address these economic challenges.

🇸🇾 SYRIA
Rebels’ Surprising Gains

Syrian rebels have made a significant advance by storming the city of Hama, bringing them closer to the capital, Damascus.

Rebel Advance

The rebels' swift progress has caught many by surprise.

  • On December 5, 2024, rebels stormed into Hama as government forces withdrew.

  • This advance follows their recent control over Aleppo, a major northern hub.

  • Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani urged further advances towards other cities, including Damascus.

Government Response

The Syrian government has been caught off guard by the rebel advance.

  • Government forces fought to repel the rebels but eventually withdrew to avoid civilian casualties.

  • The rebels have taken over key locations, including the police command headquarters and an air base.

Rebel Strategy

The rebels have been preparing for this offensive for some time.

  • Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group evolved from an Al Qaeda affiliate, leads the offensive.

  • The group has used resources from trade and economic activity in Idlib Province to fund their military preparations.

Historical Context

Hama holds a notorious place in Syrian history.

  • In 1982, Hama was the site of a massacre by security forces under Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad's father.

  • Thousands were killed during an anti-government uprising led by the Muslim Brotherhood.

International Reactions

The rebel advance has raised concerns among Syria's international allies.

  • The Chinese embassy in Damascus has advised its citizens to leave the country due to the deteriorating security situation.