The celebrations for the start of Holy Week were subdued in response to recent violence. In Suqaylabiyah, extremist groups targeted Christian businesses and young women walking down the street. The archbishop of Homs reports that the situation is calm now, but problems remain unresolved. It is wrong to entrust weapons and security solely to Sunnis. A “cycle of revenge" is “silently” unfolding.
The arrest of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and former Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak reopens the question of responsibility for the repression of the Gen Z-led protests in September 2025 that left at least 76 people dead. While the new government led by Balendra Shah launches a recovery plan, tensions and fears remain high in the country over restrictions of civil rights.
President Marcos Jr. signed Muslim Mindanao law, establishing the rules for long-delayed elections. Starting in 2031, local elections will align with nationwide voting. The Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) welcomed the process towards full democratic transition; for Chief Minister Macacua, “this election marks the full exercise of the people’s sovereign will.”
Twelve months after the earthquake which, according to official figures, claimed at least 5,000 lives, Caritas and CAFOD continue to support the affected communities. Many people are still displaced and living in even more precarious conditions due to poverty and civil war. Reconstruction remains slow and the needs are still enormous, warn organisations on the ground.
Two weeks after his appointment, the installation ceremony was held for the Capuchin prelate, formerly Apostolic Vicar of Quetta. “I stand before you with humility and gratitude, ready to be guided by God.” This was the warning from Archbishop Travas, who has served as apostolic administrator of this Church for the past two years: “Beware of those who use you for their own interests and agendas.”
Today’s headlines: in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, a formal presidential candidate, has left the army; The Taiwanese leader of the Kuomintang is due to visit Beijing from 7 April; The Maldives do not recognise the agreement between Britain and Mauritius on the Chagos Islands; Chongqing overtakes Shanghai in the ranking of Chinese cities by consumer spending.
