Portal:Current events/2020 April 24

April 24, 2020 (Friday)

Armed conflicts and attacks

Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, COVID-19 pandemic in Yemen
- The Saudi-led coalition announces the extension of a unilateral ceasefire by one month to fight the pandemic. The Houthis did not accept the coalition's previous ceasefire that expired Thursday. Reportedly, the Houthis "want a lifting of air and sea blockades imposed by the coalition to the regions they control before agreeing to a ceasefire". (Reuters)
Internal conflict in Myanmar
- Unknown gunmen attack the headquarters of the government-backed Pan Say militia in Muse, Shan State. The attackers opened fire with small arms and artillery before fleeing in cars and motorbikes. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. (The Irrawaddy)
Kivu conflict
- An attack by members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, leaves 17 people dead: 12 park rangers and five civilians. (Al Jazeera)

Business and economy

COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia
- The government bans vehicles from entering or leaving the Jakarta metropolitan area to prevent Mudik, a local observance in which migrants and migrant workers return home for Ramadan. (The Jakarta Post)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
- President Donald Trump signs a US$484 billion interim coronavirus relief bill that will add another $310 billion to the small-business Paycheck Protection Program, as well as provide billions in aid to hospitals and for testing. (Axios)

Health and environment

Law and crime

Saudi Arabia says it will end flogging as a form of punishment, according to a government document. (Reuters)
Six activists of the Free Papua Movement are sentenced by an Indonesian court to 8–9 months in prison for treason. The ruling is condemned by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch as a violation of their freedom of speech and assembly. (Reuters)

Politics and elections