Sama Germanier

Sama is currently the News Roundup Editor (2025) for the Armed Groups and International Law blog. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), where she majored in Swiss Law and International Law. Her bachelor’s thesis, “The Legal Analysis of the United Nations Security Council’s Role in Protecting Civilians in Syria: Legal and IHL Implications”, examined the Council’s practice through the lens of international humanitarian law principles, relevant UN resolutions, and the UN Charter. Sama is also completing a six-month internship with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Amman, within the Office for External Relations and Communications (Donor Relations). Her work supports donor engagement and reporting through the analysis of relations with contributing States and their political contexts, and she assists in meetings with embassies and international partners. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in International Law following her internship. Sama is a member of the Swiss Society of International Law (SSDI) and the International Law Association (ILA).

News Roundup (1-7 June)

Al-Qaeda-linked armed group JNIM releases propaganda video of Mali attack Myanmar’s New Administration: Military Consolidation, Not Transition Hamas says won’t surrender arms but only police will carry weapons in Gaza Rights group calls for release of civilians held amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur Iraqi prime minister welcomes Shia group’s move to place arms under …

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News Roundup 18-24 May

Malians flee instability, ‘horrors,’ and Russian armed groups to head for Mauritania How Armed Groups in Colombia Use Social Media To Recruit Children M23 tax drive in DR Congo puts squeeze on aid groups Joint Nigeria-US strikes kill 175 Islamic State group fighters, both militaries say Drone attack on Saudi Arabia puts Iraq’s new PM …

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News Roundup 11- 17 May

Reintegrating and Reforming Armed Groups in Transitional Phase in Syria: Pathways to Sustainable Stability HRW reports rights abuses against civilians by armed group in DRC during occupation of city How ISWAP and Boko Haram are reshaping the Lake Chad Basin Czech arms group tests Berlin and Paris with offer for stake in tank maker KNDS …

News Roundup 11- 17 May Read More »

News Roundup 4-10 May

Ituri: UN peacekeepers protect nearly 200 people caught under fire from two armed attacks Rights group claims armed group in DRC committed war crimes and crimes against humanity Armed fighters kill at least 30 people in attacks in central Mali Could gold mining help Colombia’s armed groups to finally lay down their weapons? Boko Haram …

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News Roundup 27 April- 3 May

Armed group announces siege on Mali capital UN peacekeepers protect nearly 200 people caught under fire from two armed attacks Gunmen kill at least 29 in northeast Nigeria after targeting young people at football pitch Mali crisis: Who are the key leaders to know about? What role has Russia played in Mali’s security and the …

News Roundup 27 April- 3 May Read More »

News Roundup 20-26 April

Africa: Non-state armed groups are the main drivers of violence targeting local officials Mali under near-simultaneous attacks by armed groups US offers $10 million reward for Iraqi armed group leader More than 200 rescued from IS-linked group in DR Congo Myanmar’s military government rebuffed on peace talks offer Mali defence minister killed as country hit …

News Roundup 20-26 April Read More »

News Roundup 13-19 April

DR Congo, M23 armed group agree to ease aid, free prisoners France: Lafarge convicted over financing armed groups in Syria Somalia reports hit on al-Shabab with ‘international support’ French peacekeeper killed in southern Lebanon UN experts urge member states to suspend Israel arms transfers Conflict in Yemen and the Red Sea Disarmament Without Enforcement Hezbollah …

News Roundup 13-19 April Read More »

News Roundup 6-12 April

Iran-backed Iraqi armed group releases kidnapped US journalist Civilians under fire by gangs in Gaza: What happened in Maghazi? Iran’s Support of the Houthis: What to Know Armed Group Storms Suwayda Education Directorate, Director Withdraws Ethiopia Averts Tigray War, For Now; Ethiopia Announces New Dams on Nile; Russia Establishing New Foothold in Madagascar Civil War …

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News Roundup 30 March- 5 April

‘Loyalty campaign’: Iraqi armed groups in Iran as US talks of ground war Rwanda reintegrates 214 former armed group members from DR Congo At least 70 dead in Haiti’s Artibonite armed gang attack, local rights groups say Iraqi armed group warns US against using Kuwait for Iran attack Burkina Faso military, allies committing ‘horrific’ civilian …

News Roundup 30 March- 5 April Read More »

News Roundup 9- 15 March

Burkina Faso: Islamist Armed Group Commits New Atrocities UN chief says ‘no longer the time of armed groups’ after meeting Lebanese president From sectarian and jihadist militias to politics: Can Washington turn them into political actors? Caught in the crossfire, Iraq becomes battlefield in US-Israel war on Iran Mali: Armed Islamist Group Executes Truck Drivers …

News Roundup 9- 15 March Read More »