repression

Far from improving conditions, diplomatic passivity has allowed the government to dig in its heels, intensifying repression and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

It was also a time of rampant inequality, corruption and repression, including government-sponsored torture and murder.

The Rohingya have been persecuted in Myanmar for decades, and thousands risk their lives every year to flee repression and civil war, often aboard makeshift boats.

"Increased access to sport and entertainment is welcome, particularly for women and girls who were long excluded, but this image of progress contrasts sharply with ongoing repression and discrimination."

In a rare critique, the African Union and the regional Southern African Development Community said Samia's electoral victory did not meet accepted democratic standards, citing ballot-stuffing, repression and systemic flaws.