Thread by @CrisisGroup

In 2022, Russia’s war in Ukraine overshadowed much of global politics and other conflicts exacted a high toll, with the number of people fleeing violence reaching a new high.

But there’s also been good news!

Here are @CrisisGroup's 10 reasons to be hopeful in 2023 ⬇️

1️⃣ The deal between 🇪🇹Ethiopia's government and Tigray leaders could end one of the world’s bloodiest conflicts and offer relief to millions in northern Ethiopia. Plenty could still go wrong, but any lull in the horrific violence is good news.

crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-af…

2️⃣ After 3 years of tension, 🇨🇴 Colombia and 🇻🇪Venezuela finally restored one of Latin America’s most important bilateral relations, providing opportunities to address ongoing security and humanitarian issues at the border.

crisisgroup.org/latin-america-…

3️⃣ Despite previous political violence, the most contested presidential election in🇧🇷Brazil’s recent history went relatively smoothly, and the transition between new president Lula da Silva and his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro has been peaceful.

crisisgroup.org/latin-america-…

4️⃣ In🇸🇩Sudan, civilian political parties and a variety of other groups signed a "political framework" deal with the military to pave the way for a new civilian government and end the political impasse, although a tough road lies ahead before a new government can be formed.

5️⃣ In🇰🇪Kenya, peaceful and credible elections backed by strong institutions cemented the country’s regional standing. Domestic challenges abound, notably the economy, but Kenya still finds the bandwidth to push for peace in #Ethiopia and the #DRC.

crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-af…

6️⃣ In the🇵🇭Philippines, after months of uncertainty, the new President Marcos has committed to completing the peace process in Muslim Mindanao. While hurdles remain, there is hope that the newly created Bangsamoro autonomous region will finally find lasting peace and stability.

7️⃣ A display of unity between 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Emir of 🇶🇦Qatar during the #WorldCup, each wearing the colors of the other, is a positive step toward ending the diplomatic crisis between the two Gulf countries.

8️⃣ Although 🇺🇸-🇨🇳 tensions still cast a long shadow over East Asian security, the November meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping led to the resumption of important diplomatic channels that can help prevent the rivalry from turning into conflict.

9️⃣ The results of the 🇺🇸U.S. midterm elections eased fears about democratic backsliding, as a number of prominent candidates who denied or raised doubts about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election were defeated in key battleground states.

🔟Multilateralism muddles along. Despite bitter Ukraine debates, big powers still use the 🇺🇳UN to manage other crises. An Indonesia-hosted G20 meeting agreed on a declaration on concerns like food prices and a statement warning against nuclear attacks.

worldpoliticsreview.com/un-ukraine-rus…