New Year, new beginnings

In Syria, people expressed mixed emotions and cautious hopes for the coming year after the unexpected ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. While crowds gathered in Damascus for fireworks, residents reflected on a country still recovering from war and ongoing crises with many cautiously optimistic about the future.

Sudan marked its second new year under the shadow of war between the regular army and paramilitary forces, with many voicing their hopes for peace.