Please note: The following news items are presented here for informational purposes. The views expressed within them are those of the authors and/or individuals quoted, not those of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the National Defense University, or the Department of Defense.
41 killed in Sudan clashes over oil-rich land
Cameroon’s Military Kills 60 Boko Haram Members
Report: 10 Generals Guilty of Arming Boko Haram
Boko Haram Members Are Criminals, Not Muslims — OIC
Nigerian Police Ban Protests Over Kidnapped Girls
At least 20 killed, dozens wounded in clashes in Libya’s Benghazi: medics
US warns of possible terror attack in Ethiopia
Kigali, Dar face off again over DRC conflict
Kenya: State to employ 10,000 more police officers in war on terror
Bombings threaten Kenya growth goals, open new strains with wary West
AU peacekeepers accused of abuses in CAR
Peacekeeping in South Sudan: Is this the end for China’s non-intervention policy?
Algeria’s Mirage of Stability
USARAF trains 4 000 plus African troops
Chad receiving MiG-29s
Making Democracy Soup in Africa: how one bad ingredient can spoil the lot
Euro-Med states share jihadist menace
Malawi to seek new aid relationships outside the West
Egyptian Satire Show Won’t Be Coming Back, Host Says
Egypt’s police seek ability to monitor social media for signs of dissent
Sisi and the Palestinians
On Morocco, Its Western Allies, and Africa Policy
Zuma’s last big power push – and what happens next
Why African countries should re-benchmark GDP statistics
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41 killed in Sudan clashes over oil-rich land
At least 41 people have been killed in clashes between rival Sudanese clans over the ownership of land being explored for oil in West Kordofan state, a tribal source said. Another 13 people were seriously wounded in the fighting that raged through to Sunday between the Zurug and Awlad Amran clans of the powerful Misseriya tribe, the source told AFP. Those involved in the clashes used Kalashnikov assault rifles and rocket propelled-grenades. A witness, who declined to be named, said the fighting broke out as each group claimed ownership of a plot of land where drilling for oil is underway. Times Live
Cameroon’s Military Kills 60 Boko Haram Members
Cameroon’s state radio reports that the military has killed at least 60 Boko Haram members who crossed over from Nigeria seeking refuge. According to the national radio, the heavily-armed militants, reportedly killed in the village of Dabanga in far northern Cameroon, crossed over from Borno State in Nigeria. They were then ambushed by Cameroonian soldiers the report said. Fonka Awah, the governor of the far north region of Cameroon, said his office had received information that some Boko Haram members might be hiding in Cameroonian villages, and asked for specialized troops to be deployed. He told VOA that the military had done a good job. “Of course yes, without mincing words, after such a situation you reassemble the forces and map out strategies, you galvanize them and put them back into action and I think that is what we have just done,” he said. VOA
Report: 10 Generals Guilty of Arming Boko Haram
en generals and five other senior military officers were found guilty in courts-martial of providing arms and information to Boko Haram extremists, a leading Nigerian newspaper reported Tuesday. The news follows months of allegations from politicians and soldiers who have told The Associated Press that some senior officers were helping the Islamic extremists and that some rank-and-file soldiers even fight alongside the insurgents and then return to army camps. They have said that information provided by army officers has helped insurgents in ambushing military convoys and in attacks on army barracks and outposts in their northeastern stronghold. Leadership newspaper quoted one officer saying that four other officers, in addition to the 15, were found guilty of “being disloyal and for working for the members of the sect.” AP on ABC News
Boko Haram Members Are Criminals, Not Muslims — OIC
The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Monday publicly expressed its support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, saying members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect are criminals and outlaws that should not be considered as Muslims. OIC Secretary-General, Eyad Ameen Madani said this on Monday at the Presidential Villa when he led a delegation to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan. According to Madani, the 57-member organization would continue supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address its terrorism challenge. “We are here to express our solidarity with Nigeria in facing up to this terrorist organisation and to condemn the terrorist acts they have been committing, and to show our condolences to the Nigerian people, to the families of those who were affected”, he said. “The OIC has issued statements that are very clear, that these people are outlaws, what they do is criminal act; it has absolutely nothing to do with Islam, Islamic teachings, the religion of Islam, the history, the culture, the civilization of Islam and we should identify them for what they are as a terrorist group”. Sahara Reporters
Nigerian Police Ban Protests Over Kidnapped Girls
Nigerian police said Monday they have banned protests in the capital demanding that the government rescue more than 200 girls still held captive by Boko Haram militants. The protests have “degenerated” and are “now posing a serious security threat,” Abuja police commissioner Joseph Mbu said in a statement. The kidnapping crisis, now in its seventh week, has highlighted Nigeria’s failure to curb Boko Haram’s uprising. First lady Patience Jonathan last month called a meeting to investigate the Chibok kidnappings. She said the abductions were engineered to hurt her husband and his government. AP
At least 20 killed, dozens wounded in clashes in Libya’s Benghazi: medics
At least 20 people were killed and almost 70 wounded when the Libyan army and forces of a renegade general fought Islamist militants in the eastern city of Benghazi on Monday, medical sources said. Combat helicopters belonging to forces loyal to former army general Khalifa Haftar – who wants to purge the North African state of Islamist militants he says a weak government has failed to control – supported the army in the worst fighting in months. At least 20 people were killed and 67 wounded in Benghazi alone, hospital doctors said. Some 18 wounded were reported in al-Marj, a town east of Benghazi, where fighting also broke out, medical sources said. Reuters
US warns of possible terror attack in Ethiopia
The US Embassy in Addis Ababa urged American citizens residing or traveling to Ethiopia to exercise caution over a possible attack by a Somali terrorist group. The safety advisory the embassy said was issued due to threat from Al-Shabaab against Ethiopia and western interests in Ethiopia. Citing to multiple and ongoing credible threats, the US embassy urged its citizens to take the highest precautions to maintain their personal safety and security. “The Embassy continues to receive credible threat reports of Al-Shabaab’s intent and capability to attack Ethiopia and western interests in Ethiopia” it said in a statement Sudan Tribune received on Sunday. The embassy said that there have been a number of incursions along the Ethiopian-Somali border in recent weeks urging its citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to enhance personal security. Sudan Tribune
Kigali, Dar face off again over DRC conflict
Diplomatic tensions between Tanzania and Rwanda appeared set to escalate as the two countries once again traded accusation over the latter’s alleged backing of rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Louis Mushikiwabo on Friday responded to the claims by her Tanzanian counterpart Bernard Membe that the defunct M23 rebel forces that fought the DRC government until recently was a creation of the Rwandan government, saying, “That M23 business is a tired story that has no place in the region right now. “As for Tanzania’s foreign minister whose anti-Rwanda rant in parliament I heard, he would benefit from a lesson in the history of the region.” Mr Membe, while appearing before the country’s parliament, is reported to have said: “When I told the BBC that Rwandans were causing instability in eastern Congo, I meant what I said… it’s the UN’s Group of Experts that originally accused Rwanda, not me.” The East African
Kenya: State to employ 10,000 more police officers in war on terror
President Uhuru Kenyatta is betting on modern technologies and increased hiring of security personnel to fight insecurity, which has cast a dark cloud over the Kenyan economy. In his speech to the nation during Madaraka Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, Mr Kenyatta said the government would employ an additional 10,000 police officers after the recent recruitment of 8,000 officers into the administration and regular police services. The government has set aside Sh6.7 billion for the recruitment of the extra 10,000 officers, a move that will improve the police- to- citizen ratio that currently stands at an estimated 1:1150. Business Daily
Bombings threaten Kenya growth goals, open new strains with wary West
Recent bombings in Kenya have dented President Uhuru Kenyatta’s plans to boost tourism and undermined his pledge to restore security after last year’s Westgate shopping mall attack. Travel warnings issued by the United States, Britain, France and Australia last month have sent their citizens packing, emptying Kenya’s palm-fringed beaches and forcing hotels to lay off staff. On taking office last year Kenyatta vowed to lift tourist numbers to 5 million annually within five years, three times’ last year’s level, and get economic growth into double figures in his bid to raise incomes and lift millions out of poverty. Those targets always looked optimistic to economists and seem further out of reach following a spike in attacks on Kenya, blamed on militants linked to Somalia, this year. Reuters
AU peacekeepers accused of abuses in CAR
African Union peacekeepers from the Republic of Congo operating in the Central African Republic have been accused of abuses, including torture, killings and detentions, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Monday. The allegations – from witnesses, residents and local officials interviewed by HRW during an investigation by its staff – are likely to embarrass the AU peacekeeping mission, which suffered a blow to its legitimacy in April when Chadian forces were accused of killing 30 civilians. Chad denied the allegation, saying its forces opened fire after being ambushed by Christian “anti-balaka” militia. About 6 000 AU peacekeepers, known as Misca, are working alongside French and European Union troops to try to restore order in the nation, where months of ethnic and religious violence have killed thousands and made nearly a million homeless. News 24
Peacekeeping in South Sudan: Is this the end for China’s non-intervention policy?
As it has increased its footprint on the African continent, China has adhered strictly to its policy of not interfering in the internal politics of another state (publicly at least). It’s a popular conceit, especially among certain African leaders with a skeleton or two in their closet, but it was always going to be difficult to maintain. The recent fighting in South Sudan, where China has extensive interests, has been testing the policy to breaking point. It just broke. Daily Maverick
Algeria’s Mirage of Stability
Despite the sporadic protests that shook Algiers during the Arab Spring season of 2011, the demonstrations calling for change brought forth nowhere near the same political transformation that rocked countries like Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. Quite the opposite, not only did Algeria sidestep the tumultuous path of substantive reform, its authorities reinforced the regime with the reelection of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a fouth term, despite his obvious ailing health. How then did Algeria escape the wave of uprisings? Does enduring authoritarianism truly bring stability? Atlantic Council
USARAF trains 4 000 plus African troops
With support from regionally aligned forces from the Second Brigade of the First Infantry Division bases in Fort Riley, Kansas, US Army Africa recently trained more than 4 000 troops in Chad, Guinea, and Malawi. This, as with other USARAF training efforts, continues to provide different African nations with help in securing their own borders, thereby helping them secure the region, and protecting US interests. “Second Brigade did an incredible amount of work in preparation and training. They lived in austere environments and worked with our African partners to improve the level of training and preparation for a UN deployment. They leveraged their experiences and improved bilateral relationships during interaction with the host nations.” said Major Lee Torres. DefenceWeb
Chad receiving MiG-29s
Chad has acquired MiG-29 fighter jets from the Ukraine, with the first of three aircraft seen flying in Chadian colours. The first photograph emerged late last month and comes five years after the Force Aerienne Tchadienne (Chadian Air Force) began negotiating the purchase of MiG-29s from the Ukraine. The first MiG-29 was seen flying in full Chad camouflage and markings from Liviv-Skinilov Air Base/Danyo Halytskyi International Airport in the Ukraine, reports Air Forces Daily. In April 2009, Chadian website Tchadactuel quoted President Idriss Deby as saying that: “No African country except Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa has the weapons that Chad has today. In addition to what I have today, I am trying to acquire others. As I speak, my little brother Umar Deby, accompanied by the chief-of-staff of the air force, is in Ukraine, negotiating the acquisition of three MiG-29s, pilots, mechanics, and ammunition.” DefenceWeb
Making Democracy Soup in Africa: how one bad ingredient can spoil the lot
In May 2012, the late Ethiopian PM Meles Zenawi is holding court on a panel at the World Economic Forum on Africa, held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. His mixture of wit, intelligence and credentials as guerrilla leader turned president helps him to effortlessly dominate the discussion. But Meles, despite his habitual presence amongst the great and the good at global fora, was by no means a natural democrat. During the discussion Meles, in playful style, asserted that “There is no direct relationship between democracy and growth…but the case for democracy can stand on its own”. As citizens of a much lauded democracy, this is uncomfortable. For decades the West has been pushing an agenda in Africa based on good governance, accountability and, more recently, transparency. Look to other parts of the world however and we see that some of the countries that have made the greatest progress in lifting their citizens out of poverty have done so without such luxuries. African Arguments
Euro-Med states share jihadist menace
With the same terrorist threat hanging over Europe and the Maghreb, and the entire region losing young people to foreign jihad, experts say co-operation is more urgent than ever. North African and European countries are in this battle together, according to a recent conference in Tangier. Dubbed “European jihadism and its consequences for security in the Mediterranean area”, the event brought security officials, researchers and representatives from international organisations to the northern Morocco coastal city on Friday (May 23rd). It was the second such meeting organised jointly by the Moroccan Centre for Strategic Studies (CMES) and the Netherlands, which indeed has reason to worry. Magharebia
Malawi to seek new aid relationships outside the West
Malawi, traditionally dependent on Western aid donors, will look for “new friends” in countries such as China and Russia, newly elected President Peter Mutharika said at his inauguration Monday. The ceremony at a stadium in the commercial capital Blantyre was boycotted by outgoing president Joyce Banda, who was soundly beaten by Mutharika in disputed elections held on May 20. Mutharika, who takes power in one of the world’s poorest countries, where 40% of the budget comes from aid, said the donor nations were “welcome to stay here”. Foreign policy would be based on what is best for Malawi, he said. Mail and Guardian
Egyptian Satire Show Won’t Be Coming Back, Host Says
Bassem Youssef, the host of a canceled Egyptian satirical program often compared to Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show, says he will not try and continue El-Bernameg given Egypt’s political and media climate. “The environment that we live in is not suitable for the show and I am tired and we are at the end of our tether,” Youssef said during a news conference Monday, Ahram Online reports. “To those who are happy the show stopped: I tell them that the stopping of El-Bernameg is a victory for us.” The third season of the show was originally scheduled to return last Friday following a mandatory hiatus imposed during the country’s presidential election to prevent influencing the vote. The cancelation is the second one for the show, which was dropped from Egyptian satellite channel CBC last October before resuming in February on the Saudi channel MBC Misr. Time
Egypt’s police seek ability to monitor social media for signs of dissent
Egypt’s police force is seeking to build a surveillance system to monitor social media for expressions of dissent – including profanity, immorality, insults and calls for strikes and protests. According to a leaked document in which technology companies are invited to offer their services, Egypt’s interior ministry says it wants the ability to scan Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Viber in real-time for usage that might “harm public security or incite terrorism”. The ministry asks the unnamed companies for a system that could dredge up “vocabulary which is contrary to law and public morality”. According to the document, this would include “degrading and acerbic ridicule; slander; insult; the use of profanity”, incitement of “extremism, violence and rebellion … demonstrations, sit-ins and illegal strikes”; and “pornography and decadence; immorality and debauchery, and the publication of ways to manufacture explosives”. The Guardian
Sisi and the Palestinians
Since the outbreak of the Egyptian revolution in 2011, Egypt has been consumed by its internal affairs, which has left it incapable of having any real influence on regional or international affairs. The situation has been exacerbated by the increasing influence of non-Arab states like Iran and Turkey, which has led to a decline in the diplomatic power and effectiveness of Arab states. These days, most Arab governments are trying to deal with their own people, and grappling with revolutions and civil wars. The Palestinian cause has fallen by the wayside, and Palestinians have been left to face Israel alone, something they cannot do. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s election as the new Egyptian president has given Palestinians a sliver of hope that their cause will return to the forefront of Arab affairs — or that, at least, there will be a slight adjustment in the balance of power with Israel. The New York Times
On Morocco, Its Western Allies, and Africa Policy
Amid upheaval in Africa and the Middle East, the Kingdom of Morocco remains stable — largely due to its ongoing commitment to reform, from minority rights to transitional justice. The latter, in particular, has been widely discussed in countries Moroccan monarch Mohamed VI has recently visited, as part of his effort to strength his country’s ties throughout the African continent. Most recently, he was warmly welcomed by the Tunisian parliament, dominated by Islamists. They touted the Moroccan experience in transitional justice as both inspiring and worthy of emulation. In his Tunisian speech, the king shared three principles of reform which he described as informing his policies in recent years. First, amid Arab publics’ fiercely expressed desire to end absolutism throughout the region, the king said that he always chose his peoples’ side. Secondly, he emphasized the importance of national development — and finally, regional integration, in his view not an option but an economic necessity. The Huffington Post
Zuma’s last big power push – and what happens next
The last week has seen a large volume of analysis on the various decisions made by President Jacob Zuma around his Cabinet. Certainly the appointment of a Cabinet is a good chance to understand the motivations of a political leader. However, it is now time to consider another question: that this appointment may actually have been the last big expression of power by Zuma himself. These appointments, both in Cabinet and to other big posts, are going to leave an interesting situation for whoever comes next to deal with. Daily Maverick
Why African countries should re-benchmark GDP statistics
When Ghana revised its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures in 2010, the resultant 60% jump in its GDP estimates saw it being upgraded from low-income to a lower-middle income country. Similarly, Guinea Bissau and The Gambia also discovered that their economies were more than double the size of what had previously been reported after embarking on exercises to recalculate their GDP statistics. Perhaps more pronounced was the giant 89% leap by Nigeria to the title of Africa`s biggest economy (with a GDP of around $510 billion) after rebasing its GDP figures in April this year. While the ordinary person walking the streets of Accra, Lagos and Abuja did not immediately have more money in their pockets after their respective rebasing exercises, there are benefits to updating national income statistics. Mail and Guardian