AFRICAN UNION
Africa Summit Held in Washington
U.S. is hosting a unique summit involving African leaders at Washington, and the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit is being held at Washington during August 4-6, 2014 in the backdrop of a growing economy throughout the continent, expansion of democracy, rising middle-class and broadening of the outlook. However, the summit was also overshadowed by a ravaging Ebola which had struck Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, and now might have arrived at Nigeria. The summit discussed, among others, on poverty, cronyism, corruption, disease prevention, development and democracy. Addressing the conference, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reminded the participants on August 4, 2014 that some six out of ten fastest growing economies belonged to the continent. Obama administration pledged its commitment to working with Congress to renew the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act that would expire next year. Since 2000, AGOA worked as a stimulant to expand the trade and business between USA and Africa.
On the second day of the summit, U.S. President Barack Obama indirectly took a swipe at China, addressing the African leaders that USA didn't "look to Africa simply for its natural resources", but recognized "Africa for its greatest resource, which is its people and its talents and their potential". Obama also promised on August 5, 2014 more than $33 billion in public and private investments in the continent. The investments include:
* $7 billion to promote U.S. exports to, and investments in, Africa under the Doing Business in Africa campaign
* $14 billion in new deals by U.S. companies in energy, banking and construction
* $12 billion in new commitment for Obama's Power Africa initiative, which seeks to broaden the reach of powers by giving access to electricity for more than 600 million people in the continent
Chadian Soldiers Drive out Boko Haram from Nigerian City a Day After African Union Announces Forming a Regional Force
In the first such cross-border move, Chad's soldiers entered into Nigeria on January 30, 2015 and drove out the Boko Haram rebels from a key city, Malum Fatori, that sits at the crossroads of Chad, Niger and Nigeria. A night before on January 29, 2015, a Chadian warplane bombed Boko Haram positions in the city. The cross-border drive by Chadian force came a day after an African Union meeting at Addis Ababa on January 29, 2015 decided to create a 7,500-member regional force to combat Boko Haram. The regional force to be comprised of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Niger is still to be approved by the U.N. Security Council and will deploy within a year of its formation. African Union Executive Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa said that a robust multinational approach was necessary to beat back the Boko Haram menace. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised the gathering at Addis Ababa of "technical support, training and equipment" to AU regional force. Later the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750.
Egypt's El-Sissi Assumes Rotating Presidency of African Union
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on February 10, 2019 assumed the rotating presidency of African Union, attracting condemnation from Amnesty International and other human rights groups over his handling of domestic political dissention and protests. He took over the reign from the outgoing AU head Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, at a summit in Addis Ababa. Addressing the summit after being elected as head of African Union, Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi called for a "sustainable and holistic" approach to fight terrorism.
Continent-wide New Free Trade Zone Launched
For the first time in the history, a continental free trade zone has been launched on July 7, 2019 as African leaders have met at the capital of Niger for an African Union summit. The African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) was signed by 54 of the continent's 55 nations, with exception of Eritrea. With ratification of the ACFTA last week by Nigeria, 25th nation to do so, the free trade zone became all but official. The agreement intends to integrate 1.3 billion people and nations to reap significant benefit from a $3.4 trillion market. The ACFTA is not going to supplant any existing regional trade blocs such as East African Community, Southern African development Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and ECOWAS. Instead, it will work as a connecting thread to foster a seamless and hassle-free trade across the vast continent which has been lacking for all of these years.
G5-Sahel Security Group Asks AU Summit for More Money
A regional security group, G5-Sahel Security Group, composed of Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, asked the AU leaders at the continental group's summit that had begun at Niger's capital on July 7, 2019 to press U.N. for additional money for counterterrorism campaign in the region.
Africa Summit Held in Washington
U.S. is hosting a unique summit involving African leaders at Washington, and the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit is being held at Washington during August 4-6, 2014 in the backdrop of a growing economy throughout the continent, expansion of democracy, rising middle-class and broadening of the outlook. However, the summit was also overshadowed by a ravaging Ebola which had struck Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, and now might have arrived at Nigeria. The summit discussed, among others, on poverty, cronyism, corruption, disease prevention, development and democracy. Addressing the conference, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reminded the participants on August 4, 2014 that some six out of ten fastest growing economies belonged to the continent. Obama administration pledged its commitment to working with Congress to renew the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act that would expire next year. Since 2000, AGOA worked as a stimulant to expand the trade and business between USA and Africa.
On the second day of the summit, U.S. President Barack Obama indirectly took a swipe at China, addressing the African leaders that USA didn't "look to Africa simply for its natural resources", but recognized "Africa for its greatest resource, which is its people and its talents and their potential". Obama also promised on August 5, 2014 more than $33 billion in public and private investments in the continent. The investments include:
* $7 billion to promote U.S. exports to, and investments in, Africa under the Doing Business in Africa campaign
* $14 billion in new deals by U.S. companies in energy, banking and construction
* $12 billion in new commitment for Obama's Power Africa initiative, which seeks to broaden the reach of powers by giving access to electricity for more than 600 million people in the continent
Chadian Soldiers Drive out Boko Haram from Nigerian City a Day After African Union Announces Forming a Regional Force
In the first such cross-border move, Chad's soldiers entered into Nigeria on January 30, 2015 and drove out the Boko Haram rebels from a key city, Malum Fatori, that sits at the crossroads of Chad, Niger and Nigeria. A night before on January 29, 2015, a Chadian warplane bombed Boko Haram positions in the city. The cross-border drive by Chadian force came a day after an African Union meeting at Addis Ababa on January 29, 2015 decided to create a 7,500-member regional force to combat Boko Haram. The regional force to be comprised of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Niger is still to be approved by the U.N. Security Council and will deploy within a year of its formation. African Union Executive Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa said that a robust multinational approach was necessary to beat back the Boko Haram menace. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised the gathering at Addis Ababa of "technical support, training and equipment" to AU regional force. Later the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750.
Egypt's El-Sissi Assumes Rotating Presidency of African Union
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on February 10, 2019 assumed the rotating presidency of African Union, attracting condemnation from Amnesty International and other human rights groups over his handling of domestic political dissention and protests. He took over the reign from the outgoing AU head Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, at a summit in Addis Ababa. Addressing the summit after being elected as head of African Union, Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi called for a "sustainable and holistic" approach to fight terrorism.
Continent-wide New Free Trade Zone Launched
For the first time in the history, a continental free trade zone has been launched on July 7, 2019 as African leaders have met at the capital of Niger for an African Union summit. The African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) was signed by 54 of the continent's 55 nations, with exception of Eritrea. With ratification of the ACFTA last week by Nigeria, 25th nation to do so, the free trade zone became all but official. The agreement intends to integrate 1.3 billion people and nations to reap significant benefit from a $3.4 trillion market. The ACFTA is not going to supplant any existing regional trade blocs such as East African Community, Southern African development Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and ECOWAS. Instead, it will work as a connecting thread to foster a seamless and hassle-free trade across the vast continent which has been lacking for all of these years.
G5-Sahel Security Group Asks AU Summit for More Money
A regional security group, G5-Sahel Security Group, composed of Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, asked the AU leaders at the continental group's summit that had begun at Niger's capital on July 7, 2019 to press U.N. for additional money for counterterrorism campaign in the region.
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BLINKEN VISIT TO AFRICA ******************
Blinken
Wraps up Week-long Africa Trip with Warning against Russia
The
first Africa trip by Biden administration’s top diplomat was first postponed in
August 2021 because of the political, security and diplomatic chaos
stemming from the disorderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. U.S.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken undertook the much overdue Africa trip
in November 2021. He wrapped up the visit to Kenya, Nigeria, and
Senegal on November 20, 2021. His visit was overshadowed by the crises in Sudan,
Ethiopia and Mali. Talking to reporters at Dakar, Senegal, Blinken warned
against the involvement of a Russian security firm, Wagner Group, in
Mali, Central African Republic and other nations in Africa. Russia normally
dismisses this sort of allegation as it has nothing to do with a private
security firm and that private security firm has been invited by the individual
governments.
********************* BLINKEN VISIT TO AFRICA ******************
****************************** U.S.-AFRICA LEADERS SUMMIT ******************************
Biden Admin to Push for AU to Gain Permanent Seat at G-20
Biden administration is convening a historic African Union-U.S.
summit at Washington D.C. Biden administration has invited 49 nations
from the continent to attend the three-day (December 13-15, 2022) summit
at the nation’s capital. The Dallas Morning News has reported on December
10, 2022 that the Biden administration is pushing for 54-nation bloc’s
inclusion in G-20 as a permanent member for more effective voice in issues
ranging from climate change to economy to civil conflict to AIDS to COVID-19.
The bloc has shown, in recent years, the resilience, flexibility, state of
purpose and renewed unity that has propelled the bloc on par with other mature
international and regional groups. In early 2021, African Union launched a free
trade bloc, African Continental Free Trade Area, after years of thorough
negotiation.
Harris Inaugurates U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
Vice President Kamala Harris on December 13, 2022 launched the formal
opening of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at Washington, D.C. 49 heads
of state and other African Union officials are attending the three-day (December
13-15, 2022) summit. Addressing the relative youthfulness of the continent,
Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized on the tremendous potential for
the continent. Vice President Harris announced that the U.S. would
invest $100 million more in Young African Leadership Initiative
and the U.S. Export-Import Bank would sign a MOU with African authorities
for $1 billion in commercial investment. On December 13, 2022,
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met
separately with leaders from Djibouti, Niger, and Somalia on the sidelines of
the summit.
President Joe Biden, set to meet with the leaders on December 14, 2022, signed an
executive order to establish President’s Advisory Council on African
Diaspora Engagement. Africa, which has 60% of population younger than 25,
will have 80% of people younger that age threshold by 2050, making the
continent a playground and battleground for attention, investment and influence
by China and the U.S. Under Trump administration, the continent lacked proper diplomatic
pivot, opening an opportunity for China to invest in the continent through Beijing’s
Belt and Road Initiative. Biden administration has reversed the course,
setting new priorities for U.S. diplomacy with added focus on Africa. In the
run-up to the summit, Biden administration pushed the idea of African Union to
become a permanent member of G-20. To facilitate that effort, Biden
administration appointed a veteran diplomat, Johnnie Carson, as a
point-person, according to a report by The Dallas Morning News published
on December 13, 2022.
Biden’s Promise to African Leaders: “U.S. is committed” to Africa’s
Prosperity
President Joe Biden met with the heads of state from Africa on December 14, 2022 and
reiterated his support for “every aspect of Africa’s growth”. President Joe
Biden told the leaders that $55 billion in committed investment announced on December
12, 2022 over the next three years was “just the beginning".
First Lady Jill Biden’s office also announced $300 million in investment
in Africa for cancer research, screening, and prevention.
Biden Pledges to See the African Leaders in Africa, $165 billion
President Joe Biden on December 15, 2022 wrapped the
three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at Washington D.C. on a high note with
a promise to see the leaders in “your country”. It’s not clear when President
Biden will undertake a trip to sub-Saharan Africa. President Biden wanted to
show the 46 heads of state from Africa that the U.S. did care about the growth
and governance of the continent in a direct response to China’s assertive Belt
and Road Initiative, a $1 trillion infrastructure plan to invest in poor
nations throughout the world to have Beijing’s political sway and imprimatur on
the recipient nations. Biden also pledged $165 million in aid to Africa
to hold peaceful and credible elections. In recent years, every American
president visited Africa other than Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.
****************************** U.S.-AFRICA LEADERS SUMMIT ******************************
ALGERIA
Draft of a New Constitution Published
A draft of new constitution was published by state media on January 5, 2016. To become effective, the measure is to be approved by parliament. The new constitution is the outcome of the pledge made by the long-term Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the aftermath of Arab Spring in 2011. According to the new constitution, president will be term-limited to two five-year stints and premier will be picked up by parliament instead of presidential appointment.
ANGOLA
Former First Son Detained
May be, it's a day of reckoning in Angolan history as the government of Joao Lourenco on September 25, 2018 has arrested his former mentor's son on charges of illicit transfer of $500 million in fund from the Angola's sovereign wealth fund to a British account. Jose Filomeno dos Santos is the head of the fund. Jose Eduardo dos Santos ruled Angola with an iron-clad grip of power for the past 38 years until his health forced him to relinquish power in September 2017 and install his protégé Joao Lourenco in presidency. Jose Eduardo dos Santos's rule was hobbled with charges of nepotism as he had installed Jose Filomeno dos Santos as the head of country's sovereign wealth fund and his daughter, Isabel, as the head of the state-owned oil company Sonangol. However, Joao Lourenco is showing a surprising degree of independence in governing the country, especially after the hand-over of the leadership of the country's ruling party, People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, earlier this month.
BURKINA FASO
President Resigns Amid Mass Uprising and Military Takeover
Political maneuvering and parliamentary misdeed to alter the constitution to remove the presidential term limit, thus effort to all but extend the 27-year presidency of long-time ruler of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, touched off a massive protest on October 30, 2014 with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Ouagadougou, the capital, and other cities and setting fire to parts of the parliamentary buildings. Compaore became internationally famous for "his contribution to peace and stability" in neighboring Mali as praised by U.N.S.G Ban Ki-moon. However, internal dissension and antagonism was brewing in Burkina Faso quite some time for lack of progress in political reform. The mass uprising that had erupted on October 30, 2014 was by far the greatest challenge to President Compaore.
As the mass protest spun out of control overnight and threat of military takeover loomed large, President Blaise Compaore on October 31, 2014 resigned and, according to the numerous reports, fled to Ivory Coast with his family. However, it was not clear yet on October 31 who was in charge of country as contradictory statements emanated from the military itself. First, Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso's military, Gen. Honore Traore, issued a statement, saying that he was assuming presidency until fresh elections, only to be disputed hours later by Col. Yacouba Zida, who suspended constitution, closed the borders, clamped nighttime curfew and announced creation of a committee to run the nation.
Military Coalesces Behind the Colonel Amid International Call for Restoration of Civilian Authority
On November 1, 2014, better clarity emerged on the political situation in Burkina Faso in the aftermath of massive street protest and subsequent resignation of long-time ruler Blaise Compaore. Key military figures threw their weight during the day behind Col. Yacouba Zida. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department demanded that the powers be transferred to civilian authorities as soon as possible.
Confusion Reigns Amid Claims and Counterclaims in Burkina Faso
Chaos and confusion reigned supreme on November 2, 2014 as an opposition leader, Saran Sereme, and her supporter tried to take control of the headquarters of the state television and announce her as the President of the nation. However, security forces moved in quickly, and dispersed the crowd.
Early Elections to be Held to Bring Democracy
After immediate international pressure on the ruling junta that took over powers in this impoverished African nation about two weeks ago, an interim president, Michel Kafando, was named on November 16, 2014, and a new premier would be named too by November 19, 2014. The interim civilian administration will guide the nation through early elections. Many political analysts also gave credit to the country's de facto head Col. Yacouba Zida for his effort to facilitate quick and smooth transition to the full civilian rule.
Investigation into Slaying of Former Head of State to Begin
As part of national reconciliation and healing process--and definitely, that could raise the odds to implicate the ousted President Blaise Compaore--interim President Michel Kafando on November 21, 2014 said that he would allow investigations into slaying of former popular President Thomas Sankara, who was deposed by Compaore in a 1987 coup.
Coup, Chaos Reported in Burkina Faso
As a cabinet meeting was underway on September 16, 2015 evening, soldiers from Presidential Security Regiment, a unit that was created by former dictator Blaise Compaore and still remained loyal to him, stormed the room and detained the interim premier, Isaac Zida, and interim president, Michel Kafando. Apparently the coup was being led by Gen. Gilbert Diendere, a close ally of former President Blaise Compaore, who was forced to resign on October 31, 2014 under a massive protest. What triggered the latest coup was unclear, but the recent move by the interim administration to ban former allies of Compaore from running in the upcoming polls scheduled on October 11, 2015 didn't go well with sections of military. After detaining the interim premier and interim president, the military raided the radio station, Radio Omega, that played a significant role in giving voice to last October's uprising, and cut off the signal. A nighttime curfew (7PM to 6AM) was clamped and country's international borders were sealed. France, former colonial ruler of Burkina Faso, and the USA condemned the coup.
Country's Ousted Leader Freed
The coup leaders under the auspices of National Council for Democracy led by Gen. Gilbert Diendere issued a statement on September 18, 2015 that it accepted the "principle of mediation" and reaffirmed that it would quit very soon. It also reopened its borders, and released both interim PM Isaac Zida and interim President Michel Kafando. However, Zida had remained under house arrest. Meanwhile, African Union condemned the coup, and president of a regional group, ECOWAS, Macky Sall of Senegal and Benin's President Boni Yayi had arrived at Ouagadougou on September 18, 2015 to facilitate mediation amidst growing protest in the capital against the coup.
Burkina Faso's Deposed Leader Returns to Power
A week after ousted from presidency and prodded by regional, continental and international communities, Burkina Faso's interim President Michel Kafando returned to power on September 23, 2015 triumphantly.
Burkina Faso's Interim President Disbands the Presidential Guard Unit
Two days after the coup leader Gen. Gilbert Diendere stepped down and restituted Michel Kafando in interim presidency under pressure from the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, Kafando on September 25, 2015 disbanded the Presidential Security Regiment, a vestige from the era of former dictator Blaise Compaore, and fired the unit's commander Col. Boureima Kere as well as the country's minister of security, Col. Sidi Pare. The decision came after interim president had held a meeting with interim premier Yocouba Isaac Zida and other ministers.
Army Seizes Barracks of Presidential Guards
After refusing to disarm, Burkina Faso's Presidential Guard unit on September 29, 2015 faced the wrath of government forces as they had seized the barracks and detained the unit's soldiers.
Former Marxist President Shot Ten Times
An autopsy report released on October 13, 2015 shed light on the killing of former President Thomas Sankara, who was deposed in a coup in 1987 by Blaise Compaore. According to the autopsy report, the Marxist president, Thomas Sankara, was shot 10 times. In May 2015, Sankara's body was exhumed to carry out autopsy as part of a renewed investigation by the regime of President Michel Kafando into the assassination of Sankara.
Burkina Faso Holds Elections
Expectations are running high in Burkina Faso and beyond as there is no incumbent running for presidency this time. 14 candidates are in the fray. Legislative polls are also being held on November 29, 2015.
Burkina Faso Elects Former Premier as New President
In a peaceful transition, a former premier, Roch Marc Christian Kabore, was declared elected on December 1, 2015. It's only the second time in Burkina Faso's history since it had won independence in 1960 that a civilian was elected president.
International Arrest Warrant Issued against Former President
A military court on December 21, 2015 issued an international arrest warrant against former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, implicating him in the assassination of the then-Marxist President Thomas Sankara in 1987.
Hotel Siege in Burkina Faso Leads to Hostage Crisis, Several Deaths
Attackers allegedly owing allegiance to al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb stormed a posh hotel, Splendid Hotel, at the capital, Ouagadougou, around 8PM local time on January 15, 2016, leading to hours-long hostage crisis. According to unofficial account, assailants entered the 147-room hotel taking advantage of the chaos in the immediate aftermath of a car bomb just outside the hotel, and began to take hostage. Militants apparently opened fire on the patrons of a café house inside the hotel, Cappuccino Café. France, which maintains a garrison in the country, sent about 30 of its soldiers to join about 40 Burkina Faso soldiers in an effort to rescue hostages. Reuters reported later in the evening that at least 20 people were killed and 15 seriously injured. Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb claimed the responsibility for the attack, and said that it was a revenge against France.
Hostage Crisis Brought to an End after 12 Hours of Firefight
Burkina Faso's security forces aided by French troops brought the hostage crisis to an end on January 16, 2016 morning, and rescued nearly 100 hostages, but not before 28 deaths. 18 had been killed in the hotel in addition to 10 who were killed at the nearby Cappuccino Café. Apparently two of the four attackers were women. All the assailants were killed by the security forces. Among those killed were 6 Canadians, 7 Burkina Faso citizens, two Swiss, two Ukrainians, two French, one each from the USA, Portugal, the Netherlands and Libya, and one French-Ukrainian. Other bodies were being in the process of identification. The dead American, Michael Riddering, 45, of Cooper City, Florida, had been a missionary in Burkina Faso, a moderate Muslim-majority nation, since 2011.
Burkina Faso Begins Three-Day National Mourning
Burkina Faso on January 17, 2016 began a three-day national mourning, with the country's new president, Roch Marc Christian Kabore, announcing on the national broadcaster, Burkina 24, that the country's security forces would step up the vigilance.
Burkina Faso Announces Joint Front with Mali
In a joint effort to root out the common enemy of terrorism from their soil, Burkina Faso on January 18, 2016 announced a joint effort with Mali to fight against Islamic militants. Meanwhile, the security was tight on the first workday after the weekend terrorist attack on the Splendid Hotel at the heart of the capital, Ouagadougou, that had killed 28 people.
Twin Attacks Rock Burkina Faso
Near simultaneous attacks on military headquarters and the French Embassy on March 2, 2018 shook the confidence in the government to provide security even to high-value targets such as country's military leadership and foreign diplomatic corps. What was shocking was the attack coincided with a high-level meeting of top brass of military, but the venue was changed at the last minute, saving face for the government. Jihadi fighters carried out two attacks in 2016 and then again in 2017, killing at least 49 people. Although no one claimed responsibility for March 2, 2018, attack, it was largely believed that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb might be behind the attack because of sophisticated and simultaneous nature of the attacks.
Angry Protesters Demonstrate in Burkina Faso, Demand President’s
Resignation
Thousands of protesters on January 22, 2022 vented out their
frustration over increasing extremist attacks by taking to streets in Ouagadougou,
demanding that President Roch Marc Christian Kabore resign. Burkina
Faso has been witnessing an escalation in attacks by both Islamic State-
and al-Qaeda-linked groups that had killed thousands and displaced 1.5
million people. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd during
the Ouagadougou demonstration.
Coup Brings Throngs of Joyous Crowd to the Streets
In a surreal and scary [for democracy] scenario, thousands of people on January
24, 2022 descended on the streets of Ouagadougou soon after they knew
that military had taken over the power. Scores of military leaders stood before
the TV cameras, and vowed that they would bring order to a chaotic nation. Capt.
Sidsore Kaber Ouedraogo said that the Patriotic Movement for
Safeguarding and Restoration had decided to “assume its responsibilities
before history”. The junta suspended the country’s constitution, dissolved
national assembly, closed the borders and imposed a 9PM to 5AM curfew. Location
of the deposed president, Roch Marc Christian Kabore, remained unknown.
Waves of Popular Support for the Coup
How the incessant extremist attacks could be ruinous to the democratic
process itself became evident one more time in Burkina Faso as thousands
of coup supporters were out on the streets of Ouagadougou for the second
straight day on January 25, 2022 to support the very undemocratic action
that had deposed a democratically elected government because of its inability
to tackle the virulent extremist campaigns by al-Qaeda- and Islamic
State-linked groups that had killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of
thousands of people. Youths on January 25, 2022 chanted slogans favoring
the coup, and held pictures of junta leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso—Col.
Assimi Goita and Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, respectively.
U.N. Security Council Expresses “Concern”, but Fails to Condemn Burkina Faso
Coup
In much of a chagrin to African Union and ECOWAS, both of
which had condemned the coup in Burkina Faso, U.N. Security Council
on February 10, 2022 issued a statement that didn’t condemn the coup. Instead,
U.N. Security Council expressed “serious concern about the unconstitutional
change of government".
Coup Deposes a Military Ruler who has Come through a Coup
A section of military on September 30, 2022 orchestrated a coup to seize power as the outgoing president, Lt. Colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who himself has usurped power through a coup was reported to have taken shelter at the French Embassy in Ouagadougou.
BURUNDI
Tens of Thousands Flee the Burundi Crisis
Nearly 40,000 people fled the country after Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza announced on April 25, 2015 that he would seek a third term, plunging his country to a state of chaos, confusion and potential conflict. The peace accord that had ended Burundi's bloody civil war at the first place had set a two-term limit on an incumbent president, and any deviation from the term limit would have been considered as violating the tenet of the peace accord.
Confusion Reigns in Burundi amid a Coup
As Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza was attending an African Union summit in neighboring Tanzania, an apparent coup was attempted at Bujumbura on May 13, 2015. As night fell on the African nation, an eerie silence took hold in the capital with gunfire breaking the silence of the night. The military seemed to be divided over the coup. Reports from Burundi suggested that Maj. Gen. Godefroid Niyombare was the coup leader.
Coup Fails, 17 Appears before the Court
As the coup that was orchestrated on May 13, 2015 didn't hold ground, the government issued charge sheets against a number of coup plotters. 17 defendants were brought to the court on May 17, 2015, but the coup leader Maj. Gen. Godefroid Niyombare was still at large.
Burundi Peace Talks a Non-Starter
A scheduled regional peace talks officiated by Ugandan Defense Minister Crispus Kiyonga broke down as soon as it started on July 19, 2015 as no one from Burundi's government side had showed up. The country slid into the worst turmoil since mid-90s civil war after the ruling party flouted the two-term limit and announced in April 2015 that the President Pierre Nkurunziza would run for the third term, leading to a short-lived coup, violence that had killed more than 100 and forced at least 144,000 from the country. The international community condemned the ruling party decision and said that the July 21, 2015, presidential polls lost credibility.
Burundi Holds a Discredited Presidential Election
Amid international condemnation and universal opposition boycott, Burundi's government held presidential polls on July 21, 2015 to rubber-stamp the incumbent, Pierre Nkurunziza, for a third term. The U.S. State Department called the polls not credible at all.
Thousands Fleeing the Capital on the Eve of Government Crackdown
As the November 8, 2015, mid-night deadline for Bujumbura's residents to turn in their illegal weapons approached, thousands of residents from opposition-dominated neighborhoods such as Cibitoke and Mutakura had decided to flee. Hours before the deadline, the capital on November 7, 2015 remained tense and tormented as there was widespread fear that government would use brutal crackdown on opposition forces, leading to a possibility that the nation might be heading toward a possible ethnic meltdown. The recent instability was rooted in the April 2015 decision by President Pierre Nkurunziza to seek a third term, which he won ultimately in July, but not before sowing the seeds of ethnic, political and social crisis. Since April 2015 decision by Nkurunziza to seek a third term, at least 198 people were killed in Burundi, and more than 200,000 had fled the country.
France Circulates a U.N. Security Council Resolution Aimed at Re-conciliation
On November 9, 2015, France introduced a resolution at the U.N. Security Council that called for immediate end to government crackdown of dissent, convene national dialogue, and find "a consensual and nationally owned solution". The resolution threatens to impose measures, including targeted sanctions, if Burundi's government doesn't comply with the measure. Giving a chilling description of the last seven months' events, the U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called the council on November 9, 2015 to avert "an immediate catastrophe". However, addressing the Security Council, Burundi's Foreign Minister Alain Aime Nyamitwe said on November 9, 2015 that any outside intervention was unneeded and uncalled for as his country was "not in flames".
Burundi Suspends Licenses of 10 NGOs
Accusing 10 non-governmental organizations of exceeding their scope of work and intervening in country's political process, Bujumbura on November 23, 2015 suspended their licenses to operate in the country.
U.N.S.G. Calls for Beefed-up U.N. Presence in Burundi
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on November 30, 2015 wrote a letter to the U.N. Security Council, outlining all the options he had envisioned for Burundi and the one he would recommend. He described that the African nation stood at the crossroads of major ethnic and social unrest that could tear up the nation. He included three options in his letter:
* A full-fledged U.N. peacekeeping mission
* A special political mission to promote national dialogue, reconciliation and human rights
* A support mission to give political and diplomatic boost to special U.N. envoy to Burundi, Jamal Benomar
Ban Ki-moon recommended the third option.
A Series of Attacks on Military Bases Repelled; Dozens Killed
In an audacious and surprising assault on country's government, dozens of gunmen on December 11, 2015 mounted coordinated attacks on military bases across Bujumbura, the capital, leading to hours-long firefight that had killed dozens of attackers. The whole capital was in a lockdown state on December 11, 2015 as sound of gunshots rang out throughout Bujumbura. As dawn broke out on December 12, 2015, residents of Bujumbura started to venture out only to find many of their neighborhoods dumped with corpses, many of them were with civilian cloths and shot on the heads. Burundian government officials said on December 12, 2015 that the dead bodies were of the attackers and 87 attackers were killed.
Burundi Rejects African Union's Plan to Deploy Troops
Burundi on December 19, 2015 rejected African Union's plan to deploy about 5,000 troops to stabilize the country, and categorically stated that it didn't need any outside help.
Mediation Initiated to Find Solution to Burundi Crisis
At the behest of a regional bloc, East African Community, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni hosted a meeting between the representatives of President Pierre Nkurunziza and opposition on December 28, 2015 at Entebbe, Uganda in the run-up to the formal start of talks on January 6, 2016 in Tanzania. However, before the peace talks even begin, they are poised running toward collapse as both sides have imposed pre-conditions. Burundian Foreign Minister Alaine Nyamitwe, who led the government delegation in Entebbe negotiation, demanded that the people who had led the recent failed coup should be excluded from the peace talks. On the opposition side, one of their leaders, Leonard Nyangoma, demanded that a pro-government militia group, Imbonerakure, should be banned although it's not clear yet if this demand was a pre-condition. The Tanzania Talks scheduled to begin January 6, 2016 offer potentially the last opportunity for solving a crisis that had been precipitated by President Pierre Nkurunziza's April 25, 2015, decision to seek a third-term, leading to widespread violence and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, including more than 100,000 people who had fled the country.
Burundi Woman Receives Prize from Clooney
On the 101st anniversary of the launch of history's one of worst genocide in which 1.5 million Armenians were butchered by Ottoman Empire, actor George Clooney on April 24, 2016 awarded the first Aurora Prize to a Burundian woman for her work to uplift and advance humanitarian cause. The $1.1 million was awarded to Ms. Marguerite Barankitse at Yerevan.
Burundi at a Crossroads, Faces Crisis, U.N. Envoy Says
U.N. Special Representative for Burundi Jamal Benomar said on March 9, 2017 at the U.N. that Burundi was facing an acute humanitarian crisis and hundreds of people and opposition activists had disappeared. The latest crisis erupted after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced in April 2015 to run for a third term, leading to violence that had killed hundreds and displaced almost 390,000 people, with an additional 110,000 people expected to be displaced by the end of the year.
Burundi Withdraws from International Criminal Court
Stemming from a critical September 2017 report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry that linked country's leadership to human rights abuses since President Pierre Nkurunziza muscled his way through the presidency for the third term, not permissible before forcibly tweaking the constitution, in 2015, Burundi's political establishment was aghast and, on October 27, 2017, eventually took the extreme step of announcing its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
Voters Approve 7-year Term for President
Burundian voters on May 18, 2018 overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that would extend the presidential term from 5 years to 7 years, paving the way for President Pierre Nkurunziza to stay in power at least up to 2027 given that he was all but assured to win the 2020 presidential election in absence of any meaningful existence of opposition and continued suppression of democratic rights as reported by the rights groups.
Arrest Warrants Issued against Former President, 16 Others
Burundi's Attorney-General Sylvestre Nyandwi on December 1, 2018 issued arrest warrants against 17 former senior military and civilian officials, including former President and current African Union High Representative Pierre Buyoya, implicating them in 1993 assassination of former elected Hutu President Melchior Ndadaye. The assassination of democratically elected Ndadaye, four months after Buyoya, a fellow Tutsi, by hardline Tutsi military officers led to brutal ethnic strife between Hutus and Tutsis.
CAMEROON
Paris Summit Calls for a United Front on Boko Haram
Addressing a summit hosted in Paris at the behest of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, French President Francois Hollande on May 17, 2014 called for increased sharing of intelligence, collective policing of borders and unified approach to track and trace Boko Haram's cash and weapons in order to succeed in the latest surge in terrorism in the affected region at and surrounding Nigeria's north and northeast. As the summit, participated by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin, was opened at Paris, somber mood already set in as twin attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon hours earlier killed at least 50 people. Boko Haram was suspected behind both the attacks. One occurred in the early hours of May 17, 2014 at a Nigerian village, Dalwa-Masuba, as attackers descended on the village in the darkness of pre-dawn hours, setting huts in fire and killing at least 40 people. Hours earlier, on May 16, 2014 evening, gunmen attacked a tent of a Chinese engineering firm across the border in Cameroon, killing at least 10.
Three Kidnapped Missionaries Released
Two Canadian priests and an Italian nun kidnapped on April 5, 2014 close to Nigeria's borders were at last released on June 1, 2014, and were flown to the Cameroon's capital, Yaoundé.
Extremists Launch Cross-Border Raid into Cameroon, Ravage a Border Town
The message from African Union meet in Addis Ababa in the end of January 2015 that the bloc would create a strong 7,500-strong regional force to combat the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria and surrounding African nations riled the militant group so much that it had lately become desperate to spread its tentacles of terror across the borders as witnessed by the residents of Fotokol, a northern Cameroonian town bordering Nigeria, with scores of Boko Haram rebels raiding the town, burning mosques and churches and driving out hundreds of people on February 5, 2015. At least 91 people were reported killed and more than 500 wounded in day-long orgy perpetrated by Boko Haram rebels in Fotokol.
Boko Haram Strikes Targets in Niger, Cameroon; Leader Mocks Regional Force
In an uptick of audacity and desperation, Boko Haram extremists seized a bus in the evening of February 8, 2015 at the northern Cameroonian town of Koza, and drove it toward Nigerian border, just 11 miles away, with its 20 passengers. The fate of passengers remained unknown as of February 9, 2015.
Barely 12 hours had passed by after the hijack of a passenger bus in northern Cameroon, another northern Cameroonian town, Kolofata, came under attack from Boko Haram rebels on February 9, 2015, who had extensively looted food and livestock. Kolofata was changed hands in recent days as Chadian army helped Cameroon oust Boko Haram rebels from there.
A third attack blamed on Boko Haram took place around 3PM on February 9, 2015 at the Niger town of Diffa when a huge explosion shook the region.
Meanwhile, in a mocking YouTube video uploaded on February 9, 2015, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said that the African Union should have formed a 7-million strong regional force, not the 7,500-strong force as that was not enough.
Two Teen Suicide Bombers Kill Nine in Northern Cameroon
In continuing signs of Boko Haram's use of children as suicide bombers, two teenage girls of 13 and 17 years blew themselves up in the northern Cameroon village of Kangeleri near Mora town on October 11, 2015, killing at least 9 and wounding more than 29.
Suicide Bombings Kill at least 35
Four suicide bombers blew up at a marketplace in Cameroon's Far North region near Nigerian borders on January 25, 2016, killing at least 35 people and wounding 65 others. In response, Cameroonian authorities launched attacks on Boko Haram targets in Nigeria, using the Cameroonian border town of Achigashia as a staging ground, hours after the suicide bombings, killing at least 17 militants.
Suicide Bombings Kill 22 in Cameroon
A week after Cameroonian troops crossed the borders to launch a military offensive against Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, two suicide bombers masquerading as vendors struck at a marketplace in northern Cameroon on February 19, 2016 , killing 22 people. Far North Gov. Midijiyawa Bakari said that at least 105 people were wounded in the twin suicide bombing at the village of Meme. In the week-long cross-border offensive, Cameroonian troops were reported to have killed 162 militants, and the February 19, 2016, suicide bombing at a marketplace in Meme might be a desperate response orchestrated by the Boko Haram rebels.
Suicide Bombers Kill 11 in Northern Cameroon
Two young girls blew up at a sprawling refugee camp--teeming with tens of thousands of displaced people from Nigeria because of Boko Haram-driven terror that had wrought havoc in the northeast of Nigeria--in northern Cameroon on June 2, 2017, killing at least 11 and wounding dozens.
Boys Kidnapped from a Boarding Schools and then Released
Secessionists who had been protesting decades-long discrimination of Yaoundé against the English-speaking regions and elevated the protest in recent days into an intense resistance as part of their effort to seek independence and form their own English-speaking region of Ambazonia were reported to have kidnapped 79 students, one teacher and the principal on November 4, 2018 from a boarding school at the village of Nkwen, just outside the hotbed of separatist region of Bamenda. Cameroon President Paul Biya is in power for the past 36 years, and sworn into office for the seventh term on November 6, 2018. Prevalent mood during the swearing-in ceremony was sullen at best. Hours later, around 11PM local time, 79 kidnapped students were dropped off at the same campus of Presbyterian Secondary School where they had been kidnapped from 48 hours earlier. However, the teacher and principal remained captive.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Central African Republic plunged into chaos after Muslim-dominated Seleka rebels ousted the Christian President Francois Bozize in March 2013, and installed a fellow Muslim, Michel Djotodia, in presidency. Seleka rebels upon gaining powers began to plunder Christian localities in Bangui, the capital, and rest of the country. As a countermeasure, Bozize loyalists organized under the banner of a new group, called anti-Balaka (Balaka means machete), and began to re-assert against Seleka rebels as well as common Muslim population. The fight turned in recent weeks into such a dangerous religious tilt that UN Security Council on December 5, 2013 decided to deploy additional African Union force to raise the troop level from current 2,500 troops to 3,500. The African Union mission in Central African Republic, dubbed as MISCA, would be supported by deployment of French forces, according to the same UN Security Council resolution adopted on December 5, 2013. The U.N Security Council resolution was preceded by unprecedented violence in the capital, Bangui, that had killed more than 100, and led to widespread looting, including the home of Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye.
Meanwhile, at the end of a long-planned security conference at Paris, French President Francois Hollande said on December 7, 2013 that 1,600 French troops would be deployed in CAR for six months. Although most of the French troops deployment would happen in and around the capital, Bangui, some of the French troops would be on hot pursuit of Bozize loyalists as French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on December 7 that the Bozize's home town of Bossangoa was one of the places where French troops were planned to be deployed.
The first casualty of French soldiers took place on December 10, 2013 as gunmen killed two French soldiers in Bangui. French President Francois Hollande en route home from South Africa, where world dignitaries were during the day to attend the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela, stopped at Bangui, and paid tribute to two young soldiers at the Bangui International Airport.
On January 10, 2014, CAR President Michel Djotodia was forced out of presidency by leaders of the regional powers who met at N'Djamena, capital of neighboring Chad, at the behest of Chadian President Idriss Dby. Under the plan chalked out by the regional leaders, parliament leader Alexandre Ferdinand Nguendet will serve as an "interim" president for two weeks before the parliament choses a "transitional president".
In a swift move to bring normalcy to the beleaguered nation of CAR, members of national transitional council on January 20, 2014 chose a female lawyer, Bangui Mayor Catherine Samba-Panza, to lead the country and oversee national elections by the end of 2014. Samba-Panza will be the first female president of the country. As Samba-Panza was being chosen as the first female president by the members of national transitional council, an international donors conference at Brussels on January 20, 2014 pledged for $496 million for humanitarian relief in CAR.
On January 23, 2014, Catherine Samba-Panza was sworn in as the first female president of the country. Addressing the nation confronted by mayhem, anarchy and lawlessness, Samba-Panza urged the warring parties to lay down the arms.
The U.N. Security Council on January 28, 2014 provided much needed diplomatic teeth to the international involvement in CAR. The Security Council unanimously authorized deployment of 500 to 600 troops as part of an EU mission to complement the troops presence from France and African Union.
Christian-Muslim Clashes Killed Dozens
As heavily armed Muslim militia engaged in intense fighting with the Burundian troops in Bangui on February 3, 2014, a local priest, Father Cassien Kamatari, of a small town, Boda, 60 miles from the capital, told the Associated Press on February 3, 2014 that at least 75 people were killed during a five-day riot. About 1,600 French peacekeepers and 5,000 African Union troops are now trying to keep the lid of religious and political hatred from tearing up the impoverished nation.
Muslims Fleeing the Country in Drove
Doctors Without Border said on February 7, 2014 that tens of thousands of Muslim residents were fleeing the capital toward north as Christian militiamen had been targeting the capital's Muslim population with vengeance. The Muslim-Christian divide worsened significantly since a March 2013 coup had deposed former Christian President Francois Bozize and Muslim militant group Seleka, which had put Michel Djotodia in presidency, had unleashed a reign of terror on Christian majority. However, the power equation had changed after January 23, 2014, swearing in of Catherine Samba-Panza as country's president, with increased attacks on Muslims, who constitute 15% of CAR's population, in capital Bangui and other areas. Since the unrest began in March 2013, at least 840,000 people were displaced internally. However, the latest bout of violence forced a Muslim migration to north, with many seeking refuge in Chad and Cameroon.
As tens of thousands of Muslims were fleeing the country, CAR's Prime Minister Andre Nzapayeke on February 8, 2014 called for restraint and Human Rights Watch chief Peter Bouckaert, who was in Bangui on February 8, 2014, called for an immediate U.N. mission to enforce peace.
Muslim Exodus Called Ethnic Cleansing
A visiting U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees on February 12, 2014 was baffled by the scale of crisis as he was taking a trip to devastated capital, Bangui, of CAR. Antonio Guterres called the mass exodus of tens of thousands of Muslims as "ethnic-religious cleansing", a day after U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called out on February 11, 2014 the repeated pledge of "never again" by the international community nothing but a cruel joke in the wake of mass exodus of Muslims amid the presence of African Union and French troops in CAR.
Peacekeeping Forces Kill 30
In another flare-up, Chadian forces came under attack from unknown assailants in the capital, Bangui, on March 29, 2014, leading to peacekeepers responding with live fire that had killed 30 people.
UN Approves a Stronger International Force
UN Security Council on April 10, 2014 approved a resolution to substitute a 5,000-troop African Union misson by about 12,000-troop international mission. Under the UNSC resolution, 10,000 U.N. soldiers and about 1,800 U.N. police will take over the peacekeeping mission from AU soldiers effective September 15, 2014. The resolution also authorized a separate 2,000-troop French mission to use "all necessary means" to support the UN peacekeeping operation.
UN Imposes Sanctions on Former President and Other Key Figures
Armed by a UN Security Council resolution passed in January 2014, the UN on May 10, 2014 imposed asset freeze on the former President Francois Bozize, whose ouster last year triggered the country's worst civil war, Muslim militia group Seleka leader Nourredine Adam and Christian militia group anti-Balaka leader Levy Yakete, respectively.
U.N Report Criticized for Failure to Acknowledge Genocide
A U.N. inquiry report obtained by The Associated Press on June 5, 2014 became an immediate target of criticism from major human rights organizations such as Amnesty International for not reporting that genocide or ethnic cleansing had taken place in Central African Republic. Instead, the report said that war crimes and crimes against humanity took place in the country. The report also implicated Chad to the civil war, making the conflict international, not an internal one.
Cease-fire Deal Reached Between Warring Muslims And Christians
Negotiators from warring sides of Central African Republic inked an agreement on July 23, 2014 at Brazzaville, Republic of Congo to end fratricidal fighting that had almost cleansed parts of the central African country of Muslim populations. Among the signatories was former Seleka leader Gen. Mohamed Moussa Dhaffane, who had parted ways with the group in late 2013.
Muslim Named Premier
As part of reconciliation between Muslims and Christians, a Muslim politician, Mahamout Kamoun, 53, was named premier on August 10, 2014 by country's interim president to replace the predecessor who had resigned from the seat of Prime Minister in reshuffle of ministry.
Pope Calls for End to Conflict in CAR
Pope Francis as part of the three-nation Africa trip, arrived at Bangui, the last leg of his trip, on November 29, 2015. Flanked by Vatican bodyguards and African Union peacekeepers, Pope Francis set foot on one of the most dangerous and violence-wracked nations in the world on November 29, 2015. Arriving at the capital of Central African Republic, Bangui, Pope Francis visited the St. Sauveur church camp where he ignited a feeling of hope among thousands of impoverished people and called for an end to the strife. Pope Francis also addressed tens of thousands of people during the day from the altar of Bangui's sprawling cathedral, urging the congregants to shed violence, lay down arms and make peace with each other. His visit to Central African Republic symbolizes a near constant push by Catholic Church under Pope Francis to serve the people on the margin and encourage reconciliation among faiths. This has a special bearing on CAR as Christian-Muslim strife since the early months of 2014 in this central African country has torn apart the social fabric, killed tens of thousands of people, and purged the capital of a significant chunk of Muslim population. The situation in Bangui remains so bad that gunmen have cordoned off probably the last remaining Muslim neighborhood in the capital, PK5, even on the day Pope is in the capital, blocking the movement of Muslims from the neighborhood. Pope Francis plans to enter PK5 on November 30, 2015.
Pope Brings Hope to the Remnant of Muslim Population in the Capital of CAR
On November 30, 2015, Pope Francis entered into what's most likely the last remaining Muslim neighborhood of the Central African Republic's capital city, Bangui, and talked with Muslims, who had greeted the People's Pope wholeheartedly. Pope Francis met with the Imam of the Central Mosque, Tidiani Moussa Naibi, who had thanked the Pope for visiting the PK5 neighborhood and the Central Mosque.
Elections Offer the Best Hope for Reconciliation
Central African Republic has experienced on December 30, 2015 what many political analysts consider a unique experience at an important crossroads of democratic transformation and religious reconciliation as an overwhelming proportion of the country's nearly 1.8 million registered voters, or 40 percent of total population, began to cast their votes to choose a new president from a slate of 30 candidates and elect a new parliament. The election process was the outcome of a national referendum held December 13-14, 2015 to approve a new constitution that had raised hope for peace in the war torn nation.
Former Premier Wins Presidential Runoff
A former premier, Faustin Archange Touadera, 58, who was placed second in the first round of presidential vote won the February 14, 2016, runoff by receiving 63 percent and trouncing the first place finisher in the first round, Anicet Georges Dologuele, another former premier. Final results were announced on February 20, 2016.
Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mission
On July 26, 2016, the U.N. Security Council approved unanimously a resolution to extend the U.N. peacekeeping mission until the end of 2017. At present, there are 11,000 peacekeeping troops on the CAR's soil. The resolution calls for
* Continuous support for President Faustin Archange Touadera, 58, who has been inaugurated on March 30, 2016
* Accelerating negotiation aimed at bringing reconciliation between Christians and Muslims
* Emphasis on promoting human rights
* Access to vulnerable people to deliver aid
Setback to ICC Prosecutors as Appellate Bench Acquits a Fearsome Leader
Often the long hand of judiciary may get shortchanged, at least that's the case of former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba who has been accused of committing war crimes in neighboring Central African Republic. In a setback to the prosecution and in a verdict that was, in the words of Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, "regrettable and troubling", appeals court judges on June 8, 2018 acquitted Bemba.
Government, More than a Dozen Rebel Groups Sign Peace Deal
After direct talks held in Sudan, Central African Republic government and 14 rebel groups signed on February 6, 2019 a peace agreement--eighth such deal since civil war had erupted in 2013, but first as a result of direct talks--that would bring armed groups into governing as part of national reconciliation and pursue stability, an elusive goal that President Faustin Archange Touadera had been trying to achieve since assuming the presidency in 2016.
50 Killed in Militant Attack in CAR
A militia group, formally known as 3R, was blamed for May 21, 2019, massacre of about 50 villagers in and around Ouham Pende prefecture in Central African Republic's northwest near Chad's border. The U.N. mission in the country, formally known as MINUSMA, condemned the attack and called for the arrest of the perpetrators.
Ousted President Returns
Former President Francois Bozize, who had been ousted and had fled the country seven years ago, returned on December 16, 2019.
BURUNDI
Tens of Thousands Flee the Burundi Crisis
Nearly 40,000 people fled the country after Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza announced on April 25, 2015 that he would seek a third term, plunging his country to a state of chaos, confusion and potential conflict. The peace accord that had ended Burundi's bloody civil war at the first place had set a two-term limit on an incumbent president, and any deviation from the term limit would have been considered as violating the tenet of the peace accord.
Confusion Reigns in Burundi amid a Coup
As Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza was attending an African Union summit in neighboring Tanzania, an apparent coup was attempted at Bujumbura on May 13, 2015. As night fell on the African nation, an eerie silence took hold in the capital with gunfire breaking the silence of the night. The military seemed to be divided over the coup. Reports from Burundi suggested that Maj. Gen. Godefroid Niyombare was the coup leader.
Coup Fails, 17 Appears before the Court
As the coup that was orchestrated on May 13, 2015 didn't hold ground, the government issued charge sheets against a number of coup plotters. 17 defendants were brought to the court on May 17, 2015, but the coup leader Maj. Gen. Godefroid Niyombare was still at large.
Burundi Peace Talks a Non-Starter
A scheduled regional peace talks officiated by Ugandan Defense Minister Crispus Kiyonga broke down as soon as it started on July 19, 2015 as no one from Burundi's government side had showed up. The country slid into the worst turmoil since mid-90s civil war after the ruling party flouted the two-term limit and announced in April 2015 that the President Pierre Nkurunziza would run for the third term, leading to a short-lived coup, violence that had killed more than 100 and forced at least 144,000 from the country. The international community condemned the ruling party decision and said that the July 21, 2015, presidential polls lost credibility.
Burundi Holds a Discredited Presidential Election
Amid international condemnation and universal opposition boycott, Burundi's government held presidential polls on July 21, 2015 to rubber-stamp the incumbent, Pierre Nkurunziza, for a third term. The U.S. State Department called the polls not credible at all.
Thousands Fleeing the Capital on the Eve of Government Crackdown
As the November 8, 2015, mid-night deadline for Bujumbura's residents to turn in their illegal weapons approached, thousands of residents from opposition-dominated neighborhoods such as Cibitoke and Mutakura had decided to flee. Hours before the deadline, the capital on November 7, 2015 remained tense and tormented as there was widespread fear that government would use brutal crackdown on opposition forces, leading to a possibility that the nation might be heading toward a possible ethnic meltdown. The recent instability was rooted in the April 2015 decision by President Pierre Nkurunziza to seek a third term, which he won ultimately in July, but not before sowing the seeds of ethnic, political and social crisis. Since April 2015 decision by Nkurunziza to seek a third term, at least 198 people were killed in Burundi, and more than 200,000 had fled the country.
France Circulates a U.N. Security Council Resolution Aimed at Re-conciliation
On November 9, 2015, France introduced a resolution at the U.N. Security Council that called for immediate end to government crackdown of dissent, convene national dialogue, and find "a consensual and nationally owned solution". The resolution threatens to impose measures, including targeted sanctions, if Burundi's government doesn't comply with the measure. Giving a chilling description of the last seven months' events, the U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called the council on November 9, 2015 to avert "an immediate catastrophe". However, addressing the Security Council, Burundi's Foreign Minister Alain Aime Nyamitwe said on November 9, 2015 that any outside intervention was unneeded and uncalled for as his country was "not in flames".
Burundi Suspends Licenses of 10 NGOs
Accusing 10 non-governmental organizations of exceeding their scope of work and intervening in country's political process, Bujumbura on November 23, 2015 suspended their licenses to operate in the country.
U.N.S.G. Calls for Beefed-up U.N. Presence in Burundi
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on November 30, 2015 wrote a letter to the U.N. Security Council, outlining all the options he had envisioned for Burundi and the one he would recommend. He described that the African nation stood at the crossroads of major ethnic and social unrest that could tear up the nation. He included three options in his letter:
* A full-fledged U.N. peacekeeping mission
* A special political mission to promote national dialogue, reconciliation and human rights
* A support mission to give political and diplomatic boost to special U.N. envoy to Burundi, Jamal Benomar
Ban Ki-moon recommended the third option.
A Series of Attacks on Military Bases Repelled; Dozens Killed
In an audacious and surprising assault on country's government, dozens of gunmen on December 11, 2015 mounted coordinated attacks on military bases across Bujumbura, the capital, leading to hours-long firefight that had killed dozens of attackers. The whole capital was in a lockdown state on December 11, 2015 as sound of gunshots rang out throughout Bujumbura. As dawn broke out on December 12, 2015, residents of Bujumbura started to venture out only to find many of their neighborhoods dumped with corpses, many of them were with civilian cloths and shot on the heads. Burundian government officials said on December 12, 2015 that the dead bodies were of the attackers and 87 attackers were killed.
Burundi Rejects African Union's Plan to Deploy Troops
Burundi on December 19, 2015 rejected African Union's plan to deploy about 5,000 troops to stabilize the country, and categorically stated that it didn't need any outside help.
Mediation Initiated to Find Solution to Burundi Crisis
At the behest of a regional bloc, East African Community, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni hosted a meeting between the representatives of President Pierre Nkurunziza and opposition on December 28, 2015 at Entebbe, Uganda in the run-up to the formal start of talks on January 6, 2016 in Tanzania. However, before the peace talks even begin, they are poised running toward collapse as both sides have imposed pre-conditions. Burundian Foreign Minister Alaine Nyamitwe, who led the government delegation in Entebbe negotiation, demanded that the people who had led the recent failed coup should be excluded from the peace talks. On the opposition side, one of their leaders, Leonard Nyangoma, demanded that a pro-government militia group, Imbonerakure, should be banned although it's not clear yet if this demand was a pre-condition. The Tanzania Talks scheduled to begin January 6, 2016 offer potentially the last opportunity for solving a crisis that had been precipitated by President Pierre Nkurunziza's April 25, 2015, decision to seek a third-term, leading to widespread violence and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, including more than 100,000 people who had fled the country.
Burundi Woman Receives Prize from Clooney
On the 101st anniversary of the launch of history's one of worst genocide in which 1.5 million Armenians were butchered by Ottoman Empire, actor George Clooney on April 24, 2016 awarded the first Aurora Prize to a Burundian woman for her work to uplift and advance humanitarian cause. The $1.1 million was awarded to Ms. Marguerite Barankitse at Yerevan.
Burundi at a Crossroads, Faces Crisis, U.N. Envoy Says
U.N. Special Representative for Burundi Jamal Benomar said on March 9, 2017 at the U.N. that Burundi was facing an acute humanitarian crisis and hundreds of people and opposition activists had disappeared. The latest crisis erupted after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced in April 2015 to run for a third term, leading to violence that had killed hundreds and displaced almost 390,000 people, with an additional 110,000 people expected to be displaced by the end of the year.
Burundi Withdraws from International Criminal Court
Stemming from a critical September 2017 report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry that linked country's leadership to human rights abuses since President Pierre Nkurunziza muscled his way through the presidency for the third term, not permissible before forcibly tweaking the constitution, in 2015, Burundi's political establishment was aghast and, on October 27, 2017, eventually took the extreme step of announcing its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
Voters Approve 7-year Term for President
Burundian voters on May 18, 2018 overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that would extend the presidential term from 5 years to 7 years, paving the way for President Pierre Nkurunziza to stay in power at least up to 2027 given that he was all but assured to win the 2020 presidential election in absence of any meaningful existence of opposition and continued suppression of democratic rights as reported by the rights groups.
Arrest Warrants Issued against Former President, 16 Others
Burundi's Attorney-General Sylvestre Nyandwi on December 1, 2018 issued arrest warrants against 17 former senior military and civilian officials, including former President and current African Union High Representative Pierre Buyoya, implicating them in 1993 assassination of former elected Hutu President Melchior Ndadaye. The assassination of democratically elected Ndadaye, four months after Buyoya, a fellow Tutsi, by hardline Tutsi military officers led to brutal ethnic strife between Hutus and Tutsis.
CAMEROON
Paris Summit Calls for a United Front on Boko Haram
Addressing a summit hosted in Paris at the behest of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, French President Francois Hollande on May 17, 2014 called for increased sharing of intelligence, collective policing of borders and unified approach to track and trace Boko Haram's cash and weapons in order to succeed in the latest surge in terrorism in the affected region at and surrounding Nigeria's north and northeast. As the summit, participated by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin, was opened at Paris, somber mood already set in as twin attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon hours earlier killed at least 50 people. Boko Haram was suspected behind both the attacks. One occurred in the early hours of May 17, 2014 at a Nigerian village, Dalwa-Masuba, as attackers descended on the village in the darkness of pre-dawn hours, setting huts in fire and killing at least 40 people. Hours earlier, on May 16, 2014 evening, gunmen attacked a tent of a Chinese engineering firm across the border in Cameroon, killing at least 10.
Three Kidnapped Missionaries Released
Two Canadian priests and an Italian nun kidnapped on April 5, 2014 close to Nigeria's borders were at last released on June 1, 2014, and were flown to the Cameroon's capital, Yaoundé.
Extremists Launch Cross-Border Raid into Cameroon, Ravage a Border Town
The message from African Union meet in Addis Ababa in the end of January 2015 that the bloc would create a strong 7,500-strong regional force to combat the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria and surrounding African nations riled the militant group so much that it had lately become desperate to spread its tentacles of terror across the borders as witnessed by the residents of Fotokol, a northern Cameroonian town bordering Nigeria, with scores of Boko Haram rebels raiding the town, burning mosques and churches and driving out hundreds of people on February 5, 2015. At least 91 people were reported killed and more than 500 wounded in day-long orgy perpetrated by Boko Haram rebels in Fotokol.
Boko Haram Strikes Targets in Niger, Cameroon; Leader Mocks Regional Force
In an uptick of audacity and desperation, Boko Haram extremists seized a bus in the evening of February 8, 2015 at the northern Cameroonian town of Koza, and drove it toward Nigerian border, just 11 miles away, with its 20 passengers. The fate of passengers remained unknown as of February 9, 2015.
Barely 12 hours had passed by after the hijack of a passenger bus in northern Cameroon, another northern Cameroonian town, Kolofata, came under attack from Boko Haram rebels on February 9, 2015, who had extensively looted food and livestock. Kolofata was changed hands in recent days as Chadian army helped Cameroon oust Boko Haram rebels from there.
A third attack blamed on Boko Haram took place around 3PM on February 9, 2015 at the Niger town of Diffa when a huge explosion shook the region.
Meanwhile, in a mocking YouTube video uploaded on February 9, 2015, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said that the African Union should have formed a 7-million strong regional force, not the 7,500-strong force as that was not enough.
Two Teen Suicide Bombers Kill Nine in Northern Cameroon
In continuing signs of Boko Haram's use of children as suicide bombers, two teenage girls of 13 and 17 years blew themselves up in the northern Cameroon village of Kangeleri near Mora town on October 11, 2015, killing at least 9 and wounding more than 29.
Suicide Bombings Kill at least 35
Four suicide bombers blew up at a marketplace in Cameroon's Far North region near Nigerian borders on January 25, 2016, killing at least 35 people and wounding 65 others. In response, Cameroonian authorities launched attacks on Boko Haram targets in Nigeria, using the Cameroonian border town of Achigashia as a staging ground, hours after the suicide bombings, killing at least 17 militants.
Suicide Bombings Kill 22 in Cameroon
A week after Cameroonian troops crossed the borders to launch a military offensive against Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, two suicide bombers masquerading as vendors struck at a marketplace in northern Cameroon on February 19, 2016 , killing 22 people. Far North Gov. Midijiyawa Bakari said that at least 105 people were wounded in the twin suicide bombing at the village of Meme. In the week-long cross-border offensive, Cameroonian troops were reported to have killed 162 militants, and the February 19, 2016, suicide bombing at a marketplace in Meme might be a desperate response orchestrated by the Boko Haram rebels.
Suicide Bombers Kill 11 in Northern Cameroon
Two young girls blew up at a sprawling refugee camp--teeming with tens of thousands of displaced people from Nigeria because of Boko Haram-driven terror that had wrought havoc in the northeast of Nigeria--in northern Cameroon on June 2, 2017, killing at least 11 and wounding dozens.
Boys Kidnapped from a Boarding Schools and then Released
Secessionists who had been protesting decades-long discrimination of Yaoundé against the English-speaking regions and elevated the protest in recent days into an intense resistance as part of their effort to seek independence and form their own English-speaking region of Ambazonia were reported to have kidnapped 79 students, one teacher and the principal on November 4, 2018 from a boarding school at the village of Nkwen, just outside the hotbed of separatist region of Bamenda. Cameroon President Paul Biya is in power for the past 36 years, and sworn into office for the seventh term on November 6, 2018. Prevalent mood during the swearing-in ceremony was sullen at best. Hours later, around 11PM local time, 79 kidnapped students were dropped off at the same campus of Presbyterian Secondary School where they had been kidnapped from 48 hours earlier. However, the teacher and principal remained captive.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Central African Republic plunged into chaos after Muslim-dominated Seleka rebels ousted the Christian President Francois Bozize in March 2013, and installed a fellow Muslim, Michel Djotodia, in presidency. Seleka rebels upon gaining powers began to plunder Christian localities in Bangui, the capital, and rest of the country. As a countermeasure, Bozize loyalists organized under the banner of a new group, called anti-Balaka (Balaka means machete), and began to re-assert against Seleka rebels as well as common Muslim population. The fight turned in recent weeks into such a dangerous religious tilt that UN Security Council on December 5, 2013 decided to deploy additional African Union force to raise the troop level from current 2,500 troops to 3,500. The African Union mission in Central African Republic, dubbed as MISCA, would be supported by deployment of French forces, according to the same UN Security Council resolution adopted on December 5, 2013. The U.N Security Council resolution was preceded by unprecedented violence in the capital, Bangui, that had killed more than 100, and led to widespread looting, including the home of Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye.
Meanwhile, at the end of a long-planned security conference at Paris, French President Francois Hollande said on December 7, 2013 that 1,600 French troops would be deployed in CAR for six months. Although most of the French troops deployment would happen in and around the capital, Bangui, some of the French troops would be on hot pursuit of Bozize loyalists as French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on December 7 that the Bozize's home town of Bossangoa was one of the places where French troops were planned to be deployed.
The first casualty of French soldiers took place on December 10, 2013 as gunmen killed two French soldiers in Bangui. French President Francois Hollande en route home from South Africa, where world dignitaries were during the day to attend the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela, stopped at Bangui, and paid tribute to two young soldiers at the Bangui International Airport.
On January 10, 2014, CAR President Michel Djotodia was forced out of presidency by leaders of the regional powers who met at N'Djamena, capital of neighboring Chad, at the behest of Chadian President Idriss Dby. Under the plan chalked out by the regional leaders, parliament leader Alexandre Ferdinand Nguendet will serve as an "interim" president for two weeks before the parliament choses a "transitional president".
In a swift move to bring normalcy to the beleaguered nation of CAR, members of national transitional council on January 20, 2014 chose a female lawyer, Bangui Mayor Catherine Samba-Panza, to lead the country and oversee national elections by the end of 2014. Samba-Panza will be the first female president of the country. As Samba-Panza was being chosen as the first female president by the members of national transitional council, an international donors conference at Brussels on January 20, 2014 pledged for $496 million for humanitarian relief in CAR.
On January 23, 2014, Catherine Samba-Panza was sworn in as the first female president of the country. Addressing the nation confronted by mayhem, anarchy and lawlessness, Samba-Panza urged the warring parties to lay down the arms.
The U.N. Security Council on January 28, 2014 provided much needed diplomatic teeth to the international involvement in CAR. The Security Council unanimously authorized deployment of 500 to 600 troops as part of an EU mission to complement the troops presence from France and African Union.
Christian-Muslim Clashes Killed Dozens
As heavily armed Muslim militia engaged in intense fighting with the Burundian troops in Bangui on February 3, 2014, a local priest, Father Cassien Kamatari, of a small town, Boda, 60 miles from the capital, told the Associated Press on February 3, 2014 that at least 75 people were killed during a five-day riot. About 1,600 French peacekeepers and 5,000 African Union troops are now trying to keep the lid of religious and political hatred from tearing up the impoverished nation.
Muslims Fleeing the Country in Drove
Doctors Without Border said on February 7, 2014 that tens of thousands of Muslim residents were fleeing the capital toward north as Christian militiamen had been targeting the capital's Muslim population with vengeance. The Muslim-Christian divide worsened significantly since a March 2013 coup had deposed former Christian President Francois Bozize and Muslim militant group Seleka, which had put Michel Djotodia in presidency, had unleashed a reign of terror on Christian majority. However, the power equation had changed after January 23, 2014, swearing in of Catherine Samba-Panza as country's president, with increased attacks on Muslims, who constitute 15% of CAR's population, in capital Bangui and other areas. Since the unrest began in March 2013, at least 840,000 people were displaced internally. However, the latest bout of violence forced a Muslim migration to north, with many seeking refuge in Chad and Cameroon.
As tens of thousands of Muslims were fleeing the country, CAR's Prime Minister Andre Nzapayeke on February 8, 2014 called for restraint and Human Rights Watch chief Peter Bouckaert, who was in Bangui on February 8, 2014, called for an immediate U.N. mission to enforce peace.
Muslim Exodus Called Ethnic Cleansing
A visiting U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees on February 12, 2014 was baffled by the scale of crisis as he was taking a trip to devastated capital, Bangui, of CAR. Antonio Guterres called the mass exodus of tens of thousands of Muslims as "ethnic-religious cleansing", a day after U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called out on February 11, 2014 the repeated pledge of "never again" by the international community nothing but a cruel joke in the wake of mass exodus of Muslims amid the presence of African Union and French troops in CAR.
Peacekeeping Forces Kill 30
In another flare-up, Chadian forces came under attack from unknown assailants in the capital, Bangui, on March 29, 2014, leading to peacekeepers responding with live fire that had killed 30 people.
UN Approves a Stronger International Force
UN Security Council on April 10, 2014 approved a resolution to substitute a 5,000-troop African Union misson by about 12,000-troop international mission. Under the UNSC resolution, 10,000 U.N. soldiers and about 1,800 U.N. police will take over the peacekeeping mission from AU soldiers effective September 15, 2014. The resolution also authorized a separate 2,000-troop French mission to use "all necessary means" to support the UN peacekeeping operation.
UN Imposes Sanctions on Former President and Other Key Figures
Armed by a UN Security Council resolution passed in January 2014, the UN on May 10, 2014 imposed asset freeze on the former President Francois Bozize, whose ouster last year triggered the country's worst civil war, Muslim militia group Seleka leader Nourredine Adam and Christian militia group anti-Balaka leader Levy Yakete, respectively.
U.N Report Criticized for Failure to Acknowledge Genocide
A U.N. inquiry report obtained by The Associated Press on June 5, 2014 became an immediate target of criticism from major human rights organizations such as Amnesty International for not reporting that genocide or ethnic cleansing had taken place in Central African Republic. Instead, the report said that war crimes and crimes against humanity took place in the country. The report also implicated Chad to the civil war, making the conflict international, not an internal one.
Cease-fire Deal Reached Between Warring Muslims And Christians
Negotiators from warring sides of Central African Republic inked an agreement on July 23, 2014 at Brazzaville, Republic of Congo to end fratricidal fighting that had almost cleansed parts of the central African country of Muslim populations. Among the signatories was former Seleka leader Gen. Mohamed Moussa Dhaffane, who had parted ways with the group in late 2013.
Muslim Named Premier
As part of reconciliation between Muslims and Christians, a Muslim politician, Mahamout Kamoun, 53, was named premier on August 10, 2014 by country's interim president to replace the predecessor who had resigned from the seat of Prime Minister in reshuffle of ministry.
Pope Calls for End to Conflict in CAR
Pope Francis as part of the three-nation Africa trip, arrived at Bangui, the last leg of his trip, on November 29, 2015. Flanked by Vatican bodyguards and African Union peacekeepers, Pope Francis set foot on one of the most dangerous and violence-wracked nations in the world on November 29, 2015. Arriving at the capital of Central African Republic, Bangui, Pope Francis visited the St. Sauveur church camp where he ignited a feeling of hope among thousands of impoverished people and called for an end to the strife. Pope Francis also addressed tens of thousands of people during the day from the altar of Bangui's sprawling cathedral, urging the congregants to shed violence, lay down arms and make peace with each other. His visit to Central African Republic symbolizes a near constant push by Catholic Church under Pope Francis to serve the people on the margin and encourage reconciliation among faiths. This has a special bearing on CAR as Christian-Muslim strife since the early months of 2014 in this central African country has torn apart the social fabric, killed tens of thousands of people, and purged the capital of a significant chunk of Muslim population. The situation in Bangui remains so bad that gunmen have cordoned off probably the last remaining Muslim neighborhood in the capital, PK5, even on the day Pope is in the capital, blocking the movement of Muslims from the neighborhood. Pope Francis plans to enter PK5 on November 30, 2015.
Pope Brings Hope to the Remnant of Muslim Population in the Capital of CAR
On November 30, 2015, Pope Francis entered into what's most likely the last remaining Muslim neighborhood of the Central African Republic's capital city, Bangui, and talked with Muslims, who had greeted the People's Pope wholeheartedly. Pope Francis met with the Imam of the Central Mosque, Tidiani Moussa Naibi, who had thanked the Pope for visiting the PK5 neighborhood and the Central Mosque.
Elections Offer the Best Hope for Reconciliation
Central African Republic has experienced on December 30, 2015 what many political analysts consider a unique experience at an important crossroads of democratic transformation and religious reconciliation as an overwhelming proportion of the country's nearly 1.8 million registered voters, or 40 percent of total population, began to cast their votes to choose a new president from a slate of 30 candidates and elect a new parliament. The election process was the outcome of a national referendum held December 13-14, 2015 to approve a new constitution that had raised hope for peace in the war torn nation.
Former Premier Wins Presidential Runoff
A former premier, Faustin Archange Touadera, 58, who was placed second in the first round of presidential vote won the February 14, 2016, runoff by receiving 63 percent and trouncing the first place finisher in the first round, Anicet Georges Dologuele, another former premier. Final results were announced on February 20, 2016.
Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mission
On July 26, 2016, the U.N. Security Council approved unanimously a resolution to extend the U.N. peacekeeping mission until the end of 2017. At present, there are 11,000 peacekeeping troops on the CAR's soil. The resolution calls for
* Continuous support for President Faustin Archange Touadera, 58, who has been inaugurated on March 30, 2016
* Accelerating negotiation aimed at bringing reconciliation between Christians and Muslims
* Emphasis on promoting human rights
* Access to vulnerable people to deliver aid
Setback to ICC Prosecutors as Appellate Bench Acquits a Fearsome Leader
Often the long hand of judiciary may get shortchanged, at least that's the case of former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba who has been accused of committing war crimes in neighboring Central African Republic. In a setback to the prosecution and in a verdict that was, in the words of Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, "regrettable and troubling", appeals court judges on June 8, 2018 acquitted Bemba.
Government, More than a Dozen Rebel Groups Sign Peace Deal
After direct talks held in Sudan, Central African Republic government and 14 rebel groups signed on February 6, 2019 a peace agreement--eighth such deal since civil war had erupted in 2013, but first as a result of direct talks--that would bring armed groups into governing as part of national reconciliation and pursue stability, an elusive goal that President Faustin Archange Touadera had been trying to achieve since assuming the presidency in 2016.
50 Killed in Militant Attack in CAR
A militia group, formally known as 3R, was blamed for May 21, 2019, massacre of about 50 villagers in and around Ouham Pende prefecture in Central African Republic's northwest near Chad's border. The U.N. mission in the country, formally known as MINUSMA, condemned the attack and called for the arrest of the perpetrators.
Ousted President Returns
Former President Francois Bozize, who had been ousted and had fled the country seven years ago, returned on December 16, 2019.
Elections
Held in Central African Republic amidst Opposition Call for Boycott
Presidential
and legislative elections were held in the Central African Republic on
December 27, 2020 as rebel groups and many of the opposition political
parties decided to boycott the hustings. With strong presence of U.N.
Mission in the Centrals African Republic, or MINUSCA, in the capital, large
turnout of voters was recorded in Bangui. The story was quite different
in remote regions where intimidation and fear of violence forced many voters to
stay at home. Mankeur Ndiaye, U.N. special representative for CAR, said
on December 27, 2020 that the vote in the capital was successful. December
27, 2020, polls were the first since the government of President
Faustin-Archange Touadera had signed a peace agreement with 14 rebel groups
on February 6, 2019. Faustin-Archange Touadera is seeking a
second presidential term.
CAR Votes on a New Constitution
In what could be viewed as a sure-shot outcome, Central African
Republic on July 30, 2023 held a plebiscite on a new constitution that
would extend president’s term from five years to seven years and remove the
current 2-term limit. The vote is likely to be a stamp of approval for the
ruling coalition led by President Faustin Archange Touadera.
CHAD
Chadian Soldiers Drive out Boko Haram from Nigerian City
In the first such cross-border move, Chad's soldiers entered into Nigeria on January 30, 2015 and drove out the Boko Haram rebels from a key city, Malum Fatori, that sits at the crossroads of Chad, Niger and Nigeria. A night before on January 29, 2015, a Chadian warplane bombed Boko Haram positions in the city. The cross-border drive by Chadian force came a day after an African Union meeting at Addis Ababa on January 29, 2015 decided to create a 7,500-member regional force to combat Boko Haram. The regional force to be comprised of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Niger is still to be approved by the U.N. Security Council and will deploy within a year of its formation. African Union Executive Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa said that a robust multinational approach was necessary to beat back the Boko Haram menace. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised the gathering at Addis Ababa of "technical support, training and equipment" to AU regional force. Later the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750.
Former Chadian Strongman to Face Trial in Senegal
In a continent best known for high-ranking misdeeds and impunity from justice, one of the healthiest change in how justice is delivered was set in motion on February 13, 2015 as a special tribunal created to try former Chadian dictator ruled, after a 19-month investigation, that there was enough ground to proceed with a trial against Hissene Habre. Currently Habre lives in Dakar, Senegal, and the trial will open in May or June 2015 in Senegal. By giving a go-ahead, the special tribunal, Extraordinary African Chambers, exercises what many legal luminaries call as a first of a kind "universal jurisdiction" clause against a former dictator.
Chad's Capital Rocked by Terrorism for the Third Time in a Month
N'Djamena witnessed a streak of alleged Boko Haram-instigated violence over the past month, culminating on July 11, 2015 when a suicide bomber disguised as a Muslim woman blew up at a busy marketplace, killing 14 people. Less than a month ago, suicide attackers on motorcycles struck against two buildings in N'Djamena, killing at least 40. In late June, two more suicide bombings in the capital killed 11 people, including five police officers.
Five Suicide Bombers Kill at least 36 at a Chad Village
Two woman-, two child- and one man-suicide bombers attacked a village and a nearby refugee camp in Chad on October 10, 2015, killing at least 36 and wounding more than 50. The attacks on the village of Baga Sola on Lake Chad and nearby Dar-es-Salam camp, teeming with refugees who had fled Boko Haram oppression in neighboring Nigeria, were blamed on the Nigerian terrorist group.
Triple Suicide Bombings Kill 15 in Lake Chad
A trio of suicide bombings on December 5, 2015 at a marketplace in Lake Chad region killed at least 15 people and wounded 130. The suicide bombings at Koulfoua were carried out by the woman bombers, and the suspicion immediately fell on Nigeria's Boko Haram extremist group. Last month (November 2015), two female suicide bombers blew up at another village near Lake Chad, Ngouboua village, killing at least three people. That came on the top of five coordinated suicide bombings on October 10, 2015 at Baga Sola on Lake Chad that had killed at least 36 people and wounded more than 50. Lake Chad has become an attractive target by Boko Haram as it straddles Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger, respectively, and hosts Nigerians displaced by the violence that has wracked the northeastern Nigeria and perpetrated by Boko Haram.
CHAD
Chadian Soldiers Drive out Boko Haram from Nigerian City
In the first such cross-border move, Chad's soldiers entered into Nigeria on January 30, 2015 and drove out the Boko Haram rebels from a key city, Malum Fatori, that sits at the crossroads of Chad, Niger and Nigeria. A night before on January 29, 2015, a Chadian warplane bombed Boko Haram positions in the city. The cross-border drive by Chadian force came a day after an African Union meeting at Addis Ababa on January 29, 2015 decided to create a 7,500-member regional force to combat Boko Haram. The regional force to be comprised of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Niger is still to be approved by the U.N. Security Council and will deploy within a year of its formation. African Union Executive Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa said that a robust multinational approach was necessary to beat back the Boko Haram menace. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised the gathering at Addis Ababa of "technical support, training and equipment" to AU regional force. Later the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750.
Former Chadian Strongman to Face Trial in Senegal
In a continent best known for high-ranking misdeeds and impunity from justice, one of the healthiest change in how justice is delivered was set in motion on February 13, 2015 as a special tribunal created to try former Chadian dictator ruled, after a 19-month investigation, that there was enough ground to proceed with a trial against Hissene Habre. Currently Habre lives in Dakar, Senegal, and the trial will open in May or June 2015 in Senegal. By giving a go-ahead, the special tribunal, Extraordinary African Chambers, exercises what many legal luminaries call as a first of a kind "universal jurisdiction" clause against a former dictator.
Chad's Capital Rocked by Terrorism for the Third Time in a Month
N'Djamena witnessed a streak of alleged Boko Haram-instigated violence over the past month, culminating on July 11, 2015 when a suicide bomber disguised as a Muslim woman blew up at a busy marketplace, killing 14 people. Less than a month ago, suicide attackers on motorcycles struck against two buildings in N'Djamena, killing at least 40. In late June, two more suicide bombings in the capital killed 11 people, including five police officers.
Five Suicide Bombers Kill at least 36 at a Chad Village
Two woman-, two child- and one man-suicide bombers attacked a village and a nearby refugee camp in Chad on October 10, 2015, killing at least 36 and wounding more than 50. The attacks on the village of Baga Sola on Lake Chad and nearby Dar-es-Salam camp, teeming with refugees who had fled Boko Haram oppression in neighboring Nigeria, were blamed on the Nigerian terrorist group.
Triple Suicide Bombings Kill 15 in Lake Chad
A trio of suicide bombings on December 5, 2015 at a marketplace in Lake Chad region killed at least 15 people and wounded 130. The suicide bombings at Koulfoua were carried out by the woman bombers, and the suspicion immediately fell on Nigeria's Boko Haram extremist group. Last month (November 2015), two female suicide bombers blew up at another village near Lake Chad, Ngouboua village, killing at least three people. That came on the top of five coordinated suicide bombings on October 10, 2015 at Baga Sola on Lake Chad that had killed at least 36 people and wounded more than 50. Lake Chad has become an attractive target by Boko Haram as it straddles Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger, respectively, and hosts Nigerians displaced by the violence that has wracked the northeastern Nigeria and perpetrated by Boko Haram.
Chad's President Reported to have been Assassinated, Son Takes over
Under murky scenario, Chad's long-ruling president, Idriss Deby Itno, was assassinated by a shadowy rebel group as he was visiting the soldiers on the front line, according to the country's military, who reported on April 20, 2021 that the president, who ruled the country for almost three decades, had died of wounds suffered by rebel attack. The military also announced that Deby's 37-year-old son, Mahamat, would lead a transitional council for the next 18 months. The shadowy rebel group, Front for Change and Concord, threatened late April 20, 2021 that it would seize the capital, N'Djamina, saying that "there is no dynastic devolution of power in our country". Mahamat is a commander in the Chadian Army, and has recently led an African Union mission in northern Mali.
Rebels
Threaten to Depose the Successor as Parliament’s President Rallies behind the
New Leader
In
a new statement issued on April 21, 2021, the rebel group responsible
for killing Chad’s long-time leader, Idriss Deby Itno, decried the
military action of bypassing the constitutional protocol, which required
National Assembly’s president to lead the interim government, and instead,
appointing the late-strongman’s son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, to lead a
transitional council for the next 18 months. The rebel group, Front for
Change and Concord in Chad, threatened to depose the younger Deby and
stressed that Chad “is not a monarchy”. In a supportive stand to the country’s
military, the National Assembly president stood firmly with the military and
defended military’s action to bypass the constitutional protocols at this grave
moment of the country.
More than 70 Killed in Protest
Thousands of Chadians participated in the protest rallies on October
20, 2022 fueled by national frustration and anger over the nation’s President
Mahamat Idriss Deby’s two-year extension of power. Security forces opened
live fire on protesters at the capital, N’Djamena, and Moundou,
Chad’s second-largest city, killing at least 70.
CONGO
Fearsome Militia Leader Convicted
In a landmark judgment for justice in Congo's civil and ethnic war, the International Criminal Court at the Hague, the Netherlands, on March 7, 2014 issued a ruling convicting one of the fearsome militia leaders, Germain Katanga, for his excesses, especially linking him to brutality in the village of Bogoro in 2003. Katanga was the third Congolese militant leader tried by the international court. The other two were Thomas Lubanga, a rival of Katanga in the violence-prone Ituri region, who was found guilty in March 2012, and Mathieu Ngudjolo, who had led an allied fighting group, stood trial alongside Katanga and acquitted in December 2012.
Congolese Rebel Leader Sent to Prison for more than a Decade
On May 23, 2014, the fearsome rebel leader Germain Katanga was sent to serve a 12-year prison term for his involvement in brutality at a Congolese village during the height of country's civil war in 2003.
A Key Rebel Leader Put on Trial
Almost 18 months after a fearsome Congolese rebel leader, Germain Katanga, was put on trial, a second rebel leader, Bosco Ntaganda, appeared before the International Criminal Court at the Hague on September 2, 2015, and pleaded not guilty to 18-count indictment, including rape, murder and sex slavery. Ntaganda was first indicted under seal in 2006, and he turned himself in in 2013 as his power base began to crumble. The chief prosecutor of the court Fatou Bensouda called him a "notorious and powerful" military leader, who had perpetrated people of resource-rich Ituri region of eastern Congo in 2002 and 2003.
A Key Congolese Politician Convicted of War Crimes
Raising the bar of accountability for politicians for their often fiery and inciting rhetoric with devastating consequence, the International Criminal Court at the Hague on March 21, 2016 convicted an influential Congolese politician, Jean-Pierre Bemba, of war crimes and crimes against humanity. What's unique in the three-judge ruling is that Bemba, who has been far away from the battlefield during the time of conflict, has been held accountable for the crimes perpetrated by his henchmen in the battlefield. Also, at the same time, the tribunal in the Hague for the first time issued a ruling for mass rapes to be deemed as war crimes although other tribunals such as the ones on Yugoslavia and Rwanda linked mass rapes to war crimes before.
Congolese Politician Receives 18 Years
Former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba was sentenced on June 21, 2016 to 18 years of imprisonment for the excesses perpetrated by his henchmen although he, himself, was far removed from the battlefield of Central African Republic. Handing down the sentence, the presiding judge of the International Criminal Court at the Hague, Sylvia Steiner justified the sentence as Bemba's "knowledge of the crimes was unquestionable". Bemba, now 53, hailed from a prominent Congolese family, and he was a successful businessman becoming the vice president. In 2002, he sent an expeditionary force from his Congolese Liberation Movement to Central African Republic to suppress a coup there. The expeditionary force of 1,500 marauded the Central African Republic in its wake, and it was alleged that not only Bemba looked the other way, he indirectly encouraged those heinous acts. Bemba will receive the credit he has served in jail after his May 2008 arrest.
Talks Collapse before a Key Deadline
A Roman Catholic Church-initiated negotiation between the regime of Joseph Kabila and the opposition collapsed on December 17, 2016, two days before the expiry of Kabila's term. The scheduled elections in November 2016 were postponed indefinitely, and since then, an air of uncertainty and potential violence loomed large in Kinshasa and other parts of Congo.
Military Out in Force on the Capital Street after Presidential Term Expires
Hours before expiry of the presidential term at 12:01AM on December 19, 2016, Congolese security personnel fanned out the capital Kinshasa in full force in anticipation of opposition demonstrations. Catholic Church mediated talks between government and opposition after the postponement of November 2016 presidential polls had created the current impasse. However, talks collapsed in the weekend. President Joseph Kabila's government already stated that elections might not even be held in 2017.
Catholic Church Pushes for Agreement before Christmas
Voicing frustration over the stalemate, lead negotiator on behalf of the Catholic Church, Monsignor Marcel Utembi, said on December 21, 2016 that "enough is enough" and parties should push hard to reach a deal before the Christmas.
Agreement Reached, Kabila to Step down after Election
In the face of Catholic Church's push to reach an agreement between President Joseph Kabila's regime and opposition prior to Christmas, negotiators tried hard, but hit a roadblock. The impasse was broken on December 29, 2016, and a deal was on hand and signed by parties on the New Year Eve on December 31, 2016. Under the New Year Eve deal, presidential elections will be held in late 2017 instead of mid-2018 as preferred by the government, and Kabila will step down immediately after that.
American Rights Investigator Goes Missing
Michael Sharp and a Swede, Zaida Catalan, along with four other U.N. aides went missing on March 12, 2017 south of Kananga in Congo's central Kasai province. Sharp, an American, and Catalan were part of a U.N. team to investigate the alleged perpetration by Congolese security personnel in central Kasai region after violence had erupted following the killing of a militia leader tied to the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu, who had been fighting for the rights of Kasai region, in August 2016. Since then three provinces in Kasai region erupted in violent flare-up, killing more than 400 and displacing more than 200,000. The U.N. recently reported the discovery of dozens of mass graves in the region, and Sharp and other U.N. team members traveled to the region to inquire into the violence and mass persecution by government troops. On March 25, 2017, Human Rights Watch asked the Congolese government to cooperate in the search of Sharp, Catalan and four others who had gone missing on March 12, 2017.
Congolese Militia Behead 40 Police Personnel
In a gruesome revenge of police excesses, the militants belonging to Kamuina Nsapu were reported to have carried out the decapitation of about 40 police personnel. The personnel were part of a convoy headed towards Kananga in Kasai region from Kinshasa, nation's capital, when the convoy had been ambushed on March 24, 2017 and about 40 police personnel had been seized by the militants. The reported beheadings occurred a week after Congolese military's auditor-general had announced charges against seven officers, who had been subsequently arrested, seen on a widely circulated video of shooting at least 13 civilians to death in Kasai-Central Province.
Bodies for Missing American, Two Other U.N. Personnel Found
Congolese authorities announced on March 28, 2017 that the bodies of American Michael Sharp, Swede Zaida Catalan and an interpreter, Betu Tshintela, had been found in rebellious Kasai region. They had been missing since March 12, 2017.
Congo's Presidential Polls Put in Abeyance
Congo's long-delayed presidential election was delayed one more time on October 11, 2017 as the polls, according to the Corneille Nangaa, president of the African nation's Election Commission, would now be held not before 2019, triggering opposition outcry of another power grab by President Joseph Kabila.
Haley Meets Congo's Election Panel Head, Warns against Delaying Vote
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley on October 27, 2017 met with Congolese election commission's head, Corneille Nangaa, at Kinshasa and warned that if presidential polls were not held in 2018, the support of the international community would be frayed.
U.N.S.G. Calls for Lifting Ban on Public Demonstration
In a report submitted to U.N. Security Council on May 7, 2018, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for Congolese government to lift ban on demonstrations and protests to ensure "a level playing field" for opposition in the run-up to the December 23, 2018, general election.
ERITREA
ETHIOPIA
Close to Hundred Demonstrators Killed
A bloody crackdown on an increasingly violent anti-government protest movement might have turned violent in the weekend of August 5-7, 2016, according to Amnesty International and other rights groups. Amnesty International issued a statement on August 8, 2016, saying that it had received information of security forces having killed at least 67 people in the Oromia region alone. Authorities blocked internet access, accusing many social media postings by trouble-makers from within and abroad of inciting violence. The U.S. Embassy put out a statement, expressing deep concern over the level of "extensive violence".
Dozens Killed in Stampede in Restive Ethiopian Region
A popular and traditional festival in Ethiopia's restive Oromia region turned deadly on October 2, 2016 as a large crowd pushed forward to the stage at the fairground in the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, chanting anti-government slogans. This led to a stampede, resulting in 52 deaths. The regional Oromia government blamed the unruly and thuggish elements among the crowd for the stampede, and called for a three-day mourning.
Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency, Criticizes Egypt for Support to Outlawed Group
Addis Ababa on October 10, 2016 declared the country's first state of emergency as the growing threat of Oromo Liberation Front threatened the stability of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn blames the Egyptian government for its support to the banned Oromo Liberation Front, a charge Cairo has denied last week. Egypt has vehemently protested the Ethiopia's plan for a massive dam construction on the Nile River as it will reduce the water flow downstream.
669 People Reported Killed in the Current Round of Violence
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said on April 18, 2017 that 669 people had been killed since violence had erupted in November 2016 as part of the anti-government agitation in the aftermath of October 10, 2016, declaration of state of emergency.
Ethiopia to Shutter the Notorious Prison
Ethiopian government of Prime Minister on Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn January 3, 2018 declared to shut down the notorious Maekelawi Prison Camp that had imprisoned hundreds of political prisoners from the restive regions of Oromia and Amhara.
Ethiopian Premier Resigns
Ethiopia's prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, on February 15, 2018 resigned to pave the way, according to the rationale he had put forward as reason for his decision, for conducive environment to enhance the democratic process.
State of Emergency Declared in Ethiopia
A day after Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn had resigned from office as well as the head of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, ostensibly, under the pressure from coalition members from two rebellious regions--Oromo and Amhara--the Council of Ministers, the governing cabinet, imposed state of emergency on February 16, 2018. Ethiopia, a trusted ally of the west, may be going through one of the most turbulent political times in recent memory as political resistance to suppression has mounted, both in size and intensity, in recent years, and Addis Ababa has tried to assuage the dissent by freeing hundreds of political prisoners from jails last month. However, the gesture might be too late, too little to save the political future of premier Desalegn.
Notorious Prison Shuttered
State media reported on April 6, 2018 that the notorious Maekelawi Prison had been shut down as the country's premier, Abiy Ahmed, called for making up "for all the wrongs done in the past".
Ethiopia's Ruling Party Adopts Reforms Agenda, Holds Olive Branch for Eritrea
Continuing his streak of reconciliation, political mending and reforms, Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed now prodded the ruling party, Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, to adopt additional fiscal reforms and policies to pursue peace with Eritrea. The Executive Committee of the ruling party on June 5, 2018 adopted measures to:
* Reach out to Eritrea and revive the long-moribund peace process
* Make it easier for private sectors to invest in Ethiopia
Eritrea gained independence after a guerrilla movement overthrew the Communist Derg government in 1991. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki led the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in its independence movement and became the president in 1993. After EPLF defeated Ethiopian forces in 1991, Ethiopia's People's Revolutionary Democratic Front joined hands with EPLF and overthrew the Communist regime from Ethiopia. In a 1993 referendum, Eritrean people voted for the country's independence and formal recognition ensued later that year. The bilateral relationship was on normal track until border skirmishes erupted in 1998 over a nondescript border town, Badme. The border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia continued, killing tens of thousands of people, until 2000 when an accord was signed in Algiers between the two Horn of African nations. The 2000 accord, commonly known as Algiers Accord, was never implemented, mostly due to recalcitrance of Ethiopia, and occasional skirmishes were all but common, with the latest flare-up killing hundreds in 2016. Now, Ethiopia's new prime minister raised the hope for upholding the principles of Algiers Accord and implement its policies to bring peace to the Horn of Africa, there was optimism for at least one of several regional conflicts of the continent to be resolved.
Agreement Signed by Leaders to Normalize Relations between Horn of Africa Neighbors
It was a day of reckoning and new ray of hope for the entire Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's reform-minded Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, 42, on July 8, 2018 arrived at Asmara at a hero's welcome. The Eritrean capital wore a splendid look and festive atmosphere, with flags of neighbors fluttering side by side and sea of joyous crowd greeting the motorcade of Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki as it moved through Asmara's streets. Two leaders then met at a private meeting and attended a state dinner, before unveiling a landmark agreement and signing them. Under the July 8, 2018, historic agreement,
* Telephone connections between the nations were established immediately
* Respective embassies would be opened soon
* Ports and airlines would be accessed freely by both nations' citizenry
Not all of the people were happy by the turn of the events. As some people in the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray held demonstration against the normalization agreement.
Ethiopia Rolls out Red Carpet for Eritrea's President
Days after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his historic visit to Eritrea, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived at Addis Ababa on July 14, 2018 for a state visit that had an unmatched feeling of national pomp and prestige buoyed by a cheerful mass of Ethiopian people with the capital wearing with colorful flags of both nations.
********************************* BOEING 737 MAX CRASH ***********************
Second Boeing Max Crash in Five Months Raises International Suspicion
In a catastrophic aviation accident that's rare now because of technological development and increased training, an Ethiopian Airlines flight en route Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, in neighboring Kenya, crashed within minutes of take-off from Addis Ababa on March 10, 2019, killing all 157 people and crew onboard. What immediately caught the eyes of international community of aviation officials and safety experts were the similar flight patterns of both the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Indonesia's Lion Air Flight 610 that had crashed into the Java Sea on October 29, 2018, killing 189 passengers, under good weather condition. Both airlines flew Boeing's new Max 737 8 jets, raising suspicion of a possible software malfunction. The March 10, 2019, Addis Ababa to Nairobi flight of Ethiopian Airlines was carrying passengers from at least 35 nations, with a strong presence of U.N. staff. Many of the U.N. staff were on their way to a major U.N. conference to Nairobi.
Countries Ground 737 Max Planes, but U.S. Refrains from Grounding the Plane
A day after the second fatal crash in five months involving a Boeing 737 Max jet, many countries on March 11, 2019 grounded Max jets in an abundance of precaution. However, Federal Aviation Administration has yet to take any action on it, and thus, American Airlines and Southwest have continued flying Boeing 737 Max 8 jets. Meanwhile, U.N. identified at least 21 of its staff in the passenger list in the fateful Addis Ababa-Nairobi Ethiopian Airlines flight, Flight 302, involved in March 10, 2019, crash. Both Addis Ababa and Nairobi are regional hubs for U.N. operation.
Complaint of "Inadequate" Flight Manual Reported
Weeks before the March 10, 2019, Ethiopian airline crash, pilots in the U.S. had lodged complaints about the Boeing 737 Max planes, including one pilot who said that the "flight manual is inadequate and almost criminally insufficient". The Dallas Morning News put out this explosive report on March 12, 2019. The Dallas Morning News' report put FAA at the cross-hairs of legislative scrutiny and raised many questions around Boeing 737 Max certification process.
FAA Grounds Boeing 737 Max
A day after the ban on Boeing 737 Max reached from one continent to another, covering European Aviation Safety Agency that on March 12, 2019 joined many other airlines--including Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Norwegian Air Shuttle and South Korea's Eastar Jet--which had banned the jet earlier, Federal Aviation Administration on March 13, 2019 grounded the plane too. President Donald Trump, addressing the reporters at the White House, relayed the FAA's decision. The U.S. airlines to be impacted by the grounding order are Southwest and American, with 34 and 24 planes in their fleet, respectively. Before President Donald Trump's March 13, 2019, announcement to ground all Boeing 737 Max planes, FAA Administrator Daniel Elwell had a telephone talks with the president and a separate telephone conversation a day earlier between Trump and Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg. Elwell reasoned that FAA's decision was based on enhanced satellite images that showed a clear similarities of flight patterns between ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air jet. Explaining the delay in grounding, Elwell said that the aviation agency had to depend on satellite images in absence of good radar data near Addis Ababa where the flight had crashed.
Black Boxes Arrive at France
The Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder--consisting of the plane's Black Boxes--from the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 were retrieved from the crash site near Addis Ababa and sent to France on March 14, 2019 for further analysis. France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for the Civil Aviation Safety will conduct a thorough analysis of the content of Black Boxes of Flight 302.
A Critical Sensor's Malfunctioning May be Responsible for Ethiopian Airline's Crash
Ethiopia's Transportation Minister Dagmawit Moges told press correspondents at Addis Ababa on March 17, 2019 that she would issue a preliminary report on the March 10, 2019, crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in the next 30 days. She also said that, based on findings of analysis of Flight 302' Black Boxes by France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for the Civil Aviation Safety, there was a clear similarities between the pre-crash flight patterns for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 that had crashed on March 10, 2019 and the Lion Air Flight 610 that had crashed into Java Sea on October 29, 2018. Now, the investigators are zeroing on the malfunctioning of the angle-of-the-attack sensor, a sensor that every commercial plane has, that might have sent the wrong signals to the Boeing 737 Max' new software that has made the plane's nose dip downward to avert a stall.
Families Begin Burying Loved Ones
A week after the ill-fated plane crash minutes after the take-off from Addis Ababa on March 10, 2019 and a day after authorities handed over bags of scorched earth instead of body remains because of inability for proper identification of remains, grieved families of Ethiopian passengers of the Flight 302 began on March 17, 2019 the torturous ritual of burying their loved ones.
U.S. Investigation into Boeing 737 Max Begins even before Ethiopia Crash
The Bloomberg News reported on March 18, 2019 that U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector-General's Office and Department of Justice had launched investigations into a range of issues related to Boeing 737 Max in the aftermath of October 29, 2018, crash of Indonesia's Lion Air Flight 610 in the Java Sea minutes after takeoff. The pace of investigation has increased after March 10, 2019, crash of Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi.
A Off-duty Pilot Saved Flight
A hitherto unknown incident never included in the November 28, 2018, Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee's report on October 29, 2018, crash of Lion Air Flight 610 came to light recently and was published by various media, including The Dallas Morning News on March 20, 2019. The same flight of Lion Air a day before the ill-fated flight's crash had experienced same issue, and a third pilot, who happened to be on the cockpit and was off-duty, helped the crew to deactivate the flight control system. The identical malfunction of the flight control system in the next day was suspected to be the primary cause of the Lion Air Flight 610 into Java Sea. The system, known as Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, is designed to mitigate an aerodynamic stall by pointing the nose downward. MCAS helps point the nose of the plane downward if an Ange of Attack (AOA) sensor sends a message of a possible aerodynamic stall. The erroneous signals from AOA that auto-deployed MCAS are thought to be behind both the crashes on October 29, 2018 of Lion Air Flight 610 and March 10, 2019 of Ethiopian Airline Flight 302, respectively. There are two AOA sensors, and any one of them may activate MCAS for 737 Max 8 planes, therefore malfunction by any one of the two sensors may cause a fatal crash.
FBI Joins Criminal Investigation into Boeing 737 Max 8 Certification Process
FBI joined a continuing DOT probe into the certification process of Boeing 737 Max 8 model and a Washington D.C. grand jury had issued a subpoena on March 11, 2019 for information related to the plane's certification process. Although the subpoena has been issued a day after fatal March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 crash near Addis Ababa that had killed 157 passengers and crew members, FBI might have joined the probe before the accident in Ethiopia. DOT began the investigation after October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crash that had killed 189 passengers and crew members.
Boeing to Make an Optional Feature Permanent for Max
According media reports published on March 21, 2019, including The Dallas Morning News, Boeing will make an optional equipment a permanent fixture for all its grounded 737 Max aircraft. The optional equipment, called the Primary Flight Display, or PFD, AOA Indicator Display will give another tool to pilot to cross-check whether AOA alert signal is the correct one.
Boeing Releases a Flight Safety Software Update
Eight days after Lion Air crash, Boeing on November 6, 2018 issued a bulletin, describing how to de-activate and override an automated system, Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, thought to have a played a role in Indonesian carrier's crash. A day later, November 7, 2018, Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order warning that Boeing had discovered an "unsafe condition" that might recur in other MAX jets. On March 27, 2019, Boeing released a software update to MCAS that would depend on feeds of two AOA sensors instead of current version of one AOA sensor and limit how often the anti-stall system, MCAS, would be deployed.
Ethiopia Releases Preliminary Investigation Report
Releasing the nearly three-week long preliminary investigation report on April 4, 2019, Ethiopian Transportation Minister Dagmawit Moges drew the strongest connection yet between the October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crash in the Java Sea and March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 crash as the report highlighted what had gone wrong with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft right after takeoff from the airport in Addis Ababa. Ms. Moges said that the crew "performed all the procedures" to save the flight that had nose-dived because of the activation of MCAS due to a faulty reading from a sensor. The malfunction of the flight safety software was long thought as the driver of the two fatal crashes involving MAX aircraft.
Tense Meeting between AA Pilots and Boeing Reported
The Dallas Morning News reported on May 13, 2019 that Allied Pilots Association, American Airlines' pilots union, on February 26, 2019 had sought for records from Boeing related to November 2018 update to 737 MAX flight manual and any communication between American Airlines and Boeing. The February 26, 2019, query came after a November 27, 2018, tense meeting that APA officials had held with Boeing officials at the union headquarters in Fort Worth.
Pilots Suing Boeing for Lost Wages
Upping the ante, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) on October 7, 2019 announced that it would take the manufacturer of Boeing 737 MAX to court to seek compensation of lost wages that amounted to be around $100 million due to grounding of the aircraft after a March 2019 Ethiopian Airline plane crash.
Report Assails Boeing, FAA
A Joint Authorization Technical Review (JATR) report, commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration in June 2019, on October 11, 2019 took punches at the certification process of 737 MAX and held both Boeing and FAA accountable. The JATR panel--composed of former NTSB President Christopher Hart, representatives from NASA, FAA and countries and blocs such as China, Canada and the EU--took exception to how a critical flight safety software, or MCAS software, had been evaluated. FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson welcomed the "scrutiny". The report was submitted to FAA four days after SWAPA sued Boeing for $100 million in lost wages. Its president, Jon Weaks, called Boeing to share any information with pilots flight safety software. Allied Pilots Association President Eric Ferguson also expressed earlier his concern over "flawed" certification process.
Boeing Knew Safety Software Problems in 2016, Text Shows
The Seattle Times reported on October 18, 2019 that Boeing had information related to texts that the chief technical pilot of Boeing had exchanged back in 2016 with his successor, expressing his deep concern over the functional reliability of a safety software in Boeing 737 MAX. Although Boeing knew the vulnerability of MCAS since 2016, it had handed over the information related to text exchanges between the 737 Chief Technical Pilot Mark Forkner and his successor, Patrik Gustavsson, to the chief attorney of DoT only on October 17, 2019.
Boeing Suspends Max Production
Boeing on December 16, 2019 announced that it would halt production of 737 MAX at its Renton, Washington factory, thus about 12,000 employees there to be re-purposed to other businesses.
A House Panel Report Holds Boeing, FAA Responsible for Crash Causes
Democrats in the U.S. House Transportation Committee led by Rep. Peter DeFazio issued a searing report on March 5, 2020, tearing into a system of coziness between Boeing and FAA that allowed Boeing to become its own overseer on behalf of FAA and led the aircraft manufacturer to cut corners in 737 MAX airplanes. The committee report has taken a hard look at the system called the ODA, or Organization Designation Authorization, that lets Boeing to choose an Engineer of its own to inspect and audit the safety work.
CONGO
Fearsome Militia Leader Convicted
In a landmark judgment for justice in Congo's civil and ethnic war, the International Criminal Court at the Hague, the Netherlands, on March 7, 2014 issued a ruling convicting one of the fearsome militia leaders, Germain Katanga, for his excesses, especially linking him to brutality in the village of Bogoro in 2003. Katanga was the third Congolese militant leader tried by the international court. The other two were Thomas Lubanga, a rival of Katanga in the violence-prone Ituri region, who was found guilty in March 2012, and Mathieu Ngudjolo, who had led an allied fighting group, stood trial alongside Katanga and acquitted in December 2012.
Congolese Rebel Leader Sent to Prison for more than a Decade
On May 23, 2014, the fearsome rebel leader Germain Katanga was sent to serve a 12-year prison term for his involvement in brutality at a Congolese village during the height of country's civil war in 2003.
A Key Rebel Leader Put on Trial
Almost 18 months after a fearsome Congolese rebel leader, Germain Katanga, was put on trial, a second rebel leader, Bosco Ntaganda, appeared before the International Criminal Court at the Hague on September 2, 2015, and pleaded not guilty to 18-count indictment, including rape, murder and sex slavery. Ntaganda was first indicted under seal in 2006, and he turned himself in in 2013 as his power base began to crumble. The chief prosecutor of the court Fatou Bensouda called him a "notorious and powerful" military leader, who had perpetrated people of resource-rich Ituri region of eastern Congo in 2002 and 2003.
A Key Congolese Politician Convicted of War Crimes
Raising the bar of accountability for politicians for their often fiery and inciting rhetoric with devastating consequence, the International Criminal Court at the Hague on March 21, 2016 convicted an influential Congolese politician, Jean-Pierre Bemba, of war crimes and crimes against humanity. What's unique in the three-judge ruling is that Bemba, who has been far away from the battlefield during the time of conflict, has been held accountable for the crimes perpetrated by his henchmen in the battlefield. Also, at the same time, the tribunal in the Hague for the first time issued a ruling for mass rapes to be deemed as war crimes although other tribunals such as the ones on Yugoslavia and Rwanda linked mass rapes to war crimes before.
Congolese Politician Receives 18 Years
Former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba was sentenced on June 21, 2016 to 18 years of imprisonment for the excesses perpetrated by his henchmen although he, himself, was far removed from the battlefield of Central African Republic. Handing down the sentence, the presiding judge of the International Criminal Court at the Hague, Sylvia Steiner justified the sentence as Bemba's "knowledge of the crimes was unquestionable". Bemba, now 53, hailed from a prominent Congolese family, and he was a successful businessman becoming the vice president. In 2002, he sent an expeditionary force from his Congolese Liberation Movement to Central African Republic to suppress a coup there. The expeditionary force of 1,500 marauded the Central African Republic in its wake, and it was alleged that not only Bemba looked the other way, he indirectly encouraged those heinous acts. Bemba will receive the credit he has served in jail after his May 2008 arrest.
Talks Collapse before a Key Deadline
A Roman Catholic Church-initiated negotiation between the regime of Joseph Kabila and the opposition collapsed on December 17, 2016, two days before the expiry of Kabila's term. The scheduled elections in November 2016 were postponed indefinitely, and since then, an air of uncertainty and potential violence loomed large in Kinshasa and other parts of Congo.
Military Out in Force on the Capital Street after Presidential Term Expires
Hours before expiry of the presidential term at 12:01AM on December 19, 2016, Congolese security personnel fanned out the capital Kinshasa in full force in anticipation of opposition demonstrations. Catholic Church mediated talks between government and opposition after the postponement of November 2016 presidential polls had created the current impasse. However, talks collapsed in the weekend. President Joseph Kabila's government already stated that elections might not even be held in 2017.
Catholic Church Pushes for Agreement before Christmas
Voicing frustration over the stalemate, lead negotiator on behalf of the Catholic Church, Monsignor Marcel Utembi, said on December 21, 2016 that "enough is enough" and parties should push hard to reach a deal before the Christmas.
Agreement Reached, Kabila to Step down after Election
In the face of Catholic Church's push to reach an agreement between President Joseph Kabila's regime and opposition prior to Christmas, negotiators tried hard, but hit a roadblock. The impasse was broken on December 29, 2016, and a deal was on hand and signed by parties on the New Year Eve on December 31, 2016. Under the New Year Eve deal, presidential elections will be held in late 2017 instead of mid-2018 as preferred by the government, and Kabila will step down immediately after that.
American Rights Investigator Goes Missing
Michael Sharp and a Swede, Zaida Catalan, along with four other U.N. aides went missing on March 12, 2017 south of Kananga in Congo's central Kasai province. Sharp, an American, and Catalan were part of a U.N. team to investigate the alleged perpetration by Congolese security personnel in central Kasai region after violence had erupted following the killing of a militia leader tied to the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu, who had been fighting for the rights of Kasai region, in August 2016. Since then three provinces in Kasai region erupted in violent flare-up, killing more than 400 and displacing more than 200,000. The U.N. recently reported the discovery of dozens of mass graves in the region, and Sharp and other U.N. team members traveled to the region to inquire into the violence and mass persecution by government troops. On March 25, 2017, Human Rights Watch asked the Congolese government to cooperate in the search of Sharp, Catalan and four others who had gone missing on March 12, 2017.
Congolese Militia Behead 40 Police Personnel
In a gruesome revenge of police excesses, the militants belonging to Kamuina Nsapu were reported to have carried out the decapitation of about 40 police personnel. The personnel were part of a convoy headed towards Kananga in Kasai region from Kinshasa, nation's capital, when the convoy had been ambushed on March 24, 2017 and about 40 police personnel had been seized by the militants. The reported beheadings occurred a week after Congolese military's auditor-general had announced charges against seven officers, who had been subsequently arrested, seen on a widely circulated video of shooting at least 13 civilians to death in Kasai-Central Province.
Bodies for Missing American, Two Other U.N. Personnel Found
Congolese authorities announced on March 28, 2017 that the bodies of American Michael Sharp, Swede Zaida Catalan and an interpreter, Betu Tshintela, had been found in rebellious Kasai region. They had been missing since March 12, 2017.
Congo's Presidential Polls Put in Abeyance
Congo's long-delayed presidential election was delayed one more time on October 11, 2017 as the polls, according to the Corneille Nangaa, president of the African nation's Election Commission, would now be held not before 2019, triggering opposition outcry of another power grab by President Joseph Kabila.
Haley Meets Congo's Election Panel Head, Warns against Delaying Vote
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley on October 27, 2017 met with Congolese election commission's head, Corneille Nangaa, at Kinshasa and warned that if presidential polls were not held in 2018, the support of the international community would be frayed.
U.N.S.G. Calls for Lifting Ban on Public Demonstration
In a report submitted to U.N. Security Council on May 7, 2018, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for Congolese government to lift ban on demonstrations and protests to ensure "a level playing field" for opposition in the run-up to the December 23, 2018, general election.
Setback to ICC Prosecutors as Appellate Bench Acquits a Fearsome Leader
Often the long hand of judiciary may get shortchanged, at least that's the case of former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba who has been accused of committing war crimes in neighboring Central African Republic. In a setback to the prosecution and in a verdict that was, in the words of Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, "regrettable and troubling", appeals court judges on June 8, 2018 acquitted Bemba.
Congo's Independence Hero's Statue Adorn Brussels' Square Named after Him
On the 58th Independence Day of Congo, its former colonial ruler paid its unfettered homage to the first president of free Congo by renaming a Brussels square, formerly known as Square du Bastion, as the Square Patrice Lumumba on June 30, 2018. Addressing a 1000-strong crowd on hand for renaming event, Mayor of Brussels Philippe Close said that by inaugurating the square, "we're not repairing the past, we're not closing a chapter of history", instead, "we begin to write our common history" in the "capital of 500 million Europeans". During independence struggle, Lumumba was an avowed critique of Belgium, and had been jailed before becoming the first president of independent Congo in 1960. However, his rule did not last long as a U.S.- and Belgium-backed coup headed by the then-army leader Mobutu Sese Seko deposed Lumumba. He was captured and detained, and eventually killed in 1961. In recent years, though, Belgium acknowledged its culpability. Belgium's King Leopold II founded Congo as colony in late 19th century, plundering its minerals and natural resources in and around regions along the Congo River. King later handed over the Congo Free State to Belgium government in 1908. Belgium's colonial rule since 1908 brought severe misery, merciless oppression and disaster to the country that had seen the deaths of, according to many independent estimates, up to 5 million people.
Congo's Kabila not to Run in Election
A collective sigh of relief has been heaved by the international community following August 8, 2018, Joseph Kabila's declaration that he would not run in the December 23, 2018, presidential election, bringing joy to the country's fragmented opposition and renewed hope to the west for peace in the country. However, Kabila did not shy away from favoring whom he wanted to win in the election. Joseph Kabila endorsed Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and vice president.
Presidential Election Pushed for another Week
On the eve of historic presidential polls, already delayed by two years, Congo's election commission on December 20, 2018 postponed the presidential election by one more week on the ground that nearly 80 percent of capital Kinshasa's voting machines had been destroyed in a recent fire. The polls will now be held on December 30, 2018.
About a Million People to Miss the Crucial Vote on Time
Congo's election commission announced on December 26, 2018 that a large swath of northeastern Congo would not hold presidential election with the rest of the nation on December 30, 2018 because of the scourge of Ebola pandemic. Instead, areas in and around Beni and Butembo in North Kivu Province as well as Yumbi in the Mai-Ndombe Province will hold elections in March 2019.
Congo at the Crossroads of Historic Transition
In an unprecedented election that will lead--if all go as planned--to the first ever transition of civilian rule, Congolese will vote in the presidential polls on December 30, 2018 to choose a replacement for the outgoing President Joseph Kabila. Already a million people in the Ebola-affected region have to wait out for weeks to vote, thus depriving them from deciding the winner. The opposition is fragmented, with an opposition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi, son of the legend opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, breaking away from an alliance led by prominent opposition leader Martin Fayulu, leading to conspiracy theory of an under-the-table alliance between Joseph Kabila and Felix Tshisekedi as the ruling party candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, is unpopular with the mass. Shadary is under the EU sanction because he has obstructed democratic process and repressed popular protests as an interior minister. Two other opposition leaders--Former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba and Former Governor Moise Katumbi--re barred from running in the presidential election, giving rise to a climate of fear and obfuscation. The official results will be declared not before at least two weeks.
Opposition Leader Tshisekedi Declared Winner
Congo's electoral panel on January 9, 2019 declared opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the December 30, 2018, presidential election. Felix Tshisekedi received 38 percent vote, eking out another opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, who had received 34 percent, while the ruling party candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, received a paltry 23 percent. The Catholic Church, which had deputized more than 40,000 observers on the ground on the polling day, was reported to have another winner from their own projection, Martin Fayulu, that was confirmed by the observer missions from African Union and South African Development Community. Martin Fayulu urged the Congolese people to "raise as one" nation to "protect victory".
Runner-up to Challenge Poll Results
In a possible setback to what could be the first ever peaceful transition from one civilian administration to another since the country gained independence, opposition leader Martin Fayulu on January 11, 2019 took a defiant stand, refusing to recognize the results that had shown another opposition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi, winning the election narrowly. Martin Fayulu, a former ExxonMobil manager and Kinshasa lawmaker, vowed to press ahead to challenge the results in the court, calling it a "robbery" of people's mandate. Overall, Kinshasa and rest of the Central African nation of 80 million people was calm, trying to digest the outcome and hesitant to plunge into the chaos of yesteryears. The electoral commission's head, Corneille Nangaa, warned that there were two options--either to accept the results or annul the results.
African Union Asks Congo to Suspend Official Announcement of Winner
As the Congo's Constitutional Court is poised to issue a verdict on a election results challenge filed by the opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, African Union on January 17, 2019 asked the country's election panel to suspend announcing the winner of December 30, 2018, presidential election. The bloc also said in the statement that it would send a high-level delegation to Kinshasa to defuse the political crisis.
Constitutional Court Upholds Tshisekedi's Victory
Issuing its ruling, Congo's Constitutional Court on January 20, 2019 rejected Martin Fayulu's legal challenge and upheld the victory of Felix Tshisekedi.
First Peaceful Transition of Power in Congo's History
In a historic first, Congo created a new precedent on January 24, 2019 as transfer of powers took place from one president to another in peaceful manner with outgoing President Joseph Kabila putting the presidential sash around Felix Tshisekedi in an ornate swearing-in ceremony at Kinshasa. Tshisekedi extended the olive branch to political opponents, and announced the release of all political prisoners. He also praised the opposition leader Martin Fayulu, calling him the "veritable soldier of the people".
Opposition Icon's Body Buried with Honor
He was such a towering political figure and a political threat to ruling establishment that Etienne Tshisekedi became a larger threat after death to then-President Joseph Kabila who had refused to let his body fly in from abroad. Two years after his death, his son, Felix Tshisekedi, received his body at Kinshasa airport as the new president of the country on May 30, 2019. On May 31, 2019, 84-year-old opposition icon was laid to rest with proper honor and dignity.
Congo's Kabila not to Run in Election
A collective sigh of relief has been heaved by the international community following August 8, 2018, Joseph Kabila's declaration that he would not run in the December 23, 2018, presidential election, bringing joy to the country's fragmented opposition and renewed hope to the west for peace in the country. However, Kabila did not shy away from favoring whom he wanted to win in the election. Joseph Kabila endorsed Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and vice president.
Presidential Election Pushed for another Week
On the eve of historic presidential polls, already delayed by two years, Congo's election commission on December 20, 2018 postponed the presidential election by one more week on the ground that nearly 80 percent of capital Kinshasa's voting machines had been destroyed in a recent fire. The polls will now be held on December 30, 2018.
About a Million People to Miss the Crucial Vote on Time
Congo's election commission announced on December 26, 2018 that a large swath of northeastern Congo would not hold presidential election with the rest of the nation on December 30, 2018 because of the scourge of Ebola pandemic. Instead, areas in and around Beni and Butembo in North Kivu Province as well as Yumbi in the Mai-Ndombe Province will hold elections in March 2019.
Congo at the Crossroads of Historic Transition
In an unprecedented election that will lead--if all go as planned--to the first ever transition of civilian rule, Congolese will vote in the presidential polls on December 30, 2018 to choose a replacement for the outgoing President Joseph Kabila. Already a million people in the Ebola-affected region have to wait out for weeks to vote, thus depriving them from deciding the winner. The opposition is fragmented, with an opposition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi, son of the legend opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, breaking away from an alliance led by prominent opposition leader Martin Fayulu, leading to conspiracy theory of an under-the-table alliance between Joseph Kabila and Felix Tshisekedi as the ruling party candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, is unpopular with the mass. Shadary is under the EU sanction because he has obstructed democratic process and repressed popular protests as an interior minister. Two other opposition leaders--Former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba and Former Governor Moise Katumbi--re barred from running in the presidential election, giving rise to a climate of fear and obfuscation. The official results will be declared not before at least two weeks.
Opposition Leader Tshisekedi Declared Winner
Congo's electoral panel on January 9, 2019 declared opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the December 30, 2018, presidential election. Felix Tshisekedi received 38 percent vote, eking out another opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, who had received 34 percent, while the ruling party candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, received a paltry 23 percent. The Catholic Church, which had deputized more than 40,000 observers on the ground on the polling day, was reported to have another winner from their own projection, Martin Fayulu, that was confirmed by the observer missions from African Union and South African Development Community. Martin Fayulu urged the Congolese people to "raise as one" nation to "protect victory".
Runner-up to Challenge Poll Results
In a possible setback to what could be the first ever peaceful transition from one civilian administration to another since the country gained independence, opposition leader Martin Fayulu on January 11, 2019 took a defiant stand, refusing to recognize the results that had shown another opposition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi, winning the election narrowly. Martin Fayulu, a former ExxonMobil manager and Kinshasa lawmaker, vowed to press ahead to challenge the results in the court, calling it a "robbery" of people's mandate. Overall, Kinshasa and rest of the Central African nation of 80 million people was calm, trying to digest the outcome and hesitant to plunge into the chaos of yesteryears. The electoral commission's head, Corneille Nangaa, warned that there were two options--either to accept the results or annul the results.
African Union Asks Congo to Suspend Official Announcement of Winner
As the Congo's Constitutional Court is poised to issue a verdict on a election results challenge filed by the opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, African Union on January 17, 2019 asked the country's election panel to suspend announcing the winner of December 30, 2018, presidential election. The bloc also said in the statement that it would send a high-level delegation to Kinshasa to defuse the political crisis.
Constitutional Court Upholds Tshisekedi's Victory
Issuing its ruling, Congo's Constitutional Court on January 20, 2019 rejected Martin Fayulu's legal challenge and upheld the victory of Felix Tshisekedi.
First Peaceful Transition of Power in Congo's History
In a historic first, Congo created a new precedent on January 24, 2019 as transfer of powers took place from one president to another in peaceful manner with outgoing President Joseph Kabila putting the presidential sash around Felix Tshisekedi in an ornate swearing-in ceremony at Kinshasa. Tshisekedi extended the olive branch to political opponents, and announced the release of all political prisoners. He also praised the opposition leader Martin Fayulu, calling him the "veritable soldier of the people".
Opposition Icon's Body Buried with Honor
He was such a towering political figure and a political threat to ruling establishment that Etienne Tshisekedi became a larger threat after death to then-President Joseph Kabila who had refused to let his body fly in from abroad. Two years after his death, his son, Felix Tshisekedi, received his body at Kinshasa airport as the new president of the country on May 30, 2019. On May 31, 2019, 84-year-old opposition icon was laid to rest with proper honor and dignity.
Italian Ambassador Killed in Ambush
In a sad turn of event reflective of security scenario on ground, Italy's ambassador to Congo since 2017 was killed on February 22, 2021 as his convoy en route from the eastern Congolese city of Goma to a World Food Program project at a school in Rutshuru was attacked by gunmen. In the ambush, Italian Ambassador Luca Attanasio, an Italian Carabinieri paramilitary personnel, Vittorio Iacovacci, and their driver were killed.
Suicide
Bombing Kills Half a Dozen in Eastern Congo
That
the June 2021 suicide bombing that didn’t kill anyone might not be a onetime hit
by Islamic State’s local affiliate was borne out to be true on the Christmas
Day of 2021 as a suicide bomber tried to enter a restaurant-bar at Beni,
capital of the province of North Kivu, and, upon being blocked at the door,
the bomber blew up, killing at least six people. This is the first time that an
Islamic State-orchestrated attack has killed people in eastern Congo. In June
2021, the first suicide bombing targeted a different bar. For years, Beni was
the epicenter of military activities involving the Uganda-based rebel group
Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, and as recently as in 2018, Ebola
outbreak that lasted through 2020 had devastated Beni.
Congo-Rwanda Relation Reaches a New Low with Rebels Taking Two Towns
Rebels on October 29, 2022 seized two key towns on Congo’s border
with Rwanda. After M23 rebels seized the towns of Kiwanja and
Rutshuru Center, Congolese government ordered Rwandan Ambassador Vincent
Karega to leave the country in the next 48 hours. Congo’s relations with
Rwanda have been souring for long time over Kigali’s alleged help to M23
rebels, a theory derisively dismissed by the Rwandan government. Meanwhile, the
U.N. mission in Congo, MONUSCO, said on October 29, 2022 that
four of its peacekeepers were wounded in Kiwanja and warned the rebels that it
would “retaliate vigorously” if they targeted its peacekeepers.
U.N. Report Spotlights on Atrocities of M23 Rebel Group
In a preview of a U.N. panel report to be made public later this week, The Associated Press on December 27, 2022 portrayed an evil campaign launched by M23 rebel group to recruit child soldiers and use fear and devilish acts such as rape and torture to control civilians in eastern Congo. The 21-page report was prepared based on interviews with more than 230 sources and visits to Rutshuru area of Congo's North Kivu province. The name, M23, is derived from an agreement on March 23, 2009 that called for integrating rebel groups with Congolese army. Rebels complain that the March 23, 2009, peace agreement was never followed in letter and spirit. The report also called out Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces for committing perpetrations across large swaths of eastern Congo.
Congolese Presidential Vote Extended by a Day because of Logistical
Challenge
About 44 million Congolese—circa half of the nation’s population—are
eligible to vote in the December 20, 2023, presidential election. There
were long queues around the nation. Many of the polling stations, especially in
the conflict-prone regions, failed to open on time. About 1.5 million
people were displaced because of ethnic and other conflicts, and it was a
gargantuan undertaking for the nation’s electoral commission to arrange a
smooth voting for them. Given many of the voters returned without casting their
votes after waiting for hours, it was necessary to have another opportunity for
those deprived voters to cast in one of the most consequential elections that
would prove, or disprove, the African nation’s democratic resiliency. At the
end of the day on December 20, 2023, electoral commission chief Denis
Kadima announced that the vote would be extended on December 21, 2023
to allow people who couldn’t vote during the day to cast their ballots. In the
fray are President Felix Tshisekedi, running for the second and final
five-year term, Former Katanga Governor Moise Katumbi, and 25 others.
Incumbent Wins Overwhelmingly
The Election Commission on December 31, 2023 announced that President
Felix Tshisekedi had won the December 20, 2023, presidential
election by receiving a whopping 70% of the vote. Congo’s leading opposition
parties decried the vote results, saying that the outcome was the reflection of
a massive fraud perpetrated by the government. The main opposition candidate, Moise
Katumbi, received only 18% vote, followed by Martin Fayulu (5%) and Nobel
Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege (1%), a physician who became renowned for treating
women brutalized by sexual violence in Eastern Congo.
The Election Commission chief Denis Kadima said that certified
results would be sent to the Constitutional Court and the candidates have two
days to file complaints. The results will be declared on January 10, 2024,
and the new president will be sworn in at the end of the month.
Rwanda Objects South Africa-led Troops Deployment in Eastern Congo
Rwandan government on February 12, 2024 wrote a letter to
the U.N. Security Council, objecting to the deployment of a South
Africa-led troops deployment as part of a Southern African Development
Community mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s east to tame a
volatile situation stemming from the free reign of the M23 rebels.
ECOWAS (ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES)
Trio of West African Nations Leave a Key Regional Bloc
In a setback to the regional fabric of unity, three West African nations
led by Junta on January 28, 2024 called out ECOWAS’ current leadership
for “kowtowing” all too often to foreign pressure. Mali, Burkina Faso, and
Niger issued a joint statement to announce their desertion plan.
ERITREA
Ethiopia's Ruling Party Adopts Reforms Agenda, Holds Olive Branch for Eritrea
Continuing his streak of reconciliation, political mending and reforms, Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed now prodded the ruling party, Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, to adopt additional fiscal reforms and policies to pursue peace with Eritrea. The Executive Committee of the ruling party on June 5, 2018 adopted measures to:
* Reach out to Eritrea and revive the long-moribund peace process
* Make it easier for private sectors to invest in Ethiopia
Eritrea gained independence after a guerrilla movement overthrew the Communist Derg government in 1991. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki led the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in its independence movement and became the president in 1993. After EPLF defeated Ethiopian forces in 1991, Ethiopia's People's Revolutionary Democratic Front joined hands with EPLF and overthrew the Communist regime from Ethiopia. In a 1993 referendum, Eritrean people voted for the country's independence and formal recognition ensued later that year. The bilateral relationship was on normal track until border skirmishes erupted in 1998 over a nondescript border town, Badme. The border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia continued, killing tens of thousands of people, until 2000 when an accord was signed in Algiers between the two Horn of African nations. The 2000 accord, commonly known as Algiers Accord, was never implemented, mostly due to recalcitrance of Ethiopia, and occasional skirmishes were all but common, with the latest flare-up killing hundreds in 2016. Now, Ethiopia's new prime minister raised the hope for upholding the principles of Algiers Accord and implement its policies to bring peace to the Horn of Africa, there was optimism for at least one of several regional conflicts of the continent to be resolved.
Ethiopia Rolls out Red Carpet for Eritrea's President
Days after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his historic visit to Eritrea, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived at Addis Ababa on July 14, 2018 for a state visit that had an unmatched feeling of national pomp and prestige buoyed by a cheerful mass of Ethiopian people with the capital wearing with colorful flags of both nations.
ETHIOPIA
Close to Hundred Demonstrators Killed
A bloody crackdown on an increasingly violent anti-government protest movement might have turned violent in the weekend of August 5-7, 2016, according to Amnesty International and other rights groups. Amnesty International issued a statement on August 8, 2016, saying that it had received information of security forces having killed at least 67 people in the Oromia region alone. Authorities blocked internet access, accusing many social media postings by trouble-makers from within and abroad of inciting violence. The U.S. Embassy put out a statement, expressing deep concern over the level of "extensive violence".
Dozens Killed in Stampede in Restive Ethiopian Region
A popular and traditional festival in Ethiopia's restive Oromia region turned deadly on October 2, 2016 as a large crowd pushed forward to the stage at the fairground in the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, chanting anti-government slogans. This led to a stampede, resulting in 52 deaths. The regional Oromia government blamed the unruly and thuggish elements among the crowd for the stampede, and called for a three-day mourning.
Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency, Criticizes Egypt for Support to Outlawed Group
Addis Ababa on October 10, 2016 declared the country's first state of emergency as the growing threat of Oromo Liberation Front threatened the stability of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn blames the Egyptian government for its support to the banned Oromo Liberation Front, a charge Cairo has denied last week. Egypt has vehemently protested the Ethiopia's plan for a massive dam construction on the Nile River as it will reduce the water flow downstream.
669 People Reported Killed in the Current Round of Violence
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said on April 18, 2017 that 669 people had been killed since violence had erupted in November 2016 as part of the anti-government agitation in the aftermath of October 10, 2016, declaration of state of emergency.
Ethiopia to Shutter the Notorious Prison
Ethiopian government of Prime Minister on Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn January 3, 2018 declared to shut down the notorious Maekelawi Prison Camp that had imprisoned hundreds of political prisoners from the restive regions of Oromia and Amhara.
Ethiopian Premier Resigns
Ethiopia's prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, on February 15, 2018 resigned to pave the way, according to the rationale he had put forward as reason for his decision, for conducive environment to enhance the democratic process.
State of Emergency Declared in Ethiopia
A day after Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn had resigned from office as well as the head of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, ostensibly, under the pressure from coalition members from two rebellious regions--Oromo and Amhara--the Council of Ministers, the governing cabinet, imposed state of emergency on February 16, 2018. Ethiopia, a trusted ally of the west, may be going through one of the most turbulent political times in recent memory as political resistance to suppression has mounted, both in size and intensity, in recent years, and Addis Ababa has tried to assuage the dissent by freeing hundreds of political prisoners from jails last month. However, the gesture might be too late, too little to save the political future of premier Desalegn.
Notorious Prison Shuttered
State media reported on April 6, 2018 that the notorious Maekelawi Prison had been shut down as the country's premier, Abiy Ahmed, called for making up "for all the wrongs done in the past".
Ethiopia's Ruling Party Adopts Reforms Agenda, Holds Olive Branch for Eritrea
Continuing his streak of reconciliation, political mending and reforms, Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed now prodded the ruling party, Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, to adopt additional fiscal reforms and policies to pursue peace with Eritrea. The Executive Committee of the ruling party on June 5, 2018 adopted measures to:
* Reach out to Eritrea and revive the long-moribund peace process
* Make it easier for private sectors to invest in Ethiopia
Eritrea gained independence after a guerrilla movement overthrew the Communist Derg government in 1991. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki led the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in its independence movement and became the president in 1993. After EPLF defeated Ethiopian forces in 1991, Ethiopia's People's Revolutionary Democratic Front joined hands with EPLF and overthrew the Communist regime from Ethiopia. In a 1993 referendum, Eritrean people voted for the country's independence and formal recognition ensued later that year. The bilateral relationship was on normal track until border skirmishes erupted in 1998 over a nondescript border town, Badme. The border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia continued, killing tens of thousands of people, until 2000 when an accord was signed in Algiers between the two Horn of African nations. The 2000 accord, commonly known as Algiers Accord, was never implemented, mostly due to recalcitrance of Ethiopia, and occasional skirmishes were all but common, with the latest flare-up killing hundreds in 2016. Now, Ethiopia's new prime minister raised the hope for upholding the principles of Algiers Accord and implement its policies to bring peace to the Horn of Africa, there was optimism for at least one of several regional conflicts of the continent to be resolved.
Agreement Signed by Leaders to Normalize Relations between Horn of Africa Neighbors
It was a day of reckoning and new ray of hope for the entire Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's reform-minded Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, 42, on July 8, 2018 arrived at Asmara at a hero's welcome. The Eritrean capital wore a splendid look and festive atmosphere, with flags of neighbors fluttering side by side and sea of joyous crowd greeting the motorcade of Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki as it moved through Asmara's streets. Two leaders then met at a private meeting and attended a state dinner, before unveiling a landmark agreement and signing them. Under the July 8, 2018, historic agreement,
* Telephone connections between the nations were established immediately
* Respective embassies would be opened soon
* Ports and airlines would be accessed freely by both nations' citizenry
Not all of the people were happy by the turn of the events. As some people in the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray held demonstration against the normalization agreement.
Ethiopia Rolls out Red Carpet for Eritrea's President
Days after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his historic visit to Eritrea, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived at Addis Ababa on July 14, 2018 for a state visit that had an unmatched feeling of national pomp and prestige buoyed by a cheerful mass of Ethiopian people with the capital wearing with colorful flags of both nations.
********************************* BOEING 737 MAX CRASH ***********************
Second Boeing Max Crash in Five Months Raises International Suspicion
In a catastrophic aviation accident that's rare now because of technological development and increased training, an Ethiopian Airlines flight en route Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, in neighboring Kenya, crashed within minutes of take-off from Addis Ababa on March 10, 2019, killing all 157 people and crew onboard. What immediately caught the eyes of international community of aviation officials and safety experts were the similar flight patterns of both the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Indonesia's Lion Air Flight 610 that had crashed into the Java Sea on October 29, 2018, killing 189 passengers, under good weather condition. Both airlines flew Boeing's new Max 737 8 jets, raising suspicion of a possible software malfunction. The March 10, 2019, Addis Ababa to Nairobi flight of Ethiopian Airlines was carrying passengers from at least 35 nations, with a strong presence of U.N. staff. Many of the U.N. staff were on their way to a major U.N. conference to Nairobi.
Countries Ground 737 Max Planes, but U.S. Refrains from Grounding the Plane
A day after the second fatal crash in five months involving a Boeing 737 Max jet, many countries on March 11, 2019 grounded Max jets in an abundance of precaution. However, Federal Aviation Administration has yet to take any action on it, and thus, American Airlines and Southwest have continued flying Boeing 737 Max 8 jets. Meanwhile, U.N. identified at least 21 of its staff in the passenger list in the fateful Addis Ababa-Nairobi Ethiopian Airlines flight, Flight 302, involved in March 10, 2019, crash. Both Addis Ababa and Nairobi are regional hubs for U.N. operation.
Complaint of "Inadequate" Flight Manual Reported
Weeks before the March 10, 2019, Ethiopian airline crash, pilots in the U.S. had lodged complaints about the Boeing 737 Max planes, including one pilot who said that the "flight manual is inadequate and almost criminally insufficient". The Dallas Morning News put out this explosive report on March 12, 2019. The Dallas Morning News' report put FAA at the cross-hairs of legislative scrutiny and raised many questions around Boeing 737 Max certification process.
FAA Grounds Boeing 737 Max
A day after the ban on Boeing 737 Max reached from one continent to another, covering European Aviation Safety Agency that on March 12, 2019 joined many other airlines--including Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Norwegian Air Shuttle and South Korea's Eastar Jet--which had banned the jet earlier, Federal Aviation Administration on March 13, 2019 grounded the plane too. President Donald Trump, addressing the reporters at the White House, relayed the FAA's decision. The U.S. airlines to be impacted by the grounding order are Southwest and American, with 34 and 24 planes in their fleet, respectively. Before President Donald Trump's March 13, 2019, announcement to ground all Boeing 737 Max planes, FAA Administrator Daniel Elwell had a telephone talks with the president and a separate telephone conversation a day earlier between Trump and Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg. Elwell reasoned that FAA's decision was based on enhanced satellite images that showed a clear similarities of flight patterns between ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air jet. Explaining the delay in grounding, Elwell said that the aviation agency had to depend on satellite images in absence of good radar data near Addis Ababa where the flight had crashed.
Black Boxes Arrive at France
The Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder--consisting of the plane's Black Boxes--from the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 were retrieved from the crash site near Addis Ababa and sent to France on March 14, 2019 for further analysis. France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for the Civil Aviation Safety will conduct a thorough analysis of the content of Black Boxes of Flight 302.
A Critical Sensor's Malfunctioning May be Responsible for Ethiopian Airline's Crash
Ethiopia's Transportation Minister Dagmawit Moges told press correspondents at Addis Ababa on March 17, 2019 that she would issue a preliminary report on the March 10, 2019, crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in the next 30 days. She also said that, based on findings of analysis of Flight 302' Black Boxes by France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for the Civil Aviation Safety, there was a clear similarities between the pre-crash flight patterns for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 that had crashed on March 10, 2019 and the Lion Air Flight 610 that had crashed into Java Sea on October 29, 2018. Now, the investigators are zeroing on the malfunctioning of the angle-of-the-attack sensor, a sensor that every commercial plane has, that might have sent the wrong signals to the Boeing 737 Max' new software that has made the plane's nose dip downward to avert a stall.
Families Begin Burying Loved Ones
A week after the ill-fated plane crash minutes after the take-off from Addis Ababa on March 10, 2019 and a day after authorities handed over bags of scorched earth instead of body remains because of inability for proper identification of remains, grieved families of Ethiopian passengers of the Flight 302 began on March 17, 2019 the torturous ritual of burying their loved ones.
U.S. Investigation into Boeing 737 Max Begins even before Ethiopia Crash
The Bloomberg News reported on March 18, 2019 that U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector-General's Office and Department of Justice had launched investigations into a range of issues related to Boeing 737 Max in the aftermath of October 29, 2018, crash of Indonesia's Lion Air Flight 610 in the Java Sea minutes after takeoff. The pace of investigation has increased after March 10, 2019, crash of Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi.
A Off-duty Pilot Saved Flight
A hitherto unknown incident never included in the November 28, 2018, Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee's report on October 29, 2018, crash of Lion Air Flight 610 came to light recently and was published by various media, including The Dallas Morning News on March 20, 2019. The same flight of Lion Air a day before the ill-fated flight's crash had experienced same issue, and a third pilot, who happened to be on the cockpit and was off-duty, helped the crew to deactivate the flight control system. The identical malfunction of the flight control system in the next day was suspected to be the primary cause of the Lion Air Flight 610 into Java Sea. The system, known as Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, is designed to mitigate an aerodynamic stall by pointing the nose downward. MCAS helps point the nose of the plane downward if an Ange of Attack (AOA) sensor sends a message of a possible aerodynamic stall. The erroneous signals from AOA that auto-deployed MCAS are thought to be behind both the crashes on October 29, 2018 of Lion Air Flight 610 and March 10, 2019 of Ethiopian Airline Flight 302, respectively. There are two AOA sensors, and any one of them may activate MCAS for 737 Max 8 planes, therefore malfunction by any one of the two sensors may cause a fatal crash.
FBI Joins Criminal Investigation into Boeing 737 Max 8 Certification Process
FBI joined a continuing DOT probe into the certification process of Boeing 737 Max 8 model and a Washington D.C. grand jury had issued a subpoena on March 11, 2019 for information related to the plane's certification process. Although the subpoena has been issued a day after fatal March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 crash near Addis Ababa that had killed 157 passengers and crew members, FBI might have joined the probe before the accident in Ethiopia. DOT began the investigation after October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crash that had killed 189 passengers and crew members.
Boeing to Make an Optional Feature Permanent for Max
According media reports published on March 21, 2019, including The Dallas Morning News, Boeing will make an optional equipment a permanent fixture for all its grounded 737 Max aircraft. The optional equipment, called the Primary Flight Display, or PFD, AOA Indicator Display will give another tool to pilot to cross-check whether AOA alert signal is the correct one.
Boeing Releases a Flight Safety Software Update
Eight days after Lion Air crash, Boeing on November 6, 2018 issued a bulletin, describing how to de-activate and override an automated system, Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, thought to have a played a role in Indonesian carrier's crash. A day later, November 7, 2018, Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order warning that Boeing had discovered an "unsafe condition" that might recur in other MAX jets. On March 27, 2019, Boeing released a software update to MCAS that would depend on feeds of two AOA sensors instead of current version of one AOA sensor and limit how often the anti-stall system, MCAS, would be deployed.
Ethiopia Releases Preliminary Investigation Report
Releasing the nearly three-week long preliminary investigation report on April 4, 2019, Ethiopian Transportation Minister Dagmawit Moges drew the strongest connection yet between the October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crash in the Java Sea and March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 crash as the report highlighted what had gone wrong with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft right after takeoff from the airport in Addis Ababa. Ms. Moges said that the crew "performed all the procedures" to save the flight that had nose-dived because of the activation of MCAS due to a faulty reading from a sensor. The malfunction of the flight safety software was long thought as the driver of the two fatal crashes involving MAX aircraft.
Tense Meeting between AA Pilots and Boeing Reported
The Dallas Morning News reported on May 13, 2019 that Allied Pilots Association, American Airlines' pilots union, on February 26, 2019 had sought for records from Boeing related to November 2018 update to 737 MAX flight manual and any communication between American Airlines and Boeing. The February 26, 2019, query came after a November 27, 2018, tense meeting that APA officials had held with Boeing officials at the union headquarters in Fort Worth.
Pilots Suing Boeing for Lost Wages
Upping the ante, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) on October 7, 2019 announced that it would take the manufacturer of Boeing 737 MAX to court to seek compensation of lost wages that amounted to be around $100 million due to grounding of the aircraft after a March 2019 Ethiopian Airline plane crash.
Report Assails Boeing, FAA
A Joint Authorization Technical Review (JATR) report, commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration in June 2019, on October 11, 2019 took punches at the certification process of 737 MAX and held both Boeing and FAA accountable. The JATR panel--composed of former NTSB President Christopher Hart, representatives from NASA, FAA and countries and blocs such as China, Canada and the EU--took exception to how a critical flight safety software, or MCAS software, had been evaluated. FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson welcomed the "scrutiny". The report was submitted to FAA four days after SWAPA sued Boeing for $100 million in lost wages. Its president, Jon Weaks, called Boeing to share any information with pilots flight safety software. Allied Pilots Association President Eric Ferguson also expressed earlier his concern over "flawed" certification process.
Boeing Knew Safety Software Problems in 2016, Text Shows
The Seattle Times reported on October 18, 2019 that Boeing had information related to texts that the chief technical pilot of Boeing had exchanged back in 2016 with his successor, expressing his deep concern over the functional reliability of a safety software in Boeing 737 MAX. Although Boeing knew the vulnerability of MCAS since 2016, it had handed over the information related to text exchanges between the 737 Chief Technical Pilot Mark Forkner and his successor, Patrik Gustavsson, to the chief attorney of DoT only on October 17, 2019.
Boeing Suspends Max Production
Boeing on December 16, 2019 announced that it would halt production of 737 MAX at its Renton, Washington factory, thus about 12,000 employees there to be re-purposed to other businesses.
A House Panel Report Holds Boeing, FAA Responsible for Crash Causes
Democrats in the U.S. House Transportation Committee led by Rep. Peter DeFazio issued a searing report on March 5, 2020, tearing into a system of coziness between Boeing and FAA that allowed Boeing to become its own overseer on behalf of FAA and led the aircraft manufacturer to cut corners in 737 MAX airplanes. The committee report has taken a hard look at the system called the ODA, or Organization Designation Authorization, that lets Boeing to choose an Engineer of its own to inspect and audit the safety work.
Boeing
737 MAX Cleared to Return to Air
After
20-month grounding, Boeing’s one of the bumper products received the greenlight
from aviation regulators and inspectors on November 18, 2020 as Federal
Aviation Authority formally withdrew the grounding order that it had issued in March
2019 after two crashes had killed 346 people. Appearing at CNBC, FAA
Administrator Stephen Dickson said during the day that “I am 100 percent
confident” in the action taken by Boeing to rectify the flawed software and
federal regulators to inspect the changes made to the “most scrutinized” airplane
model in the U.S. history. It will take some time before fleet of 737 MAX
returns to the air as airlines’ pilots need to go through relevant training.
Southwest Airlines, which has the maximum number of MAX jets (34) among the U.S.
airlines, is not planning to fly before April 2021. American Airlines,
with 24 MAX planes, is the first to fly the plane on December 29, 2020
from Miami to La Guardia.
American
Resumes First 737 MAX Flight after almost Two Years
American
Airlines Flight 718
made history on December 29, 2020 as it took passengers from Miami to
La Guardia for the first time since Boeing 737 MAX had been grounded
in the Spring 2019. After Boeing carried out significant improvement in flight
software and FAA had revamped its [air worthiness] certification program,
American Airlines became the first U.S. airline to return the plane to the sky.
The 737 MAX plane later in the day returned to Florida.
Boeing
Test Pilot Indicted
A
Dallas grand jury on October 14, 2021 indicted a Boeing test pilot, Mark
Forkner, 49, for providing the “materially false, inaccurate and incomplete
information” to Federal Aviation Administration. The indictment alleged that
the resulting flight manual and pilot-training materials missed the key
components and references to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System
because of the defendant’s action.
Boeing in January 2020 settled with the Department of Justice for $2.5 billion. The U.S. government decided to drop criminal charges against Boeing after three years if the company lived up to letter and spirit of the January 2020 settlement. The settlement includes $243.6 million in fine, $1.8 billion in reparation to purchaser airlines and $500 million in compensation fund to victims' families. In exchange, U.S. government will not press charge against Boeing.
Forkner will appear at a Fort Worth federal court on October 15, 2021. He faces two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts violating the laws related to interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud.
Forkner Acquitted on All Counts
A Boeing test pilot, Mark Forkner, indicted on wire fraud over a
pair of Boeing 737-MAX crashes was on March 23, 2022 acquitted on
all four counts. Federal prosecutors alleged him of not telling the FAA and the
airlines that the pilots needed a more comprehensive training for a new flight software,
MCAS. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor of Fort Worth instructed
the jurors not to take Forkner’s refusal to testify as a sign of guilt.
Boeing Pleads not Guilty
Victims' relatives pushed to deprive Boeing from getting immunity from prosecution. They filed lawsuit challenging the settlement between the [U.S.] government and Boeing in which the aircraft maker pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal regulators as part of a $2.5 billion settlement. On January 26, 2023, Boeing pleaded not guilty in the federal court of the U.S. District Judge Connor O' Reed.
********************************* BOEING 737 MAX CRASH **********************
Ethiopia's Military Chief, Civilian Head of a Northern Province Assassinated
In a growing instability in a relatively stable country on a continent where stability is all but nonexistent for most of the nations, Ethiopia on June 22, 2019 plunged into crisis as a general, with strong anti-government bent, who had been recently pardoned by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after being put behind the bars by the previous regime, led a coup against the governor of northern Amhara region. The renegade brigadier, Brigadier General Asamnew Tsige, on June 22, 2019 led a group of soldiers in attacking the governor's mansion in the Amhara capital of Bahir Dar and killed the regional governor and an adviser, but failed in carrying out the coup. Amhara's attorney-general was seriously wounded, and struggling for his life. As of late June 22, 2019, security forces were hunting the renegade soldiers. In a related, but separated incident, hours later, army chief Gen. Seare Mekonnen was assassinated at his residence in Addis Ababa along with a retired army general.
Renegade General Killed, 180 Arrested
Two days after two separate assassinations targeted at undermining the authority of Ethiopia's reformist premier, Abiy Ahmed, the renegade military official, Brigadier General Asamnew Tsige, was hunted down at the outskirt of Bahir Dar, capital of Amhara, and killed by security forces on June 24, 2019. During the day, the wounded Amhara attorney-general succumbed to his injuries.
Ethiopian Premier Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on October 11, 2019 won the Nobel Peace Prize for "his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea".
Ethiopia's Military Chief, Civilian Head of a Northern Province Assassinated
In a growing instability in a relatively stable country on a continent where stability is all but nonexistent for most of the nations, Ethiopia on June 22, 2019 plunged into crisis as a general, with strong anti-government bent, who had been recently pardoned by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after being put behind the bars by the previous regime, led a coup against the governor of northern Amhara region. The renegade brigadier, Brigadier General Asamnew Tsige, on June 22, 2019 led a group of soldiers in attacking the governor's mansion in the Amhara capital of Bahir Dar and killed the regional governor and an adviser, but failed in carrying out the coup. Amhara's attorney-general was seriously wounded, and struggling for his life. As of late June 22, 2019, security forces were hunting the renegade soldiers. In a related, but separated incident, hours later, army chief Gen. Seare Mekonnen was assassinated at his residence in Addis Ababa along with a retired army general.
Renegade General Killed, 180 Arrested
Two days after two separate assassinations targeted at undermining the authority of Ethiopia's reformist premier, Abiy Ahmed, the renegade military official, Brigadier General Asamnew Tsige, was hunted down at the outskirt of Bahir Dar, capital of Amhara, and killed by security forces on June 24, 2019. During the day, the wounded Amhara attorney-general succumbed to his injuries.
Ethiopian Premier Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on October 11, 2019 won the Nobel Peace Prize for "his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea".
************************ TIGRAY CIVIL WAR ******************************
Tigray
Crisis: Ethiopian Warplanes Hitting Tigray Targets
After
eruption of fighting last week between Tigray’s security forces and federal
Ethiopian forces, Ethiopian aircraft continued punishing bombardment against
military targets in the northern Tigray region. Tigray’s regional
government, led by Tigray People’s Liberation Front, accused the federal
government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of
disregarding human rights and carrying out murders against civilians. However, an
Ethiopian military official said on November 9, 2020 that country’s
military was hitting “targets with precision” inside Tigray region. The tension
was brewing for long time as Abiy dissolved the previous coalition, in which TPLF
was a coalition partner, and tried to bring all the partners under the umbrella
of a single Prosperity Party. TPLF balked, and Tigray regional
government held local elections in September 2020, defying Abiy’s
warning. The U.N., Sudan and other regional countries asked both sides to find
a solution through negotiation.
Ethiopia
Sliding into Ethnic Flare-up, U.N. Warns
Since
the November 4, 2020, eruption of violence in Tigray region in northern
Ethiopia, situation is fast descending into total chaos and cross-current
of ethnic conflict. Amnesty International reported late November 12,
2020 that at a Tigray town, Mai-Kadra, hundreds of civilians had
been hacked to death on November 9, 2020. Local sources said that most
of the victims were ethnic Amharas. U.N. reported that at least 14,000
people from Tigray Region had fled to Sudan since November 9, 2020,
Mai-Kadra massacre. Tension is running very high in Tigray and internecine
ethnic tension, which had been brewing under the surface for quite some time,
between ethnic Tigrayans and Amharas erupted in November 9,
2020, massacre at Mai-Kadra. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,
a Nobel Peace Laureate, on November 13, 2020 directly appealed to Tigrayan
fighters in their native Tigrinya language to surrender in the next “two
or three days”. U.N human rights chief Michelle Bachelet urged both
sides to stop fighting as the situation was getting “totally out of control”.
Meanwhile, ethnic Tigrayans in other regions of Ethiopia are complaining that
they are being subjected to wide-spread discrimination after the current
conflict has erupted on November 4, 2020.
Eritrean
Airport Hit by Rocket; Civil War Expansion Feared
At
least three rockets are reported to have hit the international airport at
Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, on November 14, 2020 hours after leaders of Tigray
Region accused Eritrea of siding with federal government of Ethiopia
in attacking Tigrayan people. It’s not known whether there was any
casualty from the November 14, 2020, rocket attacks on Asmara’s
international airport. The crisis seems to be spawning over national boundaries
and has potential to suck in neighboring countries into an ever-growing ethnic
conflict. Meanwhile, Ethiopian government blamed Tigray People’s Liberation
Front for launching rocket attacks on two airports—airports at Gondar and
Bahir Dar—in Amhara Regions on November 13, 2020. At least
25,000 people fled the violence in Tigray to seek refuge in neighboring Sudan
as of November 14, 2020. The regional president of Tigray, Debretsion
Gebremichael, a strong votary of TPLF, on November 14, 2020
dismissed the Amnesty International report of an ethnic massacre at Mai-Kadra
on November 9, 2020, saying that it was intended to “incite hatred toward Tigrayans
in Ethiopia”. On November 14, 2020, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
issued a statement, confirming that “ethnic profiling and discrimination”
against ethnic Tigrayans “has risen".
Refugee
Influx Compounds Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis
The
strife in Tigray region in Ethiopia that had erupted after Ethiopian
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on November 4, 2020 announced a campaign of
targeted offensives in the region after an attack by forces loyal to Tigrayan
regional government had yielded to a regional crisis, with neighboring Sudan
bearing the brunt of refugee influx through its eastern borders. On November
15, 2020, more than 5,000 people from Tigray had crossed into two Sudanese
provinces—Kassala and al-Qadarif—a single day record of refugee
arrival since the November 4, 2020, eruption of the conflict. As of November
16, 2020, more than 25,000 people from Ethiopia’s Tigray region had crossed
the border into Sudan. However, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is reluctant
to heed international call to stop military campaign in Tigray, and instead,
called for TPLF to lay down the arms.
Ethiopia
Lurching in the Brink of Political, Military Crisis
In
the run-up to a 72-hour deadline, which expires November 25, 2020, issued
by Addis Ababa for Tigray People’s Liberation Front to surrender,
federal troops on November 24, 2020 reached at the doorstep of Tigray’s
capital, Mekele, which U.N. Human Rights Commission head Michelle Bachelet
called an absolutely “provocative”. U.N. Security Council met during the day
for the time to discuss the fast-deteriorating situation in Tigray region and
reposed faith in AU-led initiative.
Premier
Decries Interference amidst International Push to Find a Solution
The
genesis of Tigray imbroglio began as soon as Abiy Ahmed stepped in the premiership
in 2018 as the 25-year dominance of Tigray People’s Liberation Front,
or TPLF, in national politics had started to wane as Ahmed dissolved the long-time
coalition. As Abiy Ahmed formed his own government, TPLF stayed from
participating and went forward unilaterally to hold election in September 2020
despite federal government’s call to postpone it in the middle of a pandemic.
Now, the 72-hour deadline issued by Abiy Ahmed for TPLF to lay down arms
approaches on sundown November 25, 2020, an eerie silence has dawned
upon the capital of Tigray region, home to 6 million people. Federal troops zeroed
in on the capital, Mekele. Abiy Ahmed gave warning to the
civilians of Mekele to flee from the areas where TPLF fighters had dug
in. Communication was severed. U.N.S.C. on November 24, 2020 approved an
AU-led diplomatic push to deploy three envoys in the region aimed at finding a cease-fire
and a peaceful solution framework. The current head of African Union, South
African President Cyril Ramaphosa, is pushing the three-envoy diplomatic initiative,
but Abiy Ahmed has drawn a red line: they can not meet with TPLF leaders.
Meanwhile, on November 25, 2020, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
urged the “international community to refrain from any unwelcome and unlawful
acts of interference”. U.N. Human Rights Commission’s pleading to parties to
stave off deeper escalation seems to be falling on deaf ears as 40,000 people
from Tigray have fled their homes and sought shelter in neighboring Sudan and
more than 100,000 Eritrean refugees now staying in Tigray are facing
uncertainty and at crossfires of the conflict.
Ethiopian
Troops Ordered to Enter Tigray Capital
After
the expiry of a 72-hour deadline on November 25, 2020, Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed on November 26, 2020 ordered his troops to enter
Mekele, capital of Tigray. Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement,
promising to “take utmost care to protect civilians”.
Tigray’s
Capital Taken by Ethiopian Soldiers
Ethiopian
forces have completed taking the control over Mekele, the capital of Tigray
region, on November 28, 2020. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared
victory and said that forces would now pursue to arrest TPLF fighters.
According to rights groups, about 1 million of Tigray’s 6 million people were
uprooted by the fighting that had erupted on November 4, 2020. U.N.
High Commissioners for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that at least 40,000
people from Tigray had crossed the border into Sudan and sought refuge there since
November 4, 2020, eruption of the conflict.
Despite
Claim of Control, Scattered Fighting Continues in Tigray
After
claiming that government troops have full control of the capital of Tigray
region, Mekele, and granting international aid agencies the access to
the region to bring aid supplies upon which hundreds of thousands of people are
now dependent, most of the aid groups are now stuck at the border as scattered,
but intense, fighting between the government troops and TPLF fighters
are continuing as of December 4, 2020.
U.N.
Sounding Alarm Bell on Tigray
U.N.
human rights head on December 9, 2020
criticized the ground situation in Tigray region that remained inaccessible
days after an agreement reached last week between Ethiopian government and
international aid agencies to bring aid and supplies to the region, and described
the situation “spiraling out of control” and also called for deputizing
independent monitors in the region. A day earlier, Ethiopian forces opened fire
on a U.N. relief convoy. In response to U.N. criticism, Ethiopian government on
December 9, 2020 rejected deployment of any independent monitoring team,
calling them “baby-sitters".
Ethiopia
Accused of Forcibly Sending Eritrean Refugees back to Tigray Camps
U.N.
International Organization of Migration
said on December 11, 2020 that Ethiopian government-chartered buses had
arrived at its camp at Addis Ababa to round up Eritrean refugees who had
fled the camps in northern Tigray region bordering Eritrea
at the height of the fight between Ethiopian government and Tigray People’s
Liberation Front to take them back to Adi Harush and Mai Ani
camps. Those two camps near Eritrea border hosted about 50,000 refugees
prior to November 4, 2020, outbreak of the conflict between Ethiopian
government and TPLF. U.N. called the drive to take the refugees back to Adi
Harush and Mai Ani camps a “forcible” operation as panic struck
IOM-run camp at Addis Ababa after government-chartered buses started to pull in.
More
than 100 Killed in the Latest Ethnic Flare-up
In ethnic
violence that’s separate from what has been going on in the restive Tigray region,
more than 100 people have been killed, according to a report by The
Associated Press based on the information provided by the Ethiopian
Human Rights Commission on December 23, 2020. This ethnic violence
is separate from the ongoing campaign in Tigray region. According to Amnesty
International, a marauding band of armed men from the ethnic Gumuz community,
an indigent ethnic group in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, attacked the members
of Amhara, Oromo and Shinasha ethnic communities in the Metekel
zone of the region, torching their homes and killing more than 100 people.
Dozens of people remained unaccounted. Gumuz community’s significant number of
people see other ethnic neighbors as newcomers and settlers in their region. The
internecine tension among hundreds of ethnic groups in Ethiopia has become a destabilizing
force to reckon with for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as he is grappling
with another crisis in Tigray.
Reuter Journalist Arrested in Ethiopia
Stifling press freedom and compounding an already worsening relation between the government and media that had put a significant dent to the reputational asset of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, the federal security personnel on December 24, 2020 arrested a Reuters video journalist, Kumerra Gemechu, from his Adis Ababa home, according to Committee to Protect Journalists whose Africa program coordinator Angela Quintal on December 28, 2020 decried the pace of "eroding" press freedom under the rule of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Reuters on December 28, 2020 issued a statement, calling out the work of Gemechu as reflection of journalistic "professionalism and integrity". Reuters Editor-in-chief Stephen J.Adler condemned the arrest of Kumerra Gemechu as there was "no basis for his detention". This came days after December 16, 2020, beating of another Reuters photographer, Tiksa Negari, by two federal police personnel.
Amnesty Reports the Worst Massacre in Tigray
In a searing report made public on February 26, 2021, Amnesty International accused the Eritrean soldiers of carrying out the one of the worst massacres in the Tigray Region at the height of the conflict late last year. The massacre was reported to have happened in the northern Tigray city of Axum during November 28-29, 2020. Over a period of 24 hours, the Amnesty International report states, "Eritrean soldiers deliberately shot people on the street and carried out systematic house-to-house searches, extrajudicially executing men and boys". Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskei dismissed the Amnesty report as "preposterous accusations". However, Ethiopian government, instead of rejecting the Amnesty finding outright, called for a detailed investigation into November 28-29, 2021, Axum Massacre. Ethiopian Human Rights Commission head Daniele Bekele said that the Amnesty findings "should be taken very seriously". Eritrean government had bitter relations with the former Tigray administration that was also at loggerhead with Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy, putting longtime foes from the Horn of Africa on the same side in the regional Tigray crisis that had erupted in early November 2021.
U.S. Calls for an International Investigation in Tigray
A day after an Amnesty International report brought to light the worst massacre in Tigray in recent memory, this time carried out by Eritrean forces in a 24-hour span of November 28-29, 2020, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on February 27, 2021 issued a statement calling for cessation of all hostilities in Tigray and an international investigation into "killings, forced removals and displacements, sexual assaults and other extremely serious human rights violations and abuses by several parties that multiple organizations have reported in Tigray".
At
least 64 Tigrayans Killed in Government Airstrike in Ethiopia
In
what could be one of the worst violence targeting civilians since the campaign
in Tigray had begun in November 2020, an airstrike at a village, Togoga,
on June 22, 2021 killed at least 64 people. Ethiopian aircraft struck
a sprawling market at Togoga in Tigray. Although Ethiopian
government claimed that its airstrike had targeted Tigrayan rebels who had
assembled in the marketplace in the civilian clothes to mark the Martyrs’
Day, residents and local officials painted a different picture. Most of the
dead and injured, according to them, are women and children. What’s more
horrifying was that, in the aftermath of the deadly airstrike, Ethiopian
security forces blocked off the village of Togoga and surrounding areas
to prevent medical aid to reach the area and evacuate people to hospital in the
regional capital of Mekele, about 37 miles away, thus causing many
preventable deaths. As soon as the news of massacre emerged, U.S. called it “reprehensible”,
and EU and UK condemned the attack and called for immediate cease-fire in
Tigray.
Tigrayan Rebels Reported to Have Captured the Regional Capital
The Washington Post reported on June 28, 2021 that Tigray's main rebel forces had regained complete control over Tigray's capital city, Mekele, during the day, leading to thousands of residents to pour on streets for celebration. The officials of the Addis Ababa-backed interim government left the city ahead of the offensive led by Tigray Defense Forces. Tigray People's Liberation Front issued a statement during the day, claiming a "complete" win of Mekele.
Ethiopia
Suspends Two International Aid Organizations; U.N. Official Stresses on Aid to
Tigray
Two
international aid organizations said on August 3, 2021 that Ethiopian
government on July 30, 2021 had suspended their operations as Addis
Ababa blamed the Norwegian Refugee Council and Doctors Without
Borders for doing “public advocacy” instead of aiding people. Meanwhile, the
U.N. humanitarian chief, Martin Griffith, condemned Ethiopian government
for suspending the two most respected aid organizations of the world, and
stressed the need for providing immediate relief supplies to Tigray Region.
Prime Minister Calls Ethiopians to Join Fighting against Tigrayan
In a chilling summon that is reflective of an "annihilation" campaign, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on August 10, 2021 issued an unprecedented call for all Ethiopians to join the fight against Tigrayan rebels and finish the job "once and for all". The tone of the summon is not befitting of a head of a state, leave alone of a Nobel Laureate.
Widespread Rapes Perpetrated by Ethiopian and Allied Soldiers, Amnesty Says
Amnesty International reported on August 11, 2021 that Ethiopian soldiers, Eritrean military and Amhara militia had perpetrated widespread sexual assaults, including rapes, against Tigrayan women and girls, and apparently with impunity. The report's chief researcher, Donatella Rovera, one of the most renowned and veteran Amnesty researchers whose pioneering and often risky research endeavors had brought some of the gruesome tortures and perpetrations to the world's attention, told The Associated Press that even a veteran too used to such excesses had been shocked by the level of inhumanity shown by the Ethiopian soldiers and allied fighters.
Tigrayans Form Alliance to Oust Leader amidst Push towards Capital; U.N.S.C. Calls for Restraint
As Tigrayan forces are slowly, but surely, heading towards Addis Ababa, the rebellious region's politicians are forming a broader alliance to form a transition government. Former Ethiopian Foreign Minister Berhane Gebrechristos, a high-ranking Tigray politician, announced in Washington on November 5, 2021 the formation of an alliance that included military groups as well as political groups to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and establish a transition administration. The alliance includes Tigray forces, Oromo Liberation Army and seven other groups. The U.S. Embassy is asking all Americans to leave Ethiopia "as soon as possible". Ethiopian government sent an urgent missive to country's military veterans to join the army as the Horn of Africa nation faced its "existential war". Another Tigray official Yohanees Abraha said on November 5, 2021 that the goal of the alliance was to "establish a transitional arrangement in Ethiopia". An Oromo Liberation Army spokesman, Odaa Tarbii, even didn't rule out forcible removal of Abiy Ahmed.
Meanwhile, U.N. Security Council on November 5, 2021 called for refrain of all sides "from inflammatory hate speech and incitement to violence and divisiveness".
Food Stockpile “Exhausted” in Tigray, U.N. Says
The United Nations on January 20, 2022 said that there was
a severe scarcity of food and medicine in the Tigray region as the
federal government had imposed a crippling sanction regime on the region in June
2021. The U.N. called the current stockpile of food, fuels and medicines in
Tigray as “almost entirely exhausted” amidst about 50,000 children suffering from
severe malnourishment. The medical care for 6 million residents of Tigray region
descended into such a chaotic state that doctors were now using salt to treat wounds,
emergency rooms were overflowing with patients, medical providers were re-using
single-use items and healthcare infrastructure was teetering into the brink of
collapse, according to a statement issued this week by the International Committee
of the Red Cross. The 14-month conflict had devastated Tigray and
its neighboring regions of Amhara and Afar. However, Tigrayan
rebels had been forced out of Amhara and Afar under an intense air
campaign in late December 2021. Rebuilding has started in Amhara and
Afar in early January 2022, and more than half-a-million people in Amhara
received food assistance in the week ending January 12, 2022, according
to the U.N. update. During the same time, only 10,000 people in Tigray received
food assistance. As the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray drew
international condemnation and call for a safe passageway for food and medicine
into the region, the U.S. special envoy, David Satterfield, was in
Ethiopia on January 20, 2022 to push for peace and negotiation.
Ethiopia Lifts State of Emergency
After Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regime imposed the state of emergency in early November
2021 amidst a fast-deteriorating situation leading the Tigray region,
and even the national capital, spiraling out control, Ethiopians suffered under
strict laws restricting their movement and daily ways of life. However, with the
help of air assault and intensified fighting on the ground, the government in Addis
Ababa has been able to reverse the tide and push back the militants into
their own region. As things started to improve, the Council of Ministers led
by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on January 26, 2022 decided to lift the state
of emergency. On February 15, 2022, lawmakers put a stamp of approval for
ending the emergency rule. During the time of emergency, thousands of ethnic Tigrayans
are reported to have been detained. Now, it is to be seen whether the
government of Abiy Ahmed sets them free. The U.S. State Department
issued a statement on February 15, 2022 in response to lifting the
emergency rule that “this move be immediately followed by the release of all
individuals arrested or detained without charge under the state of emergency".
Hunger
from Civil War Kills 1,900 Children in Tigray Region
A
study conducted by a regional doctors’ group and seen by The Associated
Press estimated that at least 1,900 children under five years were
killed from hunger and malnutrition. The period in question is from June
2021 through April 1, 2022. The actual number will be far higher as the
estimate has been done based on the information collected from regional
clinics. The Western Tigray region, controlled by the neighboring Amhara
regional forces, is excluded from the study. The Associated Press
published the findings on April 20, 2022. Although the federal
government at Adis Ababa has announced a surprise truce on March 24,
2022, humanitarian supplies are yet to reach millions of Tigrayans who are
facing an imminent food and health crisis.
A Try for a Peace Deal in Africa’s Second-most Populous Nation
Exhausted by hundreds of thousands of killings and millions of people
displaced from their homes, warring sides in Ethiopia on November 2, 2022
reached an agreement to bring a bloody conflict that had erupted on November
4, 2020 to an end. The agreement was signed at Pretoria on November 2,
2022 by the lead negotiators of the Ethiopian side and Tigray People’s
Liberation Front. As Redwan Hussein of the Ethiopian government and Getachew
Reda of the TPLF have signed the agreement on November 2, 2022, many
observers are skeptical of the agreement’s implementation on the ground as the
two stakeholders in the Tigray conflict—Eritrean government and Amhara
regional authorities—are not party to the agreement. Former Kenyan
President Uhuru Kenyatta aptly captured many of the Africa experts’
sentiment that the “devil is in the implementation” of the agreement. The
final, detailed agreement is yet to be made public, but a joint statement pledged
for “a detailed program of disarmament” and “restoration of constitutional
order".
Military Leaders Sign Deal to End Tigrayan Conflict
Ten days after a landmark agreement was signed at Pretoria on
cessation of hostilities, top military commanders signed an agreement at Nairobi
on November 12, 2022 that called for, among others:
* Allowing humanitarian aid to flow into the affected region
* Disarmament that would be “done concurrently with the withdrawal of
foreign and non- (Ethiopian military) foreign forces” from Tigray
Ten days after a landmark agreement was signed at Pretoria on
cessation of hostilities, top military commanders signed an agreement at Nairobi
on November 12, 2022 that called for, among others, (1) allowing humanitarian
aid to flow into the affected region and (2) disarmament that would be “done concurrently
with the withdrawal of foreign and non- (Ethiopian military) foreign forces”
from Tigray. The negotiation has moved from Pretoria to Nairobi as
flurry of diplomacy is increasing with high-profile involvement of African
Union officials as well as two former presidents—Nigerian Olusegun Obasanjo
and Kenyan Uhuru Kenyatta. Next round of talks, if situation remains
peaceful, may occur in Tigrayan capital of Mekele.
Disarmament Talks Begin in Tigray Region
As part of the peace deal agreed in November 2022 by
representatives from Tigrayan rebel groups and Addis Ababa, a joint
committee, made up of officials from both sides, met inside the Tigray
region to discuss on disarmament, Ethiopian government said on December
1, 2022 as U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Ethiopian
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the day at the capital of the Horn of
Africa nation.
Air Service Resumes in Tigray
As part of the implementation of the peace deal signed in November 2022, the airline service between Tigrayan capital, Mekele, and Addis Ababa resumed on December 28, 2022. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest airline, will first serve the restive region one flight a day, but will increase the frequency over time.
Blinken Links U.S.-Ethiopia Relations Normalization to Tigrayan Progress
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on March 15, 2023 said that the normalization
of relationship between Ethiopia and U.S. was dependent on making measurable
progress in peace agreement implementation in northern Tigray region. During
the day, Blinken met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Afterward
addressing a press conference at Addis Ababa, Blinken said that, prior
to restoration of full diplomatic and trade relations with the U.S., there
should be measurable progress to ensure that “there are no ongoing gross
violations of human rights” in Tigray region.
U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Ethiopia, restricted financial
incentives to the Horn of Africa nation and suspended it from participating in
the African Growth and Opportunities Act, a preferential trade pact, as
the conflagration in Tigray began to draw attention of rest of the world and
spotlight on human rights abuses in Tigray. Under the weight of sanctions,
Addis Ababa is feeling the pain of economic duress, leading to a concerted
effort to reengage and normalize relations with the U.S.
Blinken also met with representatives from Tigray People’s Liberation
Front as well as Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen. Biden
announced $331 million in relief effort for Ethiopia.
************************ TIGRAY CIVIL WAR ******************************
Ethiopia Fires up the First Turbine of the Continent's Largest Hydroelectric Project
In a testament of the journey towards self-reliance and energy independence, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on February 20, 2022 officiated the first of 13 turbines of Africa's largest hydroelectric dam--Grand Ethiopian Renaissaince Dam--on the Blue Nile, a project that became a regional contentious issue among Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. Inaugurating the first turbine, Premier Abiy Ahmed sounded patriotic and victorious: "from now on, there will be nothing that will stop Ethiopia".
In a testament of the journey towards self-reliance and energy independence, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on February 20, 2022 officiated the first of 13 turbines of Africa's largest hydroelectric dam--Grand Ethiopian Renaissaince Dam--on the Blue Nile, a project that became a regional contentious issue among Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. Inaugurating the first turbine, Premier Abiy Ahmed sounded patriotic and victorious: "from now on, there will be nothing that will stop Ethiopia".
Situation in Ethiopia Dire because of International Food Aid Suspension
The U.S. Agency for International Development on June 29, 2023
rang alarm bell in the dire consequences that had been faced by the one-sixth
of Ethiopian population after the U.S. and U.N. suspended food aid in March
2023. In March 2023, international aid providers found massive theft
of aid materials in Tigray region. Ethiopian government officials are
suspected to have links to the massive theft. Subsequently, according to a June
29, 2023, statement attributed to the USAID, aid groups and western
officials had found “extreme scale and coordination of food aid diversion
identified across the country”, leading to extending the suspension of food aid
to the rest of Ethiopia. The situation in Ethiopia is now “wrenching” because
of the pause on the food aid, according to the USAID. U.S. and U.N. are
demanding that Ethiopian officials be removed from overseeing the food aid distribution
and introduce the biometric checks to ensure resumption of aid as soon as
possible.
Landlocked Ethiopia to Build a Marine Force Base in Breakaway Somaliland
As the most populous landlocked nation with 120 million people, Ethiopia
plays a significant role in ensuring regional security and stability. As
regional tension rises, Addis Ababa is increasingly on the lookout for an
opportunity to build a Marine Force base that will enhance not only the Horn of
Africa nation’s profile as a political and security powerhouse, but also as a
regional protector of the navigational right. On January 1, 2024, Ethiopian
Premier Abiy Ahmed Ali signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, with Somaliland
President Muse Bihi Abdi for Ethiopia to lease a 12.4-mile tract along the
coast from the breakaway region to build a Marine Force base.
Ethiopian Military Kills 66, Human Rights Group says
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported on February 13, 2024 that last
month Ethiopian soldiers had killed 66 civilians in three separate
incidents in Amhara region—45 people killed on January 29, 2024 in the town of
Merawi, 15 killed on January 19, 2024 in Berenta district, and six in the
Quarit district on January 15, 2024—accusing the residents of colluding with
the Fano militia. The fighting erupted in August 2023 as the government
had announced dissolving all rebel groups and integrating them with the
Ethiopian military.
GABON
President Wins by a Slim Margin, Extends Dynastic Rule
Gabon's president overcame a strong opposition and popular disenchantment to win the presidency by a meager 1.57 percent margin. As the country's electoral body announced on August 31, 2016 that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had won the elections over a resurgent Jean Ping, hundreds of opposition activists flooded the streets of Libreville, the capital, and began to vandalize properties. Ali Bongo's family has been ruling the central African nation over more than past half century.
Violence Hits Gabon over Disputed Polls
After Gabon's incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared elected in what opposition had dubbed as a sham election, violence erupted overnight in Libreville on August 31, 2016 that had led to widespread vandalism, setting fire to businesses and vehicles and large-scale property damage. Security forces had returned to capital's streets in the early morning of September 1, 2016, and a huge cordon was formed around the headquarters of opposition candidate Jean Ping.
Coup Ousts Family Dynasty in Gabon
A military coup orchestrated by the Republican Guard members in Gabon on
August 30, 2023 ousted the just-reelected president who along with his
father ruled the key central African nation for the past 55 years. The Republican
Guard commander, Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, was “unanimously”
designated to lead Gabon, a state TV report announced. Hours earlier, President
Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared winner of the recently held presidential
polls. Ali Bongo succeeded his father, late President Omar Bongo,
in 2009. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon for 41 years.
Ali Bongo was under house arrest. Although Ali Bongo urged the
countrymen to raise noise, the mood at Libreville and other cities was one of
jubilation as Gabonese people felt elated as the dynastic rule was about to end.
Republican Guard Commander Sworn in
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was sworn in as president on September 4, 2023.
GAMBIA
President Issues Decree for Female Government Employees to Put Veil
A month after Gambian President Yahya Jammeh declared the tiny African state an Islamic republic on the ground that majority of the people followed the religion, a presidential decree was issued on January 6, 2016 ordering all female government employees to cover their head during office hour.
Gambia's Authoritarian President Loses in Election
The series of electoral upsets that whipsawed the political establishments upside down in 2016 in various parts of the world seemed to have knocked down the long-time dictator of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, who used to jokingly say that he would rule for billions years. A former businessman Adama Barrow, who ran on the promise of restoring human rights, was declared winner on December 2, 2016. Barrow received 45.5 percent of the vote, edging out Yahya Jammeh, who seized power 22 years ago in a military coup, by 8.8 percent point.
Gambia Heading to Political Chaos after Long-Time Dictator Refuses to Step Down
A week after Gambia's long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh was defeated and apparently conceded to opposition candidate Adama Barrow, Jammeh on December 9, 2016 said that he would not recognize the poll results because of vote irregularities and would not thus step down, triggering a howl of diplomatic protests from African Union and the U.N. Addressing a press conference at the capital, Banjul, the victor of the presidential race, Adama Barrow said on December 10, 2016 that Jammeh's move was tantamount to subverting constitution. Senegal asked U.N. Security Council to call a special session on Gambian situation.
Gambian Military Occupies Election Commission Office
Amidst the call from African Union and the west growing louder for President Yahya Jammeh to respect the election results and peacefully transition power to opposition leader Adama Barrow, Gambian military on December 13, 2016 moved in to seize the election commission headquarters at Banjul as West African leaders were in the capital trying to find a solution to a brewing crisis. Responding to the military's move, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on December 14, 2016 warned the military not to compromise "sensitive election" materials.
West African Leaders to Intervene Militarily if President Does not Resign
A frustrated, but outraged, Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) on December 23, 2016 issued a stern message to Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh to quit by January 19, 2017. Meeting with reporters after a meeting at Lagos, Nigeria, ECOWAS President Marcel de Souza said on December 23, 2016 that the group had decided to repose the authority of leading any action, including military intervention, on Senegal to facilitate peaceful transition of power from Yahya Jammeh to Adama Barrow.
More Calls for Long-Term Gambian President to Quit
After several weeks of prodding and pressure that had failed to produce any result, more than 30 African heads of state and French President Francois Hollande met at a summit on January 14, 2017 at Bamako, capital of Mali, to discuss the crisis that was stemming from refusal of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to resign and spinning out of control by the day. The summit took extra significance because the mediation by the regional group ECOWAS was going nowhere. The summit called Jammeh to step down by next week so that the winner of the late last year's presidential election, Adama Barrow, could assume presidency.
Unpopular President Declares Emergency
Rejecting the demand made by a summit at Bamako three days earlier, Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh declared a state of emergency on January 17, 2017, two days prior to the day he was supposed to hand over powers, an on-your-face rebuttal to the international community that would isolate the regime further.
Tensions Running High as Deadline for President to Quit Nears
A day after the imposition of state of emergency, President Yahya Jammeh was facing pressure at home and abroad with at least 26,000 people crossing the borders into Senegal as a military intervention by the regional bloc ECOWAS looked all but certain if he didn't quit by the regional bloc-imposed deadline of 12:01 AM January 19, 2017. In a last ditch effort, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz shuttled back and forth on January 18, 2017 for a mediated settlement. As the night fell, the capital city of Banjul wore a deserted look, and ECOWAS soldiers massed along Gambian borders on the Senegalese side.
Opposition Winner Sworn in Abroad
As Gambia was hurtling downward toward a spiral of instability and violence, winner of the late last year's presidential polls, Adama Barrow, was sworn in as president at the Gambian embassy in Senegal on January 19, 2017. Barrow's inauguration in a foreign country implies the risk that Gambia is now facing with its long-term President Yahya Jammeh refusing to step down and, instead, imposing a state of emergency. Many of the ministers in Jammeh's cabinet had already quit, and according to the U.N., at least 26,000 Gambians had crossed the borders with Senegal to avoid violence. The situation in Gambia was so volatile even Barrow could not go to the country to attend the funeral of his killed by a dog this past weekend. Meanwhile, ECOWAS sources said that regional troops had entered Gambia on January 19, 2017.
Defeated President Agrees to Leave
Hours after it was clear that Gambia's defense forces chief Ousmane Badje would not throw his weight behind a rapidly declining authority of President Yahya Jammeh and an ECOWAS regional force having already crossed the border, President Jammeh announced in the early hours of January 21, 2017 that he would resign. Hours earlier, two of the regional leaders, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Guinean President Alpha Conde, had held hours-long meeting at Banjul to persuade Jammeh to leave office and avoid an imminent civil strife.
Gambia's Disgraced President Leaves the Country
Gambia's long-term ruler Yahya Jammeh left the country on January 21, 2017 with his family as part of a last-minute ECOWAS-brokered--negotiated on behalf of the west African regional group by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Guinean President Alpha Conde--deal reached a day earlier. As Jammeh walked toward his plane at Banjul International Airport, hundreds of his supporters waved at him, screaming "don't go, don't go". Many soldiers were seen weeping as Jammeh kissed a Quran and waved to his supporters for the last time before getting into the plane. Later his plane landed in Guinea. According to media sources, Jammeh and his family were reported to have been planned to fly into Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea. One of the reasons for which Equatorial Guinea might have been chosen was that the country was not a signatory to the statutes related to International Criminal Court.
First Woman to Become Gambia's V.P.
As Gambia awaits for return of the newly elected President Adama Barrow, Gambia's opposition coalition on January 23, 2017 has named, Fatoumata Tambajang, a former U.N. Development Program staffer and a key political figure who has been behind bringing a fractious opposition together to oust long-term dictator Yahya Jammeh late last year.
Gambian Parliament Undoes Ex' Draconian Acts
Gambia's parliament on January 24, 2017 took twin steps to erase the undemocratic and autocratic measures adopted by the former President Yahya Jammeh in his waning days of power. Lawmakers voted to lift the state of national emergency, and then revoked a three-month extension of Jammeh's term that they had granted just last week.
New President Arrives from Senegal
Gambia's new President Adama Barrow, who had been sworn in a week ago in neighboring Senegal, arrived at Banjul on January 26, 2017 to a warm reception by Gambian people. People thronged the route from the airport, waving flags and raising chants in favor of Barrow.
Gambia's New President Consolidates Authority with Win in Parliamentary Polls
The United Democratic Party of President Adama Barrow unseated long-held majority of the political party of once-invincible, former dictator Yahya Jammeh, in the National Assembly, according to announcement by the Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission on April 7, 2017. UDP had won 31 seats in 53-member National Assembly, with Barrow to appoint an additional six members, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Gambia Launches a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission
Amid expectation that the perpetrators of rights abuses during 23-year autocratic rule of Yahya Jammeh Gambian President Adama Barrow on October 15, 2018 unveiled a 11-member truth, reconciliation and reparation commission to investigate into excesses between July 1994 and January 2017. Gambian-born International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that the investigation would help the country to "reckon with its past".
Gambian Truth Commission Recommends Trial for Former Dictator
GAMBIA
President Issues Decree for Female Government Employees to Put Veil
A month after Gambian President Yahya Jammeh declared the tiny African state an Islamic republic on the ground that majority of the people followed the religion, a presidential decree was issued on January 6, 2016 ordering all female government employees to cover their head during office hour.
Gambia's Authoritarian President Loses in Election
The series of electoral upsets that whipsawed the political establishments upside down in 2016 in various parts of the world seemed to have knocked down the long-time dictator of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, who used to jokingly say that he would rule for billions years. A former businessman Adama Barrow, who ran on the promise of restoring human rights, was declared winner on December 2, 2016. Barrow received 45.5 percent of the vote, edging out Yahya Jammeh, who seized power 22 years ago in a military coup, by 8.8 percent point.
Gambia Heading to Political Chaos after Long-Time Dictator Refuses to Step Down
A week after Gambia's long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh was defeated and apparently conceded to opposition candidate Adama Barrow, Jammeh on December 9, 2016 said that he would not recognize the poll results because of vote irregularities and would not thus step down, triggering a howl of diplomatic protests from African Union and the U.N. Addressing a press conference at the capital, Banjul, the victor of the presidential race, Adama Barrow said on December 10, 2016 that Jammeh's move was tantamount to subverting constitution. Senegal asked U.N. Security Council to call a special session on Gambian situation.
Gambian Military Occupies Election Commission Office
Amidst the call from African Union and the west growing louder for President Yahya Jammeh to respect the election results and peacefully transition power to opposition leader Adama Barrow, Gambian military on December 13, 2016 moved in to seize the election commission headquarters at Banjul as West African leaders were in the capital trying to find a solution to a brewing crisis. Responding to the military's move, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on December 14, 2016 warned the military not to compromise "sensitive election" materials.
West African Leaders to Intervene Militarily if President Does not Resign
A frustrated, but outraged, Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) on December 23, 2016 issued a stern message to Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh to quit by January 19, 2017. Meeting with reporters after a meeting at Lagos, Nigeria, ECOWAS President Marcel de Souza said on December 23, 2016 that the group had decided to repose the authority of leading any action, including military intervention, on Senegal to facilitate peaceful transition of power from Yahya Jammeh to Adama Barrow.
More Calls for Long-Term Gambian President to Quit
After several weeks of prodding and pressure that had failed to produce any result, more than 30 African heads of state and French President Francois Hollande met at a summit on January 14, 2017 at Bamako, capital of Mali, to discuss the crisis that was stemming from refusal of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to resign and spinning out of control by the day. The summit took extra significance because the mediation by the regional group ECOWAS was going nowhere. The summit called Jammeh to step down by next week so that the winner of the late last year's presidential election, Adama Barrow, could assume presidency.
Unpopular President Declares Emergency
Rejecting the demand made by a summit at Bamako three days earlier, Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh declared a state of emergency on January 17, 2017, two days prior to the day he was supposed to hand over powers, an on-your-face rebuttal to the international community that would isolate the regime further.
Tensions Running High as Deadline for President to Quit Nears
A day after the imposition of state of emergency, President Yahya Jammeh was facing pressure at home and abroad with at least 26,000 people crossing the borders into Senegal as a military intervention by the regional bloc ECOWAS looked all but certain if he didn't quit by the regional bloc-imposed deadline of 12:01 AM January 19, 2017. In a last ditch effort, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz shuttled back and forth on January 18, 2017 for a mediated settlement. As the night fell, the capital city of Banjul wore a deserted look, and ECOWAS soldiers massed along Gambian borders on the Senegalese side.
Opposition Winner Sworn in Abroad
As Gambia was hurtling downward toward a spiral of instability and violence, winner of the late last year's presidential polls, Adama Barrow, was sworn in as president at the Gambian embassy in Senegal on January 19, 2017. Barrow's inauguration in a foreign country implies the risk that Gambia is now facing with its long-term President Yahya Jammeh refusing to step down and, instead, imposing a state of emergency. Many of the ministers in Jammeh's cabinet had already quit, and according to the U.N., at least 26,000 Gambians had crossed the borders with Senegal to avoid violence. The situation in Gambia was so volatile even Barrow could not go to the country to attend the funeral of his killed by a dog this past weekend. Meanwhile, ECOWAS sources said that regional troops had entered Gambia on January 19, 2017.
Defeated President Agrees to Leave
Hours after it was clear that Gambia's defense forces chief Ousmane Badje would not throw his weight behind a rapidly declining authority of President Yahya Jammeh and an ECOWAS regional force having already crossed the border, President Jammeh announced in the early hours of January 21, 2017 that he would resign. Hours earlier, two of the regional leaders, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Guinean President Alpha Conde, had held hours-long meeting at Banjul to persuade Jammeh to leave office and avoid an imminent civil strife.
Gambia's Disgraced President Leaves the Country
Gambia's long-term ruler Yahya Jammeh left the country on January 21, 2017 with his family as part of a last-minute ECOWAS-brokered--negotiated on behalf of the west African regional group by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Guinean President Alpha Conde--deal reached a day earlier. As Jammeh walked toward his plane at Banjul International Airport, hundreds of his supporters waved at him, screaming "don't go, don't go". Many soldiers were seen weeping as Jammeh kissed a Quran and waved to his supporters for the last time before getting into the plane. Later his plane landed in Guinea. According to media sources, Jammeh and his family were reported to have been planned to fly into Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea. One of the reasons for which Equatorial Guinea might have been chosen was that the country was not a signatory to the statutes related to International Criminal Court.
First Woman to Become Gambia's V.P.
As Gambia awaits for return of the newly elected President Adama Barrow, Gambia's opposition coalition on January 23, 2017 has named, Fatoumata Tambajang, a former U.N. Development Program staffer and a key political figure who has been behind bringing a fractious opposition together to oust long-term dictator Yahya Jammeh late last year.
Gambian Parliament Undoes Ex' Draconian Acts
Gambia's parliament on January 24, 2017 took twin steps to erase the undemocratic and autocratic measures adopted by the former President Yahya Jammeh in his waning days of power. Lawmakers voted to lift the state of national emergency, and then revoked a three-month extension of Jammeh's term that they had granted just last week.
New President Arrives from Senegal
Gambia's new President Adama Barrow, who had been sworn in a week ago in neighboring Senegal, arrived at Banjul on January 26, 2017 to a warm reception by Gambian people. People thronged the route from the airport, waving flags and raising chants in favor of Barrow.
Gambia's New President Consolidates Authority with Win in Parliamentary Polls
The United Democratic Party of President Adama Barrow unseated long-held majority of the political party of once-invincible, former dictator Yahya Jammeh, in the National Assembly, according to announcement by the Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission on April 7, 2017. UDP had won 31 seats in 53-member National Assembly, with Barrow to appoint an additional six members, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Gambia Launches a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission
Amid expectation that the perpetrators of rights abuses during 23-year autocratic rule of Yahya Jammeh Gambian President Adama Barrow on October 15, 2018 unveiled a 11-member truth, reconciliation and reparation commission to investigate into excesses between July 1994 and January 2017. Gambian-born International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that the investigation would help the country to "reckon with its past".
Gambian Truth Commission Recommends Trial for Former Dictator
Gambia’s
truth, reconciliation and reparation commission recommended setting up of an independent,
international panel to try the former ruler, Yahya Jameh, on incidents
of torture, murder and sexual violence. The Associated Press reported on
December 25, 2021 on this long-awaited recommendation report.
GHANA
Opposition Leader Wins Election
A week after Gambian voters surprised Africa by defeating long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh, Ghana's Election Commission on December 9, 2016 named the opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo the winner in the presidential election. Nana Akufo-Addo received 53.8 percent vote, edging past incumbent President John Mahama (44.4 percent), who conceded in a televised address later in the night.
GUINEA
Incumbent Wins Second Term
In the second democratic election since the country won independence from France in 1958, Guinea's President Alpha Conde won the second term in October 11, 2015, presidential polls by winning nearly 58 percent vote. As the official results were announced on October 17, 2015 in Conakry, it was clear that Conde had outpolled his primary challenger Cellou Dalein Diallo, who had received 31 percent.
President Sworn in for the Second Term
In a feat and flourishing contribution to gradually expanding democracy in Africa, Guinean President Alpha Conde was sworn in for his second term on December 14, 2015 after a peaceful and democratic election on October 11, 2015. The capital Conakry wore a festive-like look during the day.
GHANA
Opposition Leader Wins Election
A week after Gambian voters surprised Africa by defeating long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh, Ghana's Election Commission on December 9, 2016 named the opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo the winner in the presidential election. Nana Akufo-Addo received 53.8 percent vote, edging past incumbent President John Mahama (44.4 percent), who conceded in a televised address later in the night.
GUINEA
Incumbent Wins Second Term
In the second democratic election since the country won independence from France in 1958, Guinea's President Alpha Conde won the second term in October 11, 2015, presidential polls by winning nearly 58 percent vote. As the official results were announced on October 17, 2015 in Conakry, it was clear that Conde had outpolled his primary challenger Cellou Dalein Diallo, who had received 31 percent.
President Sworn in for the Second Term
In a feat and flourishing contribution to gradually expanding democracy in Africa, Guinean President Alpha Conde was sworn in for his second term on December 14, 2015 after a peaceful and democratic election on October 11, 2015. The capital Conakry wore a festive-like look during the day.
Coup Throws Guinea into Turmoil
A section of military on September 5, 2021 deposed the long-term President Alpha Conde and detained him at an unknown place. Guinea's borders have been closed and constitution has been suspended. The commander of Guinea's special forces unit, Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, addressed the nation later, saying that "we will no longer entrust politics to one man. We will entrust it to the people". However, the condemnation was swift and steadfast. The regional group, Economic Cooperation of West African States, or ECOWAS, promptly criticized the coup d'etat. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted, blasting against "any takeover of the government by the force of the gun". President Alpha Conde, 83, was initially popular with a broad segment of the society. However, last year he had decided to re-run in the presidential election despite a term limit, evoking strong reaction from political opposition as well as from a broad swath of the populace.
Junta Solidifies Its Grip on Power
A day after orchestrating a coup and deposing President Alpha Conde, the junta on September 6, 2021 tightened the noose on a leery nation and consolidated its hold on power. The military asked the members of the outgoing cabinet to turn over their passports, and dissolved parliament. It had suspended the constitution too.
************************************ IGAD BLOC ***********************************
50 Million Lack Enough Food
An assessment report issued by Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, painted a dire picture on food inecurity for all its seven eastern African member nations. The IGAD report issued on July 22, 2022 said that the region might be facing a moment of reckoning with 50 million people facing downright food insecurity. The report highlighted 300,000 people in South Sudan and Somalia to experience a full-fledged famine situation. US Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power on July 22, 2022 announced at Addis Ababa a $255 million drought-focused aid for the region.
************************************ IGAD BLOC ***********************************
IVORY COAST
Peaceful Elections Held in Ivory Coast; President Re-elected
Unlike the last presidential election in 2011 in which at least 3,000 people were killed as the then-incumbent Laurent Gbagbo had refused to step down after poll defeat, resulting in an international intervention that had put the current leader, Alassane Ouattara, a respectable U.S.-trained economist and a former top official of the International Monetary Fund, in presidency, the presidential polls on October 25, 2015 were held peacefully. The provisional results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission on October 28, 2015 showed a thumping victory for Ouattara, 73, who had received 83.7 percent of the 3.1 million votes counted, with the opposition candidate Pascal Affi N'Guessan of the Ivorian Popular Front, former ruling party founded by Gbagbo, who is awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court in the Hague on charges of violence in 2011 elections, receiving a paltry 9.3 percent vote. Two other minor opposition candidates, Essy Amara and Mamadou Koulibaly, pulled out of the race to protest lack of fairness in the electoral process. The turnout in the October 25, 2015, presidential elections was about 54 percent.
Gunmen Attack Beach Resort, Kill at least 16
To prove its presence in the midst of rapidly expanding influence of ISIL, African franchise of al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, on March 13, 2016 carried out a heinous attack in the UNESCO World Heritage seaside town of Grand-Bassam, 25 miles east of capital, Abidjan. Gunmen opened fire on a crowd of revelers and tourists, leading to state of mayhem, chaos and confusion. At least 14 civilians, two special forces soldiers and all six assailants were killed in the gun battle with the security forces, according to President Alassane Ouattara, who had visited the Grand-Bassam in the aftermath of the attack.
U.N. Mission in Ivory Coast Ends
After 13 years, one of the longest missions in Africa ended on June 30, 2017 as U.N. had wrapped up its peacekeeping operation, but unity and political stability remained illusive.
Former President Acquitted, Released
Ivory Coast's former President Laurent Gbagbo was acquitted on January 15, 2019 on all charges by a tribunal of judges from the International Criminal Court. Gbagbo, who had been under ICC custody since November 2011, and a former youth minister were released on February 1, 2019 to the jubilation of a boisterous pro-Gbagbo crowd. They had urged their leader to return to Ivory Coast and run in the 2020 presidential election.
IVORY COAST
Peaceful Elections Held in Ivory Coast; President Re-elected
Unlike the last presidential election in 2011 in which at least 3,000 people were killed as the then-incumbent Laurent Gbagbo had refused to step down after poll defeat, resulting in an international intervention that had put the current leader, Alassane Ouattara, a respectable U.S.-trained economist and a former top official of the International Monetary Fund, in presidency, the presidential polls on October 25, 2015 were held peacefully. The provisional results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission on October 28, 2015 showed a thumping victory for Ouattara, 73, who had received 83.7 percent of the 3.1 million votes counted, with the opposition candidate Pascal Affi N'Guessan of the Ivorian Popular Front, former ruling party founded by Gbagbo, who is awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court in the Hague on charges of violence in 2011 elections, receiving a paltry 9.3 percent vote. Two other minor opposition candidates, Essy Amara and Mamadou Koulibaly, pulled out of the race to protest lack of fairness in the electoral process. The turnout in the October 25, 2015, presidential elections was about 54 percent.
Gunmen Attack Beach Resort, Kill at least 16
To prove its presence in the midst of rapidly expanding influence of ISIL, African franchise of al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, on March 13, 2016 carried out a heinous attack in the UNESCO World Heritage seaside town of Grand-Bassam, 25 miles east of capital, Abidjan. Gunmen opened fire on a crowd of revelers and tourists, leading to state of mayhem, chaos and confusion. At least 14 civilians, two special forces soldiers and all six assailants were killed in the gun battle with the security forces, according to President Alassane Ouattara, who had visited the Grand-Bassam in the aftermath of the attack.
U.N. Mission in Ivory Coast Ends
After 13 years, one of the longest missions in Africa ended on June 30, 2017 as U.N. had wrapped up its peacekeeping operation, but unity and political stability remained illusive.
Former President Acquitted, Released
Ivory Coast's former President Laurent Gbagbo was acquitted on January 15, 2019 on all charges by a tribunal of judges from the International Criminal Court. Gbagbo, who had been under ICC custody since November 2011, and a former youth minister were released on February 1, 2019 to the jubilation of a boisterous pro-Gbagbo crowd. They had urged their leader to return to Ivory Coast and run in the 2020 presidential election.
Ivory
Coast’s President Wins a Third Term amid Controversies and Vote Fraud
Allegation
Ivory
Coast’s October 31, 2020,
presidential election was fraught with uncertainties, obstructions put on the
roads of political opposition at the outset and lack of transparency. To start
with, 40 of 44 opposition candidates had been disqualified from the race, including
Former President Laurent Gbagbo and Former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro,
paving the way for incumbent, Alassane Ouattara, to win a third term.
The only three remaining opposition candidates were Pascal Affi N’Guessan,
Henri Konan Bedie and Kouadio Konan Bertin, out of whom the first
two candidates had urged their followers to boycott the polls. International
observers were also skeptical of people’s mandate and people’s participation in
the October 31, 2020, election with most of the political parties
boycotting. Ivory Coast’s election commission reported that the
percentage of voter participation was about 53.9%, a number contested by
opposition parties as they had pegged the number to 10%. On November
3, 2020, country’s electoral commission announced that President
Alassane Ouattara had won the election by getting almost 94.3% vote.
Meanwhile, opposition protesters are hitting the streets of capital, Abidjan,
to protest the vote fraud.
KENYA
Twin Bombings at Nairobi Kill 10
Two minutes-apart car bombs exploded at Nairobi's Gikomba Market on May 16, 2014, killing 10 people and wounding more than 70. Meanwhile, British tourists were being evacuated from Mombasa and surrounding resort areas as part of pre-caution and the US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec wrote a letter on May 16, 2014 to his staff, saying that he had requested for additional security from Kenyan government and US State Department for additional security for the embassy. The twin bombings on May 16 was the latest testament of Somalia's unrest spilling over the borders to Kenya and worst incident since four Al-Shabab gunmen wrought mayhem and murderous spree at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi in September 2013, killing at least 67 people. Appearing before journalists at a previously planned news conference, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on May 16, 2014 offered his condolences, but dismissed the US and British travel and tourism warning.
Two-day Killing Spree Raises Specter of Terrorism in Kenya
Gunmen stormed the the town of Mpeketoni on June 15, 2014, knocking doors and killing indiscriminately if they found if residents were non-Muslims. At least 48 people were killed. Following night (June 16, 2014), gunmen replayed the same savagery in a neighbouring town, Majembeni, killing at least 15 people. Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the two-day long mayhem. However, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta provided a new twist on June 17, 2014 to the slaughters of Mpeketoni and Majebeni by saying that it was local thugs, not al-Shabab militants, who had committed the murders.
Kenyan President to Temporarily Step Down
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 6, 2014 announced that he would temporarily step down to attend the International Criminal Court hearings on October 8. Kenyatta will hand over the power to the Vice President William Ruto. Kenyatta is facing crimes against humanity charges by the Hague-based court for his involvement in 2007 ethnic conflict that had erupted right after the presidential polls and killed 1,000 people.
Massacre by Islamic Militants at the Border Town
Somalia-based al-Shabab struck the Kenyan border town of Mandera on November 22, 2014, killing at least 28 people. The militants stopped a bus, asked all its passengers to get down and separated the ones who couldn't say Shahada, a tenet related to Muslim faith. Then they systemically executed the perceived non-Muslim passengers.
Terrorists Strike Again in Kenya
Ten days after al-Shabab militants were accused of killing 28 bus passengers, the Somali militant group was accused of killing again 36 people at a quarry in Mandera. Militants employed the same tactic of asking its targeted victims an Islamic creed, and whoever were not able to recite it was executed in cold blood on December 2, 2014. Meanwhile, facing pressure, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 2, 2014 fired his interior chief, Joseph Ole Lenku, a former hotelier, and appointed a former general, Joseph Nkaissery.
Charges Dropped Against Kenyan President
International Criminal Court at The Hague on December 5, 2014 dropped all charges against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, underscoring the immense difficulty in bringing charges, securing witnesses and holding accountable of sitting head of any nation. Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expressed helplessness in her effort to bring evidence against the president.
Gruesome Massacre at a Kenya University Horrifies the Nation
In the wee hours of April 2, 2015, about four to ten gunmen entered the Garissa University College dormitory, awoke up the students and carried out one of the horrendous mass murders in recent memory. By the day's end, at least 147 students were killed and hundreds wounded, shocking the entire nation and the world. Kenya's specially trained commando brought the siege to end by entering the dormitory and killing all the gunmen, who the Somalia-based Al-Shabab claimed to have belong to the organization. The White House on April 2, 2015 sent a clear message of solidarity with and support for the Kenyan people in the hour of need.
Kenya's President Vows Tough Measures in Response to University Killing
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, addressing the nation over TV, vowed on April 4, 2015 to take tough military stance against the perpetrators of April 2, 2015, Garissa University College massacre. Bodies of four gunmen, who had carried out the massacre, were displayed in public, and a manhunt was on to nab the mastermind, Mohamed Mohamud, also known as Dulyadin Gamadhere, a former teacher at a Kenyan Islamic school. Meanwhile, Somali extremist group Al-Shabab on April 4, 2015 threatened more severe attacks in Kenya for sending troops to Somalia in October 2011.
Kenya Bombs Militant Targets in Somalia
Kenyan Air Force on April 5 and April 6 bombed the Al-Shabab targets in Gedo region of western Somalia as part of harsh response to April 2, 2015, gruesome massacre at Garissa University College.
Kenya Asks UN to Close a Somali Refugee Camp
Responding to April 2, 2015, Garissa University College massacre, Kenyan Vice President William Ruto on April 12, 2015 demanded U.N. High Commission for Refugees to shutter the U.N.-run Dadaab Refugee Camp in the country's east near the Somali borders in three months and relocate approximately 400,000 refugees to Somalia, failing which his country would send them back, an ultimatum that many believed was the outcome of general population's anger toward the government for failing to check Al-Shabab from recruiting in the sprawling refugee camp.
Al-Shabab Cross-Border Attack Kills 14 Kenyan Villagers
Gunmen under the darkness invaded two compounds at a brick kiln in northern Kenya, near the borders with Somalia, and killed 14 workers on July 7, 2015 as they were sleeping. Al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the attack that killed 14 at Soko Mbuzi village.
Obama Calls for Tolerance for Gays
Visiting his father's birth nation for the first time as sitting president, Barack Obama on July 25, 2015 called for tolerance and respect for gays in Kenya. However, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was less committal.
Pope Francis Inspires Kenyans in Fist Leg of His Africa Trip
Hallmark of his papacy, Pope Francis during his three-nation Africa sweep visited a slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kangemi slum, on November 27, 2015, and lashed out against so-called "new forms of colonialism", a reiterative theme of papal message.
Nobel Prize Winner Visits the Largest Refugee Camp on Her 19th B. Day
Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousufzai on July 12, 2016 celebrated her nineteenth birthday in a compassionate and compelling gesture by visiting the world's largest refugee camp at Dadaab, Kenya. Residents of the Dadaab Camp, which has been created about 25 years ago and currently housing about 300,000 people, mostly Somali refugees, were enthusiastic to see the young Nobel Laureate. Directly appealing to the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Malala called for the camp's children to be provided education.
Somali Militants Behead Nine Civilians
Al-Shabab militants carried out one of the most gruesome attacks on July 9, 2017 in the neighboring Kenya when they beheaded 9 civilians in the Lamu County on the country's southeast coast.
Kenya's Presidential Polls Lauded by International Observers, but Decried by Opposition
The August 8, 2017, Kenyan presidential election was greeted by Carter Center's observer and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as "an inspiring day in Kenya watching democracy in action". The election pitted two main tribal groups at loggerheads, with Kikuyu aligned with the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta and Luo with the opposition candidate Raila Odinga. The winner has to get at least 50 percent of popular vote nationwide and at least 25 percent vote in at least 24 of Kenya's 47 counties.
Violence Breaks out; Opposition Cries Foul over Election Manipulation
As President Uhuru Kenyatta was surging ahead of his rival Raila Odinga in August 8, 2017, presidential polls, violence erupted on August 9, 2017 as opposition took to streets accusing the ruling party, Jubilee Party, of vote manipulation. Odinga alleged during the day that hacking took place in the electoral system and vote was manipulated to tilt the results for Kenyatta. However, Kenya's Election Commission defended the integrity of the August 8, 2017, poll, saying that there was "no interference before, during and after" the August 8, 2017 poll. Opposition pointed to the July 31, 2017, murder of Christopher Msando, who was in charge of the IT system of the electoral system. Odinga claimed that someone stole the identity of Msando to hack the electoral system.
Opposition Leader Demands Annulment of Polls
Opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who had received 44.83 percent vote to Uhuru Kenyatta's 54.28 percent vote, according to the Election Commission, said on August 10, 2017 that based on "confidential" information inside the election panel, he had won the August 8, 2017, presidential polls.
Kenyatta Declared Official Winner of Presidential Election
On August 11, 2017, Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officially named Uhuru Kenyatta as the winner of August 8, 2017, presidential election. However, Raila Odinga's National Super Alliance refused to accept the election commission's results. Meanwhile, spontaneous protests erupted after the electoral panel's declaration, with violence gripping parts of Nairobi and Kisumu, the third-largest Kenyan city and the birthplace of Odinga.
Kenyan Presidential Election Ruled Null and Void by Supreme Court
In a historic ruling that also reflected, to the delight of human rights groups, growing independence of a judiciary, Kenya's Supreme Court on September 1, 2017 invalidated the results of August 8, 2017, presidential election, saying that the country's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had "committed irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results". The six-judge Supreme Court, however, did not find any fault with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had been declared winner after receiving 54 percent of the vote over opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had received 44 percent. The apex court also ordered the electoral panel to hold a new election within 60 days. The bold ruling by the Supreme Court raises not only the visibility, but also the judicial authority and independence, of the court and Supreme Court Chief Justice David Maraga to the world.
New Presidential Polls Set for October 17
Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on September 4, 2017 announced the new date of the presidential election to comply with the Supreme Court's September 1, 2017, order. The new date was set for October 17, 2017, but the main opposition leader Raila Odinga rejected the new date, accusing the electoral commission of working at the behest of the ruling Jubilee Party.
Opposition Candidate to Boycott New Polls as Supreme Court Rejects Petition against Vote
Opposition candidate Raila Odinga on October 25, 2017 announced that he was transforming his political party into a resistance movement and asked his followers to stay away from the presidential re-poll after the country's supreme court had rejected during the day a petition to postpone the vote, paving the way for Kenya to have the re-poll on October 26, 2017.
Re-poll Held amid Violence
The much anticipated presidential replay was held on October 26, 2017 as violence flared up in opposition strongholds, particularly in the western city of Kisumu. At least in four counties, vote was postponed until October 28, 2017.
President Sweeps Re-election
President Uhuru Kenyatta won a thumping victory in October 26, 2017, re-election that was boycotted by opposition candidate Raila Odinga. According to the poll outcome released on October 27, 2017, Kenyatta received more than 98 percent of the votes. Meanwhile, violence is taking a more alarming ethnic line, with Luo tribe taking more or less on the side of Odinga while the Kikuyu taking the side of Kenyatta.
Supreme Court Upholds Kenyatta Victory
A day after opposition leader Raila Odinga left for overseas, Kenyan Supreme Court on November 20, 2017 dismissed two petitions challenging the October 26, 2017, presidential election victory of incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta, paving the way for him to be sworn in.
Incumbent Sworn in amidst Violence
Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as country's president for another term on November 28, 2017 as the opposition protest grew more violent during the day, with three more deaths, including a child. Addressing a buoyant crowd at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium, Kenyatta admitted that the past few months were of a "trying time", and vowed to unify the nation.
Former Foes Join Hands
After former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo's diplomatic effort since January 2018 at the behest of U.N. Secretary-General Antonin Guterres, better senses had prevailed on former political foes as President Uhuru Kenyatta and his archrival Raila Odinga met on March 9, 2018 and held a lengthy discussion to bring peace and reconciliation in what was described by Kenyatta as the "new beginning for our country". At the end of the meeting, both leaders issued a joint statement, calling for healing as Kenya had slid into chaos and "deterioration between ethnic communities and political formations".
Nine Kenyan Soldiers Killed in Neighboring Somalia
Nine Kenyan soldiers were killed when suspected Al-Shabab militants opened fire on their patrol in the neighboring Somalia, according to what Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on May 7, 2018.
Eight Kenyan Soldiers Killed in Roadside Bomb
Days after a roadside bomb--attributed to Al-Shabab--killed six police personnel early in June 2018 in Liboi, Lamu County, another roadside bomb killed eight police officers on June 17, 2018 in the northeastern city of Tarbaj. No group took responsibility for June 17, 2018, roadside explosion.
A day after the gruesome attack on Nairobi’s posh Dusit D2 Hotel, additional details emerged on January 16, 2019 about the apparent motive and some of the victims. A former University of Texas student, Jason Spindler, was one of the 21 people killed. Al-Shabab said that the attack had been meant to take revenge against Trump’s move of U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, a different take than previously carried out attacks meant to send a message to fellow African nations for sending troops to Somalia.
Military Base Used by AFRICOM Attacked
The very Kenyan military base used by the U.S. to launch January 2, 2020, drone attack to kill Iran's Quds Force chief, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, was under attack three days later on January 5, 2020 that led to hours-long battle between security forces and Somalia-based, al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab gunmen. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM, "Kenya Defense Force and U.S. Africa Command repelled the al-Shabab attack" on the Manda Bay Airfield. One U.S. service personnel and two contractors were killed in the attack.
KENYA
Twin Bombings at Nairobi Kill 10
Two minutes-apart car bombs exploded at Nairobi's Gikomba Market on May 16, 2014, killing 10 people and wounding more than 70. Meanwhile, British tourists were being evacuated from Mombasa and surrounding resort areas as part of pre-caution and the US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec wrote a letter on May 16, 2014 to his staff, saying that he had requested for additional security from Kenyan government and US State Department for additional security for the embassy. The twin bombings on May 16 was the latest testament of Somalia's unrest spilling over the borders to Kenya and worst incident since four Al-Shabab gunmen wrought mayhem and murderous spree at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi in September 2013, killing at least 67 people. Appearing before journalists at a previously planned news conference, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on May 16, 2014 offered his condolences, but dismissed the US and British travel and tourism warning.
Two-day Killing Spree Raises Specter of Terrorism in Kenya
Gunmen stormed the the town of Mpeketoni on June 15, 2014, knocking doors and killing indiscriminately if they found if residents were non-Muslims. At least 48 people were killed. Following night (June 16, 2014), gunmen replayed the same savagery in a neighbouring town, Majembeni, killing at least 15 people. Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the two-day long mayhem. However, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta provided a new twist on June 17, 2014 to the slaughters of Mpeketoni and Majebeni by saying that it was local thugs, not al-Shabab militants, who had committed the murders.
Kenyan President to Temporarily Step Down
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 6, 2014 announced that he would temporarily step down to attend the International Criminal Court hearings on October 8. Kenyatta will hand over the power to the Vice President William Ruto. Kenyatta is facing crimes against humanity charges by the Hague-based court for his involvement in 2007 ethnic conflict that had erupted right after the presidential polls and killed 1,000 people.
Massacre by Islamic Militants at the Border Town
Somalia-based al-Shabab struck the Kenyan border town of Mandera on November 22, 2014, killing at least 28 people. The militants stopped a bus, asked all its passengers to get down and separated the ones who couldn't say Shahada, a tenet related to Muslim faith. Then they systemically executed the perceived non-Muslim passengers.
Terrorists Strike Again in Kenya
Ten days after al-Shabab militants were accused of killing 28 bus passengers, the Somali militant group was accused of killing again 36 people at a quarry in Mandera. Militants employed the same tactic of asking its targeted victims an Islamic creed, and whoever were not able to recite it was executed in cold blood on December 2, 2014. Meanwhile, facing pressure, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 2, 2014 fired his interior chief, Joseph Ole Lenku, a former hotelier, and appointed a former general, Joseph Nkaissery.
Charges Dropped Against Kenyan President
International Criminal Court at The Hague on December 5, 2014 dropped all charges against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, underscoring the immense difficulty in bringing charges, securing witnesses and holding accountable of sitting head of any nation. Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expressed helplessness in her effort to bring evidence against the president.
Gruesome Massacre at a Kenya University Horrifies the Nation
In the wee hours of April 2, 2015, about four to ten gunmen entered the Garissa University College dormitory, awoke up the students and carried out one of the horrendous mass murders in recent memory. By the day's end, at least 147 students were killed and hundreds wounded, shocking the entire nation and the world. Kenya's specially trained commando brought the siege to end by entering the dormitory and killing all the gunmen, who the Somalia-based Al-Shabab claimed to have belong to the organization. The White House on April 2, 2015 sent a clear message of solidarity with and support for the Kenyan people in the hour of need.
Kenya's President Vows Tough Measures in Response to University Killing
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, addressing the nation over TV, vowed on April 4, 2015 to take tough military stance against the perpetrators of April 2, 2015, Garissa University College massacre. Bodies of four gunmen, who had carried out the massacre, were displayed in public, and a manhunt was on to nab the mastermind, Mohamed Mohamud, also known as Dulyadin Gamadhere, a former teacher at a Kenyan Islamic school. Meanwhile, Somali extremist group Al-Shabab on April 4, 2015 threatened more severe attacks in Kenya for sending troops to Somalia in October 2011.
Kenya Bombs Militant Targets in Somalia
Kenyan Air Force on April 5 and April 6 bombed the Al-Shabab targets in Gedo region of western Somalia as part of harsh response to April 2, 2015, gruesome massacre at Garissa University College.
Kenya Asks UN to Close a Somali Refugee Camp
Responding to April 2, 2015, Garissa University College massacre, Kenyan Vice President William Ruto on April 12, 2015 demanded U.N. High Commission for Refugees to shutter the U.N.-run Dadaab Refugee Camp in the country's east near the Somali borders in three months and relocate approximately 400,000 refugees to Somalia, failing which his country would send them back, an ultimatum that many believed was the outcome of general population's anger toward the government for failing to check Al-Shabab from recruiting in the sprawling refugee camp.
Al-Shabab Cross-Border Attack Kills 14 Kenyan Villagers
Gunmen under the darkness invaded two compounds at a brick kiln in northern Kenya, near the borders with Somalia, and killed 14 workers on July 7, 2015 as they were sleeping. Al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the attack that killed 14 at Soko Mbuzi village.
Obama Calls for Tolerance for Gays
Visiting his father's birth nation for the first time as sitting president, Barack Obama on July 25, 2015 called for tolerance and respect for gays in Kenya. However, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was less committal.
Pope Francis Inspires Kenyans in Fist Leg of His Africa Trip
Hallmark of his papacy, Pope Francis during his three-nation Africa sweep visited a slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kangemi slum, on November 27, 2015, and lashed out against so-called "new forms of colonialism", a reiterative theme of papal message.
Nobel Prize Winner Visits the Largest Refugee Camp on Her 19th B. Day
Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousufzai on July 12, 2016 celebrated her nineteenth birthday in a compassionate and compelling gesture by visiting the world's largest refugee camp at Dadaab, Kenya. Residents of the Dadaab Camp, which has been created about 25 years ago and currently housing about 300,000 people, mostly Somali refugees, were enthusiastic to see the young Nobel Laureate. Directly appealing to the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Malala called for the camp's children to be provided education.
Somali Militants Behead Nine Civilians
Al-Shabab militants carried out one of the most gruesome attacks on July 9, 2017 in the neighboring Kenya when they beheaded 9 civilians in the Lamu County on the country's southeast coast.
Kenya's Presidential Polls Lauded by International Observers, but Decried by Opposition
The August 8, 2017, Kenyan presidential election was greeted by Carter Center's observer and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as "an inspiring day in Kenya watching democracy in action". The election pitted two main tribal groups at loggerheads, with Kikuyu aligned with the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta and Luo with the opposition candidate Raila Odinga. The winner has to get at least 50 percent of popular vote nationwide and at least 25 percent vote in at least 24 of Kenya's 47 counties.
Violence Breaks out; Opposition Cries Foul over Election Manipulation
As President Uhuru Kenyatta was surging ahead of his rival Raila Odinga in August 8, 2017, presidential polls, violence erupted on August 9, 2017 as opposition took to streets accusing the ruling party, Jubilee Party, of vote manipulation. Odinga alleged during the day that hacking took place in the electoral system and vote was manipulated to tilt the results for Kenyatta. However, Kenya's Election Commission defended the integrity of the August 8, 2017, poll, saying that there was "no interference before, during and after" the August 8, 2017 poll. Opposition pointed to the July 31, 2017, murder of Christopher Msando, who was in charge of the IT system of the electoral system. Odinga claimed that someone stole the identity of Msando to hack the electoral system.
Opposition Leader Demands Annulment of Polls
Opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who had received 44.83 percent vote to Uhuru Kenyatta's 54.28 percent vote, according to the Election Commission, said on August 10, 2017 that based on "confidential" information inside the election panel, he had won the August 8, 2017, presidential polls.
Kenyatta Declared Official Winner of Presidential Election
On August 11, 2017, Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officially named Uhuru Kenyatta as the winner of August 8, 2017, presidential election. However, Raila Odinga's National Super Alliance refused to accept the election commission's results. Meanwhile, spontaneous protests erupted after the electoral panel's declaration, with violence gripping parts of Nairobi and Kisumu, the third-largest Kenyan city and the birthplace of Odinga.
Kenyan Presidential Election Ruled Null and Void by Supreme Court
In a historic ruling that also reflected, to the delight of human rights groups, growing independence of a judiciary, Kenya's Supreme Court on September 1, 2017 invalidated the results of August 8, 2017, presidential election, saying that the country's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had "committed irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results". The six-judge Supreme Court, however, did not find any fault with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had been declared winner after receiving 54 percent of the vote over opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had received 44 percent. The apex court also ordered the electoral panel to hold a new election within 60 days. The bold ruling by the Supreme Court raises not only the visibility, but also the judicial authority and independence, of the court and Supreme Court Chief Justice David Maraga to the world.
New Presidential Polls Set for October 17
Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on September 4, 2017 announced the new date of the presidential election to comply with the Supreme Court's September 1, 2017, order. The new date was set for October 17, 2017, but the main opposition leader Raila Odinga rejected the new date, accusing the electoral commission of working at the behest of the ruling Jubilee Party.
Opposition Candidate to Boycott New Polls as Supreme Court Rejects Petition against Vote
Opposition candidate Raila Odinga on October 25, 2017 announced that he was transforming his political party into a resistance movement and asked his followers to stay away from the presidential re-poll after the country's supreme court had rejected during the day a petition to postpone the vote, paving the way for Kenya to have the re-poll on October 26, 2017.
Re-poll Held amid Violence
The much anticipated presidential replay was held on October 26, 2017 as violence flared up in opposition strongholds, particularly in the western city of Kisumu. At least in four counties, vote was postponed until October 28, 2017.
President Sweeps Re-election
President Uhuru Kenyatta won a thumping victory in October 26, 2017, re-election that was boycotted by opposition candidate Raila Odinga. According to the poll outcome released on October 27, 2017, Kenyatta received more than 98 percent of the votes. Meanwhile, violence is taking a more alarming ethnic line, with Luo tribe taking more or less on the side of Odinga while the Kikuyu taking the side of Kenyatta.
Supreme Court Upholds Kenyatta Victory
A day after opposition leader Raila Odinga left for overseas, Kenyan Supreme Court on November 20, 2017 dismissed two petitions challenging the October 26, 2017, presidential election victory of incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta, paving the way for him to be sworn in.
Incumbent Sworn in amidst Violence
Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as country's president for another term on November 28, 2017 as the opposition protest grew more violent during the day, with three more deaths, including a child. Addressing a buoyant crowd at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium, Kenyatta admitted that the past few months were of a "trying time", and vowed to unify the nation.
Former Foes Join Hands
After former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo's diplomatic effort since January 2018 at the behest of U.N. Secretary-General Antonin Guterres, better senses had prevailed on former political foes as President Uhuru Kenyatta and his archrival Raila Odinga met on March 9, 2018 and held a lengthy discussion to bring peace and reconciliation in what was described by Kenyatta as the "new beginning for our country". At the end of the meeting, both leaders issued a joint statement, calling for healing as Kenya had slid into chaos and "deterioration between ethnic communities and political formations".
Nine Kenyan Soldiers Killed in Neighboring Somalia
Nine Kenyan soldiers were killed when suspected Al-Shabab militants opened fire on their patrol in the neighboring Somalia, according to what Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on May 7, 2018.
Eight Kenyan Soldiers Killed in Roadside Bomb
Days after a roadside bomb--attributed to Al-Shabab--killed six police personnel early in June 2018 in Liboi, Lamu County, another roadside bomb killed eight police officers on June 17, 2018 in the northeastern city of Tarbaj. No group took responsibility for June 17, 2018, roadside explosion.
Al-Shabab Claims Attack on an
Upscale Nairobi Hotel
Tuesday,
the January 15, 2019, was like any
other day at Nairobi’s posh Dusit D2 Hotel, an upscale restaurant
cum hotel mostly frequented by government officials, diplomats, expats
communities from India, Britain and America, but gunmen stormed the complex and
opened fire, leading to hours-long siege. Kenyan authorities sent special forces
to flush out the attackers. Late in the night, Kenyan Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i said that all the gunmen
inside the hotel had been killed. Al-Shabab claimed the responsibility of the
attack that had killed at least 15 people. The January 15, 2019, attack came a day after a magistrate ordered
three people to stand trial in the 2013
Westgate Mall siege, another Al-Shabab attack that had killed 67. The
January 15, 2019, attack came three years after Al-Shabab had carried out
attack on a Kenyan military base inside Somalia, killing dozens.
Texan Killed in Kenya AttackA day after the gruesome attack on Nairobi’s posh Dusit D2 Hotel, additional details emerged on January 16, 2019 about the apparent motive and some of the victims. A former University of Texas student, Jason Spindler, was one of the 21 people killed. Al-Shabab said that the attack had been meant to take revenge against Trump’s move of U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, a different take than previously carried out attacks meant to send a message to fellow African nations for sending troops to Somalia.
Military Base Used by AFRICOM Attacked
The very Kenyan military base used by the U.S. to launch January 2, 2020, drone attack to kill Iran's Quds Force chief, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, was under attack three days later on January 5, 2020 that led to hours-long battle between security forces and Somalia-based, al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab gunmen. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM, "Kenya Defense Force and U.S. Africa Command repelled the al-Shabab attack" on the Manda Bay Airfield. One U.S. service personnel and two contractors were killed in the attack.
Kenya’s Presidential Election Winner Named amid Chaos
Kenya’s election commission on August 15, 2022 named Deputy
President William Ruto the victor of the August 9, 2022,
presidential election. According to the election commission, William Ruto
won 50.5% vote against five-time presidential contender Raila Odinga’s
49% vote. Raila Odinga was backed by outgoing President Uhuru
Kenyatta. The election commission’s declaration of a winner came after a drama-filled
period of few hours in which four commission members had resigned after alleging
“opaque” nature of the decision-making process and election commission chairman,
Wafula Chebukati, alleged that he, along with two other commissioners,
were threatened. After the election commission’s declaration, pro-Raila mobs were
hitting the streets of Kenyan cities and towns, burning tires, blockading streets
and fueling fire to an already rambunctious situation.
First Lady’s Five-day Africa Trip Ends with a Visit to See Kenyan
Drought
First Lady Jill Biden on February 26, 2023 wrapped up an
eye-opening two-nation Africa trip at a Kenyan outreach center operated by World
Vision with the support from UNICEF and World Food Program. U.S.
First Lady conversed with Kenyan women who had brought their kids suffering
from malnutrition. Kenya and vast swath of Horn of Africa are suffering from
historic drought that has led to livestock and children succumbing to hunger
and malnutrition. Biden asked other nations in fight with the U.S. to mitigate
the grave situation.
U.S., Kenya Sign Defense Agreement
In a sign of a reinforcing bilateral relationship between Kenya and the
U.S., the defense ministers of both nations signed a landmark defense agreement
on September 25, 2023. U.S. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin and his
host counterpart, Aden Duale, signed the deal that would empower the Kenyan
military with resources, tools and training to lead a multinational law and
order mission in Haiti and intensify the battle at home against Islamic
extremist groups.
LESOTHO
Lesotho's Premier Ousted in a Coup
Thomas Thabane, the premier of the tiny African landlocked nation of Lesotho, fled the country and sought refuge in South Africa on August 30, 2014 as country's military took control of vital government institutions. There was an eerie silence that befell in the capital, Maseru, in the aftermath of coup de tat. This marked at least fourth time that military had intervened since Lesotho's independence from Britain in 1966. The recent crisis had its roots in June when Thabane dissolved the parliament, resulting in vociferous objection by deputies who had threatened to bring no-confidence vote against the premier. Under the Lesotho constitution, premier has authority to suspend the parliament for nine months. Also Thomas Thabane's strained relationship with the country's military chief Gen. Kennedy Tlali Kamoli didn't help. Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjo Metsing, who is pro-military, denied that there was any coup.
LIBERIA
Former Soccer Star Leads in the First Round of Presidential Polls
Ex-soccer star George Weah is leading in the October 10, 2017, presidential polls, according to the report issued by the country's National Election Commission on October 14, 2017. The electoral panel said that Weah got 39 percent, Vice President Joseph Boakai close to 30 percent and Charles Brumskine 10 percent in the race to succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected female African leader.
Liberia's Supreme Court Puts Hold on Presidential Runoff
Liberia's Supreme Court on November 6, 2017 unanimously ordered the country's National Elections Commission to delay the November 7, 2017, presidential runoff between ex-soccer star George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai, and instead, investigate into election malpractices allegations brought by the third-placed candidate Charles Brumskine.
Former Soccer Star Wins Presidency
According to the provisional results emerging from the December 26, 2017, presidential runoff, former FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah was projected to win by garnering 61.5 percent of vote over Vice President Joseph Boakai, who had received only 38.5 percent vote. According to the results based on 98 percent of tallied votes published on December 28, 2017, Weah's winning will mark the first peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another in more than 70 years.
Opponent Concedes Defeat
After allegation of vote fraud and delayed runoff, light of home for the first peaceful transfer of powers in more than 70 years became brighter on December 29, 2017 as Vice President Joseph Boakai on December 29, 2017 conceded defeat in the December 26, 2017, runoff and wished well to the victor, former soccer star George Weah. According to the National Election Commission's tally made public during the day, Weah won 61.5 percent of the vote in the runoff with turnout as low as 56 percent. A huge crowd thronged in front of Weah's political party Congress for Democratic Change's headquarters in Monrovia to hear from the president-elect, but the event was canceled. George Weah, a Senator, ran for president in 2005 and vice president in 2011, emerged on the top in the October 10, 2017, first round of vote, winning 38.4 percent. However, the runoff was delayed because of legal action taken by third-placed candidate, Charles Brumskine, that was later joined by the vice president himself and the ruling party, Unity Party, that accused the President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of meddling in the election, a charge Sirleaf denied.
Former Soccer Star Sworn in as Country's President
FIFA's 1995 Player of the Year, George Weah, was sworn in as Liberia's president on January 22, 2018 amid a boisterous and festive atmosphere.
LESOTHO
Lesotho's Premier Ousted in a Coup
Thomas Thabane, the premier of the tiny African landlocked nation of Lesotho, fled the country and sought refuge in South Africa on August 30, 2014 as country's military took control of vital government institutions. There was an eerie silence that befell in the capital, Maseru, in the aftermath of coup de tat. This marked at least fourth time that military had intervened since Lesotho's independence from Britain in 1966. The recent crisis had its roots in June when Thabane dissolved the parliament, resulting in vociferous objection by deputies who had threatened to bring no-confidence vote against the premier. Under the Lesotho constitution, premier has authority to suspend the parliament for nine months. Also Thomas Thabane's strained relationship with the country's military chief Gen. Kennedy Tlali Kamoli didn't help. Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjo Metsing, who is pro-military, denied that there was any coup.
LIBERIA
Former Soccer Star Leads in the First Round of Presidential Polls
Ex-soccer star George Weah is leading in the October 10, 2017, presidential polls, according to the report issued by the country's National Election Commission on October 14, 2017. The electoral panel said that Weah got 39 percent, Vice President Joseph Boakai close to 30 percent and Charles Brumskine 10 percent in the race to succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected female African leader.
Liberia's Supreme Court Puts Hold on Presidential Runoff
Liberia's Supreme Court on November 6, 2017 unanimously ordered the country's National Elections Commission to delay the November 7, 2017, presidential runoff between ex-soccer star George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai, and instead, investigate into election malpractices allegations brought by the third-placed candidate Charles Brumskine.
Former Soccer Star Wins Presidency
According to the provisional results emerging from the December 26, 2017, presidential runoff, former FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah was projected to win by garnering 61.5 percent of vote over Vice President Joseph Boakai, who had received only 38.5 percent vote. According to the results based on 98 percent of tallied votes published on December 28, 2017, Weah's winning will mark the first peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another in more than 70 years.
Opponent Concedes Defeat
After allegation of vote fraud and delayed runoff, light of home for the first peaceful transfer of powers in more than 70 years became brighter on December 29, 2017 as Vice President Joseph Boakai on December 29, 2017 conceded defeat in the December 26, 2017, runoff and wished well to the victor, former soccer star George Weah. According to the National Election Commission's tally made public during the day, Weah won 61.5 percent of the vote in the runoff with turnout as low as 56 percent. A huge crowd thronged in front of Weah's political party Congress for Democratic Change's headquarters in Monrovia to hear from the president-elect, but the event was canceled. George Weah, a Senator, ran for president in 2005 and vice president in 2011, emerged on the top in the October 10, 2017, first round of vote, winning 38.4 percent. However, the runoff was delayed because of legal action taken by third-placed candidate, Charles Brumskine, that was later joined by the vice president himself and the ruling party, Unity Party, that accused the President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of meddling in the election, a charge Sirleaf denied.
Former Soccer Star Sworn in as Country's President
FIFA's 1995 Player of the Year, George Weah, was sworn in as Liberia's president on January 22, 2018 amid a boisterous and festive atmosphere.
Pendulum of Fate Swings in Opposite Direction in Liberian Presidential
Runoff
It’s the same two actors, the plot is the same—a presidential runoff—but
the time is 6 years apart. In the November 14, 2023, presidential runoff,
the previous election’s defeated candidate, Joseph Boakai, won a
wafer-thin victory by winning 50.89% vote over incumbent President
George Weah’s 49.11% vote. In conceding the race, President Weah urged his
supporters on November 17, 2023 to accept the democratic outcome.
MALI
Tuareg Rebels Launch attacks on Northern Mali City
Tuareg rebels during the weekend of May 16-18, 2014 attacked northen Malian city of Kidal, killing 8 soldiers and taking dozens of hostages. Many of the government buildings in Kidal were targets of attacks by Tuareg rebels. The attacks were prompted by the recent visit of Prime Minister Moussa Mara.
Gunman Kills 5 at a Posh Mali Restaurant
A masked gunman on March 7, 2015 entered into an upscale restaurant, frequented by the westerners, at the neighborhood of Hippodrome in the capital city of Bamako and opened fire, killing five people, including a French and a Belgian. An al-Qaeda-linked group based in Northern Mali, Al Mourabitoun, or the Sentinels, founded by Algerian militant leader Moktar Belmoktar, claimed responsibility for the attack and said that it was in response to killing of one of the group's senior commanders, Ahmed al-Tilemsi, in December 2014 by French forces.
Barrage of Rocket Attacks Hit a U.N. Base in Northern Mali
At least 30 rockets were launched on March 8, 2015 on a U.N. base at Kidal, killing a U.N. soldier and 2 children.
French Forces Free a Dutch Hostage
A Dutch hostage, Sjaak Rijke, who along with Swede Johan Gustafsson and South African Stephen Malcom were kidnapped from Timbuktu on November 25, 2011, was freed on April 6, 2015 as French forces launched a sudden attack on a militant camp in Northern Mali. Although Rijke was freed, there was no information about other two western hostages kidnapped on November 25, 2011.
Six U.N. Peacekeepers Killed in Ambush
A convoy of U.N. peacekeepers was ambushed in northern Mali on July 2, 2015, killing 6 peacekeepers and wounding five others. All six killed were from Burkina Faso. U.N. mission in Mali has the highest toll among 16 U.N. peacekeeping missions. Since the Mali mission was established in April 2013, 42 peacekeepers were killed and 166 wounded, almost all of them in insurgency-plagued northern Mali.
Ten Killed in Insurgent Attack in Central Mali
Nearly five weeks after a U.N. peacekeeping mission convoy was ambushed that had killed lives of half-dozen peacekeepers from Burkina Faso, another attack on August 8, 2015 in Central Malian town of Sevare left 10 people, including five U.N. workers--a Malian driver, a Nepalese, a South African and 2 Ukrainians--and five Malian soldiers, dead. Three attackers were also killed and seven detained.
Morning Attack on a High-End Hotel Kills 20 in Malian Capital
A week after terrorist attacks in Paris, another attack was launched on November 20, 2015 against the western target in Bamako, Mali's capital. Two gunmen entered the Radisson Blu Hotel at 7:30AM local time as the guards were switching shifts, and opened fire. A hours-long siege followed, and Malian commandos rushed to free dozens of hostages. U.S. and French troops helped Malian forces end the siege. Both gunmen were killed. An extremist group called the Al-Mourabitoun claimed responsibility for Radisson attack, and said that it was in retaliation of its members jailed in Malian prisons as well as government offensive in northern Mali. The group was formed by a former leader of the regional franchise of al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Moktar Belmoktar, in 2013. However, it's not known whether Belmoktar was involved in planning the attack. Al-Mourabitoun claimed that it had carried out the attack in coordination with "Sahara Emirate" affiliates with al-Qaeda.
"No Sense of the Value of Life", Says President about the Attackers
Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said on November 21, 2015 that the perpetrators of November 20, 2015, Radisson attack had "no sense of the value of life". The death toll, now estimated downward to 19, included six Russians, three senior Chinese executives of state-owned rail construction company and an American public health worker, Anita Datar, 41, of Takoma Park, Maryland.
Mali Seeks People's Input to Id Gunmen
A day after a north African terrorist group, Al-Mourabitoun, or the Sentinels, disclosed the identity of a pair of gunmen in November 20, 2015, attack on Radisson Blu Hotel as Abdel Hakim Al-Ansari and Moadh Al-Ansari, Malian government on November 23, 2015 released photos of both gunmen to seek public help in identifying them.
Mali's Interior Ministry Gives the Breakdown of Dead by Nationality
According to Mali's Interior Ministry, among the 20 killed in November 20, 2015, Radisson Blu attack, six are Malians, six are Russians, three Chinese, two Belgians, one American, one Israeli and one Senegalese.
No Treason Charge against Former Malian President
Mali's parliament on December 17, 2016 voted 104-5 against going forward with treason trial against the former president of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure, who was overthrown in 2012 by a coup.
Truck Bomb Kills Dozens at a Military Base
A suicide car bomber penetrated a military base in the Northern Malian city of Gao on January 18, 2017, killing at least 60 people and wounding more than 100, according to a press release from President's office. The base targeted in the morning attack was a Joint Operational Mechanism base used to host both Malian soldiers and rebel fighters--mostly Tuareg rebels--who had signed a 2015 agreement with the government and now switched to the government side. A Mauritanian news agency identified the bomber as a member of al-Mourabitoun, an al-Qaeda-linked group. An approximately 11,000 U.N. peacekeeping forces are stationed in Mali. Underscoring the difficulty in bringing stability to once secular African state, U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous told the U.N. Security Council on January 18, 2017 that if the deterioration in security situation continued unabated there would not be any peace to keep in Mali. At the U.N., Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop blasted the attack, calling it handiwork of cowards.
Three Terrorist Groups Merge
To scale up their operations under serious pressure by the international and Malian troops, three extremist organizations merged, according to a video circulated on March 2, 2017. The former head of Ansar Dine, Iyad Ag Ghaly, is going to lead the combined group of Ansar Dine, al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
New Al-Qaeda-linked Group Claims the Killing at a Serene Camp
A recently merged al-Qaeda-linked group--Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen--that was created by combining Ansar Dine, al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb on June 19, 2017 claimed responsibility for carrying out attacks on a resort camp, Campement Kangaba, near the capital Bamako that had killed five, including a Portuguese soldier, a Malian soldier and three civilians--a Chinese, a French and a French-Gabonese--a day earlier. Campement Kangaba is an attractive resort and resting place for many European soldiers and diplomats as its relative isolation and security provides a unique opportunity for foreigners to get out of Bamako's hustle-bustle and heat without traveling further. On June 18, 2017, a pillion rider first blew up, and then, four gunmen followed up with attacking randomly until all of them had been killed.
Last of "Timbuktu Three" Released in an Apparent Ransom Deal
The last of so-called "Timbuktu Three", named after three men--a Dutch, Sjaak Rijke; a Swede, Johan Gustafsson; and a South African, Stephen Malcom--were kidnapped from Timbuktu on November 25, 2011, Stephen Malcom McGown was released on August 3, 2017. The Swede was released in June 2017. 's release was reported to have come with a steep price tag: $4.2 million ransom given through a South African charity, Gift of the Givers Foundation, according to The New York Times.
Three U.N. Troops Killed, Five Injured in Mali Attack
A U.N. convoy on its way to northern Malian city of Gao came under attack at 7AM local time September 24, 2017 at the village of Anefis, either from a planted mine or explosion, killing three U.N. troops and wounding five more, according to a press statement issued by the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, formally known as the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, or MINUSMA. MINUSMA employs more than 12,000 U.N military personnel in addition to 1,300 civilian staff at an annual expense of $1 billion. Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, talking at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on September 20, 2017, called for continued international commitment to Mali and supported the June 2017 U.N.S.C. resolution for a counterterrorism force for Mali at the urging of France.
Mali's President Fails to Win Outright in the First Round
Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita failed to cross 50 percent vote in the July 29, 2018, presidential polls that had pitted him against 23 candidates. The vote began peacefully at the capital, Bamako, and continued at the brisk pace throughout the day. However, in the country's north, the voter turnout was not as high as in the capital as people were afraid of coming out home due to fear of violence and extremist attacks. 73-year-old Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, and his 2013 vanquished rival, 68-year-old Soumaila Cisse, proceeded to the presidential runoff to be held on August 12, 2018.
Malian President Re-elected
Malian President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita of the Rally for Mali political party won the August 12, 2018, runoff against 68-year-old Soumaila Cisse of the Union for the Republic and Democracy party by winning 67 percent of the vote.
Ethnic Flare-up Kills more than 100
Militia of an ethnic group descended on a village of ethnic Peuhl in central Mali under the darkness in the wee hours of March 23, 2019, and systematically butchering about 115 men, women and children. The ethnic strife between ethnic Peuhl and Dogon had been getting worse as the villagers of the Peuhl were accused of harboring the ISIL-linked extremists. The Dogon-Peuhl ethnic strife adds another dimension in the worsening security situation in Mali.
The latest death toll in the March 23, 2019, attack rose to 154.
Revenge Attack Kills 95
Two and half months after March 23, 2019, attack on a Peuhl village that had killed at least 157 villagers, it was now the turn of ethnic Peuhl militants to seek vengeance against Dogon villagers, who had accused the former of harboring bonds with Islamic extremist groups. Armed men raided the Dogon village of Sobame Da in Central Mali in the wee hours of June 10, 2019 that killed at least 95 people, underlining the security vacuum continuing in the strategic African nation.
Al-Qaeda-linked Attack Kills 25
A group of armed militants allegedly tied to Ansarul Islam, a terrorist regional outfit closely knit with al-Qaeda, on September 29, 2019 night attacked two army bases in central Malian village of Boulikessi and continued the siege through the most parts of September 30, 2019 until Malian security forces broke it loose. At least 25 people were killed and more than 60 injured.
Later, the number of soldiers killed was revised to 41, with 20 others missing.
Extremist Attack Leaves 54 Soldiers Dead
Armed gunmen, allegedly owing allegiance to Islamic State, on November 1, 2019 attacked a military camp in the restive border region Menaka, and killed at least 54 soldiers. The attackers fled toward Niger after carrying out the massacre at Indelimane in Menaka. The November 1, 2019, attack marked second attack in about a month following a rampage by a group of gunmen, allegedly tied to al-Qaeda, in late September 2019 that had killed at least 41 soldiers.
French Troops Killed al-Qaeda's Regional Affiliate Chief, Defense Minister Claims
French Defense Minister Florence Parly tweeted on June 5, 2020 that French forces and allied troops had carried out an operation in northern Mali two days earlier (June 3, 2020) and killed the leader of al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb. Although Abdelmalek Droukdel's focus was on the entire Sahel region, he had moved his key operation in recent days to northern Mali. Droukdel was accused of masterminding the 2017 bombing in Algeria. French presence in Sahel is a contentious point though, with many regional politicians opposing the presence of foreign troops on their soil, often attracting attacks from extremist groups. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly expressed French commitment to protecting the people of Sahel from extremist attacks, and in January 2020, held a meeting with G5 Sahel Group--Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso--at Paris.
An Apparent Coup Staged; Premier, President Arrested
Army is reported on August 18, 2020 to have carried out a coup and detain President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and premier of the country. Joyous celebrations broke out spontaneously on the streets of Bamako. However, African Union head, Moussa Faki Mohamat, condemned the "forced detention", and called for restoration of democratic norms and institutions. U.N. France, U.S., among other nations, called for restoration of duly elected leaders.
African Union Suspends Mali; Demands Release of President
As military junta consolidated its power on the nation on August 19, 2020, demands were being raised by international and regional blocs to restore democratic set-up immediately. A day after a section of soldiers seized power and arrested country's president and premier, African Union on August 19, 2020 suspended Mali from the bloc's membership and called for immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and other officials. Meanwhile, U.N., which is spending $1.2 billion to carry out peacekeeping mission in Mali, as well as France, its colonial ruler, have condemned the August 18, 2020, power grab by junta.
West African Group Meets with Junta, Deposed Leader to Seek Solution
A day after tens of thousands of Malians flooded the streets of Bamako to show their support for the coup that had overthrown and detained the democratically elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, top officials of West Africa's regional powerhouse ECOWAS on August 22, 2020 met with the leaders of junta as well as the deposed president at Bamako to figure out a way to restore democracy. ECOWAS was critical of August 18, 2020, coup.
Talks Suspended on Restoration Deadline
The West African group ECOWAS' negotiators on August 24, 2020 suspended their talks with the Malian junta, which dubbed the ruling body as National Committee for the Salvation of People, as the latter insisted that elections be held in 2023 and ECOWAS and other international organizations' goal was to restore civilian rule as soon as possible.
Malian President Released
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was released by junta on August 27, 2020 and allowed to return home.
ECOWAS Acquiesces Longer Timeline
Six west African heads of state have met with junta officials from Mali in Ghana, which holds rotating presidency of 15-nation ECOWAS, on September 15, 2020. Unfortunately, the junta officials were unable to name a civilian head of state by September 15, 2020 as expected. ECOWAS leaders also left the session disheartened that the elections would be held in 18 months, instead of one year as originally demanded by the west African regional bloc.
MALI
Tuareg Rebels Launch attacks on Northern Mali City
Tuareg rebels during the weekend of May 16-18, 2014 attacked northen Malian city of Kidal, killing 8 soldiers and taking dozens of hostages. Many of the government buildings in Kidal were targets of attacks by Tuareg rebels. The attacks were prompted by the recent visit of Prime Minister Moussa Mara.
Gunman Kills 5 at a Posh Mali Restaurant
A masked gunman on March 7, 2015 entered into an upscale restaurant, frequented by the westerners, at the neighborhood of Hippodrome in the capital city of Bamako and opened fire, killing five people, including a French and a Belgian. An al-Qaeda-linked group based in Northern Mali, Al Mourabitoun, or the Sentinels, founded by Algerian militant leader Moktar Belmoktar, claimed responsibility for the attack and said that it was in response to killing of one of the group's senior commanders, Ahmed al-Tilemsi, in December 2014 by French forces.
Barrage of Rocket Attacks Hit a U.N. Base in Northern Mali
At least 30 rockets were launched on March 8, 2015 on a U.N. base at Kidal, killing a U.N. soldier and 2 children.
French Forces Free a Dutch Hostage
A Dutch hostage, Sjaak Rijke, who along with Swede Johan Gustafsson and South African Stephen Malcom were kidnapped from Timbuktu on November 25, 2011, was freed on April 6, 2015 as French forces launched a sudden attack on a militant camp in Northern Mali. Although Rijke was freed, there was no information about other two western hostages kidnapped on November 25, 2011.
Six U.N. Peacekeepers Killed in Ambush
A convoy of U.N. peacekeepers was ambushed in northern Mali on July 2, 2015, killing 6 peacekeepers and wounding five others. All six killed were from Burkina Faso. U.N. mission in Mali has the highest toll among 16 U.N. peacekeeping missions. Since the Mali mission was established in April 2013, 42 peacekeepers were killed and 166 wounded, almost all of them in insurgency-plagued northern Mali.
Ten Killed in Insurgent Attack in Central Mali
Nearly five weeks after a U.N. peacekeeping mission convoy was ambushed that had killed lives of half-dozen peacekeepers from Burkina Faso, another attack on August 8, 2015 in Central Malian town of Sevare left 10 people, including five U.N. workers--a Malian driver, a Nepalese, a South African and 2 Ukrainians--and five Malian soldiers, dead. Three attackers were also killed and seven detained.
Morning Attack on a High-End Hotel Kills 20 in Malian Capital
A week after terrorist attacks in Paris, another attack was launched on November 20, 2015 against the western target in Bamako, Mali's capital. Two gunmen entered the Radisson Blu Hotel at 7:30AM local time as the guards were switching shifts, and opened fire. A hours-long siege followed, and Malian commandos rushed to free dozens of hostages. U.S. and French troops helped Malian forces end the siege. Both gunmen were killed. An extremist group called the Al-Mourabitoun claimed responsibility for Radisson attack, and said that it was in retaliation of its members jailed in Malian prisons as well as government offensive in northern Mali. The group was formed by a former leader of the regional franchise of al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Moktar Belmoktar, in 2013. However, it's not known whether Belmoktar was involved in planning the attack. Al-Mourabitoun claimed that it had carried out the attack in coordination with "Sahara Emirate" affiliates with al-Qaeda.
"No Sense of the Value of Life", Says President about the Attackers
Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said on November 21, 2015 that the perpetrators of November 20, 2015, Radisson attack had "no sense of the value of life". The death toll, now estimated downward to 19, included six Russians, three senior Chinese executives of state-owned rail construction company and an American public health worker, Anita Datar, 41, of Takoma Park, Maryland.
Mali Seeks People's Input to Id Gunmen
A day after a north African terrorist group, Al-Mourabitoun, or the Sentinels, disclosed the identity of a pair of gunmen in November 20, 2015, attack on Radisson Blu Hotel as Abdel Hakim Al-Ansari and Moadh Al-Ansari, Malian government on November 23, 2015 released photos of both gunmen to seek public help in identifying them.
Mali's Interior Ministry Gives the Breakdown of Dead by Nationality
According to Mali's Interior Ministry, among the 20 killed in November 20, 2015, Radisson Blu attack, six are Malians, six are Russians, three Chinese, two Belgians, one American, one Israeli and one Senegalese.
No Treason Charge against Former Malian President
Mali's parliament on December 17, 2016 voted 104-5 against going forward with treason trial against the former president of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure, who was overthrown in 2012 by a coup.
Truck Bomb Kills Dozens at a Military Base
A suicide car bomber penetrated a military base in the Northern Malian city of Gao on January 18, 2017, killing at least 60 people and wounding more than 100, according to a press release from President's office. The base targeted in the morning attack was a Joint Operational Mechanism base used to host both Malian soldiers and rebel fighters--mostly Tuareg rebels--who had signed a 2015 agreement with the government and now switched to the government side. A Mauritanian news agency identified the bomber as a member of al-Mourabitoun, an al-Qaeda-linked group. An approximately 11,000 U.N. peacekeeping forces are stationed in Mali. Underscoring the difficulty in bringing stability to once secular African state, U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous told the U.N. Security Council on January 18, 2017 that if the deterioration in security situation continued unabated there would not be any peace to keep in Mali. At the U.N., Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop blasted the attack, calling it handiwork of cowards.
Three Terrorist Groups Merge
To scale up their operations under serious pressure by the international and Malian troops, three extremist organizations merged, according to a video circulated on March 2, 2017. The former head of Ansar Dine, Iyad Ag Ghaly, is going to lead the combined group of Ansar Dine, al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
New Al-Qaeda-linked Group Claims the Killing at a Serene Camp
A recently merged al-Qaeda-linked group--Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen--that was created by combining Ansar Dine, al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb on June 19, 2017 claimed responsibility for carrying out attacks on a resort camp, Campement Kangaba, near the capital Bamako that had killed five, including a Portuguese soldier, a Malian soldier and three civilians--a Chinese, a French and a French-Gabonese--a day earlier. Campement Kangaba is an attractive resort and resting place for many European soldiers and diplomats as its relative isolation and security provides a unique opportunity for foreigners to get out of Bamako's hustle-bustle and heat without traveling further. On June 18, 2017, a pillion rider first blew up, and then, four gunmen followed up with attacking randomly until all of them had been killed.
Last of "Timbuktu Three" Released in an Apparent Ransom Deal
The last of so-called "Timbuktu Three", named after three men--a Dutch, Sjaak Rijke; a Swede, Johan Gustafsson; and a South African, Stephen Malcom--were kidnapped from Timbuktu on November 25, 2011, Stephen Malcom McGown was released on August 3, 2017. The Swede was released in June 2017. 's release was reported to have come with a steep price tag: $4.2 million ransom given through a South African charity, Gift of the Givers Foundation, according to The New York Times.
Three U.N. Troops Killed, Five Injured in Mali Attack
A U.N. convoy on its way to northern Malian city of Gao came under attack at 7AM local time September 24, 2017 at the village of Anefis, either from a planted mine or explosion, killing three U.N. troops and wounding five more, according to a press statement issued by the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, formally known as the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, or MINUSMA. MINUSMA employs more than 12,000 U.N military personnel in addition to 1,300 civilian staff at an annual expense of $1 billion. Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, talking at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on September 20, 2017, called for continued international commitment to Mali and supported the June 2017 U.N.S.C. resolution for a counterterrorism force for Mali at the urging of France.
Mali's President Fails to Win Outright in the First Round
Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita failed to cross 50 percent vote in the July 29, 2018, presidential polls that had pitted him against 23 candidates. The vote began peacefully at the capital, Bamako, and continued at the brisk pace throughout the day. However, in the country's north, the voter turnout was not as high as in the capital as people were afraid of coming out home due to fear of violence and extremist attacks. 73-year-old Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, and his 2013 vanquished rival, 68-year-old Soumaila Cisse, proceeded to the presidential runoff to be held on August 12, 2018.
Malian President Re-elected
Malian President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita of the Rally for Mali political party won the August 12, 2018, runoff against 68-year-old Soumaila Cisse of the Union for the Republic and Democracy party by winning 67 percent of the vote.
Ethnic Flare-up Kills more than 100
Militia of an ethnic group descended on a village of ethnic Peuhl in central Mali under the darkness in the wee hours of March 23, 2019, and systematically butchering about 115 men, women and children. The ethnic strife between ethnic Peuhl and Dogon had been getting worse as the villagers of the Peuhl were accused of harboring the ISIL-linked extremists. The Dogon-Peuhl ethnic strife adds another dimension in the worsening security situation in Mali.
The latest death toll in the March 23, 2019, attack rose to 154.
Revenge Attack Kills 95
Two and half months after March 23, 2019, attack on a Peuhl village that had killed at least 157 villagers, it was now the turn of ethnic Peuhl militants to seek vengeance against Dogon villagers, who had accused the former of harboring bonds with Islamic extremist groups. Armed men raided the Dogon village of Sobame Da in Central Mali in the wee hours of June 10, 2019 that killed at least 95 people, underlining the security vacuum continuing in the strategic African nation.
Al-Qaeda-linked Attack Kills 25
A group of armed militants allegedly tied to Ansarul Islam, a terrorist regional outfit closely knit with al-Qaeda, on September 29, 2019 night attacked two army bases in central Malian village of Boulikessi and continued the siege through the most parts of September 30, 2019 until Malian security forces broke it loose. At least 25 people were killed and more than 60 injured.
Later, the number of soldiers killed was revised to 41, with 20 others missing.
Extremist Attack Leaves 54 Soldiers Dead
Armed gunmen, allegedly owing allegiance to Islamic State, on November 1, 2019 attacked a military camp in the restive border region Menaka, and killed at least 54 soldiers. The attackers fled toward Niger after carrying out the massacre at Indelimane in Menaka. The November 1, 2019, attack marked second attack in about a month following a rampage by a group of gunmen, allegedly tied to al-Qaeda, in late September 2019 that had killed at least 41 soldiers.
French Troops Killed al-Qaeda's Regional Affiliate Chief, Defense Minister Claims
French Defense Minister Florence Parly tweeted on June 5, 2020 that French forces and allied troops had carried out an operation in northern Mali two days earlier (June 3, 2020) and killed the leader of al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb. Although Abdelmalek Droukdel's focus was on the entire Sahel region, he had moved his key operation in recent days to northern Mali. Droukdel was accused of masterminding the 2017 bombing in Algeria. French presence in Sahel is a contentious point though, with many regional politicians opposing the presence of foreign troops on their soil, often attracting attacks from extremist groups. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly expressed French commitment to protecting the people of Sahel from extremist attacks, and in January 2020, held a meeting with G5 Sahel Group--Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso--at Paris.
An Apparent Coup Staged; Premier, President Arrested
Army is reported on August 18, 2020 to have carried out a coup and detain President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and premier of the country. Joyous celebrations broke out spontaneously on the streets of Bamako. However, African Union head, Moussa Faki Mohamat, condemned the "forced detention", and called for restoration of democratic norms and institutions. U.N. France, U.S., among other nations, called for restoration of duly elected leaders.
African Union Suspends Mali; Demands Release of President
As military junta consolidated its power on the nation on August 19, 2020, demands were being raised by international and regional blocs to restore democratic set-up immediately. A day after a section of soldiers seized power and arrested country's president and premier, African Union on August 19, 2020 suspended Mali from the bloc's membership and called for immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and other officials. Meanwhile, U.N., which is spending $1.2 billion to carry out peacekeeping mission in Mali, as well as France, its colonial ruler, have condemned the August 18, 2020, power grab by junta.
West African Group Meets with Junta, Deposed Leader to Seek Solution
A day after tens of thousands of Malians flooded the streets of Bamako to show their support for the coup that had overthrown and detained the democratically elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, top officials of West Africa's regional powerhouse ECOWAS on August 22, 2020 met with the leaders of junta as well as the deposed president at Bamako to figure out a way to restore democracy. ECOWAS was critical of August 18, 2020, coup.
Talks Suspended on Restoration Deadline
The West African group ECOWAS' negotiators on August 24, 2020 suspended their talks with the Malian junta, which dubbed the ruling body as National Committee for the Salvation of People, as the latter insisted that elections be held in 2023 and ECOWAS and other international organizations' goal was to restore civilian rule as soon as possible.
Malian President Released
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was released by junta on August 27, 2020 and allowed to return home.
ECOWAS Acquiesces Longer Timeline
Six west African heads of state have met with junta officials from Mali in Ghana, which holds rotating presidency of 15-nation ECOWAS, on September 15, 2020. Unfortunately, the junta officials were unable to name a civilian head of state by September 15, 2020 as expected. ECOWAS leaders also left the session disheartened that the elections would be held in 18 months, instead of one year as originally demanded by the west African regional bloc.
Prisoner Release Points to a Probable Deal to Secure Opposition Leader’s Release
About
180 Islamic prisoners were released by Mali’s transitional
administration—recently installed after weeks of intense negotiation between
the junta and ECOWAS, an umbrella group of West African nations—on October
3 and October 4, 2020, and flown to the north of the nation, signaling that
an opposition leader, Soumaila Cisse, who had contested for presidency
three times and was campaigning for parliamentary election when had been
kidnapped in late March 2020, under the captivity of Islamic insurgents
over the past six months, might be released soon. The talks to secure the release Cisse became
complex after a military coup ousted Mali’s civilian president, Ibrahim
Boubacar Keita, in August 2020.
Malian
Politician Reunited with Family
The
Malian politician as well as a French aid worker and two Italians returned to their
respective families eagerly waiting for this moment, but October 9, 2020,
reunification was overshadowed by the news carried by the 75-year-old French
female hostage that a Swiss woman held captive by the same Islamic extremist
group had been killed a month ago. They had been released days after close to
200 prisoners from the Islamic extremist group had been released by the transitional
government of Mali.
New
Head of AQIM Named
The
Associated Press on
November 22, 2020 reported that Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM,
had announced a day earlier the name of its new head after the former top
leader of the group, Abdelmalik Droukdel, had been killed in a
French-led military operation in June 2020. The naming of Yazid
Mubarak, who also goes by Abu Ubaida Yusuf al-Annabi, coincides with
harsh criticism of French operation in Mali and blaming French forces and Swiss
authorities for the death of Swiss missionary Beatrice Stockly kidnapped
in January 2016 in the Malian historic city of Timbuktu. AQIM is
active in broad swath of Sahil region, and has earned substantial bounties by
kidnapping missionaries, tourists and other westerners.
Soldiers Detain Mali's Civilian President, Premier
Hours after a cabinet re-organization dropped two key junta members, Malian military on May 24, 2021 arrested country's president, Bah N'Daw, and prime minister, Moctar Ouane, leading to political uncertainty amidst Coronavirus and extremism sweeping the West African nation. In August 2020, junta grabbed the power after ousting the country's the-then President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. In September 2020, President Bah N'Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were sworn in as part of forming a civilian-led transition administration. Later on May 24, 2021, African Union, United Nation, and Economic Cooperation of West African States, or ECOWAS, issued a joint statement calling for immediate release of the premier and president.
Junta Deposes Two Top Civilian Leaders
The latest crisis in Mali began on May 24, 2021 when a cabinet reshuffle left out two junta leaders--Defense Minister Sadio Camara and Interior Security Minister Modibo Kone. Within two hours, President Bah N'Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were detained and brought to military headquarters in Kati, 9 miles from the capital, Bamako. The detention of two top civilian rulers immediately drew a strong unified condemnation from the international community. A joint statement issued by the U.N., African Union, E.U., France, United States and others called for an immediate release of the both leaders. On May 25, 2021, the head of junta who had led the coup in August 2020 and later served as a vice president since a quasi-civilian government was formed in September 2020 following pressure from the international and regional communities took over the reign of the country after deposing both leaders. In response to usurpation of power by Col. Assimi Goita on May 25, 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that "we are prepared to take targeted sanctions" against the "coup d'etat". Goita pledged to hold elections in 2022 as scheduled.
France to Withdraw Troops from Mali
A day before a formal announcement that France is withdrawing its troops
from Mali, French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting with African and
European leaders at the Elysee Palace on February 16, 2022 night. The
situation became untenable for Paris after the transitional government invited
Russian security company Wagner Group to deploy armed personnel in Mali.
France and 15 European nations in December 2021 condemned Mali’s
transitional government’s decision to invite the Wagner Group, blamed
for human rights abuses in Libya, Syria and Central African Republic. An EU-Africa
summit is to be held on February 17, 2022 and February 18, 2022 to
discuss the post-withdrawal security situation in Mali and broader Sahel
region. The EU-Africa summit is likely to discuss the slow pace of
transition to civilian rule in Mali. The EU imposed sanctions this month on the
five senior ministers of Mali’s transitional government—including the premier, Choguel
Maiga—for their overt relations to the country’s military and continuous
obstruction to transitioning to civilian rule.
Malian Government Claims Coup Thwarted
Malian authorities on late May 16, 2022 said that a countercoup was thwarted and accused an unknown western nation of inciting the coup. It is not a secret that the finger is pointed at France, which has withdrawn all its troops from Mali after the relationship between Paris and the regime of Colonel Assimi Goita, who have led a pair of coups in 2020 and 2021, respectively, has hit a rock-bottom.
About 132 Killed in Mali in Weekend Attacks by Extremists
About 132 people were killed in central Mali after Jihadist
militants attacked villages near the city of Bankass on June 18, 2022
and June 19, 2022. The ruling junta of Col. Assimi Goita announced
the killings on June 20, 2022, and called for a three-day national
mourning. Earlier, the mayor of Bankass acknowledged the massacre
carried out close to the central city. The federal government blamed the Katiba
jihadist group for the massacre in the central Malian villages close to Bankass.
That the scope of jihadist attacks and assertiveness are not limited to only
northern region has become evident in recent days as rebels have blocked roads
linking the northern city of Gao and Mopti in central Mali. The June18-19,
2022, string of attacks on villages near the central city of Bankass just
confirmed the spreading influence of jihadist activities in central Mali. The
U.N. mission in Mali condemned the June 18-19, 2022, attacks on the
villages near Bankass.
Peacekeeper Killed in Ambush in Mali
That it’s not an exaggeration that the northern Mali remains in a
security disarray has been proved one more time as the U.N. peacekeeping
mission was attacked with IED and gunfire on June 9, 2023 in Mali’s
restive Timbuktu region in the north that killed one peacekeeper and
injured eight others. The death of the U.N. peacekeeper is the ninth this year
and underlines the lack of government control in much of northern Mali under
the junta rule.
U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric has condemned the attack on U.N. peacekeepers,
most of whom are from Burkina Faso, as has the head of U.N. peacekeeping
mission in Mali, El-Ghassim Wane.
U.N. Security Council Votes to End Peacekeeping Operation
In a unanimous vote, the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution on June 30, 2023 to end the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali in response to an appeal from Malian government, who had deployed Wagner troops instead.
Rights Group Reports Executions by Army, Mercenary in Mali; U.S. Sanctions
Officials
In a scathing report, Human Rights Watch said on July 24, 2023
that Malian army and Wagner mercenaries had committed massacre by executing
scores of people in Mopti and Segou regions of central Mali since
December 2022 in the name of containing extremism.
Separately on July 24, 2023, U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets
Control slapped sanctions on three Malian officials for facilitating the
expansion and deployment of Wagner mercenary group in the country.
Malian Junta Bans Political Activities, Media Coverage of Political
Activities
In a pair of back-to-back orders, Malian junta led by Col. Assimi Goita
issued orders banning on political activities and media coverage of political
activities on April 10, 2024 and April 11, 2024, respectively.
MOZAMBIQUE
Peace Accord Signed
Capital Maputo erupted in joy after tens of thousands of residents took to streets to mark the August 6, 2019, signing of a landmark accord between President Filipe Nyusi and Ossufo Momade, the leader of the Mozambique National Resistance, or RENAMO, as new hope for peace that eluded for so long in this former Portugal colony. The Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement was signed on August 6, 2019 between Filipe Nyusi and Ossufo Momade at Maputo in presence of several foreign dignitaries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, EU foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini and Portugal's foreign minister, Teresa Ribeiro, and set the stage for participation all concerned in the upcoming October 15, 2019, general elections.
Rebels, Government Troops Fight after French Energy Giant Announces Work Resumption
Violence flared up on March 24, 2021 hours after French energy giant Total had announced that it would resume work at a huge natural gas project at Afungi, just outside the city of Palma. The rebel group, mostly consisted of Muslim young males who decry years of discrimination by Maputo, has been fighting in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The three-year insurgency in Cabo Delgado cost more than 2,600 lives and displaced more than 670,000 people, according to the U.N. Human Rights Watch's Mozambique representative Zenaida Machado said on March 28, 2021 that fierce fighting was ensuing for the control of Palma. The streets of Palma are littered with bodies. Many foreign oil workers had been killed too. Many of them had taken shelter at the city's Hotel Amarulah. Hotel Amarulah is under siege as of March 28, 2021. Total in 2019 paid about $4 billion for 26.5% stake in the Afungi project, but was forced to suspend work in January 2021 due to insurgency. Although the initial plan is for Total to ship gas by 2024, but the target is very unlikely to be met due to deteriorating security situation.
NAMIBIA
President Wins Reelection with Steep Drop in Votes
Namibia's president, Hage Geingob, who had won the 2014 presidential election by getting a whopping 87 percent of the popular votes had to be satisfied winning the November 30, 2019, presidential election by getting 56 percent of the vote. Geingob's main challenger, Dr. Panduleni Itula, contested as an independent candidate though Itula retained ruling party membership, and won about 29 percent of the vote. The vote is a wake-up call for the ruling party that has lost two-third majority in parliament as the country is gripped in corruption scandal, lack of basic government services and adequate job opportunities.
NAMIBIA
President Wins Reelection with Steep Drop in Votes
Namibia's president, Hage Geingob, who had won the 2014 presidential election by getting a whopping 87 percent of the popular votes had to be satisfied winning the November 30, 2019, presidential election by getting 56 percent of the vote. Geingob's main challenger, Dr. Panduleni Itula, contested as an independent candidate though Itula retained ruling party membership, and won about 29 percent of the vote. The vote is a wake-up call for the ruling party that has lost two-third majority in parliament as the country is gripped in corruption scandal, lack of basic government services and adequate job opportunities.
Jill Biden’s Africa Trip Begins with Namibia
Jill Biden on February 22, 2023 arrived at Windhoek after an overnight
flight to become the highest U.S. official to visit Namibia since the
1996 visit of then-Vice President Al Gore. Jill Biden was greeted on the tarmac
on February 22, 2023 by Namibian First Lady Monica Geingos and a
cultural and dancing troupe consisting of participants from various ethnicities.
The first lady later met with President Hage Geingob. First Lady Jill
Biden’s five-day, two-nation (Namibia and Kenya) visit underlines
Biden administration’s effort to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations after four
years of neglect under the watch of his predecessor and politically jostle with
China for upper hand in terms of influence.
NIGERIA
Militants Target Capital in Renewed Escalation; Kidnapped Teenage Girls in Northeast
An Islamic militant movement that was confined in the past to the country's northeast, reached its tentacle even in the capital, Abuja, as a massive explosion at a bus station on April 14, 2014 during Monday rush hours killed at least 75 people and wounded at least 125. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who visited the bus station in the aftermath of explosion, blamed Boko Haram for the carnage.
A day after a massive blast at Abuja blamed on the group, Boko Haram rebels kidnapped nearly 300 girl students from a boarding school at Chibok in the state of Borno, the birthplace of the group, in early hours of April 15, 2014. The state administration led by Gov. Kashim Shettima closed all schools in the state for the past 15 days over the increasing pace of attacks by militants against schools and students. Students stayed back in the boarding schools for taking the exams. About 20 of the 129 girls abducted freed themselves and fled from the captivity. Meanwhile, the country's military on April 17, 2014 retracted its claim a day earlier that all the girls kidnapped on April 15 were freed.
Boko Haram Leader Claims Responsibility for Kidnapping
In a video message made public on May 5, 2014, Boko Haram's supreme leader Abubakar Shekau claimed responsibility for kidnapping more than 300 girls from a boarding school in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno. The video appeared in both Hausa and Arabic.
Kerry Offers US Help to Nigeria
US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 6, 2014 offered Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan help in securing release of hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram rebels and bringing the kidnappers to the justice.
Another Mass Killing by Boko Haram Militants Sends Shock Waves Across the Continent
A contingent of armed Boko Haram insurgents descended on a remote town, Gamboru Ngala, near Cameroon borders in northeast on the evening of May 5, 2014, opened fire at the local marketplace, torched homes and indiscriminately killed more than 336 people.
Video Asks for Release of Militants in Exchange for Captured Girls
Another video surfaced on May 12, 2014 quoted Boko Haram leader demanding for the swap of prisoners as pressure mounted on the Nigerian government to do more to seek release of 276 girls who remained captive. So far, 53 girls escaped.
Nigerian President Rejects the Boko Haram Offer for Swap
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on May 14, 2014 rejected the Boko Haram offer to release more than 275 abducted girls in exchange for release unknown number of militants in Nigerian prisons.
Cancellation of Presidential Visit Generates Anger in the Affected Town
President Goodluck Jonathan canceled his planned visit to Chibok, the town where Boko Haram rebels preyed upon on April 15 and kidnapped more than 300 schoolgirls from the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School, on May 16, 2014 in the pretext of attending an African security conference at Paris. The eleventh hour cancellation of presidential visit angered many residents of Chibok, including many parents of kidnapped girls.
Paris Summit Calls for a United Front on Boko Haram
Addressing a summit hosted in Paris at the behest of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, French President Francois Hollande on May 17, 2014 called for increased sharing of intelligence, collective policing of borders and unified approach to track and trace Boko Haram's cash and weapons in order to succeed in the latest surge in terrorism in the affected region at and surrounding Nigeria's north and northeast. As the summit, participated by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin, was opened at Paris, somber mood already set in as twin attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon hours earlier killed at least 50 people. Boko Haram was suspected behind both the attacks. One occurred in the early hours of May 17, 2014 at a Nigerian village, Dalwa-Masuba, as attackers descended on the village in the darkness of pre-dawn hours, setting huts in fire and killing at least 40 people. Hours earlier, on May 16, 2014 evening, gunmen attacked a tent of a Chinese engineering firm across the border in Cameroon, killing at least 10.
Twin Car Bombs Kill More than 100
A half-hour-separated car bomb explosions at the central city of Jos on May 20, 2014 killed at least 118 people. Although no one claimed responsibility for twin car bombings, the mayhem and modus operandi bore the hallmark of Boko Haram.
US Pours in Resources to Track the Kidnapped Girls amid continuing Mayhem by Boko Haram
On May 21, 2014, US added more personnel and presence in the region to track, trace and rescue 276 missing girls kidnapped by Boko Haram rebels last month. During the day, the rebels launched attacks on three villages--Bulakarbe, Shawa and Alagarno--near Chibok, the town where the girls had been kidnapped from, torching huts and killing at least 48 people.
Extremist Group Carries out another Kidnapping Campaign, Strikes at a Posh Mall in the Capital
This week (June 22-28, 2014) has turned out to be a terror-on-loose week in Nigeria and the campaign of Boko Haram was not limited to northeast only. On June 25, 2014, an explosion blamed on the group rocked a posh mall, Emab Plaza, at the capital, Abuja, killing at least 21, and followed kidnapping of at least 91 people--31 boys and 60 women--earlier this week on June 22. This week's kidnapping added salt to the injury that had been inflicted in April by the group's kidnapping of more than 200 girls, who remained in captivity.
More than 60 Fled from Captivity
Nigerian regional officials said on July 7, 2014 that more than 60 women and girls kidnapped from three villages in the northeastern state of Borno on June 22, 2014 had fled from captivity last week.
Boko Haram Sweeps Border Region
Islamic extremist group Boko Haram swept through towns and villages bordering Cameroon in the eastern state of Adamawa during a three-day campaign (September 5-7, 2014) of terror and mayhem. On September 6, 2014, even the state capital, Gulak, fell to Boko Haram, leading to thousands of residents to flee the capital. Since Nigeria declared a state of emergency in May 2013, at least 1.5 million people were displaced from or had fled their homes, according to the U.N.
Nigerian Government Announces Truce with Boko Haram
Nigeria's Defense Chief of Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh said on October 17, 2014 that authorities had entered into truce with Boko Haram. However, it was not clear whether the truce had blessing of the group's supreme leader Abubakar Shekau, or the plight of 219 girls who were still held by the group. They were part of 276 girls kidnapped by the group from a girls' hostel on April 15, 2014, and many of them had fled.
Boko Haram Chief Denies Truce with the Government, Says Girls are Married
Rejecting the government claim as announced by Nigeria's Defense Chief of Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh said on October 17, 2014, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said in a video released on November 1, 2014 that there was no truce reached with the government. Shekau also said that the more than 200 girls kidnapped in April from a boarding school were now married.
Suicide Bombing Targets a Technical School
Continuing its hallmark of attacking academic institutions, Boko Haram was accused of carrying out the latest suicide bombing during a weekly assembly on November 10, 2014 morning at the Government Technical Science College, killing at least 48. There were about 2,000 students, aged 11 to 20, at the assembly of the college located at the capital, Potiskum, of the northern Yobe State. The bombing took place a week after another suicide attack during a religious procession of moderate Muslims at Potiskum that had killed 30 people.
Militants Take Over the Town Now
First, the Boko Haram militants kidnapped 276 girls on April 15, 2014. However, lest it was not enough to writ a reign of fear in the Christian-dominated town, the Islamic rebels seized the northern town of Chibok late November 13, 2014. Many Chibok residents had fled in advance of invasion by the heavily armed militants.
Military Takes over the Town
Three days after the capture of Chibok by Boko Haram rebels, Nigeria's military asserted its might and retook the town on November 16, 2014 in a rare example of pushing out the rebels.
Twin Suicide Bombings Send Shudder in Northern Nigeria
Two teen-age girls carried out suicide bombings at a marketplace in Maiduguri, provincial capital of Nigeria's north-eastern Borno State, on November 25, 2014, killing at least 40. Borno is one of three states beside Yobe State and Adamawa State in Nigeria's north east under the state of emergency rule because of reign of terror let loose by Boko Haram rebels. The twin suicide bombings at Maiduguri came a day after rebels gunned down dozens at a local bazaar in Damasak, a town on the border with Niger. Last week, rebels descended on a small town near Lake Chad, Doron Baga, and killed at least 48 men who primarily depended on fish trade for livelihood.
Boko Haram Targets A Moderate Mosque, Kills At Least 35
Boko Haram militants on November 28, 2014 seized a mosque in the northern city of Kano, opened fire, killing at least 35 and wounding more than 150. As the attack by Boko Haram has increased in frequency and severity in recent months, so have the call from civil society for resistance. The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sunusi II, whose palace is near the mosque that was attacked on November 28, this month called Nigerians to resist Boko Haram.
Islamic Militants again Kidnap Women from a Northern Nigerian Village
Boko Haram rebels again struck with viciousness as they had descended on the northern village of Gumburi, just 12 miles from the town, Chibok, where the militants had kidnapped nearly 300 girl students from a hostel on April 15, 2014, out of whom 219 still remained missing. In the attack on Gumburi on December 15, 2014, militants killed at least 35, and kidnapped more than 185, mostly women and girls.
Militants Seize a Multinational Military Base
Days after foreign troops had withdrawn from a multinational military base near Chadian border, Boko Haram rebels on January 3, 2015 launched a vicious attack on the base near Baga, seizing the base. Thousands of people in the town had fled, many had been killed and their mutilated bodies were seen on the streets. The loss of the multinational base at Baga marked a serious setback to the government.
Militants Carry out Massacre in the Town within a Week of Seizing a Base Nearby
Six days after seizing a multinational base from Nigerian military, Boko Haram rebels carried out mass executions and burning of town residences at Baga on January 9, 2015, forcing thousands to flee empty-handed and leaving the town streets littered with charred bodies. According to Amnesty International, the January 9, 2015, Baga massacre might be the worst one-day massacre in the five-year insurgency in Nigeria. Although there were no official counts, the death toll could be high in thousands. Before Baga massacre, previous one-day worst toll was on March 14, 2014 when soldiers had gunned down unarmed detainees freed after attack on a military base at Giwa in Maiduguri. In Giwa massacre, more than 600 were killed.
Youngest Suicide Bomber Kills 20 in Northern Nigeria
In an ominous turn of using the extreme barbarity in tactics and thoughtlessness, Boko Haram insurgents exploited a girl as young as 10 years old as a suicide bomber to target a market in Maiduguri on January 10, 2015 that had killed at least 20.
Military in Fierce Battle to Defend a Key Northern City
Nigerian military on January 25, 2015 was reported to be defending the northern city of Maiduguri in a fierce battle that had begun early in the day as Boko Haram rebels had launched surprise attacks on the city from three sides. At the end of the day, military said that they were able to protect the city from complete takeover by Islamist rebels, but only after hundreds of deaths on both sides.
Further in the south about 125 miles from Maiduguri, Boko Haram militants adopted a scorched-earth policy since January 23, 2015 night as they had burned houses, indiscriminately killed villagers and brought a reign of terror in six villages in Michika region of Adamawa state.
Kerry Visits Nigeria to Show Support for Democracy
As Nigerian military was in the midst of a fierce battle to defend Maiduguri in the north, US Secretary of State John Kerry made a visit 1,000 miles southwest to Lagos on January 25, 2015, country's commercial capital, to meet with two primary contestants--incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari--in the upcoming presidential polls and show American support for democracy in the country. Kerry also issued an implicit warning against any post-poll violence, a grim reminder of what happened after Buhari had lost the 2011 polls, leading to violent demonstrations by Buhari's supporters in the north and subsequent death of more than 800 people.
Chadian Soldiers Drive out Boko Haram from Nigerian City
In the first such cross-border move, Chad's soldiers entered into Nigeria on January 30, 2015 and drove out the Boko Haram rebels from a key city, Malum Fatori, that sits at the crossroads of Chad, Niger and Nigeria. A night before on January 29, 2015, a Chadian warplane bombed Boko Haram positions in the city. The cross-border drive by Chadian force came a day after an African Union meeting at Addis Ababa on January 29, 2015 decided to create a 7,500-member regional force to combat Boko Haram. The regional force to be comprised of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Niger is still to be approved by the U.N. Security Council and will deploy within a year of its formation. African Union Executive Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa said that a robust multinational approach was necessary to beat back the Boko Haram menace. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised the gathering at Addis Ababa of "technical support, training and equipment" to AU regional force.
Extremists Attack a Major City, Target a Regional Politician
Three days after the African Union, meeting at Addis Ababa, announced a 7,500-strong regional force to fight against Boko Haram, the armed extremists on February 1, 2015 launched an audacious attack on Maiduguri on four fronts, dragging Nigerian Air Force to shell targets on ground. At least several dozens people, including scores of civilians, were killed and hundreds wounded.
In a separate incident on February 1, 2015, a suicide bomber targeted the home of a popular politician, Sabo Garbu, running in the upcoming parliamentary polls at Potiskum in the neighboring Yobe State, and killed eight people. The suspicion immediately fell on Boko Haram, a fierce opponent of democratic suffrage.
Extremists Launch Cross-Border Raid into Cameroon, Ravage a Border Town
The message from African Union meet in Addis Ababa in the end of January 2015 that the bloc would create a strong 7,500-strong regional force to combat the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria and surrounding African nations riled the militant group so much that it had lately become desperate to spread its tentacles of terror across the borders as witnessed by the residents of Fotokol, a northern Cameroonian town bordering Nigeria, with scores of Boko Haram rebels raiding the town, burning mosques and churches and driving out hundreds of people on February 5, 2015. At least 91 people were reported killed and more than 500 wounded in day-long orgy perpetrated by Boko Haram rebels in Fotokol.
Nigerian Extremists Make Foray into a Second Country in Two Days
A day after raiding a Cameroonian border town, Fotokol, and wreaking havoc, Boko Haram militants on February 6, 2015 attacked two towns in Niger, killing several people. While soldiers from Chad and Niger were able to drive out Boko Haram rebels from the town of Bosso, a second town, Diffa, was subjected to a series of mortar barrage. The February 6, 2015, Boko Haram attack on Niger towns of Bosso and Diffa occurred in the backdrop of an assertive African Union that had decided last month at a meeting in Addis Ababa to create a 7,500-strong regional force to combat Boko Haram menace. The troops for the regional force will be contributed, among others, by Nigeria and its neighbors, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin, respectively. (Later, the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750)
Boko Haram Strikes Targets in Niger, Cameroon; Leader Mocks Regional Force
In an uptick of audacity and desperation, Boko Haram extremists seized a bus in the evening of February 8, 2015 at the northern Cameroonian town of Koza, and drove it toward Nigerian border, just 11 miles away, with its 20 passengers. The fate of passengers remained unknown as of February 9, 2015.
Barely 12 hours had passed by after the hijack of a passenger bus in northern Cameroon, another northern Cameroonian town, Kolofata, came under attack from Boko Haram rebels on February 9, 2015, who had extensively looted food and livestock. Kolofata was changed hands in recent days as Chadian army helped Cameroon oust Boko Haram rebels from there.
A third attack blamed on Boko Haram took place around 3PM on February 9, 2015 at the Niger town of Diffa when a huge explosion shook the region.
Meanwhile, in a mocking YouTube video uploaded on February 9, 2015, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said that the African Union should have formed a 7-million strong regional force, not the 7,500-strong force as that was not enough. (Later, the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750.)
Boko Haram Pledges Allegiance to Islamic State
Nigeria's Boko Haram on March 7, 2015 pledged the group's allegiance to ISIL. The supreme leader of Boko Haram, which itself had declared in August 2014 its own Islamic caliphate in areas in Nigeria under its control, Abubakr Shekau, used his Twitter account to announce the allegiance decision.
Nigeria's Military Chief Laments over the Fate of Kidnapped Girls
Nigeria's army chief Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah said on March 17, 2015 that despite the country's recent military success against the Boko Haram rebels, they had yet to find any trace of some 200 girls kidnapped from their girls' hostel about a year ago. The admission by the army chief for failure to find the kidnapped girls came on the same week of liberating two northeastern states--Yobe and Adamawa--completely from Boko Haram rebels, leaving only 3 of 27 local governments of the state of Borno still under control of the Islamic militant group.
Nigeria Witnesses Historic Elections
Albeit sporadic violence and Boko Haram threat to disrupt polling, Nigerians went to polling booths in large numbers on March 28, 2015 to cast their ballots in presidential polls and to elect a new 360-member legislature.
Nigerian President Ousted in Polls
The official results of the March 28, 2015, presidential polls were announced on April 1, 2015 after days of counting and tallies from all 36 provinces and Federal Capital Territories. Incumbent Goodluck Jonathan was handily defeated by former military dictator Muhammad Buhari. In a tectonic change, this election also marks a civilian-to-civilian transfer of powers for the first time in Nigerian history.
Nigerian Troops Rescue Close to 300 Women and Girls
Nigerian troops leading a "hot pursuit" against the Boko Haram rebels, who were on the run in recent months after Nigeria and its neighbors had launched an African Union-backed concerted and coordinated assault against the group, on April 28, 2015 rescued about 200 girls and 93 women from the Sambisa Forest. The authorities said that the girls rescued were not the Chibok girls who were kidnapped from their dormitories on April 15, 2014, and 219 of them remained missing to this day. However, what perplexed the Nigerian military was the fact that some of the captives opened fire on the soldiers during the operation, implying they might have been brainwashed by their Boko Haram captors.
Nigeria Rescues more Girls and Women
Continuing to oust Boko Haram rebels from at least nine camps in the Sambisa Forest, Nigerian troops rescued more women and girls, bringing the total to at least 677 as of May 1, 2015.
* April 28, 2015: 200 girls and 93 women rescued
* April 30, 2015: 100 girls and 50 women rescued
* May 1, 2015: 234 women and girls rescued
Stepping in the operation in Sambisa Forest, outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan said on May 1, 2015 that he would like to hand over a more stable country to his successor Muhammad Buhari, who will be inaugurated on May 29, 2015.
Orgy of Violence Continues
Heeding to the call by ISIL to wreak havoc during the month of Ramadan, group's new ally in Nigeria, Boko Haram, is bringing bloodbath, murder and mayhem to northeastern Nigeria on almost daily basis. On June 30, 2015, Boko Haram extremists descended on the village of Mussaram in northeastern Nigeria, separated men and boys from women and girls, and executed 48 men and boys. Next night (July 1, 2015), Boko Haram militants invaded a mosque at a nearby town, Kukawa, and gunned down at least 140 worshippers who had broken day-long fast and came to the mosque to pray.
Boko Haram's Bloody Campaign during Holy Month of Ramadan Continues
In a travesty of religious mockery, Boko Haram is inflicting maximum damage and destruction to the fellow Muslims in northeastern Nigeria. Continuing a bloody week, an explosion rocked the Yantaya Mosque in Northeastern Nigeria on July 5, 2015 night as worshippers assembled to pray after day-long fast and a cleric, Sani Yahaya, known for his principled stand against violence was preaching to the crowd. Yahaya led the Jamaa'tu Izalatul Bidia, an organization that preaches and propagates the message of religious co-existence and harmony. In the same evening on June 5, 2015, a bomb exploded at a posh Muslim restaurant in the central city of Jos, Shagalinku Restaurant, killing at least 60 in the day's pair of bombings at Jos and Yantaya Mosque. Hours earlier, a female suicide bomber blew herself up at a church, Redeemed Christian Church, in Potiskum during Sunday service, killing six congregants.
Nigeria Spills Blood Even on the Holiest Day of Islam
A back-to-back streak of bombings in a span of 24 hours took numerous lives as Muslims in Northeastern Nigeria were marking the end of Ramadan. First the night before Eid ul-Fitr, a woman suicide bomber blew up at a marketplace in the town of Gombe, killing at least 50 people. Next day, July 17, 2015, on the holy day of Eid, as hundreds gathered on an open ground for prayer, a teenager boy blew up, killing at least 15 people.
Dozens of Women and Girls Rescued from Extremists
Nigerian troops launched surprise attacks on Boko Haram hideouts in northeastern Nigeria near Maiduguri on July 29 and July 30, 2015, respectively, freeing a total of 71 women and children. In shootout following raids on successive days, several dozens extremists were killed.
Chad's President Says, There is a New Boko Haram Chief who Favors Talks
Chad's President Idriss Deby said on August 12, 2015 that the Nigeria's Boko Haram had a new leader, Mahamat Daoud, who was willing to talk to government officials. The rumor swirled around for days that the former leader Abubakr Shekau might have died of his wounds sustained in March 2015 although Deby didn't shed any light on Shekau.
Nigerian Self-Defense Fighters Ally with Military to Mount Attack on Extremists
In a new military tie-up with potential to pay rich dividend in terms of national security and counterterrorism operation, an indigent self-defense force collaborated with Nigerian Army on October 20, 2015 to launch attack on Boko Haram hideouts in Madagali and Gwoza that had killed more than 150 extremist fighters and rescued more than three dozen women and children.
A Pair of Suicide Bombings Kill 42 during Friday Prayers
A pall of gloom descended on Yola, the capital of Nigeria's Adamawa state, on October 23, 2015 as a suicide bomber blew up during Friday prayer at a mosque. At least 27 people were killed and 96 wounded. Earlier in the day, another suicide bombing at a Maiduguri mosque killed 15 people. Although no one claimed responsibility for the pair of suicide bombings, the attacks fit in the pattern of Boko Haram atrocities.
338 Rescued from Extremist Captivity in Army Raid
Nigerian Army carried out a full-fledged raid on Boko Haram hideout in the woods of Nigeria's northeast on October 27, 2015, killing 30 militants and rescuing 338 captives, mostly women and children.
Shiite Procession Targeted; 21 Killed
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber blew up at a procession on November 27, 2015 in Nigeria, killing at least 21 and injuring dozens. Hundreds of Shiites were part of the annual Arbaeen procession that began at the country's second-largest city, Kano, and headed toward an ancient Islamic holy city, Zaria, when the perpetrator blew himself up. The head of Kano's Shiite order, Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi, said that 21 people were killed in the suicide bombing.
Bombings, Attacks Kill 80 in Northeastern Nigeria
Boko Haram insurgents turned Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria's Borno state, into a killing field in a series of attacks that had begun overnight on December 27, 2015 and continued in the morning hours of December 28, 2015. Overnight, insurgents launched attacks, using multiple suicide bombers and rocket propelled grenades, on Maiduguri, killing at least 30 people and wounding 90 people. On December 28, 2015 morning a suicide bomber blew up at a mosque in Maiduguri, killing an additional 20 people. A pair of female suicide bombers blew up at a marketplace in Madagali, a town 95 miles southeast of Maiduguri, killing at least 30 people.
More than 50 Killed in Militant Attack
Dozens of militants arrived at settlements on the outskirt of Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram, on January 30, 2016 night in two cars and a motorcycle and opened fire on the residents indiscriminately, killing at least 50 people. The randomness of the attacks in the recent months reflects the desperateness of the militants in the face of strong armed response by the regime of Muhammad Buhari. At least 20,000 people were killed and more than 2.5 millions were displaced since the Boko Haram had launched its campaign of violence 6 years ago.
Two Girls Blow up at a Refugee Camp in Nigeria
At first three girls showed up at a sprawling camp for displaced in the country's northeast on February 8, 2016 night. They were treated by residents of Dikwa camp with affection and embrace just like other displaced--and often, orphaned--kids would be treated. However, events began to unfurl in an unthinkable way the following morning, with two of them blew themselves up and killing at least 58 people in addition to wounding more than 78. The third would-be suicide bomber desisted herself from carrying out the attack after recognizing her parents and siblings among the camp's residents.
Joint Raid Rescues Hundreds
A joint raid by Cameroonian and Nigerian forces at a Boko Haram training camp in the Nigerian border town of Kumshe, just nine miles from the border, on February 27, 2016 rescued hundreds of hostages, including several dozens young girls who were being trained to be suicide bombers. Forces from neighboring nations also killed about 100 militants.
One of the Chibok Girls Found
Authorities said that one of the Chibok girls kidnapped from a girls' hostel in April 2014 was found wandering on the outskirts of Sambisa Forest, bordering Cameroon, on May 17, 2016. The girl, now 19, was carrying a baby, and later reunited with her mom. The finding of the girl raised hope for the families of other 218 girls who had remained missing since April 14, 2014, kidnapping of about 276 girls from the dormitory of Government Girls Secondary School at Chibok. Many of the girls later fled, some of them had walked for days to freedom.
President Meets the Chibok Girl
The Chibok girl found two days earlier on the outskirts of Sambisa Forest met with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja on May 19, 2016. The meeting was arranged for Amina Ali Nkeki and her baby at the presidential palace, and the reporters were kept at bay.
Nigeria Fires Dozens of Military Officers
As the country was mired in a virulent insurgency and its military engaged in a bitter do-or-die battle in the northeast with Boko Haram rebels, the regime of President Muhammad Buhari began to show no tolerance for the country's endemic corruption that had plagued its military ranks. The Associated Press reported on June 11, 2016 that more than 50 military officers had been fired in recent days, and some of them already handed over to the country's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for misusing the money allocated for weapons program.
Militants Attack Funeral, Kill 18
Boko Haram took responsibility for spraying bullets into a funeral attended by a large number of women and children on June 16, 2016 night that had killed at least 18. The latest orgy took place in the Adamawa state near the Sambisa forest.
People Flee Boko Haram Onslaught, Die of hunger, Aid Group Says
As the military wrath was taking a heavy toll on Boko Haram, it turned its fire instead on the helpless people in northeastern Nigeria, creating human disaster of indescribable proportion. In recent days, tens of thousands fled their far-flung villages in Borno province and headed toward the near-by city of Bama. The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders arrived at Bama following a military convoy from the Borno capital of Maiduguri on June 21, 2016. What the aid personnel had found upon arriving at Bama was nothing short of a "catastrophic humanitarian emergency" in which at least 200 refugees, most of them children, had died of hunger and exhaustion and family members had dug graves to bury their loved ones. Doctors Without Borders began to provide medical help to many of the 24,000 who had sought refuge in Bama in recent days, and the group's head for Nigerian mission, Ghada Hatim, said on June 22, 2016 that the patients her group had treated bore the signs of "trauma on the faces" and many "horrors" they had faced. The latest surge in refugees was part of 1.8 million people who were internally displaced in addition to 155,000 who had fled the country.
Fissure Emerges in Boko Haram Leadership
In what was once a militant group bound tight by brutal imposition of discipline seems lately to erupt in chaos with dissention and revolts afflicting the group from top to bottom. The latest evidence was the sidelining of the founder of the group and its once indisputable leader, Abubakar Shekau. The Islamic State to which Boko Haram had pledged its loyalty named on August 3, 2016 Abu Musab al-Barnawi as the militant group's new leader.
Long Time Leader Claims Himself the Leader
A day after ISIL pronounced Abu Musab al-Barnawi as the new leader of West Africa Province, Abubakar Shekau on August 4, 2016 called the move a "coup" and dismissed him as nothing but an "infidel".
Video of Kidnapped Girls Released
In a reflection of deepening factional fight within Boko Haram ranks, the so-called Chibok Girls are being used a PR pawn to score brownie. On August 14, 2016, a video was released that showed a spokesman for the faction led by the militant group's founder, Abubakar Shekau, presenting many of the girls kidnapped from Chibok in April 2014. The girls wore long dress and looked bleak. The spokesman said many others were killed in government airstrikes, without producing any proof, and demanded the release militants from Nigerian jails in exchange for girls' release.
Boko Haram Leader Reported to be Killed in Airstrike
Widespread doubt and skepticism greeted the August 23, 2016, announcement by Nigerian military that an airstrike had "fatally wounded" Boko Haram's supreme leader, Abubakar Shekau, four days ago. Abubakar was pronounced dead several times in the past, only to reappear in subsequent video or audio releases. Nigerian airstrike was carried out on August 19, 2016 at Taye village in the Sambisa Forest in the country's northeast. Beside Abubakar, the reported airstrikes killed about 300 militants, according to Nigerian military.
Military Finds another Kidnapped Chibok Girl
Nigerian troops during an operation in the Sambisa Forest found on early November 5, 2016 one of the kidnapped Chibok girls along with her 10-month-old baby. Last month President Muhammad Buhari's government secured release of 21 Chibok girls. In May 2016, another Chibok girl escaped from captivity and troops found her and her baby on May 17, 2016. Meanwhile, worldwide support for the movement to seek the release of more than 200 kidnapped Chibok girls have gained momentum under the hashtag Bring Back Our Girls, with the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama vowing that her husband would do all he could to secure the release of the girls.
Female Suicide Bombers Kill 30 amid the U.N. Move to Raise a $1 billion Aid Package
At a time when the government of Muhamad Buhari claimed that it had turned a corner in the fight against Boko Haram and made its fighters on the run, two female suicide bombers wreaked havoc at a bustling marketplace on the edge of Sambisa Forest in the country's northeast. The December 9, 2016, suicide bombings in the town of Madagali, 95 miles southeast of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, birthplace of Boko Haram movement, killed 30 people and wounded close to 100. The attack came amid a global effort launched by the U.N. to raise almost $1 billion to help 5.1 million people, including 2.6 million displaced people, in the country's northeast who were facing endemic starvation, widespread disease and acute malnutrition among children.
Nigerian Soldiers Find a Kidnapped Chibok Girl
As result of interrogation of detained Boko Haram fighters, Nigerian military got clue and found a kidnapped Chibok girl along with her baby. Nigerian military's January 5, 2017, announcement followed after a Chibok girl had escaped in May 2016, negotiated release of 21 additional girls in October 2016 and securing another in a November 2016 raid.
Accidental Airstrikes Kill Scores in Refugee Camp
Nigerian Air Force on January 17, 2017 carried out airstrikes targeting an apparent Boko Haram camp in the country's northeast that had turned out to be a refugee camp. Doctors Without Borders said later in the day that the airstrikes at a refugee camp in the village of Rann had killed at least 52--many of them children and women--and wounded at least 200. The aerial attack had resulted in death of six local Red Cross volunteers and injury of an additional 13. Later in the afternoon, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the mistake.
Mistaken Airstrike Toll Rises
A day after, mistaken airstrike had hit a refugee camp in the country's northeast, authorities on January 18, 2017 increased the toll to 70.
Toll from Errant Airstrikes Rises to 90
Nigerian authorities on January 20, 2017 raised the number of people killed in January 17, 2017, airstrikes to 90.
83 Chibok Girls Freed
Nigerian military announced on May 6, 2017 that Boko Haram had let 83 Nigerian girls kidnapped in April 2014 go free. The release of 83 Chibok girls, now under the care of the country's military, came almost six months after 21 girls had been released in October 2016.
More than 50 Killed in Suicide Attack at a Mosque
A suicide bomber blew up at a mosque in the country's northeast, town of Mubi in Adamawa state, during prayer on November 21, 2017, killing at least 50.
Chibok Replay Witnessed in Another Mass Kidnapping of Girls
In an eerily similar kidnapping episode that matched the scale of audacity displayed in Chibok where more than 300 girls had been kidnapped in April 2014, with nearly 100 still remaining in captivity , heavily armed Boko Haram rebels on February 19, 2018, surrounded a girls' school, Government Girls Science and Technical School, in Yobe Province in northern Nigeria, and apparently kidnapped more than 50 girls. Several other girls were able to flee after the gunmen arrived at the village of Dapchi in machine-gun armed vehicles.
Number of Girls Missing Higher than Initially Thought
Authorities on February 22, 2018 said that the number of girls still missing from February 19, 2018, Boko Haram attack on the village of Dapchi in Yobe Province might be as high as 100.
Government Says that 110 Girls Kidnapped
After meeting with local officials, Nigerian Information Minister Lai Mohammed acknowledged on February 25, 2018 that the authorities might not have all the information about the number girls taken away by Boko Haram rebels in February 19, 2018, raid at a girls school in Yobe state. The minister stated that 110 girls had been kidnapped by the gunmen.
Students Stay Away from the School
A week after February 19, 2018, Boko Haram raid on the Government Girls Science and Technical School at Dapchi in Yobe Province in northern Nigeria and taking about 110 girls as hostage, the school re-opened on February 26, 2018, but almost all of the students preferred to stay away, underscoring the deep sense of insecurity prevailing in the region.
104 Girls Released More than a Month after Boko Haram Kidnapping
Boko Haram gunmen on March 21, 2018 returned 104 girls to their families 30 days after kidnapping them on February 19, 2018 from the Government Girls Science and Technical School at Dapchi in Yobe Province in northern Nigeria. As the girls were being dropped at the village, Leah Sharibu's family found that she was not one of them because, according to the other girls, she had refused to convert into Islam. Reacting to the incident, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on March 22, 2018 that Leah would not be abandoned, and blasted Boko Haram for besmirching Islam. Buhari was mum on the other five girls who remained unaccounted for.
Nigerian Military Rescues about 1000 Boko Haram Hostages
Nigerian military announced on May 7, 2018 that a combined military operation with the Multinational Joint Task Force in four villages in the Bama area of the Borno State helped rescue about 1,000 hostages, many of them were women and children.
Nigerian President Election Postponed for a Week at the Last Minutes
Just hours before polls were to begin on February 16, 2019 to elect a new president, Nigeria's election commission postponed it for a week, citing logistical and other issues, raising doubt over foul play and throwing uncertainty over participation of hundreds of thousands of eligible voters who had returned to their native villages to cats their votes, but now would have to go back to their workplaces in large cities and might not return next week.
Delayed Presidential Poll Extended for a Second Day
A week later than scheduled, presidential poll was held on February 23, 2019 in Nigeria after violence marred days in the run-up to the election, with at least 39 people had been killed in extremist and other poll related violence. Given the poll glitches and anomalies in various states such as Abia, Bayelsa, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and Sokoto, election commission chief Mahmoud Yakubu extended the election for another day. On February 24, 2019, various parts of the nation saw a brisk pace of polling.
Incumbent Takes Early Lead
As the counting began in all 36 provinces of Nigeria, by the end of February 25, 2019, President Muhammad Buhari took an early lead over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Boko Haram Attacks Self-Defense Civilian Forces
A week after marking the 10-year anniversary of Boko Haram insurgency and two weeks after a self-defense village force had repelled a Boko Haram attack in northeastern Nigeria that had killed 11 extremists, Islamic State-affiliated militant group, seeking revenge for their fellow extremists' deaths, on July 28, 2019 attacked returnees from a village funeral at Budu near Maiduguri, killing at least 60 villagers. Throughout Borno state and rest of the Nigeria's northeast, civilians have formed their own self-defense forces and taking law into their own hands, instead of relying on the government security forces, to fight against Boko Haram rebels.
At least 50 Soldiers Killed
Gunmen opened fire in Yobe Province, killing at least 50 soldiers, Nigerian authorities said on March 24, 2020.
NIGERIA
Militants Target Capital in Renewed Escalation; Kidnapped Teenage Girls in Northeast
An Islamic militant movement that was confined in the past to the country's northeast, reached its tentacle even in the capital, Abuja, as a massive explosion at a bus station on April 14, 2014 during Monday rush hours killed at least 75 people and wounded at least 125. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who visited the bus station in the aftermath of explosion, blamed Boko Haram for the carnage.
A day after a massive blast at Abuja blamed on the group, Boko Haram rebels kidnapped nearly 300 girl students from a boarding school at Chibok in the state of Borno, the birthplace of the group, in early hours of April 15, 2014. The state administration led by Gov. Kashim Shettima closed all schools in the state for the past 15 days over the increasing pace of attacks by militants against schools and students. Students stayed back in the boarding schools for taking the exams. About 20 of the 129 girls abducted freed themselves and fled from the captivity. Meanwhile, the country's military on April 17, 2014 retracted its claim a day earlier that all the girls kidnapped on April 15 were freed.
Boko Haram Leader Claims Responsibility for Kidnapping
In a video message made public on May 5, 2014, Boko Haram's supreme leader Abubakar Shekau claimed responsibility for kidnapping more than 300 girls from a boarding school in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno. The video appeared in both Hausa and Arabic.
Kerry Offers US Help to Nigeria
US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 6, 2014 offered Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan help in securing release of hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram rebels and bringing the kidnappers to the justice.
Another Mass Killing by Boko Haram Militants Sends Shock Waves Across the Continent
A contingent of armed Boko Haram insurgents descended on a remote town, Gamboru Ngala, near Cameroon borders in northeast on the evening of May 5, 2014, opened fire at the local marketplace, torched homes and indiscriminately killed more than 336 people.
Video Asks for Release of Militants in Exchange for Captured Girls
Another video surfaced on May 12, 2014 quoted Boko Haram leader demanding for the swap of prisoners as pressure mounted on the Nigerian government to do more to seek release of 276 girls who remained captive. So far, 53 girls escaped.
Nigerian President Rejects the Boko Haram Offer for Swap
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on May 14, 2014 rejected the Boko Haram offer to release more than 275 abducted girls in exchange for release unknown number of militants in Nigerian prisons.
Cancellation of Presidential Visit Generates Anger in the Affected Town
President Goodluck Jonathan canceled his planned visit to Chibok, the town where Boko Haram rebels preyed upon on April 15 and kidnapped more than 300 schoolgirls from the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School, on May 16, 2014 in the pretext of attending an African security conference at Paris. The eleventh hour cancellation of presidential visit angered many residents of Chibok, including many parents of kidnapped girls.
Paris Summit Calls for a United Front on Boko Haram
Addressing a summit hosted in Paris at the behest of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, French President Francois Hollande on May 17, 2014 called for increased sharing of intelligence, collective policing of borders and unified approach to track and trace Boko Haram's cash and weapons in order to succeed in the latest surge in terrorism in the affected region at and surrounding Nigeria's north and northeast. As the summit, participated by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin, was opened at Paris, somber mood already set in as twin attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon hours earlier killed at least 50 people. Boko Haram was suspected behind both the attacks. One occurred in the early hours of May 17, 2014 at a Nigerian village, Dalwa-Masuba, as attackers descended on the village in the darkness of pre-dawn hours, setting huts in fire and killing at least 40 people. Hours earlier, on May 16, 2014 evening, gunmen attacked a tent of a Chinese engineering firm across the border in Cameroon, killing at least 10.
Twin Car Bombs Kill More than 100
A half-hour-separated car bomb explosions at the central city of Jos on May 20, 2014 killed at least 118 people. Although no one claimed responsibility for twin car bombings, the mayhem and modus operandi bore the hallmark of Boko Haram.
US Pours in Resources to Track the Kidnapped Girls amid continuing Mayhem by Boko Haram
On May 21, 2014, US added more personnel and presence in the region to track, trace and rescue 276 missing girls kidnapped by Boko Haram rebels last month. During the day, the rebels launched attacks on three villages--Bulakarbe, Shawa and Alagarno--near Chibok, the town where the girls had been kidnapped from, torching huts and killing at least 48 people.
Extremist Group Carries out another Kidnapping Campaign, Strikes at a Posh Mall in the Capital
This week (June 22-28, 2014) has turned out to be a terror-on-loose week in Nigeria and the campaign of Boko Haram was not limited to northeast only. On June 25, 2014, an explosion blamed on the group rocked a posh mall, Emab Plaza, at the capital, Abuja, killing at least 21, and followed kidnapping of at least 91 people--31 boys and 60 women--earlier this week on June 22. This week's kidnapping added salt to the injury that had been inflicted in April by the group's kidnapping of more than 200 girls, who remained in captivity.
More than 60 Fled from Captivity
Nigerian regional officials said on July 7, 2014 that more than 60 women and girls kidnapped from three villages in the northeastern state of Borno on June 22, 2014 had fled from captivity last week.
Boko Haram Sweeps Border Region
Islamic extremist group Boko Haram swept through towns and villages bordering Cameroon in the eastern state of Adamawa during a three-day campaign (September 5-7, 2014) of terror and mayhem. On September 6, 2014, even the state capital, Gulak, fell to Boko Haram, leading to thousands of residents to flee the capital. Since Nigeria declared a state of emergency in May 2013, at least 1.5 million people were displaced from or had fled their homes, according to the U.N.
Nigerian Government Announces Truce with Boko Haram
Nigeria's Defense Chief of Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh said on October 17, 2014 that authorities had entered into truce with Boko Haram. However, it was not clear whether the truce had blessing of the group's supreme leader Abubakar Shekau, or the plight of 219 girls who were still held by the group. They were part of 276 girls kidnapped by the group from a girls' hostel on April 15, 2014, and many of them had fled.
Boko Haram Chief Denies Truce with the Government, Says Girls are Married
Rejecting the government claim as announced by Nigeria's Defense Chief of Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh said on October 17, 2014, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said in a video released on November 1, 2014 that there was no truce reached with the government. Shekau also said that the more than 200 girls kidnapped in April from a boarding school were now married.
Suicide Bombing Targets a Technical School
Continuing its hallmark of attacking academic institutions, Boko Haram was accused of carrying out the latest suicide bombing during a weekly assembly on November 10, 2014 morning at the Government Technical Science College, killing at least 48. There were about 2,000 students, aged 11 to 20, at the assembly of the college located at the capital, Potiskum, of the northern Yobe State. The bombing took place a week after another suicide attack during a religious procession of moderate Muslims at Potiskum that had killed 30 people.
Militants Take Over the Town Now
First, the Boko Haram militants kidnapped 276 girls on April 15, 2014. However, lest it was not enough to writ a reign of fear in the Christian-dominated town, the Islamic rebels seized the northern town of Chibok late November 13, 2014. Many Chibok residents had fled in advance of invasion by the heavily armed militants.
Military Takes over the Town
Three days after the capture of Chibok by Boko Haram rebels, Nigeria's military asserted its might and retook the town on November 16, 2014 in a rare example of pushing out the rebels.
Twin Suicide Bombings Send Shudder in Northern Nigeria
Two teen-age girls carried out suicide bombings at a marketplace in Maiduguri, provincial capital of Nigeria's north-eastern Borno State, on November 25, 2014, killing at least 40. Borno is one of three states beside Yobe State and Adamawa State in Nigeria's north east under the state of emergency rule because of reign of terror let loose by Boko Haram rebels. The twin suicide bombings at Maiduguri came a day after rebels gunned down dozens at a local bazaar in Damasak, a town on the border with Niger. Last week, rebels descended on a small town near Lake Chad, Doron Baga, and killed at least 48 men who primarily depended on fish trade for livelihood.
Boko Haram Targets A Moderate Mosque, Kills At Least 35
Boko Haram militants on November 28, 2014 seized a mosque in the northern city of Kano, opened fire, killing at least 35 and wounding more than 150. As the attack by Boko Haram has increased in frequency and severity in recent months, so have the call from civil society for resistance. The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sunusi II, whose palace is near the mosque that was attacked on November 28, this month called Nigerians to resist Boko Haram.
Islamic Militants again Kidnap Women from a Northern Nigerian Village
Boko Haram rebels again struck with viciousness as they had descended on the northern village of Gumburi, just 12 miles from the town, Chibok, where the militants had kidnapped nearly 300 girl students from a hostel on April 15, 2014, out of whom 219 still remained missing. In the attack on Gumburi on December 15, 2014, militants killed at least 35, and kidnapped more than 185, mostly women and girls.
Militants Seize a Multinational Military Base
Days after foreign troops had withdrawn from a multinational military base near Chadian border, Boko Haram rebels on January 3, 2015 launched a vicious attack on the base near Baga, seizing the base. Thousands of people in the town had fled, many had been killed and their mutilated bodies were seen on the streets. The loss of the multinational base at Baga marked a serious setback to the government.
Militants Carry out Massacre in the Town within a Week of Seizing a Base Nearby
Six days after seizing a multinational base from Nigerian military, Boko Haram rebels carried out mass executions and burning of town residences at Baga on January 9, 2015, forcing thousands to flee empty-handed and leaving the town streets littered with charred bodies. According to Amnesty International, the January 9, 2015, Baga massacre might be the worst one-day massacre in the five-year insurgency in Nigeria. Although there were no official counts, the death toll could be high in thousands. Before Baga massacre, previous one-day worst toll was on March 14, 2014 when soldiers had gunned down unarmed detainees freed after attack on a military base at Giwa in Maiduguri. In Giwa massacre, more than 600 were killed.
Youngest Suicide Bomber Kills 20 in Northern Nigeria
In an ominous turn of using the extreme barbarity in tactics and thoughtlessness, Boko Haram insurgents exploited a girl as young as 10 years old as a suicide bomber to target a market in Maiduguri on January 10, 2015 that had killed at least 20.
Military in Fierce Battle to Defend a Key Northern City
Nigerian military on January 25, 2015 was reported to be defending the northern city of Maiduguri in a fierce battle that had begun early in the day as Boko Haram rebels had launched surprise attacks on the city from three sides. At the end of the day, military said that they were able to protect the city from complete takeover by Islamist rebels, but only after hundreds of deaths on both sides.
Further in the south about 125 miles from Maiduguri, Boko Haram militants adopted a scorched-earth policy since January 23, 2015 night as they had burned houses, indiscriminately killed villagers and brought a reign of terror in six villages in Michika region of Adamawa state.
Kerry Visits Nigeria to Show Support for Democracy
As Nigerian military was in the midst of a fierce battle to defend Maiduguri in the north, US Secretary of State John Kerry made a visit 1,000 miles southwest to Lagos on January 25, 2015, country's commercial capital, to meet with two primary contestants--incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari--in the upcoming presidential polls and show American support for democracy in the country. Kerry also issued an implicit warning against any post-poll violence, a grim reminder of what happened after Buhari had lost the 2011 polls, leading to violent demonstrations by Buhari's supporters in the north and subsequent death of more than 800 people.
Chadian Soldiers Drive out Boko Haram from Nigerian City
In the first such cross-border move, Chad's soldiers entered into Nigeria on January 30, 2015 and drove out the Boko Haram rebels from a key city, Malum Fatori, that sits at the crossroads of Chad, Niger and Nigeria. A night before on January 29, 2015, a Chadian warplane bombed Boko Haram positions in the city. The cross-border drive by Chadian force came a day after an African Union meeting at Addis Ababa on January 29, 2015 decided to create a 7,500-member regional force to combat Boko Haram. The regional force to be comprised of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Niger is still to be approved by the U.N. Security Council and will deploy within a year of its formation. African Union Executive Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa said that a robust multinational approach was necessary to beat back the Boko Haram menace. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised the gathering at Addis Ababa of "technical support, training and equipment" to AU regional force.
Extremists Attack a Major City, Target a Regional Politician
Three days after the African Union, meeting at Addis Ababa, announced a 7,500-strong regional force to fight against Boko Haram, the armed extremists on February 1, 2015 launched an audacious attack on Maiduguri on four fronts, dragging Nigerian Air Force to shell targets on ground. At least several dozens people, including scores of civilians, were killed and hundreds wounded.
In a separate incident on February 1, 2015, a suicide bomber targeted the home of a popular politician, Sabo Garbu, running in the upcoming parliamentary polls at Potiskum in the neighboring Yobe State, and killed eight people. The suspicion immediately fell on Boko Haram, a fierce opponent of democratic suffrage.
Extremists Launch Cross-Border Raid into Cameroon, Ravage a Border Town
The message from African Union meet in Addis Ababa in the end of January 2015 that the bloc would create a strong 7,500-strong regional force to combat the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria and surrounding African nations riled the militant group so much that it had lately become desperate to spread its tentacles of terror across the borders as witnessed by the residents of Fotokol, a northern Cameroonian town bordering Nigeria, with scores of Boko Haram rebels raiding the town, burning mosques and churches and driving out hundreds of people on February 5, 2015. At least 91 people were reported killed and more than 500 wounded in day-long orgy perpetrated by Boko Haram rebels in Fotokol.
Nigerian Extremists Make Foray into a Second Country in Two Days
A day after raiding a Cameroonian border town, Fotokol, and wreaking havoc, Boko Haram militants on February 6, 2015 attacked two towns in Niger, killing several people. While soldiers from Chad and Niger were able to drive out Boko Haram rebels from the town of Bosso, a second town, Diffa, was subjected to a series of mortar barrage. The February 6, 2015, Boko Haram attack on Niger towns of Bosso and Diffa occurred in the backdrop of an assertive African Union that had decided last month at a meeting in Addis Ababa to create a 7,500-strong regional force to combat Boko Haram menace. The troops for the regional force will be contributed, among others, by Nigeria and its neighbors, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin, respectively. (Later, the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750)
Boko Haram Strikes Targets in Niger, Cameroon; Leader Mocks Regional Force
In an uptick of audacity and desperation, Boko Haram extremists seized a bus in the evening of February 8, 2015 at the northern Cameroonian town of Koza, and drove it toward Nigerian border, just 11 miles away, with its 20 passengers. The fate of passengers remained unknown as of February 9, 2015.
Barely 12 hours had passed by after the hijack of a passenger bus in northern Cameroon, another northern Cameroonian town, Kolofata, came under attack from Boko Haram rebels on February 9, 2015, who had extensively looted food and livestock. Kolofata was changed hands in recent days as Chadian army helped Cameroon oust Boko Haram rebels from there.
A third attack blamed on Boko Haram took place around 3PM on February 9, 2015 at the Niger town of Diffa when a huge explosion shook the region.
Meanwhile, in a mocking YouTube video uploaded on February 9, 2015, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said that the African Union should have formed a 7-million strong regional force, not the 7,500-strong force as that was not enough. (Later, the strength of the regional force was expanded to 8,750.)
Boko Haram Pledges Allegiance to Islamic State
Nigeria's Boko Haram on March 7, 2015 pledged the group's allegiance to ISIL. The supreme leader of Boko Haram, which itself had declared in August 2014 its own Islamic caliphate in areas in Nigeria under its control, Abubakr Shekau, used his Twitter account to announce the allegiance decision.
Nigeria's Military Chief Laments over the Fate of Kidnapped Girls
Nigeria's army chief Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah said on March 17, 2015 that despite the country's recent military success against the Boko Haram rebels, they had yet to find any trace of some 200 girls kidnapped from their girls' hostel about a year ago. The admission by the army chief for failure to find the kidnapped girls came on the same week of liberating two northeastern states--Yobe and Adamawa--completely from Boko Haram rebels, leaving only 3 of 27 local governments of the state of Borno still under control of the Islamic militant group.
Nigeria Witnesses Historic Elections
Albeit sporadic violence and Boko Haram threat to disrupt polling, Nigerians went to polling booths in large numbers on March 28, 2015 to cast their ballots in presidential polls and to elect a new 360-member legislature.
Nigerian President Ousted in Polls
The official results of the March 28, 2015, presidential polls were announced on April 1, 2015 after days of counting and tallies from all 36 provinces and Federal Capital Territories. Incumbent Goodluck Jonathan was handily defeated by former military dictator Muhammad Buhari. In a tectonic change, this election also marks a civilian-to-civilian transfer of powers for the first time in Nigerian history.
Nigerian Troops Rescue Close to 300 Women and Girls
Nigerian troops leading a "hot pursuit" against the Boko Haram rebels, who were on the run in recent months after Nigeria and its neighbors had launched an African Union-backed concerted and coordinated assault against the group, on April 28, 2015 rescued about 200 girls and 93 women from the Sambisa Forest. The authorities said that the girls rescued were not the Chibok girls who were kidnapped from their dormitories on April 15, 2014, and 219 of them remained missing to this day. However, what perplexed the Nigerian military was the fact that some of the captives opened fire on the soldiers during the operation, implying they might have been brainwashed by their Boko Haram captors.
Nigeria Rescues more Girls and Women
Continuing to oust Boko Haram rebels from at least nine camps in the Sambisa Forest, Nigerian troops rescued more women and girls, bringing the total to at least 677 as of May 1, 2015.
* April 28, 2015: 200 girls and 93 women rescued
* April 30, 2015: 100 girls and 50 women rescued
* May 1, 2015: 234 women and girls rescued
Stepping in the operation in Sambisa Forest, outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan said on May 1, 2015 that he would like to hand over a more stable country to his successor Muhammad Buhari, who will be inaugurated on May 29, 2015.
Orgy of Violence Continues
Heeding to the call by ISIL to wreak havoc during the month of Ramadan, group's new ally in Nigeria, Boko Haram, is bringing bloodbath, murder and mayhem to northeastern Nigeria on almost daily basis. On June 30, 2015, Boko Haram extremists descended on the village of Mussaram in northeastern Nigeria, separated men and boys from women and girls, and executed 48 men and boys. Next night (July 1, 2015), Boko Haram militants invaded a mosque at a nearby town, Kukawa, and gunned down at least 140 worshippers who had broken day-long fast and came to the mosque to pray.
Boko Haram's Bloody Campaign during Holy Month of Ramadan Continues
In a travesty of religious mockery, Boko Haram is inflicting maximum damage and destruction to the fellow Muslims in northeastern Nigeria. Continuing a bloody week, an explosion rocked the Yantaya Mosque in Northeastern Nigeria on July 5, 2015 night as worshippers assembled to pray after day-long fast and a cleric, Sani Yahaya, known for his principled stand against violence was preaching to the crowd. Yahaya led the Jamaa'tu Izalatul Bidia, an organization that preaches and propagates the message of religious co-existence and harmony. In the same evening on June 5, 2015, a bomb exploded at a posh Muslim restaurant in the central city of Jos, Shagalinku Restaurant, killing at least 60 in the day's pair of bombings at Jos and Yantaya Mosque. Hours earlier, a female suicide bomber blew herself up at a church, Redeemed Christian Church, in Potiskum during Sunday service, killing six congregants.
Nigeria Spills Blood Even on the Holiest Day of Islam
A back-to-back streak of bombings in a span of 24 hours took numerous lives as Muslims in Northeastern Nigeria were marking the end of Ramadan. First the night before Eid ul-Fitr, a woman suicide bomber blew up at a marketplace in the town of Gombe, killing at least 50 people. Next day, July 17, 2015, on the holy day of Eid, as hundreds gathered on an open ground for prayer, a teenager boy blew up, killing at least 15 people.
Dozens of Women and Girls Rescued from Extremists
Nigerian troops launched surprise attacks on Boko Haram hideouts in northeastern Nigeria near Maiduguri on July 29 and July 30, 2015, respectively, freeing a total of 71 women and children. In shootout following raids on successive days, several dozens extremists were killed.
Chad's President Says, There is a New Boko Haram Chief who Favors Talks
Chad's President Idriss Deby said on August 12, 2015 that the Nigeria's Boko Haram had a new leader, Mahamat Daoud, who was willing to talk to government officials. The rumor swirled around for days that the former leader Abubakr Shekau might have died of his wounds sustained in March 2015 although Deby didn't shed any light on Shekau.
Nigerian Self-Defense Fighters Ally with Military to Mount Attack on Extremists
In a new military tie-up with potential to pay rich dividend in terms of national security and counterterrorism operation, an indigent self-defense force collaborated with Nigerian Army on October 20, 2015 to launch attack on Boko Haram hideouts in Madagali and Gwoza that had killed more than 150 extremist fighters and rescued more than three dozen women and children.
A Pair of Suicide Bombings Kill 42 during Friday Prayers
A pall of gloom descended on Yola, the capital of Nigeria's Adamawa state, on October 23, 2015 as a suicide bomber blew up during Friday prayer at a mosque. At least 27 people were killed and 96 wounded. Earlier in the day, another suicide bombing at a Maiduguri mosque killed 15 people. Although no one claimed responsibility for the pair of suicide bombings, the attacks fit in the pattern of Boko Haram atrocities.
338 Rescued from Extremist Captivity in Army Raid
Nigerian Army carried out a full-fledged raid on Boko Haram hideout in the woods of Nigeria's northeast on October 27, 2015, killing 30 militants and rescuing 338 captives, mostly women and children.
Shiite Procession Targeted; 21 Killed
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber blew up at a procession on November 27, 2015 in Nigeria, killing at least 21 and injuring dozens. Hundreds of Shiites were part of the annual Arbaeen procession that began at the country's second-largest city, Kano, and headed toward an ancient Islamic holy city, Zaria, when the perpetrator blew himself up. The head of Kano's Shiite order, Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi, said that 21 people were killed in the suicide bombing.
Bombings, Attacks Kill 80 in Northeastern Nigeria
Boko Haram insurgents turned Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria's Borno state, into a killing field in a series of attacks that had begun overnight on December 27, 2015 and continued in the morning hours of December 28, 2015. Overnight, insurgents launched attacks, using multiple suicide bombers and rocket propelled grenades, on Maiduguri, killing at least 30 people and wounding 90 people. On December 28, 2015 morning a suicide bomber blew up at a mosque in Maiduguri, killing an additional 20 people. A pair of female suicide bombers blew up at a marketplace in Madagali, a town 95 miles southeast of Maiduguri, killing at least 30 people.
More than 50 Killed in Militant Attack
Dozens of militants arrived at settlements on the outskirt of Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram, on January 30, 2016 night in two cars and a motorcycle and opened fire on the residents indiscriminately, killing at least 50 people. The randomness of the attacks in the recent months reflects the desperateness of the militants in the face of strong armed response by the regime of Muhammad Buhari. At least 20,000 people were killed and more than 2.5 millions were displaced since the Boko Haram had launched its campaign of violence 6 years ago.
Two Girls Blow up at a Refugee Camp in Nigeria
At first three girls showed up at a sprawling camp for displaced in the country's northeast on February 8, 2016 night. They were treated by residents of Dikwa camp with affection and embrace just like other displaced--and often, orphaned--kids would be treated. However, events began to unfurl in an unthinkable way the following morning, with two of them blew themselves up and killing at least 58 people in addition to wounding more than 78. The third would-be suicide bomber desisted herself from carrying out the attack after recognizing her parents and siblings among the camp's residents.
Joint Raid Rescues Hundreds
A joint raid by Cameroonian and Nigerian forces at a Boko Haram training camp in the Nigerian border town of Kumshe, just nine miles from the border, on February 27, 2016 rescued hundreds of hostages, including several dozens young girls who were being trained to be suicide bombers. Forces from neighboring nations also killed about 100 militants.
One of the Chibok Girls Found
Authorities said that one of the Chibok girls kidnapped from a girls' hostel in April 2014 was found wandering on the outskirts of Sambisa Forest, bordering Cameroon, on May 17, 2016. The girl, now 19, was carrying a baby, and later reunited with her mom. The finding of the girl raised hope for the families of other 218 girls who had remained missing since April 14, 2014, kidnapping of about 276 girls from the dormitory of Government Girls Secondary School at Chibok. Many of the girls later fled, some of them had walked for days to freedom.
President Meets the Chibok Girl
The Chibok girl found two days earlier on the outskirts of Sambisa Forest met with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja on May 19, 2016. The meeting was arranged for Amina Ali Nkeki and her baby at the presidential palace, and the reporters were kept at bay.
Nigeria Fires Dozens of Military Officers
As the country was mired in a virulent insurgency and its military engaged in a bitter do-or-die battle in the northeast with Boko Haram rebels, the regime of President Muhammad Buhari began to show no tolerance for the country's endemic corruption that had plagued its military ranks. The Associated Press reported on June 11, 2016 that more than 50 military officers had been fired in recent days, and some of them already handed over to the country's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for misusing the money allocated for weapons program.
Militants Attack Funeral, Kill 18
Boko Haram took responsibility for spraying bullets into a funeral attended by a large number of women and children on June 16, 2016 night that had killed at least 18. The latest orgy took place in the Adamawa state near the Sambisa forest.
People Flee Boko Haram Onslaught, Die of hunger, Aid Group Says
As the military wrath was taking a heavy toll on Boko Haram, it turned its fire instead on the helpless people in northeastern Nigeria, creating human disaster of indescribable proportion. In recent days, tens of thousands fled their far-flung villages in Borno province and headed toward the near-by city of Bama. The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders arrived at Bama following a military convoy from the Borno capital of Maiduguri on June 21, 2016. What the aid personnel had found upon arriving at Bama was nothing short of a "catastrophic humanitarian emergency" in which at least 200 refugees, most of them children, had died of hunger and exhaustion and family members had dug graves to bury their loved ones. Doctors Without Borders began to provide medical help to many of the 24,000 who had sought refuge in Bama in recent days, and the group's head for Nigerian mission, Ghada Hatim, said on June 22, 2016 that the patients her group had treated bore the signs of "trauma on the faces" and many "horrors" they had faced. The latest surge in refugees was part of 1.8 million people who were internally displaced in addition to 155,000 who had fled the country.
Fissure Emerges in Boko Haram Leadership
In what was once a militant group bound tight by brutal imposition of discipline seems lately to erupt in chaos with dissention and revolts afflicting the group from top to bottom. The latest evidence was the sidelining of the founder of the group and its once indisputable leader, Abubakar Shekau. The Islamic State to which Boko Haram had pledged its loyalty named on August 3, 2016 Abu Musab al-Barnawi as the militant group's new leader.
Long Time Leader Claims Himself the Leader
A day after ISIL pronounced Abu Musab al-Barnawi as the new leader of West Africa Province, Abubakar Shekau on August 4, 2016 called the move a "coup" and dismissed him as nothing but an "infidel".
Video of Kidnapped Girls Released
In a reflection of deepening factional fight within Boko Haram ranks, the so-called Chibok Girls are being used a PR pawn to score brownie. On August 14, 2016, a video was released that showed a spokesman for the faction led by the militant group's founder, Abubakar Shekau, presenting many of the girls kidnapped from Chibok in April 2014. The girls wore long dress and looked bleak. The spokesman said many others were killed in government airstrikes, without producing any proof, and demanded the release militants from Nigerian jails in exchange for girls' release.
Boko Haram Leader Reported to be Killed in Airstrike
Widespread doubt and skepticism greeted the August 23, 2016, announcement by Nigerian military that an airstrike had "fatally wounded" Boko Haram's supreme leader, Abubakar Shekau, four days ago. Abubakar was pronounced dead several times in the past, only to reappear in subsequent video or audio releases. Nigerian airstrike was carried out on August 19, 2016 at Taye village in the Sambisa Forest in the country's northeast. Beside Abubakar, the reported airstrikes killed about 300 militants, according to Nigerian military.
Military Finds another Kidnapped Chibok Girl
Nigerian troops during an operation in the Sambisa Forest found on early November 5, 2016 one of the kidnapped Chibok girls along with her 10-month-old baby. Last month President Muhammad Buhari's government secured release of 21 Chibok girls. In May 2016, another Chibok girl escaped from captivity and troops found her and her baby on May 17, 2016. Meanwhile, worldwide support for the movement to seek the release of more than 200 kidnapped Chibok girls have gained momentum under the hashtag Bring Back Our Girls, with the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama vowing that her husband would do all he could to secure the release of the girls.
Female Suicide Bombers Kill 30 amid the U.N. Move to Raise a $1 billion Aid Package
At a time when the government of Muhamad Buhari claimed that it had turned a corner in the fight against Boko Haram and made its fighters on the run, two female suicide bombers wreaked havoc at a bustling marketplace on the edge of Sambisa Forest in the country's northeast. The December 9, 2016, suicide bombings in the town of Madagali, 95 miles southeast of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, birthplace of Boko Haram movement, killed 30 people and wounded close to 100. The attack came amid a global effort launched by the U.N. to raise almost $1 billion to help 5.1 million people, including 2.6 million displaced people, in the country's northeast who were facing endemic starvation, widespread disease and acute malnutrition among children.
Nigerian Soldiers Find a Kidnapped Chibok Girl
As result of interrogation of detained Boko Haram fighters, Nigerian military got clue and found a kidnapped Chibok girl along with her baby. Nigerian military's January 5, 2017, announcement followed after a Chibok girl had escaped in May 2016, negotiated release of 21 additional girls in October 2016 and securing another in a November 2016 raid.
Accidental Airstrikes Kill Scores in Refugee Camp
Nigerian Air Force on January 17, 2017 carried out airstrikes targeting an apparent Boko Haram camp in the country's northeast that had turned out to be a refugee camp. Doctors Without Borders said later in the day that the airstrikes at a refugee camp in the village of Rann had killed at least 52--many of them children and women--and wounded at least 200. The aerial attack had resulted in death of six local Red Cross volunteers and injury of an additional 13. Later in the afternoon, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the mistake.
Mistaken Airstrike Toll Rises
A day after, mistaken airstrike had hit a refugee camp in the country's northeast, authorities on January 18, 2017 increased the toll to 70.
Toll from Errant Airstrikes Rises to 90
Nigerian authorities on January 20, 2017 raised the number of people killed in January 17, 2017, airstrikes to 90.
83 Chibok Girls Freed
Nigerian military announced on May 6, 2017 that Boko Haram had let 83 Nigerian girls kidnapped in April 2014 go free. The release of 83 Chibok girls, now under the care of the country's military, came almost six months after 21 girls had been released in October 2016.
More than 50 Killed in Suicide Attack at a Mosque
A suicide bomber blew up at a mosque in the country's northeast, town of Mubi in Adamawa state, during prayer on November 21, 2017, killing at least 50.
Chibok Replay Witnessed in Another Mass Kidnapping of Girls
In an eerily similar kidnapping episode that matched the scale of audacity displayed in Chibok where more than 300 girls had been kidnapped in April 2014, with nearly 100 still remaining in captivity , heavily armed Boko Haram rebels on February 19, 2018, surrounded a girls' school, Government Girls Science and Technical School, in Yobe Province in northern Nigeria, and apparently kidnapped more than 50 girls. Several other girls were able to flee after the gunmen arrived at the village of Dapchi in machine-gun armed vehicles.
Number of Girls Missing Higher than Initially Thought
Authorities on February 22, 2018 said that the number of girls still missing from February 19, 2018, Boko Haram attack on the village of Dapchi in Yobe Province might be as high as 100.
Government Says that 110 Girls Kidnapped
After meeting with local officials, Nigerian Information Minister Lai Mohammed acknowledged on February 25, 2018 that the authorities might not have all the information about the number girls taken away by Boko Haram rebels in February 19, 2018, raid at a girls school in Yobe state. The minister stated that 110 girls had been kidnapped by the gunmen.
Students Stay Away from the School
A week after February 19, 2018, Boko Haram raid on the Government Girls Science and Technical School at Dapchi in Yobe Province in northern Nigeria and taking about 110 girls as hostage, the school re-opened on February 26, 2018, but almost all of the students preferred to stay away, underscoring the deep sense of insecurity prevailing in the region.
104 Girls Released More than a Month after Boko Haram Kidnapping
Boko Haram gunmen on March 21, 2018 returned 104 girls to their families 30 days after kidnapping them on February 19, 2018 from the Government Girls Science and Technical School at Dapchi in Yobe Province in northern Nigeria. As the girls were being dropped at the village, Leah Sharibu's family found that she was not one of them because, according to the other girls, she had refused to convert into Islam. Reacting to the incident, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on March 22, 2018 that Leah would not be abandoned, and blasted Boko Haram for besmirching Islam. Buhari was mum on the other five girls who remained unaccounted for.
Nigerian Military Rescues about 1000 Boko Haram Hostages
Nigerian military announced on May 7, 2018 that a combined military operation with the Multinational Joint Task Force in four villages in the Bama area of the Borno State helped rescue about 1,000 hostages, many of them were women and children.
Nigerian President Election Postponed for a Week at the Last Minutes
Just hours before polls were to begin on February 16, 2019 to elect a new president, Nigeria's election commission postponed it for a week, citing logistical and other issues, raising doubt over foul play and throwing uncertainty over participation of hundreds of thousands of eligible voters who had returned to their native villages to cats their votes, but now would have to go back to their workplaces in large cities and might not return next week.
Delayed Presidential Poll Extended for a Second Day
A week later than scheduled, presidential poll was held on February 23, 2019 in Nigeria after violence marred days in the run-up to the election, with at least 39 people had been killed in extremist and other poll related violence. Given the poll glitches and anomalies in various states such as Abia, Bayelsa, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and Sokoto, election commission chief Mahmoud Yakubu extended the election for another day. On February 24, 2019, various parts of the nation saw a brisk pace of polling.
Incumbent Takes Early Lead
As the counting began in all 36 provinces of Nigeria, by the end of February 25, 2019, President Muhammad Buhari took an early lead over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Boko Haram Attacks Self-Defense Civilian Forces
A week after marking the 10-year anniversary of Boko Haram insurgency and two weeks after a self-defense village force had repelled a Boko Haram attack in northeastern Nigeria that had killed 11 extremists, Islamic State-affiliated militant group, seeking revenge for their fellow extremists' deaths, on July 28, 2019 attacked returnees from a village funeral at Budu near Maiduguri, killing at least 60 villagers. Throughout Borno state and rest of the Nigeria's northeast, civilians have formed their own self-defense forces and taking law into their own hands, instead of relying on the government security forces, to fight against Boko Haram rebels.
At least 50 Soldiers Killed
Gunmen opened fire in Yobe Province, killing at least 50 soldiers, Nigerian authorities said on March 24, 2020.
Nigerian
Security Forces Kill 12 Protesters
A
protest movement that had erupted two weeks ago over demand to dismantle the Special
Anti-robbery Squad, or SARS, a special security forces unit accused of
rights abuses, and, in the course of time, evolved into a broader movement for
good governance met with a bloody crackdown on October 20, 2020 night. Amnesty
International’s Nigeria chapter issued a scathing report on October 21,
2020, accusing the Nigerian security forces of opening fire on peaceful
protesters at two locations in Lagos a day earlier, killing 12 protesters.
One location was the Lekki Toll Plaza, epicenter of a nationwide two-week
protest that had killed at least 56 people. The other location was Alausa.
Lagos Governor Obajide Sanwo-Olu acknowledged on October 21, 2020 that
security forces had used disproportionate degree of force and there would be an
investigation into it. Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari called for
calm.
At least 51 Civilians, 18 Security Personnel Killed in Days-long Violence, President Blames “Thugs”
At least 51 Civilians, 18 Security Personnel Killed in Days-long Violence, President Blames “Thugs”
A
day after failing to criticize during a nationally televised address the police
action to open fire on peaceful protesters, who were singing national anthem at
the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos, epicenter of a two-week protest movement against
police brutalities, especially against a notorious police unit called the Special
Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, killing at least 12 protesters, President
Muhammad Buhari on October 23, 2020 doubled down on the protest
movement and said that it had descended
into the hands of “thugs”. He also gave estimates of casualties: 51
civilians, 11 police officers and seven soldiers were killed in the days of
violence. Buhari blamed the violence on the protesters. On October 23, 2020,
streets in Lagos and other Nigerian cities wore a calmer and deserted look. A curfew
was in place in Lagos.
At
least 40 Farmers Killed in Borno State
In
a cold-blooded massacre, dozens of Boko Haram militants descended on a village,
Garin Kwashebe, in the northeastern Borno state on November
28, 2020, and systematically executed at least 40, and as many as 60,
farmers and fishermen for denying to give extortion to one of the local
militant leaders a day earlier. Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari on
November 29, 2020 issued a statement, condemning the “killing of our
hardworking farmers by terrorists in Borno State”.
More
than 300 Nigerian Boys Released Six Days after Kidnapping
A
provincial governor, Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari, announced on December
17, 2020 that “344 of the students have been released and handed over to
the security operatives”. They are almost all, if not all, of the several hundred
students of the Government Science Secondary School at Kankara in the
state of Katsina abducted by alleged Boko Haram gunmen on December
11, 2020. Several students were able to flee, some of them were shot, but
more than 300 boys were taken to hideouts. The December 11, 2020,
kidnapping reminisces another high-profile kidnapping of hundreds of girls in
2014.
317 Girls Abducted from the Boarding School
In the latest mass kidnapping, gunmen on February 26, 2021 kidnapped 317 girls from the Government Girls Junior Secondary School, a girls' boarding school at the town of Jangabe in the northern Nigerian state of Zamfara. Gunmen carried out a pre-planned attack on the boarding school, based on the information emerging from Nigeria, as they appeared to have broken out in two groups, with one group carrying out the kidnapping and the other group attacking a military checkpoint in the town to prevent the soldiers from coming to the defense of the boarding school. Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari, warning the gunmen that "we will not succumb to blackmail of bandits and criminals who target innocent school students in the expectation of huge ransom payments", said that his primary objective now was to bring the students back unharmed, safe and alive. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the kidnapping and called for "immediate and unconditional" release of the 317 girls. Peter Hawkins, UNICEF representative for Nigeria, expressed his feeling as "angered and saddened by yet another brutal attack on school children in Nigeria".
The February 26, 2021, kidnapping of 317 students from the Government Girls Junior Secondary School in Jangabe happened less than two weeks after kidnapping of 42 people, including 27 students, from the Government Science College Kagara in Niger State. The students, teachers and family members from that abduction still remain at large.
279 Girls Released, Governor says
279 kidnapped girl students from the Government Girls Junior School at Jangabe were released on March 2, 2021, according to Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle. Initially it was reported that 317 girls were kidnapped on February 26, 2021. It is not known whether that has been a reporting error or some girls are still missing. The girls have been shown to have seated in a government conference room, and they have appeared calm.
About
70 Students Abducted in the Latest Nigerian Kidnapping
Lagos-based
Guardian reported on June 18, 2021 that about 70 students—many of
them are girls—have been kidnapped by gunmen from the Federal Government College
in Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State.
28 Students Released
Officials from the Bethel Baptist High School in the northern Nigerian town of Damishi reported on July 25, 2021 that 28 students kidnapped on July 5, 2021 from the school had been released. With the release of these 28 students, 34 of 120 kidnapped students were either released or fled from their captors.
Two Opposition Candidates Walk out of Counting Center
As this year’s Nigerian presidential election assumed more significance
and became highly contested, the counting process was moving very slowly on February
27, 2023, a day after the election. Ruling party candidate Bola Tinubu
is leading with 46% of the 6.7 million votes counted so far. Under the constitution,
the winning candidate should receive the highest vote and at least quarter of
the votes in two-third, or more, states, and the capital, Abuja. On February
27, 2023, two key opposition candidates raised concern over foul play and
left the counting center.
287 Students Abducted in Nigeria Days after 200 People Kidnapped
Marking a security situation that’s plunging through a freefall, gunmen
on March 7, 2024 morning surrounded a school at Kuriga town in Kaduna
Province and abducted 287 students. A massive search operation was
launched afterward, and Kaduna Governor Uba Sani vowed that “every child
will come back”. The March 7, 2024, abduction in Kaduna State occurred
days after 200 people, mostly women and children, were kidnapped in
Northeastern Nigeria.
NIGER
Nigerian Extremists Make Foray into a Second Country in Two Days
A day after raiding a Cameroonian border town, Fotokol, and wreaking havoc, Boko Haram militants on February 6, 2015 attacked two towns in Niger, killing several people. While soldiers from Chad and Niger were able to drive out Boko Haram rebels from the town of Bosso, a second town, Diffa, was subjected to a series of mortar barrage. The February 6, 2015, Boko Haram attack on Niger towns of Bosso and Diffa occurred in the backdrop of an assertive African Union that had decided last month at a meeting in Addis Ababa to create a 7,500-strong regional force to combat Boko Haram menace. The troops for the regional force will be contributed, among others, by Nigeria and its neighbors, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin, respectively.
Boko Haram Strikes Targets in Niger, Cameroon; Leader Mocks Regional Force
In an uptick of audacity and desperation, Boko Haram extremists seized a bus in the evening of February 8, 2015 at the northern Cameroonian town of Koza, and drove it toward Nigerian border, just 11 miles away, with its 20 passengers. The fate of passengers remained unknown as of February 9, 2015.
Barely 12 hours had passed by after the hijack of a passenger bus in northern Cameroon, another northern Cameroonian town, Kolofata, came under attack from Boko Haram rebels on February 9, 2015, who had extensively looted food and livestock. Kolofata was changed hands in recent days as Chadian army helped Cameroon oust Boko Haram rebels from there.
A third attack blamed on Boko Haram took place around 3PM on February 9, 2015 at the Niger town of Diffa when a huge explosion shook the region.
Meanwhile, in a mocking YouTube video uploaded on February 9, 2015, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau said that the African Union should have formed a 7-million strong regional force, not the 7,500-strong force as that was not enough.
Extremists Kill About Three Dozen Soldiers in Niger
Boko Haram militants on June 3, 2016 launched a vicious attack on a Niger army post at the border area of Bosso, killing at least 32 soldiers and wounding more than 67. Niger security forces on June 4, 2016 attacked the hideouts of Boko Haram fighters in the Niger-Nigeria borders, killing at untold number of militants.
50,000 Flee in Recent Violence in Niger
The June 3, 2016, attack on an army camp in the southeastern Niger town of Bosso created a cascade of violence, spilling on the streets, with Nigeria-based Boko Haram militants launching renewed attacks on Bosso on June 5, 2016 and June 6, 2016. However, Niger security forces repelled the attacks, and, according to the Niger Defense Minister Hassoumi Massoudou, had killed 55 Boko Haram fighters. In the backdrop of the latest Boko Haram assault in the Lake Chad area that had forced at least 50,000 people to flee Bosso toward safety in the western Niger town of Toumour, about 19 miles west of Bosso, Niger's president, Mahamadou Issofou on June 7, 2016 flew to Chad to talk to Chadian President Idriss Deby on crafting a unified counterterrorism strategy to defeat Boko Haram in the battlefield. Meanwhile, the latest violence in Bosso raised consternation among UN staff as a large-scale humanitarian and security catastrophe loomed large in the entire Diffa region in addition to a May 31, 2016, attack on the town of Yebi that had killed 9 people and uprooted an additional 15,000 people.
Three U.S. Army Commanders Reported Killed
Three U.S. Green Beret were reported killed and two wounded in a remote part of Niger on October 4, 2017. Five of Niger's soldiers were also reported to have been killed in the same operation.
A Fourth U.S. Soldier Reported Dead
The New York Times reported on October 6, 2017 that a fourth U.S. special forces troop was killed in the same October 4, 2017, operation that had led to the death of three Green Beret.
Top Military Brass Struggles over Mali Incident as Controversy over Trump's Comments Swirls
As a phone call made by President Donald Trump to the widow of one of the slain soldiers, Sgt. La David Johnson, in which the president was reported to have told that the husband of Myeshia Johnson knew what he was signing up for, created much anticipated furor and outrage, top U.S. commander, Gen. Joseph Dunford, on October 23, 2017 chimed in the events that had unfolded before the October 4, 2017, ambush in a remote Niger region that had killed four U.S. soldiers and four soldiers from Niger. Dunford said that Pentagon was looking into why ambushed soldiers took so long to call in for additional support.
La David Johnson Fought to the End
The Associated Press reported on December 17, 2017 that the U.S. Army Sgt. La David Johnson had put up valiant resistance during a October 4, 2017, firefight with Islamic militants in a wooded area 120 miles north of Niger's capital, Niamey. On that fateful day in October 2017, a 12-member U.S. Special Ops unit was accompanying about 30 soldiers of Niger's army when they came under attack from about 50 militants. The ensuing firefight had killed three other U.S. Green Beret--Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black, 35, of Puyallup, Washington; Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson, 39, of Springboro, Ohio; and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyon, Georgia--and four additional troops of Niger. The ambush wounded two U.S. troops and eight of Niger's troops. The bodies of three U.S. troops were found on the day of the attack, October 4, 2017, but U.S. Army Sgt. La David Johnson's body was found two days later, leading to suspicion that he might have been captured and executed by the Islamic militants. U.S. Africa Command launched an investigation under the leadership of Army Major General Roger Cloutier, the command's chief of staff, and the investigation team visited the area of attack in northern Niger. The Associated Press learned about the Cloutier-led investigation's preliminary findings and reported them on December 17, 2017. Cloutier-led investigation report will soon be submitted to U.S. Africa Command head, Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser. According to The Associated Press, U.S. Army Sgt. La David Johnson fought to the end, and was shot 18 times.
IS-Tied Group Claims Responsibility for October 2017 Ambush
An Islamic State-linked group active in northwestern Niger on January 12, 2018 claimed responsibility for October 4, 2017, "attack on the U.S. commandos last October in the Tongo Tongo region of Niger" that had killed four U.S. soldiers and five other soldiers from Niger's army.
Pentagon Report: Crucial Deficiency to Blame for Soldiers' Death
A Pentagon report issued on May 10, 2018 faulted a widespread failure in planning and training the mission that had led to October 4, 2017, killings of four U.S. soldiers in Tongo Tongo region in Niger. The report especially put a harsh spotlight on the actions and judgment of junior officers in the botched operation that killed five of Niger's soldiers too. Reacting to the report, the head of U.S. Africa Command, Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, said during the day that he had begun to overhaul the process behind planning and approving counterinsurgency operations.
Niger's Military Attacked Second Time in as Many Months
A month after the December 10, 2019, attack on a military base in western Niger that had killed 71 soldiers, a month didn't even pass, and the second deadly attack was launched, allegedly by Islamic terrorists, on January 9, 2020 on a military base at Chinagodrar, 7 miles from the border with Mali, and killed 25 soldiers. The attack came days before French President Emmanuel Macron was to host the leaders from its former colonial countries in the Sahel region--Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger--to discuss on a unified response to the growing threat of terrorism in the region.
More
than 100 Dead in Restive Villages near Mali Borders
Islamic
extremist gunmen on January 2, 2021 descended on two border villages in
western Niger, and systematically carried out a gruesome massacre as a revenge for
villagers killing two rebels earlier. The January 2, 2021, massacre at
the villages of Tehombangou and Zaroumdareye occurred on the same
day as the country’s election authorities announced February 21, 2021 for
the presidential runoff election. On January 3, 2021, Niger’s prime
minister, Brigi Rafini, visited the villages in the restive Tillaberi region
to show the government’s “moral support” to the villagers.
At least 58 People Killed in Terrorist Attack in Niger
Two-and-half months after gruesome killings that had taken away more than 100 lives, Tillaberi region flared up one more time on March 15, 2021 as gunmen attacked villagers returning home from a large livestock market in Banibangou, killing at least 58 people. The bloody rampage on March 15, 2021 near the border of Mali posed a fresh challenge to Niger's new president, Mohamad Bazoum.
At least 137 Killed in the Latest Attack
Not even a week passed since the March 15, 2021, attack by gunmen against a group of traders and villagepeople returning from a livestock market killed more than 50 people, but the Mali-Niger border region erupted with bloodshed and violence on March 21, 2021 as a coordinated attack on a series of villages killed more than 137 people. The continuous violence and unbridled conflict pose profound challenges to the new president of the country, Mohamad Bazoum, who had won the February 2021 election. Niger's Constitutional Court made his victory official on March 21, 2021, the same day when Niger's one of the worst massacres took place. Mohamad Bazoum will be sworn in on April 2, 2021.
Situation in Niger Looks Murky over Who is at Control
A day after an apparent coup took place and President Mohamed Bazoum—who
had been elected in 2021 becoming the first head of state winning in the democratic
transfer of power since the country’s independence in 1960—had been detained,
things looked confusing at best on July 27, 2023 as no one could
certainly say who had the lever of power now. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres talked over phone with Bazoum on July 26, 2023 and publicly
expressed concern over the security of the democratically elected president. Nigerien
military issued a tweet on July 27, 2023, supporting the coup
orchestrators on the ground that it wanted to avoid a bloodbath. President
Mohamed Bazoum tweeted early July 27, 2023, vowing that democracy and the “hard-won
achievements will be safeguarded”. The regional group ECOWAS is sending
the Benin president, Patrice Talon, to Niamey for peace talks.
Coup Leader Named as New Head of State, Constitution Suspended
Niger’s coup leaders’ spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said
on the State TV on July 28, 2023 that the country’s constitution had
been suspended and Gen. Abdourahmane Tehiani would be the new head of
state.
Blinken Threatens Cutting off Aid to Niger
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on July 29, 2023 said in Australia,
where he was visiting as part of an official trip, that if civilian rule was
not restored, Niger risked losing hundreds of millions of dollars as part of “economic
and security partnership”. French Foreign Ministry also urged “an immediate
return to constitutional order”. EU’s top diplomat, Joseph Borrel, said
that the bloc would suspend all security cooperation and financial support.
African Union gave the junta a 15-day timeline to restore the rule of civilian President
Mohamed Bazoum, who was the first Nigerian president to win presidency
in the first peaceful transfer of power since the West African nation won
independence from France in 1960.
Crowd Attacks French Embassy, ECOWAS Suspends Niger
Crowd Attacks French Embassy, ECOWAS Suspends Niger
In what was seen as an orchestrated demonstration in favor of the junta that
had ousted a duly elected president on July 26, 2023, a crowd of
thousands, some carrying Russian flags, on July 30, 2023 attacked the
French Embassy in Niamey and set ablaze one of the doors of the embassy.
Nigerien security forces broke up the violent demonstration. France, the
colonial ruler of the West African nation till 1960, has 1,500 troops in Niger.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in response to the attack on the
French Embassy, threatened that any attack on French personnel or property
would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Economic Cooperation of West African States, or ECOWAS,
met at Abuja on July 30, 2023 for an emergency meeting to discuss the
fast-evolving situation in Niger. ECOWAS suspended the membership Niger
and authorized use of force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not
reinstated in a week.
Division in ECOWAS over Niger Intervention, Evacuation Flights Operated
by France
The last of four evacuation flights operated by France brought stranded
passengers on August 2, 2023 from Niamey. France, Italy, and
Spain announced evacuations from Niger. On the diplomatic front, defense
ministers from the Economic Cooperation of West African States, or ECOWAS,
on August 2, 2023 met at Abuja for a two-day (August 2-3, 2023) meeting.
Complicating the outcome, ECOWAS members Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso
openly sided with the coup leaders in Niger. Burkina Faso and Mali made it
clear that they would consider any ECOWAS intervention to restore detained
civilian President Mohamed Bazoum as an act of a war against them. ECOWAS
Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Stability Abdel-Fatau Musah said
that the meeting would give an opportunity to respond to the “situation that we
find ourselves in the Republic of Niger".
ECOWAS’ Deadline Approaches as Talks of Troops Deployment Ramp up
In the run-up to the August 6, 2023, deadline for the restoration
of Niger’s civilian president, ECOWAS defense ministers on August 5, 2023
met at Abuja to discuss on what Abdel Fatau-Musah, ECOWAS
commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said on August
4, 2023 related to “how and where and when we are going to deploy” the
intervention force. The defense ministers of the Economic Cooperation of West African
States met on August 4, 2023, with notable absences of defense
chiefs from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Guinea.
ECOWAS Deadline Comes with more States Dissenting on Intervention
The August 6, 2023, deadline for the restoration of the ousted civilian
president, Mohamed Bazoum, came and went by, but without any consequence
for the Niger’s ruling junta’s continued defiance, exposing how hollow the
warning of a military intervention for failing to fulfill the regional group’s
demand was. The junta, instead, held a rally at Niamey on August 6, 2023
where military leaders lambasted ECOWAS and France. Algeria and Chad,
non-ECOWAS neighbors, also disapproved of any military intervention.
U.S. Diplomat Denied Meeting with Ousted Leader
U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland on August 7, 2023 met with military leaders
in Niamey and candidly told them that the U.S. laws didn’t allow continuation
of aid, especially the military aid, to the junta since they had deposed a
democratically elected president. Nuland was denied meeting with Mohamed
Bazoum, who along with his son and wife was under detention, and Nuland
expressed disappointment over the junta decision to deny her meeting with the ousted president.
Junta Threatens to Kill Ousted President
The Associated Press reported on August 10, 2023 that junta leaders told a visiting
American diplomat, U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland, that
they would kill the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum if the regional
group Economic Cooperation of West African States, or ECOWAS, tried
to carry out military intervention to restore the civilian president.
On August 10, 2023, nine member nations of the 15-nation
ECOWAS met at Abuja, and reiterated their stand of facilitating deployment
of “a standby force”, according to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu
Touray.
Junta to Put Ousted President on Trial
On August 13, 2023 night, the ruling junta unveiled “high treason” charges against ousted President
Mohamad Bazoum and said that the former president would be put on trial.
This is a new escalation in hitherto one of the most trusted western allied
nations in the Sahel region amidst allegation that Bazoum, his wife and son—under
detention since the July 26, 2023, coup by the Presidential Guard—are running
low on food and electricity and water have been cut off.
ECOWAS Delegation, U.N. Envoy in Niamey to Find Solution
An ECOWAS delegation on August 19, 2023 arrived at Niamey
to talk to the junta and other parties to try to find an amicable solution. A
day before, August 18, 2023, United Nations Special Representative
for West Africa and the Sahel Leonardo Santos Simao arrived at Niamey to
talk to military rulers and the deposed president. ECOWAS is going to
coordinate their negotiation cadence with Simao.
On August 10, 2023, ECOWAS announced that “a standby force”
would be ready to be deployed in Niger to restore the civilian president. On August
18, 2023, ECOWAS Commissioner for Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah
said that 11 of the 15 member states of ECOWAS had agreed to contribute troops
to the “standby force”. Four states which have disapproved the intervention
are all ruled by military: Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The
latter two even went farther to emphasize that any intervention would be
considered as an act of war.
AU Suspends Niger’s Membership
The Executive Council of 55-nation African Union on August 22,
2023 tightened the punitive screw on Niger’s ruling junta by suspending the
nation from all institutions and bodies of the bloc and urging other members to
reject the “unconstitutional change of government and refrain from any action
like to grant legitimacy to the illegal regime in Niger".
Junta Invites Burkina Faso, Mali to Defend Niger
Late August 24, 2023, Niger’s junta chief, Brigadier General
Abdrahman Tehiani, signed a pair of executive orders to allow armies from
neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali on its soil to fight against any possible
ECOWAS, or foreign, invasion. Earlier in the day, delegation from those
junta-ruled neighbors met with Niger’s military rulers in the capital of Niamey.
Underlining the belligerence not to budge even by an iota on the subject
related to restoration of the democratically elected president, Nigerian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter on August 25, 2023, asking
French Ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave Niger within 48 hours. The
letter complained that the French ambassador had ignored junta request for a meeting
and Paris’ action was tantamount to the “contrary to the interests of Niger".
France to Pull Troops, Ambassador from Niger
As the western African nation is veering towards autocracy and any regional
intervention not in sight, French President Emmanuel Macron on September 24,
2023 announced that Paris would withdraw troops and its envoy from Niger.
Niger Asks U.S. to Leave the Country
Nigerian authorities on March 16, 2024 announced the end of “status
of forces agreement between Niger and the United States”. That implies a
directive from the junta for about 600 U.S. troops—who are based in a military
base outside the capital for counterterrorism endeavor in Sahel Region—and 400
other personnel. U.S. sent a high-level delegation to Niamey to talk to junta
officials on how to work on a compromise on counterterrorism effort as well as
veering the key Western African nation off the orbit of Russia and Iran. The
delegation that met with Nigerian officials on March 16, 2024 included Assistant
Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of
Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallender and the head of
the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Michael Langley.
RWANDA
South African authorities began an investigation into the unnatural death of former Rwandan spy chief Patrick Karegeya, who was found dead in a posh Johannesburg hotel on January 1, 2014. Karegeya fell out of favor of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and fled the country in 2006 along with former army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa. In 2011, Karegeya, Nyamwasa and two others were tried in absentia, and sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. (Source: The Dallas Morning News)
Former Spy Chief Put in Trial in France
Correcting the impression of turning a blind eye to Rwandan genocide, France on February 4, 2014 put a former spy chief, Pascal Simbikangwa, on trial on charges related to the so-called "fastest genocide" in which 500,000 people--mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus--were slaughtered in 100 days following the assassination of moderate Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana in 1994 when his plane was shot down. Simbikangwa was arrested on the French island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean in 2008.
Rwanda Marks 20th Anniversary of Genocide
Dozens of foreign dignitaries flanked by President Paul Kagame on April 7, 2014 paid rich tribute to mark the 20th anniversary of one the worst genocides in the 20th century in which at least 500,000 people, mostly minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were slaughtered by Hutu militants. The scar of the genocide is still vivid as US ambassador to UN Samantha Powers said in graphic terms that the genocide was a "devastating reminder that nightmares beyond imagination" could take place anywhere in the world and President Kagame, who had barred France from participation in the event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center for its alleged complicity in genocide violence that Paris had vehemently denied, praised the "unbreakable Rwandan spirit" to recuperate from the ashes of devastation with renewed focus and rejuvenated national spirit. The so-called 100-day genocide erupted on April 7, 1994 as a plane carrying the then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was downed, killing the president.
Rwandans Removes the Presidential Term Limits
Rwandan voters lifted the term limit on President Paul Kagame, scheduled to step down in 2017, according to partial returns on December 18, 2015. The referendum extends the rule for a single 7-year term, followed by two consecutive 5-year terms, hypothetically, for Kagame, to cling on to power through 2034.
Rwandan President Vanquishes Opposition Candidates
In the August 4, 2017, presidential polls, Rwanda's long-term president Paul Kagame was all but annihilated the existence of any political opposition. To begin with, opposition's chances for putting a credible alternative disappeared in July 2017 with the disqualification of Diane Rwigara. The two other candidates still in the fray--Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and Philippe Mpayimana, a former journalist--never caught on fire in terms of putting a semblance of electoral resistance.
Rwanda Marks 25th Anniversary of the Genocide
President Paul Kagame on April 7, 2019 led a key remembrance attended by several world leaders and international officials to mark the beginning of Hutu-Tutsi conflict that had killed more than half a million people over the next several months and devastated the African country. The main observation was held at a sports stadium in the capital, Kigali. The day began with the a somber memorial with wreaths laid at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, with President Paul Kagame and his wife leading the occasion and laying the wreaths. Among the attendees were leaders of Congo, Belgium, Chad, Djibouti, Niger, Canada and Ethiopia as well as officials from African Union and European Union. President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, overwhelmed by the scale of devastation perpetrated quarter century ago, uttered at the memorial that "I am moved beyond words". Later in the afternoon, a march was held to Amahoro Stadium where the main vigil was held. President Paul Kagame, credited for bringing peace, stability and promoting reconciliation in addition to relative economic prosperity over the years, said that "our bodies and minds bear amputations and scars, but none of us is alone", a moving tribute to the strength of the nation. Two days ago, April 5, 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron ordered to commission a study on the 100-day massacre that had erupted after a plane carrying the then-Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana had been shot down, allegedly by Hutu extremists, on April 6, 1994.
RWANDA
South African authorities began an investigation into the unnatural death of former Rwandan spy chief Patrick Karegeya, who was found dead in a posh Johannesburg hotel on January 1, 2014. Karegeya fell out of favor of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and fled the country in 2006 along with former army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa. In 2011, Karegeya, Nyamwasa and two others were tried in absentia, and sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. (Source: The Dallas Morning News)
Former Spy Chief Put in Trial in France
Correcting the impression of turning a blind eye to Rwandan genocide, France on February 4, 2014 put a former spy chief, Pascal Simbikangwa, on trial on charges related to the so-called "fastest genocide" in which 500,000 people--mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus--were slaughtered in 100 days following the assassination of moderate Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana in 1994 when his plane was shot down. Simbikangwa was arrested on the French island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean in 2008.
Rwanda Marks 20th Anniversary of Genocide
Dozens of foreign dignitaries flanked by President Paul Kagame on April 7, 2014 paid rich tribute to mark the 20th anniversary of one the worst genocides in the 20th century in which at least 500,000 people, mostly minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were slaughtered by Hutu militants. The scar of the genocide is still vivid as US ambassador to UN Samantha Powers said in graphic terms that the genocide was a "devastating reminder that nightmares beyond imagination" could take place anywhere in the world and President Kagame, who had barred France from participation in the event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center for its alleged complicity in genocide violence that Paris had vehemently denied, praised the "unbreakable Rwandan spirit" to recuperate from the ashes of devastation with renewed focus and rejuvenated national spirit. The so-called 100-day genocide erupted on April 7, 1994 as a plane carrying the then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was downed, killing the president.
Rwandans Removes the Presidential Term Limits
Rwandan voters lifted the term limit on President Paul Kagame, scheduled to step down in 2017, according to partial returns on December 18, 2015. The referendum extends the rule for a single 7-year term, followed by two consecutive 5-year terms, hypothetically, for Kagame, to cling on to power through 2034.
Rwandan President Vanquishes Opposition Candidates
In the August 4, 2017, presidential polls, Rwanda's long-term president Paul Kagame was all but annihilated the existence of any political opposition. To begin with, opposition's chances for putting a credible alternative disappeared in July 2017 with the disqualification of Diane Rwigara. The two other candidates still in the fray--Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and Philippe Mpayimana, a former journalist--never caught on fire in terms of putting a semblance of electoral resistance.
Rwanda Marks 25th Anniversary of the Genocide
President Paul Kagame on April 7, 2019 led a key remembrance attended by several world leaders and international officials to mark the beginning of Hutu-Tutsi conflict that had killed more than half a million people over the next several months and devastated the African country. The main observation was held at a sports stadium in the capital, Kigali. The day began with the a somber memorial with wreaths laid at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, with President Paul Kagame and his wife leading the occasion and laying the wreaths. Among the attendees were leaders of Congo, Belgium, Chad, Djibouti, Niger, Canada and Ethiopia as well as officials from African Union and European Union. President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, overwhelmed by the scale of devastation perpetrated quarter century ago, uttered at the memorial that "I am moved beyond words". Later in the afternoon, a march was held to Amahoro Stadium where the main vigil was held. President Paul Kagame, credited for bringing peace, stability and promoting reconciliation in addition to relative economic prosperity over the years, said that "our bodies and minds bear amputations and scars, but none of us is alone", a moving tribute to the strength of the nation. Two days ago, April 5, 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron ordered to commission a study on the 100-day massacre that had erupted after a plane carrying the then-Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana had been shot down, allegedly by Hutu extremists, on April 6, 1994.
Main Real Life Character of "Hotel Rwanda" Sentenced to 25 Years in Jail
A Rwandan judge, Judge Beatrice Mukamurenzi, on September 20, 2021 sentenced an internationally famous Rwandan, Paul Rusesabagina, to 25 years behind the bar for leading a "terrorist" group that had been accused of unleashing a reign of terror. Paul Rusesabagina was credited for saving more than 1,200 people's lives during 1994 genocide at Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali, featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda in which Don Cheadle had played the role of Paul Rusesabagina. Handing down the sentence, Judge Beatrice Mukamurenzi said that Paul Rusesabagina had founded the National Liberation Front, a group labeled by the Rwandan government as a terrorist group and the judge had agreed in her verdict. Rights groups and western nations lambasted the judicial process from the very beginning as Paul Rusesabagina was a voice against President Paul Kagame's increasingly autocratic actions, earning the wrath from the president. Paul Rusesabagina is a Belgian citizen and a U.S. Green Card holder. He had been tricked to board a flight in August 2020, thinking that he was flown to neighboring Burundi for church speeches. Instead, the pastor turned out to be working at the behest of Rwandan government, and the plane landed at Kigali. Advocacy groups blasted the way Rusesabagina had been arrested and called it as a kidnapping and an enforced disappearance. Once the trial had begun, it was known that he had absolutely no chance to prevail.
“Hotel Rwanda” Inspirational Figure Released
The fruitful outcome has been borne out after an intense round of negotiations
among Rwandan, Qatari, and other nations’ officials. Rwandan government
of President Paul Kagame has commuted the 25-year sentence of Hotel
Rwanda movie’s main character, Paul Rusesabagina. Rusesabagina was
reported to have been kidnapped in 2020 while visiting Dubai and he had ended
up days later at Kigali on handcuffs. On March 24, 2023, he was
handed over to the Qatari Embassy in Kigali. He will fly to Doha on his
way back to the USA.
Hutu-Tutsi Civil War: 30th Anniversary Marked with Solemnity
Even after three decades, wounds are still fresh, a constant reminder of
a bestial illustration of humanity’s evil nature. On April 7, 2024, Rwandan
President Paul Kagame lit a flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to
mark a dark moment three decades ago to this day when a fellow Hutu President Juvenal
Habyarimana’s plane had been shot down—blamed on Tutsis—over Kigali, leading to
what had become infamously known as 100-day Genocide that had killed more than
800,000. During the event on April 7, 2024, dignitaries included Former U.S.
President Bill Clinton and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Kagame held
international community responsible for not stopping the genocide. French
President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged in a prerecorded statement that France
had abandoned its “overwhelming responsibility” when it had chosen not to
interfere and bring to an end to one of the worst genocides in the last century.
SENEGAL
Senegal’s Political Situation Fluid over Opposition Leader’s Conviction
A Senegalese opposition leader popular with the nation’s youth was
convicted on corrupting youth, but exonerated on more serious rape charges
related to a woman, a massage parlor employee, leading to an eruption of
violence on June 1, 2023. Over the next two days, violence spread to
other areas, killing at least 15 people. On June 3, 2023, security
personnel were seen patrolling the major thoroughfares in Dakar. The backers of
Ousmane Sonko, who was placed third in the 2019 presidential polls, alleged
that the charges had been trumped up to disqualify their leader from the next
year’s (2024) presidential election. Ousmane Sonko is considered primary
challenger to President Macky Sall.
Sall not to Seek Reelection
President Macky Sall on July 3, 2023 announced that he would not seek reelection, thus putting a lid on the rising political tension by the opposition who had alleged that Sall might be conspiring to run for the third time.
Senegalese Presidential Poll on Hold Indefinitely
In a setback to one of the most stable democracies in the region, Senegalese
President Macky Sall on February 3, 2024 announced that the February 25,
2024, presidential election would be on hold indefinitely. The political instability
in Senegal stems from the difference over who could qualify for running in the February
25, 2024, election. The two-term incumbent decided not to seek reelection,
but his decision to delay the vote raised questions among Sall’s critics about
his intention.
Senegalese President Backtracks, Announces to Hold Election ASAP
That the unilateral declaration of the election delay will raise anger,
frustration and protest among Senegalese is a foregone conclusion, especially when
people of the West African nation don’t want to see the hard-earned democracy
to slide back like their neighbors such as Mali and Burkina Faso. When Senegalese
President Macky Sall earlier in the month said that he was delaying the presidential
poll from the originally scheduled February 25, 2024 indefinitely, there
was roar of protests across the nation with people taking to the streets to
decry the government decision. The government of Macky Sall, who had ruled for two
terms—including the current term—and vowed not to run for a third term,
reasoned that the delay was necessary because of the difference between the
legislative branch and judicial branch on the election matters. The lawmakers
in the parliament set a new date for the presidential election: December 15,
2024. The parliamentary action is not receptible to the vast section of
Senegal’s population. The Constitutional Court on February 15, 2024
ruled against the indefinite delay, citing that the president lacked any “legal
basis”, and instructed the government to hold the poll as soon as possible. Presidential
Spokesman Yoro Dia issued a statement on February 16, 2024, saying
that the government would organize the presidential election as soon as
possible.
Opposition Wins in Senegalese Presidential Poll
It is a celebration of democracy as this West African nation is about to
experience the fourth smooth transition of rule since independence from France
decades ago. On March 24, 2024, a large percentage of 7 million
registered voters out of a 17-million-strong electorate cast their votes in the
presidential election, which was by and large peaceful, free, and fair.
On March 25, 2024, Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba congratulated
the opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye as it became clear that
there was no need to have a runoff.
SIERRA LEONE
Victor Named in Presidential Runoff
On April 4, 2018, the head of National Electoral Commission announced Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party the winner of March 31, 2018, runoff. According to N'Fah Alie Conteh, the election commission chief, Bio received 51.81 percent of the votes, defeating the ruling All People's Congress Party candidate Samura Kamara, who had received 48.19 percent. The tension has been running high since March 7, 2018, first round failed to produce a clear winner.
SIERRA LEONE
Victor Named in Presidential Runoff
On April 4, 2018, the head of National Electoral Commission announced Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party the winner of March 31, 2018, runoff. According to N'Fah Alie Conteh, the election commission chief, Bio received 51.81 percent of the votes, defeating the ruling All People's Congress Party candidate Samura Kamara, who had received 48.19 percent. The tension has been running high since March 7, 2018, first round failed to produce a clear winner.
Curfew Imposed after Attacks on Military Barracks
In an audacious assault on institutions and in a direct challenge to
government authority, gunmen on November 26, 2023 attacked the main and
largest military barrack—Wilberforce military barrack—as well as scores
of detention centers. The attack on Pademba Road Prison that’s holding
over 2,000 detainees has led to kidnapping of some prisoners and setting free
of scores of other prisoners. Throughout the day at times, things looked so
chaotic that it resembled a putsch. Later in the day, President Julius Maada
Bio, who had been recently reelected for another five-year term in a
disputed election, declared curfew in Freetown and other areas of the western
African nation of 8 million people.
SOMALIA
US Airstrike Kills Terrorist Group Founder
U.S. airstrikes on September 1, 2014 at a coastal village, Barawe, south of Mogadishu, killed the founder of Al-Shabab and five other militants. The killing of Ahmed Abdi Godane is likely to inflict a significant moral and military setback to the group.
Somalia Offers Amnesty to Militants
Two days after US airstrikes had killed the Al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, Somali government extended the olive branch of political process to the rebels. After a cabinet-level security meeting on September 3, 2014, Somalia's Security Minister Khalif Ahmed Ereg said that the government would offer an amnesty to rebels and given them a 45-day timeline to accept it.
Somali Government Seizes Key Town
Militant Al-Shabab fighters made a hasty retreat from a key, strategic town, Barawe, south of Mogadishu on October 5, 2014, giving the full control of the town to Somali government troops and African Union forces for the first time.
Car Bomb Kills 11 at the Capital
A car bomb exploded outside an upscale coffee shop, Aroma Café, at Mogadishu on October 12, 2014 evening that killed 11 people. No group claimed the responsibility for the car bomb explosion as it reflected heightening security risk in the capital.
Militant Leader Killed, Another Surrenders
In a double blow to al-Shabab, three days after one its senior leaders, Zakariya Ismail Hersi, who carried $3 million in bounty, surrendered to Somalian authorities, an airstrike launched by the US on December 30, 2014 killed the group's intelligence chief, Abdishakur, also known as Tahlil, according to the Somalia's intelligence agency. However, Pentagon was mum on the airstrike at the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia. Beside Abdishakur, two other al-Shabab militants were killed in the airstrike, but the group's head, Ahmad Umar, who had succeeded after Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed in a similar US airstrike on September 1, 2014 at the coastal village of Barawe, was not among the dead.
Hotel Siege Ends After 16 Hours
A hotel siege that had begun on March 27, 2015 in Mogadishu ended on March 28, 2015 after a U.S.-trained Somali commando unit entered the hotel, killing all six militants. Al-Shabab militants were thought to be behind the siege of Maka al-Mukarama Hotel. During the 16-hour siege, at least 18 people--including the Somali Ambassador to Switzerland and an official of the Somali Central Bank--were killed and 28 injured.
Kerry's Visit Marks a New Turn in US-Somali Relationship
US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 5, 2015 made his maiden trip to war-plagued African nation of Somalia, marking the highest-ranking visit since US withdrew its troops from Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, in 1993 after two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, killing 18 American military personnel. Although Kerry never got out of the periphery of capital's international airport and met with officials inside a secure area, his visit reflects a marked improvement in security situation following adoption of a new constitution, selection of a new parliament and election of a new President.
Audacious Attack on a Posh Mogadishu Hotel Kill 10
A coordinated attack with a pair of car bombs backed by gunmen killed 12 on November 1, 2015 at the Sahafi Hotel, a popular hotel-cum-restaurant in the heart of the capital, Mogadishu, often frequented by officials and international dignitaries. At dawn, a car exploded at the gate of the hotel, followed by gunmen entering the hotel and shooting several guests. A second car bomb exploded two hours later, wounding several journalists who had assembled at the hotel to cover the news of the first car bomb and a state of siege that was going on at that time. Security forces ended the siege by killing several gunmen, but not before a fierce hours-long gunfight had ensued. Within hours of the assault, Somali terrorist group al-Shabab gleefully claimed responsibility for the attack on Sahafi Hotel.
More than a Dozen Soldiers Killed in Ambush
A day after a bold assault on a posh Mogadishu hotel killed a dozen people, gunmen owing allegiance to al-Shabab ambushed a Somali military convoy on November 2, 2015 near Walaweyn, a town about 60 miles south of Mogadishu, killing at least 15 soldiers. However, al-Shabab's online radio network, Andalus, said that 30 soldiers had been killed in the ambush.
Somalia Proscribes Celebration of Christmas and New Year
In a setback to religious tolerance and freedom of expression, western-backed Somalian government on December 23, 2015 banned all celebrations pertaining to Christmas and New Year, calling them an affront to Islam. Although there is no significant number of Christians who live in Somalia, many of the 22,000 peacekeepers are Christians. Last year, gunmen attacked a Christmas Party, killing three peacekeepers and a civilian.
Nearly Two Hundred Rebels Split Ranks, Join Islamic State
Heeding to the October 2015 call by Nigeria's Boko Haram, around 200 militants broke off al-Shabab and joined ISIL, said Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinett on December 24, 2015. The breakaway group was led by Mohamed Kuno, or Gamadhere, who had masterminded the April 2, 2015, attack on Garissa University College dormitory that had killed 148 people. The breakaway group is active in northern Kenya, adjacent to Somalian borders, and their most recent heinous act was killing one soldier and two civilians.
Massacre of Kenyan Soldiers Reported
A massacre was reported at a forward operating base for African Union soldiers when al-Shabab militants overran the El-Adde Forward Operating Base on January 15, 2016, and killed more than 100 Kenyan soldiers. Al-Shabab, pushed back in recent years to the few corners of the country, showed its resilience and survivability in the face of all-out international campaign to destroy it by mounting the January 15, 2016, audacious attack on the El-Adde Forward Operating Base.
Audacious Attack by Militants on a Prominent Hotel at the Capital Kills 14
A suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car at the entrance of SYL Hotel , a hotel mostly frequented by diplomats, businessmen and politicians, in Mogadishu on February 26, 2016. As the blast shocked and perplexed the security forces, four attackers entered the hotel, and began shooting, killing at least 9 civilians. Later security forces brought the situation under control by killing all four assailants. Later in the day, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
U.S. Airstrikes Kill Some 150 Militants in Somalia
In a bloody blow to Al-Shabab, U.S. airplanes on March 5, 2016 launched strikes on the militant group's training camp in Somalia, killing about 150 fighters, according to a report carried by media three days later. U.S. used precision-guided bombs and missiles to strike the camp at Raso, about 120 miles north of Mogadishu. The militants were reported to be at the advanced stage of planning to attack Somalian forces as well as some U.S. defense personnel.
Militants Kill at least 15
Three militants on June 1, 2016 seized an upscale hotel at Mogadishu, the Ambassador, often frequented by the country's lawmakers, and led to hours-long siege. After a room-to-room fighting, Somalian security forces brought the siege and the hostage crisis to an end in the early hours of June 2, 2016. At least 15 people, including two lawmakers, and all three militants were killed. Al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the attack.
Attack on an Upscale Hotel Kills more than a Dozen
In a pattern being repeated with increasing frequency, Islamic militants on June 25, 2016 attacked a hotel at the seaside capital of Mogadishu, killing 14 people and wounding 9. The attack played out in the same way like the previous ones, with an explosives-laden vehicle blowing up first at the entrance of Nasa-Hablod Hotel and generating an air of confusion that had provided the cover to three, or four, attackers to enter into the hotel and kill patrons at random. The hostage-like situation was brought under control after security forces had killed all the assailants. The attack in the middle of holy month of Ramadan was claimed to have carried out by Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab.
Two Suicide Attacks Kill 13
Two suicide car bombs claimed by Al-Shabab on July 26, 2016 targeted international and military institutions, killing at least 13 people. The targets included a U.N. mine-clearing agency's office and an army checkpoint at the entrance of an African Union base.
Truck Bomb Kills 15 Near Presidential Palace
A recalcitrant insurgency continued its streak of violence despite a blistering on-going counterinsurgency campaign by regional forces and American airstrikes. The latest bite of terrorism came on August 30, 2016 as a truck bomb exploded near the presidential villa at Mogadishu, killing at least 15 people.
Somalia Seizes a Port Town from ISIL
As weak as considered ISIL is in Somalia relative to more menacing presence of al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab, it is not altogether without any foothold in this Horn of Africa nation. In October 2016, ISIL surprised the Somalia watchers by capturing the port town of Qandala in the semi-autonomous Puntland State. After launching a determined military campaign, Somalian security forces on December 7, 2016 recaptured Qandala. The day-long military campaign killed at least 30 militants and four soldiers.
New Somalian Parliament Seated amid Criticism
Somalia's chief justice on December 27, 2016 swore in 243 new members of Somalia's parliament amid allegation of election irregularities and renewed call from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia for holding fresh polls. The new parliament will elect Horn of Africa nation's new president.
Attack on Hotel Kills 11
First a suicide car bomb at the entrance of Dayah Hotel, a hotel frequented by government officials and international diplomats. Then began a spree of attack by gunmen who entered the hotel, and opened fire while the panicked residents hid underneath bed and behind closets. Hours later on January 25, 2017, Somalian security forces brought the situation under control by killing all four gunmen, but not before lives of 11 were taken. Al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the attack.
A Somali-American Elected President
Under the security of African Union forces, Somalian parliamentarians met at Mogadishu's international airport on February 8, 2017 to elect a former premier, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who made fighting corruption a hallmark of his short eight-month tenure. Farmajo holds a dual Somali-American citizenship, and his victory over clear favorite incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud brought thousands of cheering Somalis to flood the Mogadishu's streets. People still remember the day when common Somalis came out to streets to protest the forced resignation of the then-Prime Minister Farmajo in 2011.
At least 57 Extremists Killed in Camp Attack
A concerted counterterrorism offensive launched by African Union and Somalian troops dealt a heavy blow to al-Shabab at a training camp outside the Somalian city of Afmadhow. According to The Associated Press report on March 2, 2017, at least 57 extremists were killed.
U.N. Secretary-General Overwhelmed by Suffering of Refugees
Visiting a refugee camp at Baidoa, 151 miles northwest of Mogadishu, on a field-trip and experiencing first hand the level of suffering of malnourished children, skeletal men and women, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was visibly overwhelmed on March 7, 2017. Later taking to Twitter, Guterres said that "we need to make as much noise as possible" as "conflict, drought, climate change, disease, cholera" were giving rise to a catastrophic combination of nightmare. Somalia is part of U.N's $4 billion aid campaign that would also help the other three famine-stricken nations: Nigeria, Yemen and South Sudan.
Somalia's Just Sworn-in Military Chief Attacked
Underscoring the security concern and fragility of peace, a suicide bomber on April 9, 2017 targeted the convoy that was taking the Somalia's just-installed military chief, Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, from the swearing-in ceremony to the defense department, killing five military personnel and eight civilians in a nearby minibus. However, Gen. Jimale escaped unscathed.
Suicide Bomber Kills 7 at a Military Training Camp
A suicide bomber wearing a military uniform penetrated a military training camp at Mogadishu on April 10, 2017, and blew up, killing at least 7 and wounding more than two dozens. Al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the attack that came a day after another suicide bomber attacked a convoy carrying Somalia's new military chief.
U.S. to Expand Its Mission in Somalia
The U.S. Africa Command announced on April 14, 2017 that it would send dozens of regular troops to Somalia to help Somalian army in logistics training. The decision will deepen the U.S. involvement in the Horn of Africa nation from where U.S. withdrew regular troops in the aftermath of downing of two American helicopters in Mogadishu in 1993 and dragging the bodies of American military personnel through the capital's streets. At present, few special operations forces and counterterrorism advisers are stationed in Somalia to help country's military stabilize the nation that had been balkanized, and remained more or less unstable since, the fall of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.
17 Killed in Attack on Restaurant
In a confusing circumstances and contradictory claims, at least 17 patrons of either Posh Treats restaurant, or Pizza House, or both were killed in an audacious attack by Al-Shabab gunmen on June 14, 2017. Al-Shabab claimed that its gunmen attacked the Posh Treats, often frequented by the country's officials, military leaders and foreign visitors,and took an unknown number of guests hostage. However, security forces said that the militants attacked the nearby Pizza House, and two of the attackers were killed while five others remained inside. The attack in the heart of Mogadishu has laid bare the fragility of security as 22,000-strong African Union-led multinational force is scheduled to begin withdrawing in 2018 and complete the process by 2020.
Hostage Crisis Brought to an End, 31 Reportedly Killed
The hostage situation that arose from the attacks by five Al-Shabab gunmen that began late June 14, 2017 was brought to an end after several tense hours and confusion whether an upscale restaurant was under siege. However, on June 15, 2017, security forces confirmed that it was not the Posh Treats, the upscale diner, that had been attacked, but a nearby pizzeria, Pizza House, that had been laid under siege. Meanwhile, death toll rose to 31 as of June 14, 2017.
******************************* DEADLIEST ATTACK IN SOMALIA
Deadliest Attack in Somalia Kills Hundreds
A pair of truck bombing on October 15, 2017 left Mogadishu as a ghost city with hundreds of dead, bloods covering streets, limbs scattered in the scene of bombing, and a chaotic situation prevailing through the night. The first truck bomb exploded near Safari Hotel, followed by a second truck bomb, taking a toll of at least 274 and counting. Mogadishu Mayor Thabit Abdi gave the cruelty of the attack in a radio address. Somalia's president, Mohammed Abdullah Mohamed, called for three days of national mourning and urged the nation to "unite against terror". Somalian government blamed Al-Shabab for the attack.
Death Toll Estimate Raised
Somalian authorities on December 2, 2017 raised the death toll from October 15, 2017, attack to 512 people.
First Anniversary of the Deadliest Attack Marked
First anniversary of the deadliest Al-Shabab attack in Somalia was observed.
******************************* DEADLIEST ATTACK IN SOMALIA
A Co-ordinated Regime, Coalition Attack Kills about 100 Militants
Taking a stiff, all-round-assault strategy, U.S.-led coalition airstrike hit an al-Shabab base on November 10, 2017 north of the country, marking the 23rd U.S. airstrike this year and second in 24 hours. On November 9, 2017, a separate airstrike killed dozens more in the west of the country. Separately, Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency killed about 81 militants in Jilib, south of the country, taking the total militant casualties from these three strategic assaults to about 100, according to a November 11, 2017, The New York Times report.
More than 100 Militants Killed in U.S. Airstrike
Pentagon said on November 21, 2017 that an airstrike in the north killed at least 100 militants tied to Al-Shabab group.
20 Killed in a Four-day Attack Spree
At least 20 people were killed in a four-day attack spree in three separate incidents, including one on March 25, 2018 at a security checkpoint near Interior Ministry building in Mogadishu, according to a report by The New York Times published on March 25, 2018.
Nine Kenyan Soldiers Killed in Neighboring Somalia
Nine Kenyan soldiers were killed when suspected Al-Shabab militants opened fire on their patrol in the neighboring Somalia, according to what Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on May 7, 2018.
American Special Ops Soldier Dies in Attack
As Pentagon was exploring ways to scale down its involvement and engagement in Africa in the wake of a lengthy review and investigation that stemmed in the aftermath of October 4, 2017, deaths of American special operations personnel in Niger, one Special Ops soldier was killed and four others were injured in fight with Al-Shabab rebels in southwest Somalia on June 8, 2018. This is the second death of special ops personnel in 13 months after a Navy Seal was killed in May 2017 in what was described then as part of "Advise, Assist and Accompany" mission.
U.S. Airstrike Kills 60 Al-Shabab Militants
U.S. Africa Command announced on October 16, 2018 that a U.S. airstrike four days ago on October 12, 2018 in the rebel-controlled Harardere region of the Mudug Province killed at least 60 fighters, marking it the most lethal strike since a November 21, 2017, strike had killed at least 100 al-Shabab militants in the Horn of African country's north.
Cleric Killed for Encouraging Music during Religious Events
An Islamic cleric and 17 of his followers were killed on November 26, 2018 in the northern Somalian city of Galkayo. He was target of extremists for his sermons that accompanied with music, a heresy to many Islamic extremists. During the day, a car bomb targeted Somalian soldiers at Wadajir district of Mogadishu, killing at least six people.
Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Somalia
U.S. military said on December 17, 2018 that U.S. aircraft had carried out four airstrikes on December 15, 2018 and an additional pair of airstrikes a day later in close coordination with Somalian government as part of a campaign to "prevent al-Shabab from using remote areas as a safe haven to plot, direct and recruit for future attacks". The December 15, 2018, quartet of airstrikes killed 34 people and the December 16, 2018, pair of airstrikes killed 28 more. The U.S. military said that all killed in the airstrikes were al-Shabab militants. The Associated Press reported based on Somali government sources that the airstrikes targeted the Lower Shabelle region.
A Pair of Airstrikes Kills 55 Militants
U.S. carried out two airstrikes in as many days in Somalia, targeting al-Shabab bases, and killed at least 55. On February 25, 2019, at least 35 militants were killed, and the following day, another airstrike in the central Somalia killed another 20 militants.
Ex Foreign Minister Killed in Suicide Car Bomb
A suicide car bomb exploded outside presidential palace on May 22, 2019, killing nine people and wounding 13 people. Among those killed was former foreign minister Hussein Elabe Fahiye.
A Pair of Explosions Kill 11
Two blasts targeting Somalia's security forces on June 15, 2019 killed at least 11 and wounded more than two dozens.
Hotel Attack Kills Dozens
It was an absolute mayhem with a bloody Friday evening unraveling on July 12, 2019 when a suicide car bombing at the entrance of a hotel in the Somalian port city Kismayo rattled the whole complex, followed by storming of the hotel by at least five gunmen that had led to systematic killing of the hotel guests and hours-long siege that had ended on July 13, 2019 as security forces had killed all the attackers and cleared the hotel. At least 26 people were killed in the July 12, 2019, car bombing and subsequent attack on the hotel. Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the July 12, 2019, attack on the hotel.
Suicide Blast at Mayor's Office Kills 6
A suicide bomber on July 24, 2019 entered the office of Mogadishu mayor, Abdirahman Omar Osman, blew up minutes after the new U.N. envoy for Somalia, James Swan, made a courtesy visit to meet with the mayor. The U.N. envoy was not hurt, but Omar Osman had to be rushed to the hospital with grave injury. Six people were reported killed in July 24, 2019, suicide bombing at Mogadishu mayor's office.
Truck Bomb Kills 79 at a Checkpoint
In the bloodiest attack since October 15, 2017, twin truck bombings in Mogadishu that had killed at least 500 people, a truck bomb blew up on December 28, 2019 as it was unable to get past a checkpoint at one of the entry-points to Mogadishu, killing at least 79 people and wounding more than 125 people. The toll could have been much higher if the bomber would have been able to breach the checkpoint, underlining the stricter security ring around Mogadishu. Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed blamed al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab for the truck bombing although the militant group didn't acknowledge its responsibility.
Elite Hotel Laid to Siege, 15 Killed
Islamic extremist militants on August 16, 2020 carried out a daring attack on the Elite Hotel, a posh hotel at Mogadishu. Security forces engaged with four gunmen with a volley of gunfire, and brought the hotel under control. In the ensuing clash, 15 people were killed.
American Special Ops Soldier Dies in Attack
As Pentagon was exploring ways to scale down its involvement and engagement in Africa in the wake of a lengthy review and investigation that stemmed in the aftermath of October 4, 2017, deaths of American special operations personnel in Niger, one Special Ops soldier was killed and four others were injured in fight with Al-Shabab rebels in southwest Somalia on June 8, 2018. This is the second death of special ops personnel in 13 months after a Navy Seal was killed in May 2017 in what was described then as part of "Advise, Assist and Accompany" mission.
U.S. Airstrike Kills 60 Al-Shabab Militants
U.S. Africa Command announced on October 16, 2018 that a U.S. airstrike four days ago on October 12, 2018 in the rebel-controlled Harardere region of the Mudug Province killed at least 60 fighters, marking it the most lethal strike since a November 21, 2017, strike had killed at least 100 al-Shabab militants in the Horn of African country's north.
Cleric Killed for Encouraging Music during Religious Events
An Islamic cleric and 17 of his followers were killed on November 26, 2018 in the northern Somalian city of Galkayo. He was target of extremists for his sermons that accompanied with music, a heresy to many Islamic extremists. During the day, a car bomb targeted Somalian soldiers at Wadajir district of Mogadishu, killing at least six people.
Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Somalia
U.S. military said on December 17, 2018 that U.S. aircraft had carried out four airstrikes on December 15, 2018 and an additional pair of airstrikes a day later in close coordination with Somalian government as part of a campaign to "prevent al-Shabab from using remote areas as a safe haven to plot, direct and recruit for future attacks". The December 15, 2018, quartet of airstrikes killed 34 people and the December 16, 2018, pair of airstrikes killed 28 more. The U.S. military said that all killed in the airstrikes were al-Shabab militants. The Associated Press reported based on Somali government sources that the airstrikes targeted the Lower Shabelle region.
A Pair of Airstrikes Kills 55 Militants
U.S. carried out two airstrikes in as many days in Somalia, targeting al-Shabab bases, and killed at least 55. On February 25, 2019, at least 35 militants were killed, and the following day, another airstrike in the central Somalia killed another 20 militants.
Ex Foreign Minister Killed in Suicide Car Bomb
A suicide car bomb exploded outside presidential palace on May 22, 2019, killing nine people and wounding 13 people. Among those killed was former foreign minister Hussein Elabe Fahiye.
A Pair of Explosions Kill 11
Two blasts targeting Somalia's security forces on June 15, 2019 killed at least 11 and wounded more than two dozens.
Hotel Attack Kills Dozens
It was an absolute mayhem with a bloody Friday evening unraveling on July 12, 2019 when a suicide car bombing at the entrance of a hotel in the Somalian port city Kismayo rattled the whole complex, followed by storming of the hotel by at least five gunmen that had led to systematic killing of the hotel guests and hours-long siege that had ended on July 13, 2019 as security forces had killed all the attackers and cleared the hotel. At least 26 people were killed in the July 12, 2019, car bombing and subsequent attack on the hotel. Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the July 12, 2019, attack on the hotel.
Suicide Blast at Mayor's Office Kills 6
A suicide bomber on July 24, 2019 entered the office of Mogadishu mayor, Abdirahman Omar Osman, blew up minutes after the new U.N. envoy for Somalia, James Swan, made a courtesy visit to meet with the mayor. The U.N. envoy was not hurt, but Omar Osman had to be rushed to the hospital with grave injury. Six people were reported killed in July 24, 2019, suicide bombing at Mogadishu mayor's office.
Truck Bomb Kills 79 at a Checkpoint
In the bloodiest attack since October 15, 2017, twin truck bombings in Mogadishu that had killed at least 500 people, a truck bomb blew up on December 28, 2019 as it was unable to get past a checkpoint at one of the entry-points to Mogadishu, killing at least 79 people and wounding more than 125 people. The toll could have been much higher if the bomber would have been able to breach the checkpoint, underlining the stricter security ring around Mogadishu. Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed blamed al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab for the truck bombing although the militant group didn't acknowledge its responsibility.
Elite Hotel Laid to Siege, 15 Killed
Islamic extremist militants on August 16, 2020 carried out a daring attack on the Elite Hotel, a posh hotel at Mogadishu. Security forces engaged with four gunmen with a volley of gunfire, and brought the hotel under control. In the ensuing clash, 15 people were killed.
U.S.
to Pull Most of the Troops from Somalia
As
continuation of troops pullout from other nations as part of fulfilling his
campaign promise, President Donald Trump on December 4, 2020 ordered
most of the troops out of Somalia. Defense Minister Christopher Miller
called it a change in “force posture”, not “a change in U.S. policy”. At
present, there are about 700 troops stationed in Somalia, mostly to
support Somalian security forces in counterterrorism operation. Most of the
troops withdrawal will happen before Joe Biden assumes presidency on January
20, 2021. Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi implored in October
2020 after the troops withdrawal plan surfaced not to pull American troops before
the job of defeating Al-Shabab “is 100% accomplished”.
All U.S. Troops now Pulled from Somalia
The Associated Press reported on January 17, 2021 that U.S. had completed the withdrawal of about 700 troops stationed in Somalia as part of President Donald Trump's December 4, 2020, order. This comes as many security experts are warning that Somalian security forces have not been up to mark to take the security challenges posed Al-Shabab and protect civilians and government institutions. The U.S. Africa Command, based in Djibouti and currently led by Gen. Stephen Townsend, has not yet stated whether the troops are being transferred to Kenya and Djibouti.
30-hour Standoff Brought to an End as Leery Nation Watches the Hostage Crisis
In the first challenge to the country's new leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who had become president of the Horn of Africa nation in May 2022, gunmen, alleged to be the militants of al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabab, stormed the posh Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu on August 19, 2022 night. The ensuing 30 hours were filled with mayhem, firefight, rescue operation and plenty of blood and bodies. The hostage crisis and standoff were brought to an end after more than 30 hours on August 21, 2022. Somalian Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam on August 21, 2022 reported that 21 people had died and 117 were injured in the standoff. Al Shabab, Africa's most lethal terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the siege. Somalia's former President Mohamed Abdullahi avoided major confrontation with Al Shabab. However, current president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, made it transparent that he would take the fight to Al Shabab's backyard and defeat the group. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the august body supported the people of Somalia "in their towards peace".
A Pair of Car Bombs Kill more than 100
Two car bombs near the ministry of education building at Mogadishu on
October 29, 2022 killed at least 100 people and wounded about 300 people. Somalian
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the site of the attack on October
30, 2022, and urged “our international partners and Muslims” all around the
world to send medical teams to treat so many injured patients. The attack is
the worst since October 15, 2017, bombing nearly at the same area that
had killed more than 500. Al-Shabab took the responsibility for October
29, 2022, car bombings. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan
issued a statement, condemning “heinous targeting of the Somali Ministry of
Education and first responders".
Eight Killed in Standoff at a Mogadishu Hotel
The extremist group Al-Shabab on November 27, 2022 claimed
responsibility for the standoff that began earlier in the day at the Villa
Rosa Hotel, a posh hotel at the capital often frequented by foreigners and
government officials. The standoff continued for 18 hours into November 28,
2022. Security forces freed about 60 people, but there were eight civilian
deaths. All six attackers were killed too. The attack so close to the
presidential palace, Villa Somalia, at the seaside capital raises
specter of breakdown of security apparatus.
Circa 43,000 Killed in Drought in Somalia
A report released on March 20, 2023 by the World Health
Organization and the U.N. children’s agency and carried out by the
London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine put out an alarming narrative
of how acute drought for the fifth successive year had devastated vast number
of communities across this Horn of Africa nation. The report pegged the number
of deaths last year at 43,000 from drought-related diseases and other
causes, and half of them were children. According to the projection, at least
18,000 people, and up to 34,000 people, will die in drought-related causes.
SOUTH AFRICA
In an adverse news to the ruling African National Congress, country's main trade union, the National Union of Metal Workers in South Africa, on December 20, 2013 called for President Jacob Zuma's resignation and also said that it won't support ANC in the next elections.
A New Presidential Challenge to ANC
A former anti-apartheid activist and partner of Steve Biko, who was killed in 1977 while in police custody, announced her candidature on January 28, 2014 in the presidential elections most likely to be held in the spring. Mamphela Ramphele, a medical doctor and former managing director of the World Bank, will give the opposition Democratic Alliance an opportunity to offer the nation a real possibility to have a woman as President and a contrasting vision to the one by African National Congress.
South Africa to Hold General Elections in May
South Africa will hold the general elections on May 7, 2014, a historical mark for the country as the twentieth anniversary of the election of Nelson Mandela.
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Pistorius Trial Begins
Post-apartheid South African legal and judicial system will be on the international spotlight and scrutiny as the landmark trial of double-amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius begins on March 3, 2014 in the court of Judge Thokozile Masipa. Pistorius was charged on the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the wee hours of Valentine Day of 2013 at his apartment. Pistorius admitted shooting at the bathroom, where Steenkamp was found lying dead, but said that he had thought that there was an intruder in the bathroom. There is no jury system in South Africa as it has been abolished in 1969 because of potential bias of White juries at that time against mostly Black political defendants.
Pistorius Cleared on Murder Charges
After six months of often theatrical and tense trial, a South African judge on September 11, 2014 acquitted double-amputee athlete Oscar Pistorious of premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on the valentine night last year at his apartment, ruling that prosecutors had failed to prove the so-called "premeditated murder" charge beyond reasonable doubt. Pistorious claimed that he had mistaken his girlfriend as an intruder and fired four shots across the locked door of his apartment's toilet. Although premeditated murder charges were high bar to prove, according to many legal scholars, what really startled many lawyers and general public alike was Judge Thokozile Masipa's consideration of minor "unplanned murder" charges.
Pistorius Convicted on "Culpable Homicide"
On September 12, 2014, double-amputee South African athlete Oscar Pistorius, whose months-long trial evoked worldwide curiosity and tremendous media interest, was convicted on culpable homicide in the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Judge Thokozile Masipa will render punishment ruling on October 13, 2014.
Pistorius Gets Five-Year Jail
South Africa's double-amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius, who was convicted of "culpable homicide" on September 12, 2014 with respect to the killing of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on the Valentine night in 2013, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Pistorious Granted House Arrest
After serving a year out of his five-year jail term, South Africa's Department of Correction said on October 15, 2015 that it would grant double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius the opportunity to spend rest of his sentence under house arrest. Pistorious will be released from jail on October 20, 2015. However, Pistorius faces an arduous trial at the country's Supreme Court beginning on November 3, 2015 after prosecution appealed the September 11, 2014, lower court ruling that cleared the double amputee athlete of "pre-meditated murder" charge.
Appeals Court Convicts Pistorius on Murder Charge
South Africa's top appeals court on December 3, 2015 tossed out a lower court's verdict to convict double-amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius on a less serious charge, culpable homicide, and convicted him of murder that would carry a minimum of 15 years of imprisonment.
Pistorius Gets Bail
A South African court on December 8, 2015 granted bail to double-amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius, five days after the country's top appeals court convicted him of murdering, instead of culpable homicide against, his former girlfriend and model Reeva Steenkamp. Until his sentencing hearing begins on April 18, 2016, Pistorius will remain under house arrest.
Pistorius Appeals against an Appeals Court's Conviction Ruling
Double-amputee Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius on January 11, 2016 appealed to South Africa's Constitutional Court challenging the December 3, 2015, ruling issued by the country's top appeals court that convicted the athlete on the charge of murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Defense Psychologist against Pistorius Taking Stand
A defense psychologist, Jonathan Scholtz, testified on June 13, 2016 that Oscar Pistorius' mental health was truly bad, and requested Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa of the High Court in Pretoria to grant the double-amputee athlete to be hospitalized to treat severe depression.
Court Lengthens Pistorius' Sentence
South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeals on November 24, 2017 tossed out a lower court verdict in September 2014 to sentence double-amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius to a six-year term, and instead lengthened the sentence to 13 years and five months. Prosecutors were to some extent satisfied by the degree of punishment accorded in the case commensurate to the crime.
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South Africa Marks 20th Anniversary of Freedom Day
In a pompous and prominent way, South Africans from all races and ethnicity on April 27, 2014 marked the two decade of end of apartheid era. On this day, twenty years ago, Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president, and heralded a new era of democracy and reconciliation.
South Africans Flock to Poll Stations; Hand out Another Impressive Victory to ANC
On May 7, 2014, South Africa witnessed the fifth time of all-race inclusive polls since the end of apartheid. Also, this election marked the event of a generation born after the apartheid had ended in South Africa voting for the first time.
As election counts progressed, African National Congress on May 9, 2014 emerged as clear winner, getting 62.2 percent of the popular vote, a few percentage less than in 2009. The main opposition, the Democratic Alliance, garnered 22.2 percent of the vote, more than 5 percent of its 2009 share of votes. A breakaway party from ANC, Economic Freedom Fighters, surprised by getting 6.3 percent vote. The party led by former youth ANC leader Julius Malema demanded equitable distribution of wealth among country's black and poor.
Rhodes' Statue Vandalized at South African University Campus
More than two decades after the apartheid was dismantled, South Africa is still struggling with ways to reconcile with its past and move forward to a harmonious feature. That struggle was evident one more time in the second week of March 2015 as human excrement was thrown on a statue of Cecil John Rhodes, the British explorer who had epitomized the brutality of imperialism on one hand and philanthropic benevolence to promote education on the other, at the campus of University of Cape Town. A well-known, global scholarship was named after him. Rhodes, who had died in 1902, bequeathed the land on which the University of Cape Town was built in 1918 and the statue came in existence in 1934. Rhodesia, later renamed Zimbabwe, was named for Cecil John Rhodes.
Anti-Migrant Violence Increasing in South Africa
The unstable socio-economic conditions in South Africa exposed old wounds in the heartland of South Africa, with fury of students pulling down the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at the University of Cape Town campus and growing frustration leading unemployed South African black youths to attack migrant workers from neighboring nations. On April 17, 2015, shops and businesses in downtown Johannesburg were torched, vandalized and looted by armed mob. The latest fuel to the fire came from Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, who had asked the foreign migrants to leave the country.
Demonstrators Demand Resignation of President
Large protests were held on December 16, 2015 across South Africa, including key cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria, decrying joblessness among poor Blacks, widespread corruptions and scandals plaguing the high-ranking government officials. The rallying cry from almost all of the December 16, 2015, demonstrations was the demand that President Jacob Zuma step down and do so now. Zuma was in hot spot since he had fired last week his respected finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, who butted head with South African Airways chief Dudu Myeni, a Zuma confidante. Then Jacob Zuma named a novice, David van Rooyen, as the new Finance Minister, only to withdraw his name under severe criticism from the industry and leaders from his own political party, African National Congress, and appoint Pravin Gordhan, a former finance minister to soothe raw nerve. The demand for Jacob Zuma's resignation came not only from ANC rank-and-file members, but also from his one-time ally, Zwelinzima Vavi, the former head of Cosatu, country's main trade union organization. To put the final nail in the coffin, Moody's on December 16, 2015 lowered its outlook on South Africa's debt from stable to negative, joining other rating agencies.
South African Leader Apologizes over a Brewing Scandal
Scandal and malfeasance never escaped the fate of South African President Jacob Zuma. His latest trouble was related to upgrade of his family home at Nkandla. On March 31, 2016, South Africa's highest court, the Constitutional Court, took Zuma to the task for spending state's money to make non-security-related upgrade. The court also held parliament responsible for the scandal as it had failed to hold Jacob Zuma accountable. The court ordered the Treasury Department to estimate the cost that was not associated with Jacob Zuma's security within 60 days and the president to reimburse within the following 45 days. On April 1, 2016, the president apologized for this embarrassment in a televised address to the nation. The opposition Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane called Zuma the "cancer at the heart of South African politics". Opposition is hell-bent to pursue impeachment drive against Zuma in the parliament.
South African Parliament Won't Move against President
South African Parliament on April 5, 2016 voted down opposition effort for impeachment drive against President Jacob Zuma over using state's money for upgrade of his farm house.
40th Anniversary Soweto Uprising Remembered
The 40th anniversary of Soweto Uprising was marked on June 16, 2016 with joy, pomp and renewed determination to ameliorate the economic and educational gap that's still prevailing in post-apartheid South Africa. The main event was organized at a stadium in Soweto where President Jacob Zuma emphasized the struggle that the then-black students had to endure. Forty years ago on this fateful day, Black students erupted in protest against the government's draconian rule of teaching all students in Afrikaans, a Dutch-based language, resulting in the then-apartheid regime's ruthless clampdown on the students. The scale of June 16, 1976, police brutalities in Soweto against unarmed and peaceful student protesters was captured by an iconic photo of a bloodied Hector Pieterson being carried on the arms of another fellow student. The photo galvanized the international movement against the apartheid regime. In the days that had ensued the June 16, 2016, Soweto Uprising, an expansive crackdown had killed scores of black people, but also intensified the anti-apartheid resistance.
Local Votes Send Temblor for ANC
As of today, African National Congress has counted on its legacy as a party that has earned freedom for country's Black population, ended segregationist policies and brought rays of hope for better future of all the people. ANC's bragging right to having a near monopoly over the Black votes is a universally accepted political stand. But not anymore. Especially the disenchantment among the young Black population who have not witnessed or experienced the brutal consequences of segregation run so deep that they have turned their anger against the ANC in August 3, 2016, local elections. The vote was a slap to President Jacob Zuma who was accused of cronyism, corruption and ineptitude. As the verdict started to pour on August 5, 2016, it was all but clear that the ruling party would lose the control of at least half a dozen major cities. The opposition Democratic Alliance has solidified its position in the local polls. Historically Democratic Alliance was a political party dominated by Whites, but last year it elected Mmusi Maimane as its first Black leader, a move that paid rich dividends in terms of penetrating in hitherto ANC strongholds. The biggest prize was Pretoria where Democratic Alliance won the majority of the seats, and in Johannesburg, it gave ANC run for its money. Acknowledging the setback in local polls, ANC deputy chief and the country's Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said on August 5, 2016 that the party would do some serious self-introspection and soul-searching.
South African President Faces Resignation Call
Back-to-back embarrassing reports put pressure on South African President Jacob Zuma to step down. First came a report from Nelson Mandela Foundation on November 1, 2016 that had stated that Zuma had failed the test of national leadership and asked the ANC leaders to put the government in safe hands. On November 2, 2016, a parliamentary panel issued a report that was critical of Zuma's handling of his family ties with one Indian business family that had an appearance of conflict of interest.
South Africa's Zuma Survive Inter-Party Revolt
Three weeks after surviving a no-confidence motion in parliament introduced by the lawmakers of the opposition Democratic Alliance, South African President Jacob Zuma faced most serious challenge yet: from within his own party. A measure was tabled at the National Executive Committee meeting of the ruling African National Congress at Pretoria on November 26, 2016 to oust him from presidency. After a stormy discussion and impassioned debate, majority of the 80 members of ANC's NEC voted to repose faith in Jacob Zuma, according to ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe, who briefed the reporters on November 29, 2016 at Johannesburg. Although survived the latest crisis, Jacob Zuma faces serious credibility gap as corruption charges are ensnaring him and his family with damaging consequences.
South Africa's Zuma Reshuffles Cabinet, Triggering More Controversies
South African President Jacob Zuma kicked up political dust on March 31, 2017 with his cabinet reshuffle that had led to departure of his respected Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. Nine other ministers were also axed in the March 31, 2017, reshuffle, seen by many as last-minute effort by Zuma to consolidate his powers in increasingly fractious African National Congress in the wake of severe electoral reverses in local polls. After getting fired, Gordhan said that "we hope more and more South Africans will make it absolutely clear that our country is not for sale". Gordhan's dismissal sent shockwaves through capital market--South African currency Rand fell by 2 percent, bring the total fall by about 7 percent over a week ripe with rumor of political upheaval--as well as the country's political establishment with Zuma's deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, calling it "totally, totally unacceptable".
Nationwide Protest to Demand President's Ouster
Nationwide protests were held across cities in South Africa on April 7, 2017 in a scale unseen since the fall of apartheid with the overarching demand for reforms, economic improvement for masses and call for President Jacob Zuma to step down. Rally organizers and participants, thousands in numbers, hailed from various political and social leanings. Protests were held on April 7, 2017 at Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town among others, and vocal about deepening corruption that received another bout of suspicion by dismissal of the country's credible finance minister.
ICC Blames South Africa for not Arresting Sudanese President
The Hague-based International Criminal Court on July 6, 2017 made a direct legal attack against South African government for failing to arrest a visiting Sudanese president in 2015. An arrest warrant against Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, was out there since 2009, and failure to arrest him made South Africa liable in violation to the Rome Statute in which the country was a signatory. However, not to escalate it further, ICC decided against referring South Africa to either its governing board or U.N. Security Council.
Zuma Survives No-Confidence Vote
Jacob Zuma on August 8, 2017 survived a no-confidence vote in the parliament, but exposing an uneasiness over numerous corruption allegations and lack of efficient governance.
Zuma Faces High Court Demand to Set up Corruption Inquiry
Days before a major conference of African National Conference, President Jacob Zuma on December 13, 2017 was dealt a stinging rebuke by South Africa's High Court for not initiating an inquiry into corruption charges compiled in a November 2016, 350-page report issued by former public prosecutor Thulisile Madonsela. High Court Judge Dunstan Mlambo called the government inaction on the Madonsela Report as the "clear abuse of the judicial process" and ordered the Jacob Zuma administration to form an inquiry commission within 30 days, conclude the investigation within 180 days of its formation and submit its report to parliament within two weeks of conclusion of the inquiry.
New ANC Leader Elected
African National Congress on December 18, 2017 elected its next leader who would contest the next year's presidential election as party's candidate, likely to win and become the country's president. 4,708 ANC delegates voted for Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa by a margin of 179 votes over challenger Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former wife of President Jacob Zuma, whom the incumbent had favored.
Zuma Resigns over Growing Corruption Scandal
As the demand for resignation grew louder and harsher both within ANC and outside, South African President Jacob Zuma announced his resignation in a national TV address on February 14, 2018 although he said that he was doing so as a disciplined member of ANC, but disagreed with his party's decision in recent days asking him to step down. Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had been elected ANC's leader on December 18, 2018, was set for taking over the mantle of administration.
Ramaphosa Becomes Country's Fifth Post-Apartheid President
After winning the nod from parliament, Cyril Ramaphosa, one of South Africa's wealthiest black businessmen, was sworn in as country's president on February 15, 2018.
President Ramaphosa Carries out Cabinet Reshuffle
As expected, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on February 26, 2018 began a long-due house-cleaning as needed to win the trust of the people for himself as well as for ANC after the trust had been breached by alleged corruption by Ramaphosa predecessor Jacob Zuma administration. South Africa's new president, inaugurated on February 15, 2018, brought back Nhlanhla Nene as Finance Minister and the former finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, who had been fired by Jacob Zuma, as the country's Public Enterprise Minister.
Former President to Face Trial
South Africa's chief prosecutor, Shaun Abrahams, said on March 16, 2018 that there was enough evidence for successful prosecution of former President Jacob Zuma and the trial would go forward.
Zuma Appears before the Court, Stays Defiant
Days after sixteen charges of fraud, money laundering and racketeering had been re-instated after being thrown out a decade ago, former South African President Jacob Zuma appeared at a court on April 6, 2018. His case was adjourned until June 8, 2018, but the judge, Judge Themba Sishi, admonished the former president that although he would remain free, but it would be so "on warning". Afterward Zuma, 75, defiantly told his supporters that his prosecution was politically motivated.
Indifference Settles in as the Country Goes to Polls
South Africans voted for a new parliament and president on May 8, 2019 in one of the most unexciting election in the post-apartheid era. South African are choosing a new parliament and they are also participating in presidential polls. Since the end of apartheid 25 years ago, millions of Black citizens remained mired in poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities. That led to antipathy towards once formidable African National Congress, or ANC. The unemployment rate in South Africa is running at a staggeringly high 27 percent. President Cyril Ramaphosa campaigned against entrenched corruption to get as close to as 62 percent that his party, ANC, had received five years ago. Firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema of the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters cast his vote in his home area of Polokwane in the northern Limpopo Province. Mmusi Maimane, leader of the largest opposition political party, Democratic Alliance, voted at Dobsonville in Soweto. Democratic Alliance is mostly supported by the country's Whites.
Turnout, Support for ANC Drops
May 8, 2019, presidential and parliamentary polls have witnessed a depressed voter turnout as South Africans in general are disillusioned over 27 percent unemployment rate, lack of basic services and endemic corruption. The voter turnout was 65 percent compared to 74 percent five years ago. ANC has received an anemic vote share, only 57 percent.
Ramaphosa Elected President by ANC Lawmakers
African National Congress that has received lowest vote share in the post-apartheid South Africa by winning 57.5 percent of the votes is facing calls for transparency, integrity and taking steps against endemic corruption. As ANC lawmakers on May 22, 2019 elected Cyril Ramaphosa as the country's president for a five-year term, Ramaphosa was reticent of public mandate and clarion call given by a restive population as he had dropped current Deputy President David Mabuza as ANC's Integrity Commission was investigating into corruption allegations implicating Mabuza.
Xenophobic Riots in South Africa, Nigeria
Long-simmering tension in South Africa erupted in the open as violent mob attacked foreign-owned businesses in Johannesburg on September 1, 2019, looting stores, setting fires and driving out people. The violence spread to other cities in days, and the attacks targeted businesses owned by people from other African nations such as Nigeria. Many in South Africa have a wrongful perception that these businesses are bilking them out of pennies. At least 10 people died in ensuing violence within days, and backlash began on September 4, 2019 as violent mob in Nigeria attacked storefronts of South African communication giant MTN in the Surulere neighborhood of Lagos. Mobs also attacked South African retailer PEP.
Violence Triggered by Former President's Jailing Kills 72
President Ramaphosa Visits Vandalized Mall at Soweto
President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 18, 2021 visited a badly damaged mall at Soweto and vowed to "tighten up our security forces" as the death toll from vandalism and violence in response to jailing of Former President Jacob Zuma climbed past 200.
SOUTH SUDAN
The country carved out of the southern parts of Sudan in 2011 traveled a contentious path with its northern neighbor as well as faced internecine tribal war within since the days of independence. The latest sign of another internecine tribal tension flared up on December 15, 2013 as President Salva Kiir, addressing over the national TV on December 16, 2013, said that the country's army had repulsed the coup attempt by the soldiers allied with the former Vice President Riek Machar, whom along with other cabinet members Kiir sacked in July 2013.
On December 21, 2013, three US Osprey copters tried to rescue Americans from a besieged UN camp at Bor, capital of Jonglei state, but had to retrieve after coming under fire that had wounded four US service personnel.
In the second rescue attempt, two pairs of US helicopters evacuated about 15 Americans on December 22, 2013 from the UN camp at Bor that had been surrounded by two thousands of rebel gunmen. This time US ensured a better coordination with the rebel group to avoid a December 21, 2013, type of scenario to happen. So far, US has evacuated about 380 US officials and private citizens and about 300 foreign citizens as of December 22. Meanwhile, fighting between South Sudanese army and rebels intensified in recent days, with majority Dinka ethnic group, which President Salva Kiir belongs to, up in the arms against the Nuer, an ethnic group to which the former Vice President Riek Machar belongs to. In Jonglei state as well as provincial capital Bor, Nuer dominates the rebel ranks. On December 22, 2013, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Juba estimated that 62,000 people were displaced during the recent unrest, and several thousands of them were seeking refuge at UN bases across South Sudan. Amid the on-going violence sweeping South Sudan, the special representative of UNSG for the country, Hilde F. Johnson, on December 22, 2013 made the profound statement of hope and engagement that "we are not abandoning South Sudan".
On December 23, 2014, the UNSG Ban Ki-moon urged the UN Security Council to send 5,500 additional troops to South Sudan to bolster the current strength of 7,000-member UN peacekeeping mission. Ban asked in a letter addressed to the Security Council to augment the troops from UN's existing missions in Congo, Darfur, Abyei, Ivory Coast and Liberia. UN Security Council's rotating president Gerard Araud, the French envoy to the UN, said that the 15-member august body would take up the issue on December 24, 2013. (Source: The Dallas Morning News)
On December 24, 2013, the UN Security Council voted to augment the UN force in South Sudan from its current level of 7,000 by an additional 5,500. Meanwhile, U.N High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said in a statement on December 24 that there were signs of mass graves in various parts of the country, a situation rapidly deteriorating from an initial leadership clash between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar into an ethnic warfare between Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups. Also on December 24, 2013, government announced that it had taken back the capital city of Jonglei stae, Bor. The US Secretary of State John Kerry got into phone diplomacy, placing call to Machar during the day and strongly urging him to seek a peaceful solution with President Kiir. The U.N said on December 24, 2013 that 81,000 people fled their homes last week alone, and 45,000 of them had sought shelters at various U.N. camps. (Source: The Dalas Morning News)
Addressing a Christmas Mass in Juba, President Salva Kiir on December 25, 2013 urged all parties to stop ethnic attacks immediately as the government announced that a fierce battle was being fought in the capital city, Malakal, of Upper Nile state between the troops loyal to the government and the troops loyal to the former VP Riek Machar.
A regional bloc dubbed as IGAD is taking initiative to mediate negotiation between warring parties in South Sudan as part of coming up with a solution to the ongoing conflict. As part of that initiative, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn met with South Sudan President Salva Kiir on December 26, 2013 at Nairobi as government troops made a concerted push to retake the capital, Malakal, of the Upper Nile State as well as Bentiu, capital of Unity province, in the north of the country.
On December 27, 2013, South Sudanese government agreed during a regional meeting at Nairobi that it would hold a cease-fire, and would call off a planned offensive against rebels, who were still holding Bentiu, capital of Unity province. However, government troops, according to the claims from the Salva Kiir administration, took control over the Upper Nile capital of Malakal on December 27, 2013. The agreement reached at Nairobi meeting on December 27, 2013 is more of a good-faith agreement than of any real possibility to pursue peace as no representatives from former VP Reik Machar were present at the Nairobi talks.
As representatives of both President Salva Kiir and the former VP Riek Machar arrived at Addis Ababa on January 1, 2014 for talks mediated by a regional bloc, tens of thousands of people were trying to get out of Bor, the capital of oil-rich Jonglei state, to the neighboring town of Awerial by crossing the River Nile.
On January 2, 2014, representatives of warring sides began to talk to East African regional bloc negotiators in a session that had the backing of both UN and African Union. Meanwhile, UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said at New York on January 2, 2014 that some 194,000 South Sudanese fled their homes since the unrest began on December 15, 2013 and more than 57,000 were under the protection of UN. The source of the unrest is moot as there are two very different explanations on how the unrest has started. The official explanation, as given by President Salva Kiir, is that soldiers loyal to former VP Riek Machar have tried to orchestrate a coup. A second explanation is that a section of Presidential Guards tried to disarm their Nuer colleagues, leading to start of a gunfight that had quickly degenerated into an ethnic feud at a much broader scale where Nuer soldiers defected from the government side and turned their gun on Dinka soldiers.
The peace talks slated to begin at Addis Ababa on January 4, 2014 was postponed for a day as there was no agenda to start with. Later in the day, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom said that two sides--representing President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar , respectively--would meet on January 5, 2014 with two items on the agenda for talks:
(1) Cessation of hostilities
(2) Release of political prisoners
Meanwhile, UN's top humanitarian official for South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, said on January 4, 2014 that people were pouring in UN relief camps to seek shelter. Close to 200,000 people were displaced from their home since December 15, 2013, when the fighting broke out. However, the largest crisis seemed to be unfolding in Awerial, where approximately 76,000 people fled from Bor, capital of Jonglei state. Two provincial capitals--Bor and Malakal--are being controlled by rebel soldiers loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar.
On the first day on January 5, 2014, peace talks at Addis Ababa hit a snag as Juba rejected the rebel demand to free political prisoners.
Assistant UN Secretary-General for Human Rights Iman Simonovic at the end of a four-day trip through the heart of South Sudan implored on January 17, 2014 that the conflict that started out of political rivalry between President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar had degenerated into a full-fledged communal violence between Dinka and Nuer. Simonovic's comment about Bentiu, capital of Unity province, that the city "doesn't exist anymore" captured the scale of mayhem that was wrought on the country.
As the ongoing talks at Addis Ababa were close to yielding a deal, South Sudan's government won a key military victory on January 18, 2014 as its soldiers, buttressed by Ugandan People's Defense Force, seized control of Bor, capital of Jonglei state. Bor has changed hands several times since the unrest began on December 15, 2013 with clashes between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar, but subsequently degenerated into a full-blown ethnic warfare between Dinka and Nuer, killing thousands and displacing almost half-a-million population among which almost 84,000 fled to neighboring Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Ethnic Massacre Reported at a UN Camp
In the worst ethnic massacre reported so far from South Sudan since a civil war broke out in December 2013, an armed mob on April 17, 2014 attacked a UN Camp at Bor, the capital of Jonglei state in South Sudan, where thousands of displaced, mostly from Nuer ethnic group, had sought refuge, killing at least 58 people. USA's Ambassador to UN Samantha Power on April 18, 2014 called the killing "brazen, inhuman", and asked for independent and full investigation into the "heinous murders". The seed of the civil war was planted in July 2013 as President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his vice president, Reik Machar, an ethnic Nuer. Subsequently in the chaotic aftermath of an alleged coup plot in December 2013, the civil war descended into an open ethnic warfare between Dinka and Nuer tribes.
Mass Murders Reported in a Oil Producing State
Apparently days before April 17, 2014, mob attack on a UN camp at Bor, capital of Jonglei state, sheltering people mostly from the Nuer tribe, another massacre took place at Bentiu, the capital of oil-rich Unity state, fuelled by call over radio that had encouraged Nuer men to take arms, leading to killing of dozens of civilians. The head of the UN aid mission to South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, reported on April 22, 2014 that the massacre took place on April 15 and April 16, 2014 as the capital changed hand from government control to the rebel control. The call over radio to take revenge echoed the dark days of another African massacre that took place 20 years ago in Rwanda.
Kerry Prods South Sudanese President to Open Talks with Rival
US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 2, 2014 visited Juba and asked President Salva Kiir to open talks with his rival Reik Machar in an effort to find solution to the ongoing civil war in the nascent African nation. The talks will be held at Addis Ababa at the behest of Ethiopian premier Hailemariam Desalegn.
Government Soldiers Take Two Towns
On May 4, 2014, government soldiers claimed to have retaken two northern towns from rebel control. The fall of Nasir and Bentiu marked often shaky and switch of control of towns and cities in the oil-rich country by rebels and government soldiers.
A UN Report Cites Widespread Abuses in South Sudan
A 61-page report issued on May 8, 2014 by the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan cited massive human rights abuse perpetrated by the both sides in South Sudanese civil war.
Agreement Reached between Salva Kiir and Reik Machar
Hope for a new era loomed large in this nascent nation as news emerged from Addis Ababa that an agreement was reached between Salva Kiir and Reik Machar on May 10, 2014. Unlike a failed deal signed in January 2014, this time both leaders were present at the negotiating table after personally being prodded by the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who met with President Salva Kiir on May 2, 2014 at Juba and talked to Reik Machar over phone, and hosted by the Ethiopian premier Hailemariam Desalegn. Under the agreement, brokered by the regional group Intergovernmental Authority on Development,
* Cessation of hostilities will take hold within 24 hours
* Roads will be open to aid trucks and rivers will be free for relief barges
* A "transitional government of national unity" will be formed to supervise elections
* Two leaders will meet again in a month to take stock of the situation
Warring Sides Sign Another Agreement
After signing two agreements that had collapsed within days, South Sudan's warring sides, one led by President Salva Kiir and the other led by the former Vice President Reik Machar, tried their latest bid on November 8, 2014 to bring an end to the ethnic strife by signing the third peace deal at Addis Ababa.
Another Deal Signed with a Strong Warning to Sides for Any Violation
The East African regional bloc IGAD on February 1, 2015 pushed through another truce with the warring sides in South Sudan at the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. There were at least three failed agreements in past several months, and the bloc and international community was getting exasperated by repeated violations by both sides. This time, IGAD had some harsh words for the sides--there would be severe repercussions for any violation by any side.
Obama Presses for South Sudan Peace
Addressing the region's leaders at a conference at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Barack Obama, who was visiting the continent, on July 27, 2015 called for end of violence and a verifiable peace accord in South Sudan as world's patience with warring parties was running thin in each passing day. President Obama called out two nations, Uganda and Sudan, direct benefactors of the government and rebels, respectively, to do more in reining in the violence.
South Sudan's President Signs Peace Accord
Under international pressure, a reluctant Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan, signed the latest, hopefully a lasting, accord on August 26, 2015 at Juba. Last week, Kiir's opponent and former Vice President Riek Machar signed the agreement at Addis Ababa. At that time, Kiir refused to join, saying he needed more time to scrutinize the deal. Although Kiir signed the agreement later on August 26, 2015, he didn't mince his words to express his reservation. As per agreement, Kiir has 90 days to form a coalition government with the rebels led by Machar, whose July 2013 dismissal had thrown the country into chaos and subsequent civil war.
South Sudanese President Creates 28 States
In an arbitrary administrative order, President Salva Kiir used a Christmas eve national broadcast on December 24, 2015 night to dissolve existing 10 states and, in their place, create 28 new states that would have all the recipe of jeopardizing the peace accord Kiir and his political nemesis, Vice President Riek Machar, signed in August 2015. As part of the August 2015 accord, rebels and the government are required to share power in each of the ten states. Already 150 rebels and their leaders returned to Juba on December 21, 2015. Now, how the power-sharing will work out is anybody's guess. In the address broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Television, President Salva Kiir re-appointed seven of the ten governors plus named 21 new governors.
President Restores His One-Time Nemesis's Role in Government
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir issued a decree on February 11, 2016 that, among others, paved the way to bring back his fierce opponent and former Vice President Riek Machar to his former office. Restoring Machar to the office of vice presidency fulfilled a key condition of August 2015 peace agreement.
Fighting Erupts in South Sudan, Exposes Old Wounds
As the international community began to think of normalcy returning to South Sudan as a result of a peace deal reached earlier in the year that had paved the way for rebel leader Riek Machar to return to the capital, Juba, in April 2016 and to be sworn in as Vice President of the country, his official position prior to civil war, things went downhill within months as renewed fighting displaced 10,000 additional people. The latest fighting began in the weekend (July 8-10, 2016) of fifth anniversary of the youngest nation of the world. President Salva Kiir on July 11, 2016 called for a unilateral cease-fire effective 6PM local time, and asked Vice President Riek Machar , whose where-about during the day was not known, to tell his fighters to obey the truce too. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on July 11, 2016 asked the international community to impose an arms ban on the country and condemned both sides for making the truce into a farce.
Death Toll in Recent Spurt of Killings Climbs to 272
United Nations disclosed on July 13, 2016 that the recent surge in fratricidal fighting that had erupted in the weekend climbed to at least 272, including 33 civilians, with not all missing people accounted for. Even the U.N. peacekeeping forces were not spared, and two Chinese peacekeepers and one U.N. staff member were killed. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that he was "appalled" by the scale and swiftness of the violence. U.N. Security Council met on July 13, 2016 to discuss on a proposal made by Ban two days ago to have a complete arms embargo against the country. Addressing the Security Council, the U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said that the government of President Salva Kiir was doing everything to block U.N. aid from reaching the displaced and needy people. Echoing the sentiment expressed by Ladsous at the U.N. Security Council, the head of South Sudan's peacekeeping mission, Ellen Margrethe Loj, said via video link from Juba that there was deliberate hindrance put up to thwart the U.N. from working effectively in the country. However, she said that a fragile cease-fire was holding in the capital, Juba, since July 11, 2016, evening. Meanwhile, the U.S. has sent 40 additional troops to Morn, Spain in case there is need to protect the facility and personnel of the U.S. Embassy in Juba. At the U.N., the support for an arms embargo on South Sudan grew louder on July 13, 2016 as the British Ambassador to the U.N. Matthew Rycroft said that "there is need, immediately, to impose arms embargo".
President Replaces His Deputy
As Riek Machar had gone missing since early this month amid an escalation in fighting between his followers and president's troops, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on July 26, 2016 drove a wedge through the unity of opposition ranks by replacing Machar by opposition's chief negotiator until recently, Taban Deng Gai.
South Sudan's Soldiers Allegedly Raped Dozens
The U.N. mission in South Sudan, formally known as UNMISS, acknowledged on July 27, 2016 that it had received reports of South Sudanese soldiers raping and assaulting dozens of girls and women, mostly from the Nuer ethnic group, in broad daylight. Some of the rapes had happened under the watch of the peacekeepers, an allegation that U.N. assured that it was taking very seriously.
U.N. Security Council Takes Strong Action to Bring Civil War to an End
The U.N. Security Council on August 12, 2016 passed a resolution aimed at strengthening the mandate and mission of U.N. in South Sudan. The measure calls for augmenting the U.N. troops in the country by an additional 4,000 troops to 17,000. The additional troops will be provided by African nations. The resolution empowers U.N. troops to take "all necessary steps" to protect U.N. personnel.
South Sudan Softens Opposition to U.N. Troops Increase
A day after U.N. Security Council passed a resolution augmenting the peacekeeping troops by an additional 4,000, triggering a vigorous protest from the government of Salva Kiir, South Sudanese authorities on August 13, 2016 eased its tone and tenor of opposition to U.N. measure and said that troops deployment should be negotiated with the government. However, the regime didn't say whether it still opposed the deployment of troops from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan.
U.N. Helps South Sudanese Rebel Leader Flee
The Associated Press reported on August 18, 2016 that South Sudan's Riek Machar, fearing for his life, fled South Sudan in recent days. The U.N. was alerted that Machar was in the border area of the neighboring nation of Congo and his safety was in danger. The U.N. responded with immediate effect on August 17, 2016 by arranging an airlift for Machar, his wife and ten others on humanitarian ground to Congo's capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. involvement is sure to inflame the regime of Salva Kiir.
South Sudan Accepts Additional U.N. Troops
South Sudan's regime of President Salva Kiir on September 4, 2016 agreed to what was inevitable despite its recalcitrant opposition to acceptance of additional 4,000 U.N. protection force. The U.N. has already 12,000 troops in South Sudan. Kiir regime formally gave in to U.N. demand on September 4, 2016 during a rare U.N. Security Council visit to troubled capital city of Juba.
Report Critical of U.N. Mission's Failure in South Sudan
A report prepared by a venerable group and issued on October 5, 2016 accused the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, of failure to prevent violence, rape and attack on U.N. personnel and refugees who had sheltered in the U.N. camps in Juba. The U.S.-based Center for Civilians in Conflict prepared the report on the July 2016 violence based on interviews with 59 South Sudanese civilians and 21 officials with the UNMISS. The report detailed how Chinese troops had fled en masse in the face of attack.
U.N. Chief Fires Commander in South Sudan
In light of an independent report issued on October 5, 2016 that had accused U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, of catastrophic failure to protect civilians and U.N. personnel from attacks by armed men at and near the U.N. relief camp at Juba in July 2016, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on November 1, 2016 dismissed the UNMISS commander Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki for severe dereliction of duty.
Unconditional Acceptance of U.N. Presence Ramp-up
South Sudan's government of President Salva Kiir on November 26, 2016 officially accepted the surge in international troops in the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, with no conditions attached.
Sanctions Measure Fails at the U.N. Security Council
A U.S.-sponsored resolution that calls for imposition of sanctions and arms embargo has received only seven votes at the U.N. Security Council on December 23, 2016, failing to muster nine vote necessary.
South Sudanese Government Hindering Aid
The Associated Press reported on March 6, 2017 based on an internal report submitted to the U.N. Security Council by the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that South Sudanese government had been hampering the U.N. effort in the world's newest country by restricting aid and obstructing the U.N. peacekeeping mission. The internal report blasted the regime of President Salva Kiir for "the destruction of all the social fabric in all parts of the country" by its "belligerence" acts and deeds. The Associated Press' publication of the internal report coincided with a two-day field assessment by the U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien, who had released a press statement calling the situation alarming with thousands "displaced, brutalized and raped". The pressure on the South Sudanese government increased in recent months to bring the perpetrators to justice. During a U.N. Human Rights Council address on February 27, 2017, South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai said that his country had made progress on security situation, stand rejected by two of the top U.N. officials--U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien.
Foes Sign Accord
For the first time meeting face-to-face in almost two years at Khartoum in neighboring Sudan, two key players in South Sudan's ethnic conflict on June 27, 2018 signed an agreement in international community's pursuit to end one of the most heinous civil wars raging in Africa that had killed tens of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The agreement was aimed at promoting the so called "permanent" cease-fire that was signed by South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. Multiple cease-fires had been attempted before, only to fail within hours, or days, of taking effect. Latest one was tried in December 2017, but fluttered within hours. The June 27, 2018, Khartoum agreement deal calls for, among others,:
* Unhindered delivery of aid to affected areas
* Withdrawal of armed forces
* Release of prisoners of war
A joint statement issued on June 29, 2018 by the USA, Britain and Norway warned both Salva Kiir and Riek Machar that the deal "must lead to improved security" on the ground. A previous deal in 2015 brought back Riek Machar to his previous position in the government, vice presidency, but flared in July 2016 as both sides took arms on the capital's streets and Machar had to flee the country on foot to neighboring Congo through dense forests. International community thus is leery about sustainability and survivability of any deal, and pushing this time harder for both sides to stick to the basic tenets of the agreement.
U.N. Imposes Arms Embargo
In what could be end to a diplomatic travesty, U.N. Security Council on July 13, 2018 acted decisively to put a lid to continuing genocide and crimes against humanity by imposing arms embargo on South Sudan. The vote was 9-0, with six nations abstaining.
Power-Sharing Accord Initialed
Almost a month after two leaders at the center of one of the worst civil conflicts signed an agreement to bring the peace to the youngest nation of the world, President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Reik Machar returned to Khartoum to initial on July 25, 2018 on another deal--this time to share power. The agreement will be formally signed on August 5, 2018, according to Sudanese Foreign Minister Al-Dirdiri Mohamed Ahmed. Under the accord, President Salva Kiir will lead the interim government and Kiir will become his First Vice President.
Civil War Death Toll Upped
A study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and financed by the U.S. State Department made public a report on September 27, 2018 that pegged the human toll of the South Sudan's almost five-year civil war at an astonishingly high level of 383,000 deaths.
Hundreds Raped in Two Weeks
A joint statement issued December 3, 2018 and attributed to U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and U.N. Population Fund Executive-Director Natalia Kanem stated that at least 120 women and girls had sought treatment for rape at U.N.-run camps in the country's second-largest city, Bentiu, and urged the government to bring the perpetrators, described as "armed men, many in uniform", to justice.
$3.7 million Paid to Improve Relations with Trump Administration
The Associated Press reported on April 29, 2019 that South Sudanese government had signed a two-year, $3.7 million agreement with a U.S. lobbying firm, Gainful Solutions, founded by former U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael Ranenberger. The lobbying firm was hired to influence the Trump administration's policy toward and in relation to the newest African nation.
Trump Admin Imposes Sanctions on South Sudan's V.P.
Accusing him of perpetrating serious human rights abuses, including disappearance and death of human rights lawyer Samuel Dong Luak and opposition leader Aggrey Idry in 2017, Trump administration on January 8, 2020 took the unusual step of slapping sanctions on South Sudan's First Vice President Tabang Deng Gai.
SOUTH SUDAN
The country carved out of the southern parts of Sudan in 2011 traveled a contentious path with its northern neighbor as well as faced internecine tribal war within since the days of independence. The latest sign of another internecine tribal tension flared up on December 15, 2013 as President Salva Kiir, addressing over the national TV on December 16, 2013, said that the country's army had repulsed the coup attempt by the soldiers allied with the former Vice President Riek Machar, whom along with other cabinet members Kiir sacked in July 2013.
On December 21, 2013, three US Osprey copters tried to rescue Americans from a besieged UN camp at Bor, capital of Jonglei state, but had to retrieve after coming under fire that had wounded four US service personnel.
In the second rescue attempt, two pairs of US helicopters evacuated about 15 Americans on December 22, 2013 from the UN camp at Bor that had been surrounded by two thousands of rebel gunmen. This time US ensured a better coordination with the rebel group to avoid a December 21, 2013, type of scenario to happen. So far, US has evacuated about 380 US officials and private citizens and about 300 foreign citizens as of December 22. Meanwhile, fighting between South Sudanese army and rebels intensified in recent days, with majority Dinka ethnic group, which President Salva Kiir belongs to, up in the arms against the Nuer, an ethnic group to which the former Vice President Riek Machar belongs to. In Jonglei state as well as provincial capital Bor, Nuer dominates the rebel ranks. On December 22, 2013, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Juba estimated that 62,000 people were displaced during the recent unrest, and several thousands of them were seeking refuge at UN bases across South Sudan. Amid the on-going violence sweeping South Sudan, the special representative of UNSG for the country, Hilde F. Johnson, on December 22, 2013 made the profound statement of hope and engagement that "we are not abandoning South Sudan".
On December 23, 2014, the UNSG Ban Ki-moon urged the UN Security Council to send 5,500 additional troops to South Sudan to bolster the current strength of 7,000-member UN peacekeeping mission. Ban asked in a letter addressed to the Security Council to augment the troops from UN's existing missions in Congo, Darfur, Abyei, Ivory Coast and Liberia. UN Security Council's rotating president Gerard Araud, the French envoy to the UN, said that the 15-member august body would take up the issue on December 24, 2013. (Source: The Dallas Morning News)
On December 24, 2013, the UN Security Council voted to augment the UN force in South Sudan from its current level of 7,000 by an additional 5,500. Meanwhile, U.N High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said in a statement on December 24 that there were signs of mass graves in various parts of the country, a situation rapidly deteriorating from an initial leadership clash between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar into an ethnic warfare between Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups. Also on December 24, 2013, government announced that it had taken back the capital city of Jonglei stae, Bor. The US Secretary of State John Kerry got into phone diplomacy, placing call to Machar during the day and strongly urging him to seek a peaceful solution with President Kiir. The U.N said on December 24, 2013 that 81,000 people fled their homes last week alone, and 45,000 of them had sought shelters at various U.N. camps. (Source: The Dalas Morning News)
Addressing a Christmas Mass in Juba, President Salva Kiir on December 25, 2013 urged all parties to stop ethnic attacks immediately as the government announced that a fierce battle was being fought in the capital city, Malakal, of Upper Nile state between the troops loyal to the government and the troops loyal to the former VP Riek Machar.
A regional bloc dubbed as IGAD is taking initiative to mediate negotiation between warring parties in South Sudan as part of coming up with a solution to the ongoing conflict. As part of that initiative, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn met with South Sudan President Salva Kiir on December 26, 2013 at Nairobi as government troops made a concerted push to retake the capital, Malakal, of the Upper Nile State as well as Bentiu, capital of Unity province, in the north of the country.
On December 27, 2013, South Sudanese government agreed during a regional meeting at Nairobi that it would hold a cease-fire, and would call off a planned offensive against rebels, who were still holding Bentiu, capital of Unity province. However, government troops, according to the claims from the Salva Kiir administration, took control over the Upper Nile capital of Malakal on December 27, 2013. The agreement reached at Nairobi meeting on December 27, 2013 is more of a good-faith agreement than of any real possibility to pursue peace as no representatives from former VP Reik Machar were present at the Nairobi talks.
As representatives of both President Salva Kiir and the former VP Riek Machar arrived at Addis Ababa on January 1, 2014 for talks mediated by a regional bloc, tens of thousands of people were trying to get out of Bor, the capital of oil-rich Jonglei state, to the neighboring town of Awerial by crossing the River Nile.
On January 2, 2014, representatives of warring sides began to talk to East African regional bloc negotiators in a session that had the backing of both UN and African Union. Meanwhile, UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said at New York on January 2, 2014 that some 194,000 South Sudanese fled their homes since the unrest began on December 15, 2013 and more than 57,000 were under the protection of UN. The source of the unrest is moot as there are two very different explanations on how the unrest has started. The official explanation, as given by President Salva Kiir, is that soldiers loyal to former VP Riek Machar have tried to orchestrate a coup. A second explanation is that a section of Presidential Guards tried to disarm their Nuer colleagues, leading to start of a gunfight that had quickly degenerated into an ethnic feud at a much broader scale where Nuer soldiers defected from the government side and turned their gun on Dinka soldiers.
The peace talks slated to begin at Addis Ababa on January 4, 2014 was postponed for a day as there was no agenda to start with. Later in the day, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom said that two sides--representing President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar , respectively--would meet on January 5, 2014 with two items on the agenda for talks:
(1) Cessation of hostilities
(2) Release of political prisoners
Meanwhile, UN's top humanitarian official for South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, said on January 4, 2014 that people were pouring in UN relief camps to seek shelter. Close to 200,000 people were displaced from their home since December 15, 2013, when the fighting broke out. However, the largest crisis seemed to be unfolding in Awerial, where approximately 76,000 people fled from Bor, capital of Jonglei state. Two provincial capitals--Bor and Malakal--are being controlled by rebel soldiers loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar.
On the first day on January 5, 2014, peace talks at Addis Ababa hit a snag as Juba rejected the rebel demand to free political prisoners.
Assistant UN Secretary-General for Human Rights Iman Simonovic at the end of a four-day trip through the heart of South Sudan implored on January 17, 2014 that the conflict that started out of political rivalry between President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar had degenerated into a full-fledged communal violence between Dinka and Nuer. Simonovic's comment about Bentiu, capital of Unity province, that the city "doesn't exist anymore" captured the scale of mayhem that was wrought on the country.
As the ongoing talks at Addis Ababa were close to yielding a deal, South Sudan's government won a key military victory on January 18, 2014 as its soldiers, buttressed by Ugandan People's Defense Force, seized control of Bor, capital of Jonglei state. Bor has changed hands several times since the unrest began on December 15, 2013 with clashes between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar, but subsequently degenerated into a full-blown ethnic warfare between Dinka and Nuer, killing thousands and displacing almost half-a-million population among which almost 84,000 fled to neighboring Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Ethnic Massacre Reported at a UN Camp
In the worst ethnic massacre reported so far from South Sudan since a civil war broke out in December 2013, an armed mob on April 17, 2014 attacked a UN Camp at Bor, the capital of Jonglei state in South Sudan, where thousands of displaced, mostly from Nuer ethnic group, had sought refuge, killing at least 58 people. USA's Ambassador to UN Samantha Power on April 18, 2014 called the killing "brazen, inhuman", and asked for independent and full investigation into the "heinous murders". The seed of the civil war was planted in July 2013 as President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his vice president, Reik Machar, an ethnic Nuer. Subsequently in the chaotic aftermath of an alleged coup plot in December 2013, the civil war descended into an open ethnic warfare between Dinka and Nuer tribes.
Mass Murders Reported in a Oil Producing State
Apparently days before April 17, 2014, mob attack on a UN camp at Bor, capital of Jonglei state, sheltering people mostly from the Nuer tribe, another massacre took place at Bentiu, the capital of oil-rich Unity state, fuelled by call over radio that had encouraged Nuer men to take arms, leading to killing of dozens of civilians. The head of the UN aid mission to South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, reported on April 22, 2014 that the massacre took place on April 15 and April 16, 2014 as the capital changed hand from government control to the rebel control. The call over radio to take revenge echoed the dark days of another African massacre that took place 20 years ago in Rwanda.
Kerry Prods South Sudanese President to Open Talks with Rival
US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 2, 2014 visited Juba and asked President Salva Kiir to open talks with his rival Reik Machar in an effort to find solution to the ongoing civil war in the nascent African nation. The talks will be held at Addis Ababa at the behest of Ethiopian premier Hailemariam Desalegn.
Government Soldiers Take Two Towns
On May 4, 2014, government soldiers claimed to have retaken two northern towns from rebel control. The fall of Nasir and Bentiu marked often shaky and switch of control of towns and cities in the oil-rich country by rebels and government soldiers.
A UN Report Cites Widespread Abuses in South Sudan
A 61-page report issued on May 8, 2014 by the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan cited massive human rights abuse perpetrated by the both sides in South Sudanese civil war.
Agreement Reached between Salva Kiir and Reik Machar
Hope for a new era loomed large in this nascent nation as news emerged from Addis Ababa that an agreement was reached between Salva Kiir and Reik Machar on May 10, 2014. Unlike a failed deal signed in January 2014, this time both leaders were present at the negotiating table after personally being prodded by the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who met with President Salva Kiir on May 2, 2014 at Juba and talked to Reik Machar over phone, and hosted by the Ethiopian premier Hailemariam Desalegn. Under the agreement, brokered by the regional group Intergovernmental Authority on Development,
* Cessation of hostilities will take hold within 24 hours
* Roads will be open to aid trucks and rivers will be free for relief barges
* A "transitional government of national unity" will be formed to supervise elections
* Two leaders will meet again in a month to take stock of the situation
Warring Sides Sign Another Agreement
After signing two agreements that had collapsed within days, South Sudan's warring sides, one led by President Salva Kiir and the other led by the former Vice President Reik Machar, tried their latest bid on November 8, 2014 to bring an end to the ethnic strife by signing the third peace deal at Addis Ababa.
Another Deal Signed with a Strong Warning to Sides for Any Violation
The East African regional bloc IGAD on February 1, 2015 pushed through another truce with the warring sides in South Sudan at the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. There were at least three failed agreements in past several months, and the bloc and international community was getting exasperated by repeated violations by both sides. This time, IGAD had some harsh words for the sides--there would be severe repercussions for any violation by any side.
Obama Presses for South Sudan Peace
Addressing the region's leaders at a conference at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Barack Obama, who was visiting the continent, on July 27, 2015 called for end of violence and a verifiable peace accord in South Sudan as world's patience with warring parties was running thin in each passing day. President Obama called out two nations, Uganda and Sudan, direct benefactors of the government and rebels, respectively, to do more in reining in the violence.
South Sudan's President Signs Peace Accord
Under international pressure, a reluctant Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan, signed the latest, hopefully a lasting, accord on August 26, 2015 at Juba. Last week, Kiir's opponent and former Vice President Riek Machar signed the agreement at Addis Ababa. At that time, Kiir refused to join, saying he needed more time to scrutinize the deal. Although Kiir signed the agreement later on August 26, 2015, he didn't mince his words to express his reservation. As per agreement, Kiir has 90 days to form a coalition government with the rebels led by Machar, whose July 2013 dismissal had thrown the country into chaos and subsequent civil war.
South Sudanese President Creates 28 States
In an arbitrary administrative order, President Salva Kiir used a Christmas eve national broadcast on December 24, 2015 night to dissolve existing 10 states and, in their place, create 28 new states that would have all the recipe of jeopardizing the peace accord Kiir and his political nemesis, Vice President Riek Machar, signed in August 2015. As part of the August 2015 accord, rebels and the government are required to share power in each of the ten states. Already 150 rebels and their leaders returned to Juba on December 21, 2015. Now, how the power-sharing will work out is anybody's guess. In the address broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Television, President Salva Kiir re-appointed seven of the ten governors plus named 21 new governors.
President Restores His One-Time Nemesis's Role in Government
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir issued a decree on February 11, 2016 that, among others, paved the way to bring back his fierce opponent and former Vice President Riek Machar to his former office. Restoring Machar to the office of vice presidency fulfilled a key condition of August 2015 peace agreement.
Fighting Erupts in South Sudan, Exposes Old Wounds
As the international community began to think of normalcy returning to South Sudan as a result of a peace deal reached earlier in the year that had paved the way for rebel leader Riek Machar to return to the capital, Juba, in April 2016 and to be sworn in as Vice President of the country, his official position prior to civil war, things went downhill within months as renewed fighting displaced 10,000 additional people. The latest fighting began in the weekend (July 8-10, 2016) of fifth anniversary of the youngest nation of the world. President Salva Kiir on July 11, 2016 called for a unilateral cease-fire effective 6PM local time, and asked Vice President Riek Machar , whose where-about during the day was not known, to tell his fighters to obey the truce too. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on July 11, 2016 asked the international community to impose an arms ban on the country and condemned both sides for making the truce into a farce.
Death Toll in Recent Spurt of Killings Climbs to 272
United Nations disclosed on July 13, 2016 that the recent surge in fratricidal fighting that had erupted in the weekend climbed to at least 272, including 33 civilians, with not all missing people accounted for. Even the U.N. peacekeeping forces were not spared, and two Chinese peacekeepers and one U.N. staff member were killed. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that he was "appalled" by the scale and swiftness of the violence. U.N. Security Council met on July 13, 2016 to discuss on a proposal made by Ban two days ago to have a complete arms embargo against the country. Addressing the Security Council, the U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said that the government of President Salva Kiir was doing everything to block U.N. aid from reaching the displaced and needy people. Echoing the sentiment expressed by Ladsous at the U.N. Security Council, the head of South Sudan's peacekeeping mission, Ellen Margrethe Loj, said via video link from Juba that there was deliberate hindrance put up to thwart the U.N. from working effectively in the country. However, she said that a fragile cease-fire was holding in the capital, Juba, since July 11, 2016, evening. Meanwhile, the U.S. has sent 40 additional troops to Morn, Spain in case there is need to protect the facility and personnel of the U.S. Embassy in Juba. At the U.N., the support for an arms embargo on South Sudan grew louder on July 13, 2016 as the British Ambassador to the U.N. Matthew Rycroft said that "there is need, immediately, to impose arms embargo".
President Replaces His Deputy
As Riek Machar had gone missing since early this month amid an escalation in fighting between his followers and president's troops, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on July 26, 2016 drove a wedge through the unity of opposition ranks by replacing Machar by opposition's chief negotiator until recently, Taban Deng Gai.
South Sudan's Soldiers Allegedly Raped Dozens
The U.N. mission in South Sudan, formally known as UNMISS, acknowledged on July 27, 2016 that it had received reports of South Sudanese soldiers raping and assaulting dozens of girls and women, mostly from the Nuer ethnic group, in broad daylight. Some of the rapes had happened under the watch of the peacekeepers, an allegation that U.N. assured that it was taking very seriously.
U.N. Security Council Takes Strong Action to Bring Civil War to an End
The U.N. Security Council on August 12, 2016 passed a resolution aimed at strengthening the mandate and mission of U.N. in South Sudan. The measure calls for augmenting the U.N. troops in the country by an additional 4,000 troops to 17,000. The additional troops will be provided by African nations. The resolution empowers U.N. troops to take "all necessary steps" to protect U.N. personnel.
South Sudan Softens Opposition to U.N. Troops Increase
A day after U.N. Security Council passed a resolution augmenting the peacekeeping troops by an additional 4,000, triggering a vigorous protest from the government of Salva Kiir, South Sudanese authorities on August 13, 2016 eased its tone and tenor of opposition to U.N. measure and said that troops deployment should be negotiated with the government. However, the regime didn't say whether it still opposed the deployment of troops from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan.
U.N. Helps South Sudanese Rebel Leader Flee
The Associated Press reported on August 18, 2016 that South Sudan's Riek Machar, fearing for his life, fled South Sudan in recent days. The U.N. was alerted that Machar was in the border area of the neighboring nation of Congo and his safety was in danger. The U.N. responded with immediate effect on August 17, 2016 by arranging an airlift for Machar, his wife and ten others on humanitarian ground to Congo's capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. involvement is sure to inflame the regime of Salva Kiir.
South Sudan Accepts Additional U.N. Troops
South Sudan's regime of President Salva Kiir on September 4, 2016 agreed to what was inevitable despite its recalcitrant opposition to acceptance of additional 4,000 U.N. protection force. The U.N. has already 12,000 troops in South Sudan. Kiir regime formally gave in to U.N. demand on September 4, 2016 during a rare U.N. Security Council visit to troubled capital city of Juba.
Report Critical of U.N. Mission's Failure in South Sudan
A report prepared by a venerable group and issued on October 5, 2016 accused the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, of failure to prevent violence, rape and attack on U.N. personnel and refugees who had sheltered in the U.N. camps in Juba. The U.S.-based Center for Civilians in Conflict prepared the report on the July 2016 violence based on interviews with 59 South Sudanese civilians and 21 officials with the UNMISS. The report detailed how Chinese troops had fled en masse in the face of attack.
U.N. Chief Fires Commander in South Sudan
In light of an independent report issued on October 5, 2016 that had accused U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, of catastrophic failure to protect civilians and U.N. personnel from attacks by armed men at and near the U.N. relief camp at Juba in July 2016, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on November 1, 2016 dismissed the UNMISS commander Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki for severe dereliction of duty.
Unconditional Acceptance of U.N. Presence Ramp-up
South Sudan's government of President Salva Kiir on November 26, 2016 officially accepted the surge in international troops in the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, with no conditions attached.
Sanctions Measure Fails at the U.N. Security Council
A U.S.-sponsored resolution that calls for imposition of sanctions and arms embargo has received only seven votes at the U.N. Security Council on December 23, 2016, failing to muster nine vote necessary.
South Sudanese Government Hindering Aid
The Associated Press reported on March 6, 2017 based on an internal report submitted to the U.N. Security Council by the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that South Sudanese government had been hampering the U.N. effort in the world's newest country by restricting aid and obstructing the U.N. peacekeeping mission. The internal report blasted the regime of President Salva Kiir for "the destruction of all the social fabric in all parts of the country" by its "belligerence" acts and deeds. The Associated Press' publication of the internal report coincided with a two-day field assessment by the U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien, who had released a press statement calling the situation alarming with thousands "displaced, brutalized and raped". The pressure on the South Sudanese government increased in recent months to bring the perpetrators to justice. During a U.N. Human Rights Council address on February 27, 2017, South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai said that his country had made progress on security situation, stand rejected by two of the top U.N. officials--U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien.
Foes Sign Accord
For the first time meeting face-to-face in almost two years at Khartoum in neighboring Sudan, two key players in South Sudan's ethnic conflict on June 27, 2018 signed an agreement in international community's pursuit to end one of the most heinous civil wars raging in Africa that had killed tens of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The agreement was aimed at promoting the so called "permanent" cease-fire that was signed by South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. Multiple cease-fires had been attempted before, only to fail within hours, or days, of taking effect. Latest one was tried in December 2017, but fluttered within hours. The June 27, 2018, Khartoum agreement deal calls for, among others,:
* Unhindered delivery of aid to affected areas
* Withdrawal of armed forces
* Release of prisoners of war
A joint statement issued on June 29, 2018 by the USA, Britain and Norway warned both Salva Kiir and Riek Machar that the deal "must lead to improved security" on the ground. A previous deal in 2015 brought back Riek Machar to his previous position in the government, vice presidency, but flared in July 2016 as both sides took arms on the capital's streets and Machar had to flee the country on foot to neighboring Congo through dense forests. International community thus is leery about sustainability and survivability of any deal, and pushing this time harder for both sides to stick to the basic tenets of the agreement.
U.N. Imposes Arms Embargo
In what could be end to a diplomatic travesty, U.N. Security Council on July 13, 2018 acted decisively to put a lid to continuing genocide and crimes against humanity by imposing arms embargo on South Sudan. The vote was 9-0, with six nations abstaining.
Power-Sharing Accord Initialed
Almost a month after two leaders at the center of one of the worst civil conflicts signed an agreement to bring the peace to the youngest nation of the world, President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Reik Machar returned to Khartoum to initial on July 25, 2018 on another deal--this time to share power. The agreement will be formally signed on August 5, 2018, according to Sudanese Foreign Minister Al-Dirdiri Mohamed Ahmed. Under the accord, President Salva Kiir will lead the interim government and Kiir will become his First Vice President.
Civil War Death Toll Upped
A study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and financed by the U.S. State Department made public a report on September 27, 2018 that pegged the human toll of the South Sudan's almost five-year civil war at an astonishingly high level of 383,000 deaths.
Hundreds Raped in Two Weeks
A joint statement issued December 3, 2018 and attributed to U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and U.N. Population Fund Executive-Director Natalia Kanem stated that at least 120 women and girls had sought treatment for rape at U.N.-run camps in the country's second-largest city, Bentiu, and urged the government to bring the perpetrators, described as "armed men, many in uniform", to justice.
$3.7 million Paid to Improve Relations with Trump Administration
The Associated Press reported on April 29, 2019 that South Sudanese government had signed a two-year, $3.7 million agreement with a U.S. lobbying firm, Gainful Solutions, founded by former U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael Ranenberger. The lobbying firm was hired to influence the Trump administration's policy toward and in relation to the newest African nation.
Trump Admin Imposes Sanctions on South Sudan's V.P.
Accusing him of perpetrating serious human rights abuses, including disappearance and death of human rights lawyer Samuel Dong Luak and opposition leader Aggrey Idry in 2017, Trump administration on January 8, 2020 took the unusual step of slapping sanctions on South Sudan's First Vice President Tabang Deng Gai.
At least 57 Killed in Inter-ethnic Strife
At least 57 people were killed and dozens fo others were injured in the
ethnic strife that had erupted on December 25, 2022 in the Jonglei
region in South Sudan. The latest violent fighting between Nuer tribe
and Murle ethnic group in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area
is reflective of continuing spiral of violence that has gripped the Africa’s
youngest nation since its birth. Greater Pibor Information Minister Abraham Kelang
said on December 28, 2022 that armed Nuer attackers launched
ferocious assaults on the Murle people.
SUDAN
A Human Rights Report Blames Pro-Government Militia for War Crimes
An 88-page report compiled by Human Rights Watch chronicled torture, rape, killings, looting and plundering by Sudan's government and a pro-Khartoum militia, Janjaweed, since early 2014. The report was issued on September 9, 2015.
ICC Blames South Africa for not Arresting Sudanese President
The Hague-based International Criminal Court on July 6, 2017 made a direct legal attack against South African government for failing to arrest a visiting Sudanese president in 2015. An arrest warrant against Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, was out there since 2009, and failure to arrest him made South Africa liable in violation to the Rome Statute in which the country was a signatory. However, not to escalate it further, ICC decided against referring South Africa to either its governing board or U.N. Security Council.
Police Resorts to Force to Break Protest
Sudan's police on December 25, 2018 used tear gas and live fire onto air to disperse a strong crowd of protesters near the presidential palace in Khartoum. The week-long protest began after the government of Omar Bashir was blamed for the recent surge in prices of essential commodities, food shortage and unemployment. Once unthinkable demand that Omar Bashir, who had ascended to power after a 1989 coup, step down was being regularly raised as a key chant. During the melee, Bashir was not in the palace as he was visiting Al-Jazeera region south of the country in a pre-scheduled official trip.
Protests in Sudan Continue; President's Resignation Sought
Once unthinkable, protesters are now raising demand that President Omar Bashir step down for the country's endemic poverty, unemployment, shortages and price rise of essential commodities. On December 28, 2018, protests were held in Khartoum, western city of Obeid, Atbara, north of capital, Senar and Wad Madani, the latter two in the south of capital.
Emergency Declared in Sudan
Faced by a stubborn protest that had erupted in December 2018 against the rule of longtime President Omar al-Bashir, who had seized power in a 1989 coup, Sudan's government on February 22, 2019 declared a state of emergency to address the unrest that had so far led to at least 57 deaths since December 2018.
Longtime Ruler Ousted
After months of protests against the autocratic rule of Omar al-Bashir, protesters might have seen their struggle partially win on April 11, 2019 as the country's military had ousted during the day the longtime ruler, but apparently replacing one dictator by another. Country's Defense Minister Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf, closely tied to Janjaweed militia during the years of atrocities in Darfur and had been in the U.S. sanctions list since 2007, appeared to have taken control of the government. That angered protesters who had been holding sit-ins in front of Sudan's military headquarters for the past week. Protesters don't want military rule and any vestiges of Omar al-Bashir's former inner circle to rule the nation. said during the day that a military council composed of army, intelligence officials and security high-ups would run the country for the next two years and subsequently hold "free and fair elections". Meanwhile, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, demanded that Omar al-Bashir be handed over to International Criminal Court immediately. Amnesty International Secretary-General Kumi Naidoo chimed in, saying that the Sudanese strongman had been wanted for "some of the most odious human rights violations of our generation".
New Leader Steps down in 24 Hours
Sudan's defense minister, Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf, who had a day earlier led a coup to depose longtime strongman Omar al-Bashir and took over power resigned barely 24 hours later on April 12, 2019 as the country's powerful military refused to hand over Bashir to International Criminal Court. Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf led Sudan's military intelligence during Khartoum's crackdown in Darfur in 2000s, and the U.S. imposed sanctions against him in 2007. A figure like Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf taking over power has raised anger in the western capitals, and the rest is now history. As soon as the news of Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf's resignation reached the sit-in outside the military headquarters, protesters erupted in joy. Meanwhile, another military commander, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, general inspector of the armed forces, took the helms of the transitional council after Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf resigned on April 12, 2019.
Protesters Hold Talks with Military; Curfew Lifted
Sudanese Professional Association which is spearheading the anti-government movement has held talks with the leaders of country's military council on April 13, 2019. The meeting underscored the willingness of military's highest echelon to seek common grounds with protesters and calm the situation on the streets. During the day, Sudanese Professional Association named a 10-member team to negotiate with the military council. Apprising the press, one of the Association's leader, Ali al-Sanhouri, secretary-general of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, said during the day that the protesters had pressed, among others, "a civilian sovereignty council, Cabinet and a national legislative association". Meanwhile, Sudan's new military ruler, Abdel-Fattah Burhan announced on April 13, 2019 that he would lift the curfew imposed in the aftermath of April 11, 2019, ouster of Omar al-Bashir.
Military Council to Name a Civilian Cabinet
Three days after April 11, 2019, ouster of Omar al-Bashir from presidency through a coup and two days after the new military leader, Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf, al-Bashir's defense minister, was forced to resign within 24 hours of seizing power, Sudan's new military council, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, who had taken over from Ibn Ouf, on April 14, 2019 announced that it would soon appoint a civilian premier and a cabinet, but not a civilian president. The April 14, 2019, announcement was made in the midst of continuing sit-in of protesters under the auspices of Sudanese Professional Association outside the military headquarters at Khartoum. Sudanese Professional Association posted its 9-point demand list to the military council, including bringing the responsible parties behind the 1989 military coup to justice.
Protesters Laud Talks, African Union Issues Ultimatum; Top Commander Replaces Army Chief
Sudanese Professional Association, umbrella organization behind four-month old anti-government protest, held talks with the new military council during weekend, protest leaders claimed on April 15, 2019. The Association during the day lauded the talks between the country's military and protesters. Meanwhile, on April 15, 2019, Sudan's new military leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, overhauled the African nation's military command, appointing a new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. Under Burhan's order, Gen. Hashem Babakr becomes the new top military commander, replacing Gen. Kamal Abdel-Marouf al-Mahi. During the day, African Union issued a 15-day timeline for Sudan to hand over power to "a civilian-led political authority" or face suspension from the union.
Protesters Suspend Talks
Sudanese Professionals Association on April 21, 2019 suspended talks with the political committee of the country's military council as the military rulers were too close to ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir and the transition to a civilian government had yet to take place.
Three Members of Military Council Resign
As talks between protesters' leaders and governing military council remained stalemated, three members of the council on April 24, 2019 resigned, leading to further political chaos and national insecurity.
Omar al-Bashir Charged in Murder
Sudanese prosecutors on May 13, 2019 pressed charges against former ruler Omar al-Bashir in the deaths of demonstrators.
Five Demonstrators Killed in Attack on the Sit-in
Former President Omar al-Bashir's loyalists in military attacked the opposition sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, killing five protesters on May 14, 2019. Although the ruling military council blamed the loyalists of former ruler in the military ranks for the attack, the U.S. Embassy blamed the ruling military council for the unprovoked attack.
Military Arrests those Behind the Protester Attack, Resumes Talks
Sudan's ruling military council on May 19, 2019 held talks with the protest leaders five days after a rogue military unit, loyal to former strongman Omar al-Bashir, had attacked the protest sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, killing five activists, and tried to defuse tension. The deputy head of military council, Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, said on May 19, 2019 that authorities had taken those responsible for May 14, 2019, attack to custody.
Talks Stalled, Fissure Appears in Opposition over Two-day General Strike
Talks between protest leaders led by Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, the umbrella group spearheading the anti-military regime demonstration, and the ruling military council stalled after they had agreed to a three-year transition period, a cabinet and a legislative body, but widely off target on some of the thorny issues such as makeup and leadership of the sovereign council, leading to a call for a two-day general strike on May 28, 2019 and May 29, 2019. But one of the member party of FDFC on May 26, 2019 opposed the two-day general strike over "preparations and timing". The chief of the party, Umma Party, Sadek al-Mahdi, led Sudan as democratically elected leader until deposed by Omar al-Bashir in 1989.
Meanwhile, Sudan's military council leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, is in the middle of a regional trip to garner support from regional players. A day after Burhan had met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at Cairo, he flew on May 26, 2019 to UAE to meet with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan, de facto ruler of United Arab Emirates, who tweeted afterward, affirming to preserve "Sudan's security and stability".
Military Crackdown on Protest Camp Kills Dozens
On June 3, 2019, on the eve of Eid ul-Fitr, Sudan's military took unprecedented repressive action by unleashing violent force on peaceful protesters who had been part of the weeks-long sit-in camp outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Military personnel attacked the camp and the melee broke out. In the ensuing violence, at least 35 protesters had been killed. The scale of repression unleashed in the June 3, 2019, crackdown of the protest camp was unprecedented even in Sudan's military regime measure. It was unprovoked and came without warning. Reports emerged that many of the bodies were hauled in military vehicles and dumped in the River Nile. Protest leaders, bloodied and bamboozled, called off any negotiation with the military council, called for civil disobedience across Sudan and a general strike.
Military Ruler Justifies Crackdown
In the early hours of June 4, 2019, the leader of the Sudan's military council, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, justified the bloody crackdown hours earlier on the protest camp, blaming the protesters for the impasse in talks, cancelling all the agreements with the protesters and vowing to hold general election in seven months. As the country marked the Eid ul-Fitr Holiday, protesters turned the auspicious day into a day of resistance, and defying fear, turned up in respectable numbers across the nation to demonstrate against government's June 3, 2019, brutal crackdown. Khartoum took the look of a ghost town as security forces fanned out through the capital and people were off the street other than observing the prayers of Eid.
Protest organizers on June 5, 2019 said that dozens of bodies, purported to be of protesters, had been found in the Blue Nile River, few miles upstream of the meeting point of Blue Nile and White Nile in Khartoum, and the death toll from the June 3, 2019, crackdown and subsequent violence mounted to at least 108. Sudan Doctors Committee, one of the protest groups, said that at least 509 people were wounded, many of them seriously amid worldwide criticism of the military crackdown on the peaceful protesters. Protest leaders identified the notorious Rapid Support Forces troops of breaking in the protest camp on June 3, 2019 outside the military headquarters in Khartoum.
AU Suspends Sudan as Protest Continues
Undeterred by violent crackdown, protest movement in Sudan continued and protest leaders on June 6, 2019 vowed to intensify their demonstration against the military council. As international outcry has become louder, African Union on June 6, 2019 has issued a stinging rebuke to Sudan's military rulers and suspended the nation from all activities "with immediate effect".
Ethiopian Premier Begins Diplomatic Push to Bring Peace in Sudan
Reformist prime minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, took his charming diplomacy that helped open a door of friendship with Eritrea to Khartoum on June 7, 2019 as he had held talks with both the military leaders, including ruling military council head, Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and opposition protest leaders to defuse a volatile situation that stemmed from a June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown by the Rapid Support Forces, a ruthless military branch having its origin with Janjaweed militia in Darfur, that had killed more than 100 demonstrators on that fateful Monday [June 3, 2019] and following days. Abiy Ahmed's chief goal is to revive the stalled negotiation between protest leaders and ruling military council.
General Strike Observed as part of Civil Disobedience
Protest organizers called for a sustained civil disobedience, and as a first step, a general strike was observed on June 9, 2019. Shops, markets and offices were closed on the first day of the workweek, and the city of Khartoum and the Red Sea port city of Port Sudan wore a deserted look. The chief of the main opposition political Umma Party, Sadek al-Mahdi, who had led Sudan as democratically elected leader until deposed by Omar al-Bashir in 1989, on June 9, 2019 warned both the ruling military and protesters against "mutual escalation".
Protest Leaders Call off Strikes
After three days of general strike (June 9-11, 2019) that crippled normal life in Khartoum and many other parts of Sudan, the leaders of the Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, the umbrella group for all the protest organizations, on June 12, 2019 asked people to return to their jobs and resume normal work. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on June 12, 2019, confirming that both FDFC and military authorities had agreed to resume talks "in good faith to iron out" many outstanding contentious points.
U.S. Envoy Calls for Independent Investigation into Massacre
USA's top envoy to Africa, Tibor Nagy, on June 15, 2019 had some plain-spoken message for Sudan's ruling military council: launch an "independent and credible" investigation into June 3, 2019, massacre triggered by army's crackdown on a protest camp outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Although the Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, had demanded an international inquiry into June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown, the ruling military council rejected that demand, instead beginning an internal inquiry which they claimed to be impartial.
Protesters Accept Ethiopia-crafted Roadmap
Protesters from Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC accepted on June 23, 2019 a roadmap offered by Ethiopia to defuse the escalation that had stepped from June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown of a protest camp outside the military headquarters in Khartoum that, protesters alleged, had killed at least 128 people on that day and subsequent violence over the next several days, but disputed by the military council that estimated a death toll of 61, including three security forces personnel. The roadmap dictates a three-year transition ruling council with eight civilian and seven military members. While seven civilian members will represent the FDFC, one will be a neutral civilian. For the first 18 months, a military representative will lead the council, followed by a civilian leader in the second-half of a three-year term. Ethiopia and African Union are trying hard to resuscitate the political process after June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown.
Military Refuses to Accept Ethiopia Proposal
Sudan's military council put up a hurdle on June 24, 2019 to Ethiopian effort to revive the peace process as the fearsome commander of the Rapid Support Forces, widely held responsible for June 3, 2019, massacre of protesters, Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the military council, refused to accept the Ethiopian proposal of a civilian-military council.
At the Behest of AU and Ethiopia, Protesters and Military Meet
After days of violence that had led to deaths of close to 10 demonstrators, African Union and Ethiopia, both working in unison as mediator, pushed hard the leaders of Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC and the ruling military council to sit across the table and negotiate on their latest offer of a deal. On July 3, 2019, FDFC and military council leaders met at Khartoum for the first time in days.
Military, Protesters Reach Agreement on AU-Ethiopia Deal; Street Celebration Erupts
It was a joyful day by any marker on July 5, 2019 as civilians poured into streets of Khartoum and across the country as soon as the news broke out that military council and protest leaders had agreed to a joint peace deal proposed by African Union and Ethiopia. Under the July 5, 2019, AU-Ethiopia-mediated deal,
* A joint military and civilian sovereign council will rule the nation for the next three years and three months
* The 11-member sovereign council will have five members from the military, five civilians from the FDFC and one civilian to be chosen by both sides
* A military member will lead the council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian for the remainder of the council's tenure
* A technocratic government of cabinet ministers to be formed independent of military influence
* The creation of legislative council will be delayed by 90 days, within which the sovereign council will make new rules, if needed
The July 5, 2019, AU-Ethiopia-mediated deal is a compromise for the both sides, but if implemented, will bring peace and stability to a country vital to the regional stability.
Deal Formally Signed
The July 5, 2019, peace deal that had been mediated by African Union and Ethiopia was formally signed on July 17, 2019.
Prosecutors Let the Military Top Brass off the Hook
Prosecutors who had been investigating into June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown on July 27, 2019 made public their investigative findings, saying that the top echelon of the country's military had not been responsible for bloody crackdown on a sit-in camp just outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, leading to the days of resistance and repressive measures by the country's security forces that had killed at least 128 people. Military Council said that there were 61 deaths, including three security personnel, and continued to deny that they had any prior knowledge of the June 3, 2019, crackdown orchestrated by a paramilitary unit, Rapid Support Forces.
Final Agreement Signed with Pomp and Promise
The final agreement between Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC and the ruling military council based on a July 5, 2019, framework of a peace deal was signed with fanfare and in presence of international leaders at the Friendship Hall in Khartoum on August 17, 2019. The finalized version of the agreement was signed by the head of military council, Gen. Abdel-Fatah Burhan, and the protest leader Ahmad Rabie. As soon as the final agreement was signed on August 17, 2019, a wave of spontaneous celebration swept through this African nation, with tens of thousands of people pouring on the streets of the capital and beyond. Many in the protest movement lauded the sacrifices of their fallen comrades. A large group of people came to the capital from the northern transport hub of Atbara, where the anti-government protest had originated in December 2018. At the Friendship Hall, the special applause was reserved for the Ethiopian premier, Abiy Ahmed, who had initiated the reconciliation between the protest leaders and the country's military.
New Premier Unveils Cabinet
Sudan's newly installed premier, Abdalla Hamdok, on September 5, 2019 introduced his cabinet nominees, reflecting a mix of civilians and military members. The finance portfolio went to a former World Bank economist, Ibrahim Elbadawi, and defense ministry went to Lt. Gen. Gamal Omar.
African Union Withdraws Sanctions
A day after a full-fledged cabinet was unveiled by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, African Union on September 6, 2019 withdrew crippling sanctions imposed on Khartoum during the heyday of anti-democracy crackdown.
Three-day Talks Lead to a Preliminary Deal
After three days of talks at Juba with rebel leaders, Sudan's new government on September 11, 2019 has signed an initial agreement that, many hope, will lead to long-lasting peace to far-flung regions is Sudan which have been continuously afflicted by years of rebellion by various rebel groups focused on a myriad of issues.
Sudan's Civilian-dominated Government Overturns Islamist Law
Sudan's civilian interim premier on November 29, 2019 took a bold step to restore the women's rights by going after a 1992 law enacted by the former dictator Omar al-Bashir. The law in question, Public Order Act, was harsh on women for dress code and appearance, and was molded along the strict interpretation of Islamist Sharia. Rights groups and women's organizations have been calling for scrapping of the Public Order Act 1992. Sudanese Interim Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, justifying his action to overturn the law, slammed the law in a tweet message that the law "is notorious for being used as a tool of exploitation", humiliation and violation of women's rights.
Interim Government Signs Peace Agreement with Rebels
Sudan's transitional government on January 24, 2020 signed a landmark peace agreement with a faction of Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North. The deal was signed in the capital, Juba, of South Sudan. On behalf of the government, deputy chief of Sudan's Sovereign Council, Gen. Mohammed Hamadan Degalo, signed the deal, while Malik Agar, head of the SPLM-North, signed on behalf of rebels. There is another faction of SPLM-North that stayed out of the deal. Sudan's interim government is reaching out to many of the fighting rebel groups based in regions across the nation to end a series of civil conflicts that had afflicted the African nation for the past few decades.
Al-Bashir to be Handed Over to International Criminal Court
The joint civilian-military Sovereign Council that has been ruling the country after the ouster of Omar al-Bashir on February 11, 2020 has decided to hand over the former strongman to face trial at the International Criminal Court on indictment charges of genocide and war crimes. The February 11, 2020, decision has been made as part of a deal with Darfur rebels in order to bring peace to the restive region, according to Mohammad Hassan al-Taishi, a member of the council and a government negotiator. However, Mohammad Hassan al-Taishi made it clear on February 11, 2020 on the sidelines of negotiation between various rebel groups and the Sudanese government currently undergoing in Juba that it's not only Omar al-Bashir, but all indicted by the ICC in Darfur conflict--including Adel-Rahim Muhammed Hussein, interior and defense minister for the most parts of the Darfur conflict; Ahmed Haroun, a senior security chief during the time of conflict as well as the head the former ruling political party; Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb; and, on the other side, a Darfur rebel leader, Abdullah Banda--would be handed over to stand on trial. The indictments, issued in 2009 and 2010, accused Omar al-Bashir of five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes in a conflict that had killed up to 300,000 people and forced more than 2.7 million from homes.
Sudan's Premier Escapes Assassination Attempt Unhurt
Explosives and gunfire were used against the motorcade of Sudan's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on March 9, 2020 at the heart of Khartoum. Fortunately, the premier escaped unhurt. No group has taken responsibility for the assassination attempt by the end of the day.
SUDAN
A Human Rights Report Blames Pro-Government Militia for War Crimes
An 88-page report compiled by Human Rights Watch chronicled torture, rape, killings, looting and plundering by Sudan's government and a pro-Khartoum militia, Janjaweed, since early 2014. The report was issued on September 9, 2015.
ICC Blames South Africa for not Arresting Sudanese President
The Hague-based International Criminal Court on July 6, 2017 made a direct legal attack against South African government for failing to arrest a visiting Sudanese president in 2015. An arrest warrant against Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, was out there since 2009, and failure to arrest him made South Africa liable in violation to the Rome Statute in which the country was a signatory. However, not to escalate it further, ICC decided against referring South Africa to either its governing board or U.N. Security Council.
Police Resorts to Force to Break Protest
Sudan's police on December 25, 2018 used tear gas and live fire onto air to disperse a strong crowd of protesters near the presidential palace in Khartoum. The week-long protest began after the government of Omar Bashir was blamed for the recent surge in prices of essential commodities, food shortage and unemployment. Once unthinkable demand that Omar Bashir, who had ascended to power after a 1989 coup, step down was being regularly raised as a key chant. During the melee, Bashir was not in the palace as he was visiting Al-Jazeera region south of the country in a pre-scheduled official trip.
Protests in Sudan Continue; President's Resignation Sought
Once unthinkable, protesters are now raising demand that President Omar Bashir step down for the country's endemic poverty, unemployment, shortages and price rise of essential commodities. On December 28, 2018, protests were held in Khartoum, western city of Obeid, Atbara, north of capital, Senar and Wad Madani, the latter two in the south of capital.
Emergency Declared in Sudan
Faced by a stubborn protest that had erupted in December 2018 against the rule of longtime President Omar al-Bashir, who had seized power in a 1989 coup, Sudan's government on February 22, 2019 declared a state of emergency to address the unrest that had so far led to at least 57 deaths since December 2018.
Longtime Ruler Ousted
After months of protests against the autocratic rule of Omar al-Bashir, protesters might have seen their struggle partially win on April 11, 2019 as the country's military had ousted during the day the longtime ruler, but apparently replacing one dictator by another. Country's Defense Minister Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf, closely tied to Janjaweed militia during the years of atrocities in Darfur and had been in the U.S. sanctions list since 2007, appeared to have taken control of the government. That angered protesters who had been holding sit-ins in front of Sudan's military headquarters for the past week. Protesters don't want military rule and any vestiges of Omar al-Bashir's former inner circle to rule the nation. said during the day that a military council composed of army, intelligence officials and security high-ups would run the country for the next two years and subsequently hold "free and fair elections". Meanwhile, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, demanded that Omar al-Bashir be handed over to International Criminal Court immediately. Amnesty International Secretary-General Kumi Naidoo chimed in, saying that the Sudanese strongman had been wanted for "some of the most odious human rights violations of our generation".
New Leader Steps down in 24 Hours
Sudan's defense minister, Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf, who had a day earlier led a coup to depose longtime strongman Omar al-Bashir and took over power resigned barely 24 hours later on April 12, 2019 as the country's powerful military refused to hand over Bashir to International Criminal Court. Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf led Sudan's military intelligence during Khartoum's crackdown in Darfur in 2000s, and the U.S. imposed sanctions against him in 2007. A figure like Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf taking over power has raised anger in the western capitals, and the rest is now history. As soon as the news of Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf's resignation reached the sit-in outside the military headquarters, protesters erupted in joy. Meanwhile, another military commander, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, general inspector of the armed forces, took the helms of the transitional council after Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf resigned on April 12, 2019.
Protesters Hold Talks with Military; Curfew Lifted
Sudanese Professional Association which is spearheading the anti-government movement has held talks with the leaders of country's military council on April 13, 2019. The meeting underscored the willingness of military's highest echelon to seek common grounds with protesters and calm the situation on the streets. During the day, Sudanese Professional Association named a 10-member team to negotiate with the military council. Apprising the press, one of the Association's leader, Ali al-Sanhouri, secretary-general of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, said during the day that the protesters had pressed, among others, "a civilian sovereignty council, Cabinet and a national legislative association". Meanwhile, Sudan's new military ruler, Abdel-Fattah Burhan announced on April 13, 2019 that he would lift the curfew imposed in the aftermath of April 11, 2019, ouster of Omar al-Bashir.
Military Council to Name a Civilian Cabinet
Three days after April 11, 2019, ouster of Omar al-Bashir from presidency through a coup and two days after the new military leader, Awad Mohammed Ibn Ouf, al-Bashir's defense minister, was forced to resign within 24 hours of seizing power, Sudan's new military council, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, who had taken over from Ibn Ouf, on April 14, 2019 announced that it would soon appoint a civilian premier and a cabinet, but not a civilian president. The April 14, 2019, announcement was made in the midst of continuing sit-in of protesters under the auspices of Sudanese Professional Association outside the military headquarters at Khartoum. Sudanese Professional Association posted its 9-point demand list to the military council, including bringing the responsible parties behind the 1989 military coup to justice.
Protesters Laud Talks, African Union Issues Ultimatum; Top Commander Replaces Army Chief
Sudanese Professional Association, umbrella organization behind four-month old anti-government protest, held talks with the new military council during weekend, protest leaders claimed on April 15, 2019. The Association during the day lauded the talks between the country's military and protesters. Meanwhile, on April 15, 2019, Sudan's new military leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, overhauled the African nation's military command, appointing a new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. Under Burhan's order, Gen. Hashem Babakr becomes the new top military commander, replacing Gen. Kamal Abdel-Marouf al-Mahi. During the day, African Union issued a 15-day timeline for Sudan to hand over power to "a civilian-led political authority" or face suspension from the union.
Protesters Suspend Talks
Sudanese Professionals Association on April 21, 2019 suspended talks with the political committee of the country's military council as the military rulers were too close to ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir and the transition to a civilian government had yet to take place.
Three Members of Military Council Resign
As talks between protesters' leaders and governing military council remained stalemated, three members of the council on April 24, 2019 resigned, leading to further political chaos and national insecurity.
Omar al-Bashir Charged in Murder
Sudanese prosecutors on May 13, 2019 pressed charges against former ruler Omar al-Bashir in the deaths of demonstrators.
Five Demonstrators Killed in Attack on the Sit-in
Former President Omar al-Bashir's loyalists in military attacked the opposition sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, killing five protesters on May 14, 2019. Although the ruling military council blamed the loyalists of former ruler in the military ranks for the attack, the U.S. Embassy blamed the ruling military council for the unprovoked attack.
Military Arrests those Behind the Protester Attack, Resumes Talks
Sudan's ruling military council on May 19, 2019 held talks with the protest leaders five days after a rogue military unit, loyal to former strongman Omar al-Bashir, had attacked the protest sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, killing five activists, and tried to defuse tension. The deputy head of military council, Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, said on May 19, 2019 that authorities had taken those responsible for May 14, 2019, attack to custody.
Talks Stalled, Fissure Appears in Opposition over Two-day General Strike
Talks between protest leaders led by Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, the umbrella group spearheading the anti-military regime demonstration, and the ruling military council stalled after they had agreed to a three-year transition period, a cabinet and a legislative body, but widely off target on some of the thorny issues such as makeup and leadership of the sovereign council, leading to a call for a two-day general strike on May 28, 2019 and May 29, 2019. But one of the member party of FDFC on May 26, 2019 opposed the two-day general strike over "preparations and timing". The chief of the party, Umma Party, Sadek al-Mahdi, led Sudan as democratically elected leader until deposed by Omar al-Bashir in 1989.
Meanwhile, Sudan's military council leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, is in the middle of a regional trip to garner support from regional players. A day after Burhan had met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at Cairo, he flew on May 26, 2019 to UAE to meet with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan, de facto ruler of United Arab Emirates, who tweeted afterward, affirming to preserve "Sudan's security and stability".
Military Crackdown on Protest Camp Kills Dozens
On June 3, 2019, on the eve of Eid ul-Fitr, Sudan's military took unprecedented repressive action by unleashing violent force on peaceful protesters who had been part of the weeks-long sit-in camp outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Military personnel attacked the camp and the melee broke out. In the ensuing violence, at least 35 protesters had been killed. The scale of repression unleashed in the June 3, 2019, crackdown of the protest camp was unprecedented even in Sudan's military regime measure. It was unprovoked and came without warning. Reports emerged that many of the bodies were hauled in military vehicles and dumped in the River Nile. Protest leaders, bloodied and bamboozled, called off any negotiation with the military council, called for civil disobedience across Sudan and a general strike.
Military Ruler Justifies Crackdown
In the early hours of June 4, 2019, the leader of the Sudan's military council, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, justified the bloody crackdown hours earlier on the protest camp, blaming the protesters for the impasse in talks, cancelling all the agreements with the protesters and vowing to hold general election in seven months. As the country marked the Eid ul-Fitr Holiday, protesters turned the auspicious day into a day of resistance, and defying fear, turned up in respectable numbers across the nation to demonstrate against government's June 3, 2019, brutal crackdown. Khartoum took the look of a ghost town as security forces fanned out through the capital and people were off the street other than observing the prayers of Eid.
Protest organizers on June 5, 2019 said that dozens of bodies, purported to be of protesters, had been found in the Blue Nile River, few miles upstream of the meeting point of Blue Nile and White Nile in Khartoum, and the death toll from the June 3, 2019, crackdown and subsequent violence mounted to at least 108. Sudan Doctors Committee, one of the protest groups, said that at least 509 people were wounded, many of them seriously amid worldwide criticism of the military crackdown on the peaceful protesters. Protest leaders identified the notorious Rapid Support Forces troops of breaking in the protest camp on June 3, 2019 outside the military headquarters in Khartoum.
AU Suspends Sudan as Protest Continues
Undeterred by violent crackdown, protest movement in Sudan continued and protest leaders on June 6, 2019 vowed to intensify their demonstration against the military council. As international outcry has become louder, African Union on June 6, 2019 has issued a stinging rebuke to Sudan's military rulers and suspended the nation from all activities "with immediate effect".
Ethiopian Premier Begins Diplomatic Push to Bring Peace in Sudan
Reformist prime minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, took his charming diplomacy that helped open a door of friendship with Eritrea to Khartoum on June 7, 2019 as he had held talks with both the military leaders, including ruling military council head, Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and opposition protest leaders to defuse a volatile situation that stemmed from a June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown by the Rapid Support Forces, a ruthless military branch having its origin with Janjaweed militia in Darfur, that had killed more than 100 demonstrators on that fateful Monday [June 3, 2019] and following days. Abiy Ahmed's chief goal is to revive the stalled negotiation between protest leaders and ruling military council.
General Strike Observed as part of Civil Disobedience
Protest organizers called for a sustained civil disobedience, and as a first step, a general strike was observed on June 9, 2019. Shops, markets and offices were closed on the first day of the workweek, and the city of Khartoum and the Red Sea port city of Port Sudan wore a deserted look. The chief of the main opposition political Umma Party, Sadek al-Mahdi, who had led Sudan as democratically elected leader until deposed by Omar al-Bashir in 1989, on June 9, 2019 warned both the ruling military and protesters against "mutual escalation".
Protest Leaders Call off Strikes
After three days of general strike (June 9-11, 2019) that crippled normal life in Khartoum and many other parts of Sudan, the leaders of the Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, the umbrella group for all the protest organizations, on June 12, 2019 asked people to return to their jobs and resume normal work. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on June 12, 2019, confirming that both FDFC and military authorities had agreed to resume talks "in good faith to iron out" many outstanding contentious points.
U.S. Envoy Calls for Independent Investigation into Massacre
USA's top envoy to Africa, Tibor Nagy, on June 15, 2019 had some plain-spoken message for Sudan's ruling military council: launch an "independent and credible" investigation into June 3, 2019, massacre triggered by army's crackdown on a protest camp outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Although the Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, had demanded an international inquiry into June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown, the ruling military council rejected that demand, instead beginning an internal inquiry which they claimed to be impartial.
Protesters Accept Ethiopia-crafted Roadmap
Protesters from Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC accepted on June 23, 2019 a roadmap offered by Ethiopia to defuse the escalation that had stepped from June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown of a protest camp outside the military headquarters in Khartoum that, protesters alleged, had killed at least 128 people on that day and subsequent violence over the next several days, but disputed by the military council that estimated a death toll of 61, including three security forces personnel. The roadmap dictates a three-year transition ruling council with eight civilian and seven military members. While seven civilian members will represent the FDFC, one will be a neutral civilian. For the first 18 months, a military representative will lead the council, followed by a civilian leader in the second-half of a three-year term. Ethiopia and African Union are trying hard to resuscitate the political process after June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown.
Military Refuses to Accept Ethiopia Proposal
Sudan's military council put up a hurdle on June 24, 2019 to Ethiopian effort to revive the peace process as the fearsome commander of the Rapid Support Forces, widely held responsible for June 3, 2019, massacre of protesters, Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the military council, refused to accept the Ethiopian proposal of a civilian-military council.
At the Behest of AU and Ethiopia, Protesters and Military Meet
After days of violence that had led to deaths of close to 10 demonstrators, African Union and Ethiopia, both working in unison as mediator, pushed hard the leaders of Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC and the ruling military council to sit across the table and negotiate on their latest offer of a deal. On July 3, 2019, FDFC and military council leaders met at Khartoum for the first time in days.
Military, Protesters Reach Agreement on AU-Ethiopia Deal; Street Celebration Erupts
It was a joyful day by any marker on July 5, 2019 as civilians poured into streets of Khartoum and across the country as soon as the news broke out that military council and protest leaders had agreed to a joint peace deal proposed by African Union and Ethiopia. Under the July 5, 2019, AU-Ethiopia-mediated deal,
* A joint military and civilian sovereign council will rule the nation for the next three years and three months
* The 11-member sovereign council will have five members from the military, five civilians from the FDFC and one civilian to be chosen by both sides
* A military member will lead the council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian for the remainder of the council's tenure
* A technocratic government of cabinet ministers to be formed independent of military influence
* The creation of legislative council will be delayed by 90 days, within which the sovereign council will make new rules, if needed
The July 5, 2019, AU-Ethiopia-mediated deal is a compromise for the both sides, but if implemented, will bring peace and stability to a country vital to the regional stability.
Deal Formally Signed
The July 5, 2019, peace deal that had been mediated by African Union and Ethiopia was formally signed on July 17, 2019.
Prosecutors Let the Military Top Brass off the Hook
Prosecutors who had been investigating into June 3, 2019, bloody crackdown on July 27, 2019 made public their investigative findings, saying that the top echelon of the country's military had not been responsible for bloody crackdown on a sit-in camp just outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, leading to the days of resistance and repressive measures by the country's security forces that had killed at least 128 people. Military Council said that there were 61 deaths, including three security personnel, and continued to deny that they had any prior knowledge of the June 3, 2019, crackdown orchestrated by a paramilitary unit, Rapid Support Forces.
Final Agreement Signed with Pomp and Promise
The final agreement between Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC and the ruling military council based on a July 5, 2019, framework of a peace deal was signed with fanfare and in presence of international leaders at the Friendship Hall in Khartoum on August 17, 2019. The finalized version of the agreement was signed by the head of military council, Gen. Abdel-Fatah Burhan, and the protest leader Ahmad Rabie. As soon as the final agreement was signed on August 17, 2019, a wave of spontaneous celebration swept through this African nation, with tens of thousands of people pouring on the streets of the capital and beyond. Many in the protest movement lauded the sacrifices of their fallen comrades. A large group of people came to the capital from the northern transport hub of Atbara, where the anti-government protest had originated in December 2018. At the Friendship Hall, the special applause was reserved for the Ethiopian premier, Abiy Ahmed, who had initiated the reconciliation between the protest leaders and the country's military.
New Premier Unveils Cabinet
Sudan's newly installed premier, Abdalla Hamdok, on September 5, 2019 introduced his cabinet nominees, reflecting a mix of civilians and military members. The finance portfolio went to a former World Bank economist, Ibrahim Elbadawi, and defense ministry went to Lt. Gen. Gamal Omar.
African Union Withdraws Sanctions
A day after a full-fledged cabinet was unveiled by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, African Union on September 6, 2019 withdrew crippling sanctions imposed on Khartoum during the heyday of anti-democracy crackdown.
Three-day Talks Lead to a Preliminary Deal
After three days of talks at Juba with rebel leaders, Sudan's new government on September 11, 2019 has signed an initial agreement that, many hope, will lead to long-lasting peace to far-flung regions is Sudan which have been continuously afflicted by years of rebellion by various rebel groups focused on a myriad of issues.
Sudan's Civilian-dominated Government Overturns Islamist Law
Sudan's civilian interim premier on November 29, 2019 took a bold step to restore the women's rights by going after a 1992 law enacted by the former dictator Omar al-Bashir. The law in question, Public Order Act, was harsh on women for dress code and appearance, and was molded along the strict interpretation of Islamist Sharia. Rights groups and women's organizations have been calling for scrapping of the Public Order Act 1992. Sudanese Interim Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, justifying his action to overturn the law, slammed the law in a tweet message that the law "is notorious for being used as a tool of exploitation", humiliation and violation of women's rights.
Interim Government Signs Peace Agreement with Rebels
Sudan's transitional government on January 24, 2020 signed a landmark peace agreement with a faction of Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North. The deal was signed in the capital, Juba, of South Sudan. On behalf of the government, deputy chief of Sudan's Sovereign Council, Gen. Mohammed Hamadan Degalo, signed the deal, while Malik Agar, head of the SPLM-North, signed on behalf of rebels. There is another faction of SPLM-North that stayed out of the deal. Sudan's interim government is reaching out to many of the fighting rebel groups based in regions across the nation to end a series of civil conflicts that had afflicted the African nation for the past few decades.
Al-Bashir to be Handed Over to International Criminal Court
The joint civilian-military Sovereign Council that has been ruling the country after the ouster of Omar al-Bashir on February 11, 2020 has decided to hand over the former strongman to face trial at the International Criminal Court on indictment charges of genocide and war crimes. The February 11, 2020, decision has been made as part of a deal with Darfur rebels in order to bring peace to the restive region, according to Mohammad Hassan al-Taishi, a member of the council and a government negotiator. However, Mohammad Hassan al-Taishi made it clear on February 11, 2020 on the sidelines of negotiation between various rebel groups and the Sudanese government currently undergoing in Juba that it's not only Omar al-Bashir, but all indicted by the ICC in Darfur conflict--including Adel-Rahim Muhammed Hussein, interior and defense minister for the most parts of the Darfur conflict; Ahmed Haroun, a senior security chief during the time of conflict as well as the head the former ruling political party; Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb; and, on the other side, a Darfur rebel leader, Abdullah Banda--would be handed over to stand on trial. The indictments, issued in 2009 and 2010, accused Omar al-Bashir of five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes in a conflict that had killed up to 300,000 people and forced more than 2.7 million from homes.
Sudan's Premier Escapes Assassination Attempt Unhurt
Explosives and gunfire were used against the motorcade of Sudan's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on March 9, 2020 at the heart of Khartoum. Fortunately, the premier escaped unhurt. No group has taken responsibility for the assassination attempt by the end of the day.
Sudan,
Israel to Normalize Relations
In
another foreign policy win just 11 days before the U.S. Presidential Election, Trump
administration mediated a deal with a third Arab country—after United Arab
Emirates and Bahrain—willing to begin normalization of relationship with
Israel. On October 23, 2020, Trump administration issued a statement, confirming
the end of hostilities and opening a new chapter of bilateral relationship
between Sudan and Israel. After long-term Sudanese dictator Omar Bashir
was ousted, the new transition government wanted badly to get out of U.S. list
of sponsors of terrorism to help reverse the country’s economic downslide.
President Trump on October 19, 2020 tweeted that he would notify
Congress to take Sudan out of the terrorism-related list once Khartoum paid $335
million in a designated account designed for the families of victims of Khartoum-sponsored
terrorism. On October 23, 2020, Trump notified Congress that Khartoum
had made the payment, and asked the Congress to take Sudan off the list. A
short time later, the statement acknowledging the end of hostilities and
beginning of normalization of relationship was issued. Israeli government said
that they would soon begin talks with Sudan on deals encompassing trade,
technology, commerce and travel.
Sudan's Prime Minister Arrested, Military Seizes Power
Sudan's military on October 25, 2021 seized power and dissolved the interim government. The civilian premier of the interim government, Abdallah Hamdok, was arrested in the early morning of October 25, 2021. The head of the military, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, announced on the national TV that he was dissolving the government and the Sovereign Council, a joint military-civilian body created after the former dictator Omar al-Bashir had been deposed. U.S. President Joe Biden was apprised of Sudan's event, according to the White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. government would "pause" on the $700 million aid that was meant to facilitate the transition to democracy.
Sudan's Deposed Premier, His Wife Released
Sudan's deposed prime minister, Abdallah Hamdok, and his wife were released and returned to home on October 26, 2021. Country's military chief, Gen. Abdel-Fatah Burhan, who had seized power said in the second televised appearance in as many days that Hamdock and his wife had been detained for their own safety. Burhan also said that some members of the dissolved cabinet, who had been detained too, would be prosecuted for trying to incite rebellion within the ranks of military. Gen. Burhan defended his action to usurp power as an act to prevent against "fragmentation of this country". The October 25, 2021, coup d'etat came less than a month before Burhan had to hand over the leadership of the Sovereign Council to a civilian. U.N. Security Council convened for an emergency session on October 26, 2021 to discuss what the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called an "epidemic of coups d'etat".
A New Premier to be Appointed Soon
Without delving into details, Sudan's military head, Gen. Abdel-Fatah Burhan, who had orchestrated the October 25, 2021, coup said in an interview with the Russian Sputnik news agency published on October 29, 2021 that he would soon appoint a technocrat as the premier. Meanwhile, in protest against the October 25, 2021, coup, scores of people had demonstrated against the junta, burning tires on the streets, creating blockades and showing open defiance. At least nine people were killed in ensuing anti-coup demonstration and related violence.
Three Killed During the Day of Massive Anti-coup Protest
The spirit of resistance and defiance reminiscent at the peak of anti-Omar al-Bashir regime movement seemed to be back on the streets, bringing back of renewed hope for a return to the transition to a democratic destination. On October 30, 2021, demonstrations against the October 25, 2021, coup were the largest to date. The protest was organized at the behest of Sudanese Professionals' Association and Resistance Committees. Both organizations were key to driving Omar al-Bashir out of power in 2019. Massive rallies were held on October 30, 2021 at the twin cities of Khartoum and Omdurman. Sudan Doctors Committee, a member organization of the Sudanese Professionals' Association, said later in the day that three people were killed in security forces' firings at Omdurman. Demonstrations were held in other cities of Sudan.
Anger Grows after Junta Leader Self-appoints as the Head of Sovereign Council
In a move that's going to evoke strong condemnation from the regional and international communities, including the United Nations, the head of the junta behind the October 25, 2021, coup on November 11, 2021 has named the new members of the Sovereign Council. At the head, it was the name of the junta head, Gen. Abdel-Fatah Burhan. The cosmetic changes made to the composition of the Sovereign Council will further alienate the Sudanese people and intensify anti-military protests. So far, at least 100 officials and political leaders along with thousands of opposition activists have been arrested since the October 25, 2021, coup, and at least 14 protesters were killed. Sudan's culture minister, Hamza Baloul, who was also detained called the new Sovereign Council as an "extension" of the country's military.
Five Killed in Demonstration against Junta
Two days after Gen. Abdel-Fatah Burhan appointed himself the head of the Sovereign Council, pro-democracy protesters flocked to the streets in Khartoum, its twin city, Omdurman, and other cities across this African nation. The November 13, 2021, protests were called by the Sudanese Professionals Association and the so called Resistance Committees. Sudan Doctors Committee, a member organization of Sudanese Professionals Association, said later in the day that four people were killed in gunshot wounds and one from tear gas canister.
Sudanese
Protesters Decry Coup, Subsequent Deal with Ousted Civilian Leader
Sudan’s
young protesters took to streets in the capital and other cities on December
6, 2021 in protest against a deal reached
last month that had restored Abdallah Hamdok to premiership to lead a technocratic
government, but under the tutelage of junta. Although the arrangement has the
blessing of the international community, Sudan’s pro-democracy groups decry it,
demanding the country’s military to leave the government altogether.
Sudanese
Premier to Step down
Sudan’s
prime minister, Abdallah Hamdok, announced his resignation on January
2, 2022 as the talks for transition to civilian authorities remained stalled.
Hamdok called for dialogue to come up with a “national charter” and “draw
a roadmap” for a successful transition to civilian rule. Earlier in the day,
protesters held rallies across the nation, including Khartoum and its
twin city, Omdurman, as well as Port Sudan and Nyala.
Violence erupted as security forces used repressive techniques to disperse the
demonstrators. At least two demonstrators were killed during the day, according
to the Sudan Doctors Committee, raising the total death toll to at least
56 since October 25, 2021, coup.
Framework for Civilian Power Signed
Military leaders and civil society leaders on December 5, 2022
signed a broad framework of agreement to restore civilian rule, but many of the
details were kept in dark. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammad Hamdan
Dagalo signed the framework on the military side with the leaders from the Forces
for the Declaration of Freedom and Change.
Former Allies Turn on Each Other with Military Might to Seize Powers in
Sudan
Two top military generals who have jointly orchestrated the coup in October
2021 to oust a civilian administration are now fighting against each other
to control over the destiny of this strategic African nation. Sudan’s military
ruler Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and its feared paramilitary unit Rapid
Support Forces’ Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo are vying with each other for
the control of Khartoum, its twin city, Omdurman, and rest of the
nation. On April 15, 2023, bloody conflict between the military and RSF personnel
erupted. At least 56 people were killed on April 15, 2023, and more than
500 injured in the running battle in Khartoum, Omdurman and beyond. Gunfire,
airstrikes, and shelling were ricocheting the capital non-stop.
On April 16, 2023, the violence continued unabated. Two days
(April 15-16, 2023) of non-stop fighting, mayhem and violence had killed at
least 61 people and wounded more than 670. The U.N. envoy for Sudan, Volker
Perthes, said on April 16, 2023 that there was a three-hour window
of fighting pause on April 16, 2023, but it had unraveled as soon as it
went into effect.
Sudan’s General vs. General Fight Takes a Turn for the Worse, Circa 185 Killed
The sustained and dug-in battle between Sudan’s military and Rapid
Support Forces ricocheted in Khartoum, Omdurman and other cities on
April 17, 2023 for the third straight day. At least 185 people
were killed and circa 1,800 wounded, according to Volker Perthes, the
U.N. envoy for Sudan. The running battle is happening in densely populated
capital as well as its twin city across the river Nile and has forced millions
of people to stay put indoors and many college students to their classrooms. Food,
water, and other supplies are running low as people are not daring to get out
of where they are sheltered in because of non-stop shelling, airstrikes and
explosions. Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sissi said on April 17, 2023
that Cairo was in “constant touch” with both the army led by Gen.
Abdel-Fattah Burhan and feared paramilitary unit Rapid Support Forces
led by Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo. A doctors’ consortium, Sudan Doctors’
Syndicate, said that 12 of 20 hospitals in the capital had been shuttered
due to power outage, or risks from sustained fighting. An additional four
hospitals elsewhere were forced to suspend operation.
Fragile Truce Fails to Take Hold
A 24-hour fragile truce supposed to be effective 6PM local time on April
18, 2023 failed to bring cessation to hostilities in Khartoum and
other Sudanese cities, towns and villages. Earlier in the day, a member of Sudan’s
Sovereign Council, Shams El Din Kabbashi, told Al-Arabiya TV
that an agreement had been reached for a 24-hour cease-fire that would go into
effect at 6PM. As of 8:30PM on April 18, 2023, loud booms and gunshots
were being heard from various parts of Khartoum. At least 180 people
were killed and more than 1,800 injured in the four-day (April 15-18,
2023) heavy fighting between Sudanese military loyal to Gen.
Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Rapid Support Forces led by Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo.
After a Failed Cease-fire, a New One Begins
After a cease-fire failed to take hold on April 18, 2023, a new
cease-fire was separately announced by rival groups on April 19, 2023.
The new cease-fire was slated to be effective at 6PM local time. The situation became
so desperate for many of the residents of Khartoum, they didn’t wait
until the new truce went into effect, instead hauling their belongings to head
out of the capital by whatever means they could get.
Sudan’s Military Demands Surrender of RSF Troops, Truce Extension Fails
Sudan’s warring parties failed to heed appeals by U.N.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on April 20, 2023 to extend the truce
for three additional days to honor the auspicious moments of Eid al-Fitr.
The 24-hour truce that had brought the fighting to a reduced scale, rather than
to an end, ended on April 20, 2023. Country’s military loyal to Gen.
Abdel-Fattah Burhan ruled out any extension of the truce, instead demanding
that Rapid Support Forces led by Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo surrender.
The situation in Sudan is descending fast into a security vacuum, and
many nations—including Saudi Arabia, U.S., and Netherlands—are making
arrangement to evacuate their citizens from Sudan. U.S. is sending
reinforcement to Djibouti to help in the evacuation process.
Three-day Cease-fire Declared after U.S. Foreign Secretary Talks to
Warring Leaders
As a sequel to separate calls with Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammad
Hamdan Dagalo on April 20, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
was able to persuade them to have a three-day cease-fire, beginning April
21, 2023. According to the World Health Organization, at least 330
people were killed and more than 3,200 injured in the seven-day (April
15-21, 2023) orgy of violence that befell on Sudan. Many nations, including
the U.S., Saudi Arabia, India, South Korea, and Germany, are planning to
evacuate their citizens from the besieged nation by taking the opportunity of a
relative reprieve to fighting. The worst affected region in Sudan is western
Darfur region, according to Cyrus Paye, project coordinator for the
Doctors Without Borders.
Sudanese Trying to Reach Safe Areas, Foreigners Trying to Flee the
Nation
Foreign nations on April 24, 2023 continued to evacuate their
nationals and embassy staff from Sudan. U.S. Navy Seals on April 23, 2023
carried out ferrying out Embassy Staff from its Khartoum Embassy complex and
shuttered the embassy. However, Washington didn’t leave any military presence
in Sudan to evacuate tens of thousands of American citizens. Many of them are
heading to Port Sudan to be evacuated.
Another Extension of Cease-fire for 72 hours
On April 27, 2023, a 72-hour extension of the cease-fire was
announced at the last minute after a previous 72-hour truce that had begun on April
23, 2023 lapsed as the truce itself was tested by non-stop fighting between
the sides. The U.S. State Department released a statement on April
27, 2023, lauding the truce and appreciating both sides’ “readiness to
engage in dialogue toward establishing a more durable cessation of hostilities".
Drone-led Overhead Security Helps U.S. in Evacuation Drive
On April 29, 2023, U.S. carried out an impressive land evacuation
by providing security from the sky to a
convoy of vehicles and transported hundreds of Americans from Khartoum to
Port Sudan, a safer Red Sea port 500 miles northeast of the capital for the
subsequent leg of journey by flying the evacuees out of the conflict-ridden
nation. This is the first time that U.S. has evacuated non-diplomatic American
citizens. Still, thousands of Americans—many of them dual citizens—chose to
stay back. Before the April 29, 2023, drone-guided land evacuation, U.S.
linked up its citizens with other nations’ evacuation efforts, inviting
criticism that Washington was not serious enough to safely evacuate Americans
from the battle zone.
Warring Sides Extend Truce by another 72 Hours
Under international pressure, warring sides in Sudan on April 30,
2023 extended an expiring 72-hour truce by additional 72 hours. That will
give much-needed reprieve to scores of Sudanese and allow them to flee to
relative safety and foreigners to be evacuated amidst dwindling supplies of
food, medicine, and water. U.N. humanitarian chief, Martin Griffith,
said on April 30, 2023 that the “scale and speed of what is unfolding in Sudan
is unprecedented.
Conflict Creates Human Disaster, Displaces Hundreds of Thousands, Talks
to Begin
The 18-day running battle between the heavily armed combatants of
two generals laid a trail of devastation in many parts of the nation in general,
and Khartoum and its twin city of Omdurman in particular. Sudanese troops led
by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Rapid Support Forces led by Gen.
Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo had begun fighting for the control of power on April
15, 2023. As of May 2, 2023, at least 334,000 Sudanese people were
displaced. Many headed to Egyptian borders, while tens of thousands took
hundreds of miles of treacherous journey to the relative safety of the
northeastern port city of Port Sudan. Port Sudan became the default
staging ground for foreign evacuation flights.
Also, on May 2, 2023, South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir,
said that he had talks over phone with both Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and
Rapid Support Forces’ Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, and both generals
agreed to a 7-day truce, beginning on May 4, 2023, and start talks aimed at
ending the bloodshed.
Biden Prepares Ground for Sanctions on Sudanese Warring Parties
President Joe Biden on May 4, 2023 signed an executive order to explore steps to
impose sanctions on individuals for “threatening the peace, security, and
stability of Sudan”. President Biden’s executive order sets up the tool for possible
sanctions if needed.
Talks Begin in Saudi City of Jeddah
In a ray of hope to end what a Saudi-American joint statement had called
an engagement in “talks towards a cease-fire and end to the conflict”, Sudan’s
warring sides sent delegations at the invitation of Saudi Arabia to open talks
on May 6, 2023 at the Red Sea city of Jeddah.
WHO Estimates More than 600 Deaths as Negotiation Continues at Jeddah
World Health Organization on May 9, 2023 estimated that at
least 604 people were killed in the conflict in Sudan that had erupted since April
15, 2023 between the fighters loyal to two Sudanese commanders. WHO also
estimated that at least 5,100 people were injured. Meanwhile, the negotiation between
the parties loyal to Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammad
Hamdan Dagalo, who heads the Rapid Support Forces, is continuing at
Jeddah. According to the U.N. migration agency, at least 700,000 people
were displaced in the current round of conflict in addition to 3.7 million
people who had already been internally displaced prior to the onset of this
ongoing conflict.
Ringing the alarm bell for a wider regional crisis, the U.N. special envoy
for Horn of Africa, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, told the U.N. Security Council
on May 9, 2023 that if 200,000 refugees, who had been hosted by Sudan, were
forced to return to South Sudan, that would “profoundly” affect the relations
with its southern neighbor.
Agreement Signed between Warring Generals
On late May 11, 2023, Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces
signed an agreement that would, among others, create safe passages for
civilians and protection for humanitarian operation in the country.
Sudan’s Warring Sides Extend Truce
At the behest and aegis of U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the warring
sides in Sudan’s civil conflict are extending a fragile, but often breached,
truce on weekly basis. However, on May 28, 2023, Saudi Arabia and U.S.
called out specific acts of breaches in blunt terms for the first time. On May
29, 2023, U.S. and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement, announcing a
five-day truce extension that would facilitate “further humanitarian
assistance, restoration essential services, and discussion of a potential
longer-term extension".
Airstrike in Khartoum Kills at least 17; A New 72-hour Cease-fire
Announced
An airstrike targeting the southern Khartoum neighborhood of Yormouk
killed at least 17 people, including five children, on June 17, 2023.
It’s not clear who was behind the airstrike, although both sides in the
conflict had used either warplanes or drones to launch strikes in the past. On
the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. late on June 17, 2023
announced another lease of life in the teetering cease-fire that had been
barely holding, mostly because of the pressure from Riyadh and Washington, issuing
a joint statement that asked the parties to “refrain from seeking military
advantage during the cease-fire” that would begin on June 18, 2023 for the
next 72 hours.
U.N. Chief Warns of “Full-scale Civil War”
The already vitiating atmosphere in Sudan just got uglier as an
airstrike on July 8, 2023 killed at least 22 people in Omdurman. U.N.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres later on July 8, 2023 warned that Sudan’s
situation was fast devolving into a “full-scale civil war".
More than 3 millions Displaced in Sudan Conflict, IOM Says
The U.N. agency responsible for migration, International Organization
for Migration, said on July 12, 2023 that circa 3.1 million
Sudanese had been forced to flee their homes since the fighting between the
nation’s military and a paramilitary group broke out in April 2023. At least
738,000 left the nation, while over 2.4 million people were internally
displaced.
Airstrike in Sudan Kills 43
An airstrike on an open market in May neighborhood, south of
Khartoum, on September 10, 2023 killed at least 43 people and
injured more than 50. The paramilitary force that had been fighting the country’s
military since April 2023 blamed the military rulers for carrying out the heinous
attack on the open market.
U.S, U.K., Norway Call for an “End to the Fighting”
After Rapid Support Forces and allied Arab militias rampaged
through the Western Darfur town of Ardamata earlier this month, burning
dwellings, targeting non-Arab townspeople, and killing more than 800 people,
the bell of alarm for the ethnic cleansing was ringing ever louder. The U.S.,
U.K. and Norway on November 17, 2023 issued a joint statement urging RSF
and Sudan’s military to participate sincerely in the Saudi-hosted talks as
there was “no acceptable military solution to the conflict”. The statement
called for “an end to the fighting”. According to the U.N., at least 8,000
people were killed since the eruption of civil war in April 2023.
U.N. Ends Sudan Mission
The U.N. Security Council on December 1, 2023 voted a resolution
to end a limited U.N. mission in Sudan. Although the U.S. and the U.K. voted
for the resolution as honoring the request from Khartoum to wind down the United
Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, UNITAMS, they
expressed deep reservations over non-existence of any international boots on
the ground.
First Anniversary of Sudan’s Civil War Brings No End to Conflict in
Sight
In one year, the worlds of millions of Sudanese have become upside down,
no ray of light even remotely seen at the end of the tunnel. The civil war
between the military and Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, killed tens of
thousands of people and displaced—both internally and forcing people out of the
country—more than 8 million people. The Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, the U.N. humanitarian affairs office, estimated
that the international community needed circa $2.7 billion to aid more than
24 million people—nearly 50% of the total population of 51 million—afflicted
by the civil war that had erupted a year ago on April 15, 2023. However,
the international community so far raised only a fraction of that target—circa $145
million.
Some of the most grotesque massacres took place in Sudanese Civil War.
The most glaring and conscious shaking was the massacre of 10,000 to 15,000
people, mostly of the ethnic African Masalit tribe, in the capital city
of Geneina of West Darfur province, according to a U.N. report submitted
earlier this year to the U.N. Security Council. In addition to Geneina
massacre, at least 14,600 people were killed in the past year across Sudan and
created the world’s worst displacement crisis.
2 billion Euros Pledged to Help Sudan
At the end of an international conference of 58 nations at Paris,
French President Emmanuel Macron on April 15, 2024 said that the nations
had pledged 2 billion euros, or $2.1 billion, to help 51 million people
of Sudan.
********************************** DARFUR ***********************************
Military Leader Withdraws Decree as U.N.-AU Mission Nears End
Days before the U.N.-African Union-led peace mission in Darfur ends on June 30, 2019, Sudan's military council leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan issued a decree, ordering the U.N.-African Union peacekeeping forces to hand over their premises to Sudan's military as part of their withdrawal. Under international pressure over the military's bloody crackdown on protesters, Burhan on June 23, 2019 issued a new decree to revoke the premise handover decree. Burhan also issued a second decree that stipulated those premises were to be issued by civilians after the handover.
Darfur Again on the Fire after Internecine Clashes Flare up
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan reported on July 26, 2020 that an internecine fighting had erupted between Masalit and other Arab tribes in the early hours of July 25, 2020 and continued through early morning of July 26, 2020, killing more than 60 people. The U.N. identified the place where the violence between Masalit and other Arab tribes had erupted. It's 30 miles south of West Darfur capital of Genena in the village of Masteri.
Arab, Non-Arab Ethnic Strife Kills more than 130 in West Darfur
That the ethnic stability in Darfur region is sitting on the tip of a volcano is further exposed in the last weekend's ethnic clash between Arab Rizeigat tribe and non-Arab Massalit tribe as a fisticuff had erupted at a refugee camp on January 15, 2021 at Genena, provincial capital of West Darfur, and quickly spread to other areas of the capital and beyond. As of January 18, 2021, death toll rose to at least 130. Violence also flared up in South Darfur.
Rights Group Calls for International Inquiry into Darfur Massacre
That the Sudanese military-Rapid Support Forces conflict that has
erupted in April 2023 in Khartoum is fast devolving into a broader and
more dangerous ethnic rivalry, opening the old wound, is evident as RSF
gunmen have carried out one of the worst massacres in recent memories in Darfur
in late May 2023, according to the Human Rights Watch. On July 11,
2023, HRW called the International Criminal Court to launch an
investigation into the “mass killings of civilians and total destruction of the
town of Misterei” in Darfur. On May 28, 2023, RSF paramilitary personnel
attacked the town of Misterei with armored vehicles, grenades, and other
heavy weapons. They began to kill the people indiscriminately. The town is the
home to a large number of non-Arab Massalit tribespeople. The town was
destroyed, and many residents—including women and children—fled the town. The
massacre harkens back to the days of Janjaweed militia’s campaign against the
non-Arab population in Darfur that ICC subsequently has labeled a “genocide”.
The Janjaweed militia was later dismantled, and many the of the militia
members were inducted into the ranks of RSF.
********************************** DARFUR ***********************************
********************************** DARFUR ***********************************
TANZANIA
First Woman President in Tanzania after President's Unexpected Death
Tanzanian Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan is to become the country's first woman president after the unexpected death of President John Magufuli. Samia Suluhu Hassan told the nation on March 17, 2021 night that John Magufuli had died from heart failure. However, opposition leader Tundu Lissu told the Kenya Television Network from his home in exile in Belgium that the president might have died from Coronavirus. John Magufuli was the most prominent African leader to deny COVID-19 and its virulence. Samia Suluhu Hassan will serve out Magufuli's remaining second-term which has just started. John Magufuli won a second term in October 2020 amidst allegation of massive vote fraud.
UGANDA
A Senior LRA Guerrilla Leader Turns Himself in
A senior leader of Lord's Resistance Army, Dominic Ongwen, had recently surrendered to African Union forces, according to US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki, who divulged the news on January 6, 2015. If the veracity of the news is proven, this will mark a significant setback to a ruthless militancy led by Joseph Kony. Ongwen, himself kidnapped when he was school student, rose in ranks of LRA to become a brigadier and was wanted by the International Criminal Court. According to U.N., LRA killed more than 100,000 people between 1987 and 2012, abducted 60,000 to 100,000 children to replenish the ranks of fighters and led attacks, displacing more than 2.5 million people.
************************ LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY ****************************
LRA Commander to be Tried at the International Criminal Court
One of the top commanders with the ruthless Lord's Resistance Army, Dominic Ongwen, who have turned himself in to the U.S. troops in central Africa last week will be tried at the International Criminal Court, according to a January 14, 2015, report carried by the Los Angeles Times.
Former LRA Leader Pleads not Guilty
Standing in a trial at The Hague-based International Criminal Court, former LRA commander Dominic Ongwen on December 6, 2016 pleaded not guilty, and instead claimed that he was the victim of the civil war as he had been kidnapped as a child. Dominic Ongwen was charged on 70 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity as part of much broader scale of Joseph Kony-led LRA atrocities that, according to the U.N. estimate, had killed more than 100,000 people, abducted 60,000 to 100,000 children and displaced more than 2.5 million civilians in four countries between 1987 and 2012.
************************ LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY ****************************
Presidential Elections Turn Murky with the Arrest of Opposition Candidate
As Ugandans went to polls in drove on February 18, 2016, the primary opposition challenger to the long-time ruler Yoweri Museveni was arrested by the security forces on charges of criminal trespass. However, the challenger, Kizza Besigye, was later released on bond. Kizza Besigye was once a personal physician of President Yoweri Museveni, now 71, and also a cabinet member of the early years of Museveni administration. This is the fourth time that Besigye has challenged to end Museveni's 30-year rule. The U.S. State Department Spokesman John Kirby had some harsh comments for USA's one of the most trusted allies in East Africa--Washington provides $750 million a year in aid, including significant help in military aid and defense equipment--and reiterated Washington's belief that this sort of action called into "question Uganda's commitment to a transparent and free election process". In addition to presidential polls, elections to choose a 385-member parliament were also held on February 18, 2016.
Protest Mounts over Irregularities in Polls
As voting in two main districts were extended to the second day on February 19, 2016 in two key districts, the early returns showed a solid lead for President Yoweri Museveni. Meanwhile, the Ugandan security forces moved on to encircle the party headquarters of Forum for Democratic Change, and detained the opposition leader Kizza Besigye, 59, who was at that time huddling with the party leaders. Security forces lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to caning to disperse opposition activists assembled at the party headquarters. The strong-armed tactic drew a sharp admonition from the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry who had called President Yoweri Museveni to express Washington's displeasure with the how the situation was being handled. The U.S. embassy at Kampala on February 19, 2016 posted a Twitter message denouncing the "disproportionate police action taken today at FDC HQ in Kampala". Meanwhile, counting progressed steadily and, based on 47 percent of vote count, Museveni was winning with about 63 percent of vote compared to 33 percent won by Besigye, who was once Museveni's personal physician, but parted away in 1999.
President Officially Declared Re-elected Amid Charges of Fraud
Uganda's longtime ruler Yoweri Museveni was declared elected on February 20, 2016 by the country's election commission as his primary challenger remained under house arrest. Museveni received more than 60 percent vote in February 18, 2016, presidential polls while Kizza Besigye, primary challenger, received 35 percent vote, according to the final tally. Ugandan security forces were also seen ringing around the home of an independent presidential candidate, Amama Mbabazi, an ex-premier. Besigye's political party, Forum for Democratic Change, rejected the vote results, and the party head, Mugisha Muntu, issued a statement on February 20, 2016, calling on "all Ugandans and the international community to reject and condemn the fraud that has been committed".
Uganda is at a "Breaking Point", a U.N. Report Says
Uganda was teetering at the brink as 3,000 refugees per day were crossing the border everyday from South Sudan, and since July 2016, the South Sudanese refugee population had swelled by more than 570,000 to over 800,000, according to a joint report issued on March 23, 2017 by U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi and Ugandan government. By midyear, it will exceed 1 million. Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda complained that the refugee crisis had already put significant economic strain on the national economy. Already one of the refugee camps, Bidi Bidi, in northern Uganda became the one of the world's largest refugee camps.
Museveni Faces Toughest Political Challenge as He Seeks a Sixth Term
The January 14, 2021, presidential election in Uganda has been marred by pre-election violence, jailing of opposition leaders and activists, and eventually, President Yoweri Museveni shutting down the access to internet and social media on January 13, 2021, a day before the election. The turnout was heavy, raising hope for the opposition that the main opposition challenger and pop singer, Bobi Wine, would win the election, or at least, force to a runoff. There are total of 12 candidates vying for presidency. Bobi Wine urged his followers to monitor the election as he had cast doubt on the impartiality of the country's electoral commission, whose chief, Simon Byabakama, said during the day that election was proceeding smoothly. Bobi Wine is fighting the election on behalf of National Unity Platform party and has posed a serious challenge to the long-time ruler who has been wielding power since 1986.
Mugabe Declared Winner amidst Opposition Complaint of Fraud
Uganada's election commission on January 16, 2021 declared long-term ruler Yoweri Museveni the winner of the presidential election, giving him a sixth term. The main opposition candidate Bobi Wine blasted the fradulent election and declared himself the winner. A day earlier, January 15, 2021, Bobi Wine alleged that his home had been surrounded by the security forces which authorities had denied. The election this year reflected a generational contest between an aging African stalwart increasingly isolated in a continent with burgeoning young population and a pop singer half of his age.
Judge
Orders Opposition Leader to be Released from House Arrest
A
Ugandan judge on January 25, 2021 ordered the authorities to free main
opposition candidate Bobi Wine from house arrest. Bobi Wine, who,
according to the latest official tally, had won 34% vote in January
14, 2021, presidential election compared to President Yoweri Museveni’s
58% vote, had been put under house arrest to prevent any instability since January
15, 2021. U.S. Embassy called for immediate release of Wine after the judge’s
ruling. U.N. spokesman Stephen Dujarric also chimed in on January 25,
2021, urging the Ugandan security forces “to show restraint” and also “to
obey the order” of the judge.
Rebel Attack on a School Leaves at least 41 Dead
Otherwise peaceful, Uganda is now getting sucked into spiral of violence
and vortex of instability. Around 11:30PM on June 16, 2023, militants attacked
the campus of Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School, about a mile from Congolese
border, burning down the campus and carrying out the massacre with machetes and
guns. At least 38 students were killed, many of them had been badly burned. Three
others—including two townspeople and one guard—were killed too, according to Mpondwe-Lhubiriha
Mayor Selevest Mapoze.
On June 17, 2023, a pall of gloom descended on the border town of
Mpondwe-Lhubiriha in the district of Kasece. Authorities said
that the militants belonged to Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, a
shadowy extremist group active in the adjacent bordering region on the Congolese
side in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Uganda has troops
in Eastern Congo since 2021, and the chief of Ugandan troops in Congo, Maj.
Gen. Dick Olum, said that ADF was under pressure in recent days, leading
them to do heinous attacks on civilians.
ZAMBIA
New President in Zambia
After winning the presidential polls by getting 48.3 percent vote, the result of which was officially announced on January 24, 2015, Zambian Justice and Defense Minister Edgar Lungu on January 25, 2015 was sworn in as country's new President in a colorful ceremony at Lusaka.
Zambian Presidential Elections too Close to Call
Zambian Presidential polls held on August 11, 2016 were too close to call with President Edgar Lungu holding a wafer-thin lead over wealthy businessman and opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema. The uncertainty in Zambian politics was precipitated by the death of President Michael Sata in October 2014, and Lungu was elected by a similar slim margin to serve the remainder of Sata's term in a special January 2015 elections.
Incumbent Winning the Presidential Polls
President Edgar Lungu of ruling Patriotic Front Party is poised to win the August 11, 2016, presidential polls over Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development, according to electoral authorities on August 13, 2016.
ZAMBIA
New President in Zambia
After winning the presidential polls by getting 48.3 percent vote, the result of which was officially announced on January 24, 2015, Zambian Justice and Defense Minister Edgar Lungu on January 25, 2015 was sworn in as country's new President in a colorful ceremony at Lusaka.
Zambian Presidential Elections too Close to Call
Zambian Presidential polls held on August 11, 2016 were too close to call with President Edgar Lungu holding a wafer-thin lead over wealthy businessman and opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema. The uncertainty in Zambian politics was precipitated by the death of President Michael Sata in October 2014, and Lungu was elected by a similar slim margin to serve the remainder of Sata's term in a special January 2015 elections.
Incumbent Winning the Presidential Polls
President Edgar Lungu of ruling Patriotic Front Party is poised to win the August 11, 2016, presidential polls over Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development, according to electoral authorities on August 13, 2016.
Opposition Candidate Poised to Win Presidential Poll
After failed runs for the past five elections, opposition leader and businessman Hakainde Hichilema seems to have won the August 12, 2021, presidential election as he is on his way to garner 50% of the votes cast. As of August 15, 2021, Hakainde Hichilema, 59, won 2.3 million votes, just shy of 200,000 votes from 50% threshold, making him most likely to become president of Africa's second-largest producer of Copper. Incumbent Edgar Lungu is trailing, with 1.4 million votes for him. There were altogether 16 candidates in August 12, 2021, presidential election. As the counting progressed and the returns had shown a clear path for victory for the candidate of opposition United Party for National Development, which had formed a coalition of nearly a dozen political parties, Hakainde Hichilema wrote on twitter to urge his supporters to maintain "calm". Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu and his ruling political party, Patritic Front Party, cried foul over the allegation of electoral malpractices and pressure tactics employed by opposition activists. Lungu's supporters complained that despite being brought to attention of Electoral Commission of Zambia, the commission had failed to act on irregularities.
ZIMBABWE
Dissention Surfaces in the Ranks of Mugabe Loyalists
Former anti-colonial warriors, a hitherto bulwark of support for President Robert Mugabe, 92, are getting increasingly frustrated these days by the dictatorial rule of their former hero. And lately, they are not keeping silent in reverence to their one-time war hero. The first volley of fire came in the third week of August 2016 as country's independence war veterans issued a statement condemning the corruption, cronyism and dictatorial reign prevailing in the nation. That the Mugabe regime has become so much intolerant, even to his ex-comrades, has become clear one more time when, instead of addressing the concerns of war veterans, the Ministry of War Veterans has issued a statement on late July 22, 2016, calling the veterans' action as traitorous and treasonous.
United Show of Protest by Opposition against Mugabe Rule
About 20 political parties unitedly organized one of the biggest protests against Robert Mugabe on August 26, 2016 in Harare. First, government tried to ban the protest, only to see the court to intervene and overturn the ban. As protest was underway, the security clampdown led to street fight and security forces had to open tear gas and water cannon. Among the opposition leaders were Morgan Tsvangirai and Joice Mujuru.
Mugabe Fires His Vice President
Reinforcing the allegation of his critics that he was paving the way for his wife, Grace, to become the head of state, world's oldest head of state, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, on November 6, 2017 fired his Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mugabe's Hold on Power Fraying
A week after Robert Mugabe fired his once-trusted Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, apparently to pave the way for his wife Grace Mugabe to eventually succeed him, Mugabe's authority itself came under question as Zimbabwe's Army Commander Constantino Chiwenga on November 13, 2017 issued an unprecedented statement, criticizing the purge that had been carried out in the ruling ZANU-PF political party. The statement pointedly stated that many of the purge's targets were the freedom fighters and the purge should end immediately.
Armored Carriers Move in Harare
A day after the army chief issued a stern statement criticizing Mugabe move to purge ZANU-PF, three armored carriers with several soldiers moved in the heart of the capital, Harare, on November 14, 2017. It was not sure what army was up to, but a coup de tat might not be ruled out.
End of Mugabe Era Begins with the Strongman put under House Arrest
Zimbabweans woke up on November 15, 2017 to a new dawn that most of them had never seen in their lifetime. That is, their strongman leader Robert Mugabe might not be even in charge of the nation, something that was even beyond their dream even a few days ago. Zimbabwean army took over the national radio and read a statement that it was "not a military takeover". The First Family was put under house detention. South African President Jacob Zuma said during the day that he spoke with Mugabe, and he was fine though confined to his home. Zuma is sending a high-level delegation to Zimbabwe to mediate.
Mugabe Timeline
* 1924: Mugabe was born in 1924 north of Harare in Kutama, what was known at that time as Southern Rhodesia, a self-governing British colony.
* 1960: He joined the movement led by African nationalist hero Joshua Nkomo.
*1963: Mugabe and many of his allies were arrested and served 11 years in prison
*1964-1975: During his 11-year in prison, Robert Mugabe kept in touch with his party members who were outside. Also, during this time, White minority in Rhodesia declared independence from Britain.
*1975-80: After his release, Mugabe left for Mozambique and worked to win the acceptance of guerrillas who, in 1972, had begun to fight against the Rhodesian ruling party. British-brokered peace talks in 1979 created an independent Zimbabwe.
*1980-88: Mugabe won a resounding victory in national election to become Prime minister. However, his fallout with Joshua Nkomo began right in the earnest, and he dismissed Nkomo within two years.
*1988-2017: Mugabe became President in 1988.
Ruling Party Begins the Mugabe Ouster Process
The scale of isolation within the very political party that he had helped found and used to consolidate and complete control over every facet of life in the past 37 years became obvious on November 17, 2017 as the leaders of ZANU-PF passed a resolution during the day, recommending the expulsion of Robert Mugabe, who had been put under house arrest by the country's military since early November 15, 2017. During the day, hectic consultation continued among Catholic Church, South African officials and Zimbabwe's military on one hand. On the other, ZANU-PF met at an emergency session and decided to take a clear stand on the crisis. The party called for a November 18, 2017, demonstration at Harare to show support for the country's military action. ZANU-PF issued a statement on November 17, 2017, recommending that Mugabe be removed as "many of us had watched with pain as the government and the party was being reduced to the personal property of a few infiltrators with traitorous histories and questionable commitment to the people of Zimbabwe". If Mugabe does not resign now on his own, ZANU-PF Central Committee, country's parliament and Mugabe's own government will have the leeway to take steps to remove him.
Thousands March, Demand Mugabe's Ouster
Three days after November 15, 2017, house arrest of Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, by the country's military and a day after ZANU-PF recommended Mugabe's ouster in a public statement, tens of thousands of people on November 18, 2017 participated in a ruling party-organized rally in Harare to demand Mugabe's ouster.
Mugabe Refuses to Resign
Many Zimbabweans thought that they would a hear a remorseful Robert Mugabe to offer his resignation in a nationally televised speech on November 19, 2017. Instead, they saw in him the same stubborn elderly statesman who, in his 20-minute speech, vowed to soldier on. Earlier during the day, ZANU-PF Central Committee gave Mugabe a November 20, 2017, noon to resign or face an impeachment. Party officials also sacked Mugabe's wife, Grace, from the head of ZANU-PF Women's League and imposed a lifetime ban on party membership. Also fired were Zimbabwe's minister of higher and tertiary education, Jonathan Moyo; Saviour Kasukuwere, minister of local government. Mugabe's second Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was fired too. Party leaders appointed the ousted Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the leader of the party. Announcing the decision of the party, Patrick Chinamasa, head of ZANU-PF's legal affairs, said on November 20, 2017 that Mugabe was being recalled as the party's First Secretary and President. The appointment of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the head of ZANU-PF by the party's central committee marked a remarkable comeback for the "Crocodile", the nickname of Mnangagwa.
Impeachment to Begin
As the noon November 20, 2017, deadline passed with Robert Mugabe, who was under house arrest since early November 15, 2017, still refusing to tender his resignation, the lawmakers from the very political party that he had founded and led until his November 19, 2017, expulsion moved during the day to begin an impeachment hearing effective November 21, 2017.
Mugabe Resigns; Nation Goes into Jubilation Mode
Since his November 15, 2017, house-arrest by the country's military, Robert Mugabe became increasingly isolated within his own party, culminating to his expulsion from the very party that he had helped found, ZANU-PF, on November 19, 2017. Then came the impeachment proceeding in the country's parliament as the ruling party on November 21, 2017 introduced the motion of impeachment against the world's oldest head of state. The motion was supported by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change lawmakers. As the impeachment proceeding went underway, Mugabe's Justice Minister Happyton Bonyongwee entered the chamber, carrying a letter written by Mugabe, drawing boos and jeers from the lawmakers, and handed over the letter to Speaker Jacob Mudenda. Speaker Mudenda loudly read the letter in which Mugabe said that he would resign with "immediate effect" for the "welfare of people of Zimbabwe and the need for peaceful transfer of power". Cheers broke out immediately in the parliament floor. As the news of Mugabe's resignation spread like a wildfire, people from all walks of life poured onto the streets to celebrate the departure of Mugabe. A large crowd danced and celebrated on the streets at Harare's Africa Unity Square.
New President Sworn in; Vows to "not squander the moment"
Eighteen days after he was fired by Mugabe as the vice president and forced to flee to South Africa, Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as country's president on November 24, 2017. Addressing an ebullient crowd at a Harare stadium, Mnangagwa called for setting aside of "poisoned" politics, re-build the nation together and re-engage with the world to bring foreign investment. Emmerson Mnangagwa also requested other nations, including the USA, to lift sanctions, which were slapped against him too.
Zimbabwean High Court Order Upholding Military Action Criticized
In a dangerous precedent, Zimbabwe's High Court on November 24, 2017 upheld the military action that informally deposed Robert Mugabe and put him and his wife under house arrest, sending a wrong signal that could only encourage stronger military intervention in a continent with checkered democracy. The High Court Judge George Chiweshe, a retired general, also held the November 6, 2017, firing of the then-Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa as illegal. On November 25, 2017, regional and international criticism of Judge George Chiweshe's ruling began to pour in. Also on November 25, 2017, Mugabe confidante and Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo told a court that he was whisked away in the middle of the night by gunmen and slapped with corruption charges.
President Wins Resounding Victory without Mugabe's Support
Hours before July 30, 2018, presidential polls, deposed former president, Robert Mugabe, opened his mouth, saying that he would not "vote for those who have illegally taken power", indirectly urging his supporters to throw their hats behind the opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa of Movement for Democratic Change, or MDC. However, as counting progressed on August 1, 2018, it was apparent that ZANU-PF candidate and President Emmerson Mnangagwa would resoundingly trounce Chamisa.
Police Applies Force against Demonstrators
A Movement for Democratic Change-led demonstration against high inflation (running at 175% a year), massive power cuts (spanning 19 hours), shortages of food and water and myriad other misdeeds of President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime turned violent on August 16, 2019, and security forces used batons and brute force disperse thousands of opposition supporters at the Africa Unity Square in Harare. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa criticized the government action and said that there would not be any rest until "we achieve a people's government".
With Mugabe, An Era Ends
Former Zimbabwean strongman Robert Mugabe died September 6, 2019 at the age of 95 in Singapore. Country's government announced on September 7, 2019 that after the independence leader's body was flown in, he would be buried at Harare's National Heroes Acre, burial places of Zimbabwe's freedom fighters and several of Mugabe's comrades.
Mugabe Buried at His Home Village
After his family's refusal to bury the Zimbabwe's iconic figure Robert Mugabe at Harare's National Heroes Acre, his family on September 28, 2019 held a private ceremony to formally bury the independence leader and the founder of the independent Zimbabwe at his rural village.
ZIMBABWE
Dissention Surfaces in the Ranks of Mugabe Loyalists
Former anti-colonial warriors, a hitherto bulwark of support for President Robert Mugabe, 92, are getting increasingly frustrated these days by the dictatorial rule of their former hero. And lately, they are not keeping silent in reverence to their one-time war hero. The first volley of fire came in the third week of August 2016 as country's independence war veterans issued a statement condemning the corruption, cronyism and dictatorial reign prevailing in the nation. That the Mugabe regime has become so much intolerant, even to his ex-comrades, has become clear one more time when, instead of addressing the concerns of war veterans, the Ministry of War Veterans has issued a statement on late July 22, 2016, calling the veterans' action as traitorous and treasonous.
United Show of Protest by Opposition against Mugabe Rule
About 20 political parties unitedly organized one of the biggest protests against Robert Mugabe on August 26, 2016 in Harare. First, government tried to ban the protest, only to see the court to intervene and overturn the ban. As protest was underway, the security clampdown led to street fight and security forces had to open tear gas and water cannon. Among the opposition leaders were Morgan Tsvangirai and Joice Mujuru.
Mugabe Fires His Vice President
Reinforcing the allegation of his critics that he was paving the way for his wife, Grace, to become the head of state, world's oldest head of state, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, on November 6, 2017 fired his Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mugabe's Hold on Power Fraying
A week after Robert Mugabe fired his once-trusted Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, apparently to pave the way for his wife Grace Mugabe to eventually succeed him, Mugabe's authority itself came under question as Zimbabwe's Army Commander Constantino Chiwenga on November 13, 2017 issued an unprecedented statement, criticizing the purge that had been carried out in the ruling ZANU-PF political party. The statement pointedly stated that many of the purge's targets were the freedom fighters and the purge should end immediately.
Armored Carriers Move in Harare
A day after the army chief issued a stern statement criticizing Mugabe move to purge ZANU-PF, three armored carriers with several soldiers moved in the heart of the capital, Harare, on November 14, 2017. It was not sure what army was up to, but a coup de tat might not be ruled out.
End of Mugabe Era Begins with the Strongman put under House Arrest
Zimbabweans woke up on November 15, 2017 to a new dawn that most of them had never seen in their lifetime. That is, their strongman leader Robert Mugabe might not be even in charge of the nation, something that was even beyond their dream even a few days ago. Zimbabwean army took over the national radio and read a statement that it was "not a military takeover". The First Family was put under house detention. South African President Jacob Zuma said during the day that he spoke with Mugabe, and he was fine though confined to his home. Zuma is sending a high-level delegation to Zimbabwe to mediate.
Mugabe Timeline
* 1924: Mugabe was born in 1924 north of Harare in Kutama, what was known at that time as Southern Rhodesia, a self-governing British colony.
* 1960: He joined the movement led by African nationalist hero Joshua Nkomo.
*1963: Mugabe and many of his allies were arrested and served 11 years in prison
*1964-1975: During his 11-year in prison, Robert Mugabe kept in touch with his party members who were outside. Also, during this time, White minority in Rhodesia declared independence from Britain.
*1975-80: After his release, Mugabe left for Mozambique and worked to win the acceptance of guerrillas who, in 1972, had begun to fight against the Rhodesian ruling party. British-brokered peace talks in 1979 created an independent Zimbabwe.
*1980-88: Mugabe won a resounding victory in national election to become Prime minister. However, his fallout with Joshua Nkomo began right in the earnest, and he dismissed Nkomo within two years.
*1988-2017: Mugabe became President in 1988.
Ruling Party Begins the Mugabe Ouster Process
The scale of isolation within the very political party that he had helped found and used to consolidate and complete control over every facet of life in the past 37 years became obvious on November 17, 2017 as the leaders of ZANU-PF passed a resolution during the day, recommending the expulsion of Robert Mugabe, who had been put under house arrest by the country's military since early November 15, 2017. During the day, hectic consultation continued among Catholic Church, South African officials and Zimbabwe's military on one hand. On the other, ZANU-PF met at an emergency session and decided to take a clear stand on the crisis. The party called for a November 18, 2017, demonstration at Harare to show support for the country's military action. ZANU-PF issued a statement on November 17, 2017, recommending that Mugabe be removed as "many of us had watched with pain as the government and the party was being reduced to the personal property of a few infiltrators with traitorous histories and questionable commitment to the people of Zimbabwe". If Mugabe does not resign now on his own, ZANU-PF Central Committee, country's parliament and Mugabe's own government will have the leeway to take steps to remove him.
Thousands March, Demand Mugabe's Ouster
Three days after November 15, 2017, house arrest of Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, by the country's military and a day after ZANU-PF recommended Mugabe's ouster in a public statement, tens of thousands of people on November 18, 2017 participated in a ruling party-organized rally in Harare to demand Mugabe's ouster.
Mugabe Refuses to Resign
Many Zimbabweans thought that they would a hear a remorseful Robert Mugabe to offer his resignation in a nationally televised speech on November 19, 2017. Instead, they saw in him the same stubborn elderly statesman who, in his 20-minute speech, vowed to soldier on. Earlier during the day, ZANU-PF Central Committee gave Mugabe a November 20, 2017, noon to resign or face an impeachment. Party officials also sacked Mugabe's wife, Grace, from the head of ZANU-PF Women's League and imposed a lifetime ban on party membership. Also fired were Zimbabwe's minister of higher and tertiary education, Jonathan Moyo; Saviour Kasukuwere, minister of local government. Mugabe's second Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was fired too. Party leaders appointed the ousted Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the leader of the party. Announcing the decision of the party, Patrick Chinamasa, head of ZANU-PF's legal affairs, said on November 20, 2017 that Mugabe was being recalled as the party's First Secretary and President. The appointment of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the head of ZANU-PF by the party's central committee marked a remarkable comeback for the "Crocodile", the nickname of Mnangagwa.
Impeachment to Begin
As the noon November 20, 2017, deadline passed with Robert Mugabe, who was under house arrest since early November 15, 2017, still refusing to tender his resignation, the lawmakers from the very political party that he had founded and led until his November 19, 2017, expulsion moved during the day to begin an impeachment hearing effective November 21, 2017.
Mugabe Resigns; Nation Goes into Jubilation Mode
Since his November 15, 2017, house-arrest by the country's military, Robert Mugabe became increasingly isolated within his own party, culminating to his expulsion from the very party that he had helped found, ZANU-PF, on November 19, 2017. Then came the impeachment proceeding in the country's parliament as the ruling party on November 21, 2017 introduced the motion of impeachment against the world's oldest head of state. The motion was supported by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change lawmakers. As the impeachment proceeding went underway, Mugabe's Justice Minister Happyton Bonyongwee entered the chamber, carrying a letter written by Mugabe, drawing boos and jeers from the lawmakers, and handed over the letter to Speaker Jacob Mudenda. Speaker Mudenda loudly read the letter in which Mugabe said that he would resign with "immediate effect" for the "welfare of people of Zimbabwe and the need for peaceful transfer of power". Cheers broke out immediately in the parliament floor. As the news of Mugabe's resignation spread like a wildfire, people from all walks of life poured onto the streets to celebrate the departure of Mugabe. A large crowd danced and celebrated on the streets at Harare's Africa Unity Square.
New President Sworn in; Vows to "not squander the moment"
Eighteen days after he was fired by Mugabe as the vice president and forced to flee to South Africa, Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as country's president on November 24, 2017. Addressing an ebullient crowd at a Harare stadium, Mnangagwa called for setting aside of "poisoned" politics, re-build the nation together and re-engage with the world to bring foreign investment. Emmerson Mnangagwa also requested other nations, including the USA, to lift sanctions, which were slapped against him too.
Zimbabwean High Court Order Upholding Military Action Criticized
In a dangerous precedent, Zimbabwe's High Court on November 24, 2017 upheld the military action that informally deposed Robert Mugabe and put him and his wife under house arrest, sending a wrong signal that could only encourage stronger military intervention in a continent with checkered democracy. The High Court Judge George Chiweshe, a retired general, also held the November 6, 2017, firing of the then-Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa as illegal. On November 25, 2017, regional and international criticism of Judge George Chiweshe's ruling began to pour in. Also on November 25, 2017, Mugabe confidante and Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo told a court that he was whisked away in the middle of the night by gunmen and slapped with corruption charges.
President Wins Resounding Victory without Mugabe's Support
Hours before July 30, 2018, presidential polls, deposed former president, Robert Mugabe, opened his mouth, saying that he would not "vote for those who have illegally taken power", indirectly urging his supporters to throw their hats behind the opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa of Movement for Democratic Change, or MDC. However, as counting progressed on August 1, 2018, it was apparent that ZANU-PF candidate and President Emmerson Mnangagwa would resoundingly trounce Chamisa.
Police Applies Force against Demonstrators
A Movement for Democratic Change-led demonstration against high inflation (running at 175% a year), massive power cuts (spanning 19 hours), shortages of food and water and myriad other misdeeds of President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime turned violent on August 16, 2019, and security forces used batons and brute force disperse thousands of opposition supporters at the Africa Unity Square in Harare. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa criticized the government action and said that there would not be any rest until "we achieve a people's government".
With Mugabe, An Era Ends
Former Zimbabwean strongman Robert Mugabe died September 6, 2019 at the age of 95 in Singapore. Country's government announced on September 7, 2019 that after the independence leader's body was flown in, he would be buried at Harare's National Heroes Acre, burial places of Zimbabwe's freedom fighters and several of Mugabe's comrades.
Mugabe Buried at His Home Village
After his family's refusal to bury the Zimbabwe's iconic figure Robert Mugabe at Harare's National Heroes Acre, his family on September 28, 2019 held a private ceremony to formally bury the independence leader and the founder of the independent Zimbabwe at his rural village.
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