Niger
The first two of 12 French UAVs have been delivered to Niamey. The Reapers will support French operations in Mali, and are suspected to be earmarked for use in the Central African Republic soon as well.
Author Archives: Zachary Elkaim
Nigeria
Suspected Boko Haram gunmen have killed five people in Borno in an attack involving guns and IEDs. A Borno state senator, accused of sponsoring Boko Haram in 2011, was injured when he was caught up in a Nigerian Air Force operation against the insurgents.
Central African Republic
Widespread violence perpetrated by Christian militias, including the destruction of mosques and cannibalism, is being reported. CAR troops who had opposed Michel Djotodia and deserted have returned to their barracks. Djotodia has flown to exile in Benin.
South Sudan
The army has regained control of the key oil city of Bentiu from rebels. Over the past month, fighting has killed nearly 10,000 people.
Somalia
Seven Somali soldiers were killed by Shabaab in an ambush outside the town of Afgoye near Mogadishu. The Kenyan army claimed to have killed 30 Shabaab militants, including senior leadership, in a strike at a Shabaab camp in Birta Dhere in the Gedo region.
Central African Republic
Michael Djotodia, the Seleka leader who became president of the Central African Republic, has agreed to resign. The announcement was met with impromptu celebrations in the capital, Bangui.
Nigeria
President Jonathan ordered the military to immediately release 165 people apprehended in connection to Boko Haram. All of the suspects are from the three northeastern states under emergency rule: 157 from Borno, nine from Yobe, and one from Adamawa.
Somalia
Shabaab has forbidden the use of Internet through mobile handsets and fiber optic cables in Somalia. In a statement released on its Facebook page, it said that any firm or individual who does not comply will be seen to be working with the enemy.
Nigeria
Up to 38 Boko Haram fighters were killed in an attempted attack on a military base in Damboa, Borno state. Nigerian soldiers also recovered three vehicles, one of which was laden with IEDs.
Nigeria
In Kaduna state, suspected Boko Haram militants killed four policemen. In a central Nigerian village, 30 people were killed as a result of ethnic and religious hostility.
Somalia
According to Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Somali troops will soon begin a large-scale assault on Shabaab bases in central and southern Somalia. Military supplies for Djiboutian AMISOM soldiers have arrived in Beledweyne.
South Sudan
Fighting has continued in Juba and Bor as ceasefire talks in Ethiopia have been delayed. In Bor, a general and others senior military officers loyal to the government have been killed. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is in Juba to help peace efforts.
Nigeria
President Goodluck Jonathan said that Boko Haram is a temporary threat that will soon be overcome. One person has died after suspected Boko Haram gunmen attacked the village of Buratai in Borno state. Unknown perpetrators bombed the High Court in Ahoada, in southern Rivers state.
South Sudan
Rebels and the government are holding preliminary ceasefire meetings in Ethiopia even as they continue to fight at home. Rebel leader Riek Machar said his troops will refrain from attacking the capital city of Juba in an attempt to reach a “negotiated settlement.” The US said it will give $49.8 million in additional humanitarian assistance […]
Somalia
Reports suggest a large number of Ethiopian troops have moved into Baidoa in Bay region. Somali officials have donated blood in an attempt to help victims of the Jazeera hotel attack.
Kenya
A grenade attack outside a nightclub frequented by tourists wounded 10 people in Mombasa. A former Kenyan soldier was arrested in Hagadera refugee camp and accused of collaborating with Shabaab.
Cameroon
A Cameroonian security source said the government released a senior Boko Haram leader in exchange for French priest Georges Vandenbeusch. Seven people were killed in a clash between Cameroonian military and gunmen from the Central African Republic.
Cameroon
A French Catholic priest kidnapped by Boko Haram has been released. In a statement, French President Francois Hollande highlighted the “personal involvement” of his Cameroonian counterpart, President Paul Biya.
Somalia
Lower Shabelle has experienced a wave of violence as Shabaab targets AMISOM and Somali troops with IEDs. The mayor of Galkayo in the Mudug region has accused Shabaab of carrying out an attack that wounded his deputy.
South Sudan
Although President Kiir has said he will not enter into a power-sharing agreement, he and rebel leader Riek Machar will meet for peace talks in Ethiopia. The African Union has said it will impose “targeted sanctions” in response to violence.
Nigeria
Maiduguri airport is to be closed until March 2014 after Boko Haram insurgents destroyed crucial equipment. The Nigerian military is issuing letters of retirement to senior officers, including 40 generals, to take effect in January 2014.
South Sudan
A 20,000-strong militia loyal to former vice president Riek Machar has been persuaded to retreat from Bor. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni visited South Sudan in an attempt to find a political solution to the unrest.
Somalia
Mogadishu’s mayor has criticized the clan-based ‘4.5 system‘ that favors the four major tribes of Somalia, and he said that some elements within the security forces are “worse than Shabaab.” The Somali military will soon undertake more operations in and around the town of Beledweyne. Djibouti will contribute an additional battalion of troops to AMISOM. […]
Kenya
Four police officers escaped unhurt after their car set off a landmine in Dadaab refugee camp near the border with Somalia. Regional leaders are in Nairobi to discuss the crisis in South Sudan.
Nigeria
The military killed 56 Boko Haram fighters in Alafa forest in Borno state, during a raid aimed at ensuring a peaceful holiday period. Two government soldiers were also wounded in the battle, while Boko Haram militants were seen fleeing toward Chad and Niger. In a major reshuffle, the army chiefs of logistics and armored corps, […]
Boko Haram leader claims another attack in Borno state
Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has once again released a video claiming responsibility for a high-profile attack on a Nigerian military installation.
South Sudan
The government has agreed to an immediate truce to end fighting with rebels, but rebel leader Riek Machar said that conditions for a truce are not yet in place. The reports follow warning by neighboring countries that they will soon “take action” to stop the conflict.
Kenya
The high incidence of extremism in Mombasa’s young Muslim community is being blamed on poverty and marginalization. Two churches in predominantly Muslim areas on the outskirts of Mombasa were attacked with petrol bombs on Christmas Day.
Cameroon
Nigeria is negotiating a security agreement that would allow its troops to cross into Cameroon if they are pursuing Boko Haram. A rapid response military unit has been deployed to the border with Nigeria, and border controls have been tightened.
Somalia
Shabaab claimed responsibility for a remotely-detonated bomb attack in Mogadishu that killed at least 11 people, including six soldiers. In Gedo, one soldier and at least seven Shabaab militants were killed in Garbaharey after an attack on a military base. There were no incidences of Somali piracy in 2013.