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616 results found
Items 1 - 50 of 616
Rwanda
| 1 May 2013
Rwanda 1 April took chair of UNSC; FM Mushikiwabo expressed reservations over UN intervention in DRC, 15 April said Rwanda preferred political over military solution. Opposition leader Victoire Ingabire 16 April began appeal to Supreme Court challenging Oct 2012 genocide denial conviction.
Chad
| 1 May 2013
N’Djamena 3, 18 April hosted regional summits on CAR; CAR ex-president Bozizé mid-April said arms used by Seleka rebels “transited through Chad with permission of President Déby”. President Déby 15 April announced troop withdrawal from Mali following killing of 3 Chadian soldiers in suicide bombing in Kidal; French Defence Minister Le Drian April 27 met Déby in N’Djamena, said France would support Chad’s request to command UN peacekeeping mission in Mali. Déby 27 April said Chadian mercenaries have set up training camps in Libya, Libya denied.
Central African Republic
| 1 May 2013
Security significantly deteriorated in Bangui following 24 March coup by rebel group Seleka toppling Bozizé regime as capital experienced bank robberies, killings, and systematic looting of private houses and ministries; at least 130 people reportedly killed by Seleka in Bangui since coup. Regional leaders 3 April met in Chad, called for new transitional body to be established and elections to be held within 18 months. South Africa withdrew troops from CAR. Seleka leader Michel Djotodia elected interim president 13 April by new national transitional council. Regional summit in N’Djamena 18 April recognised Djotodia as transitional head of govt, re-launched Libreville agreement steering committee, and resolved to quadruple regional peacekeeping force in CAR to 2,000 troops. PM Tiangaye late April visited Brussels, Paris and Pretoria in effort to raise funds, end CAR isolation and rebuild diplomatic contacts; South African president Zuma 29 April said South Africa supports transitional govt.
Cameroon
| 1 May 2013
Govt 14 April held first-ever senatorial election; ruling party won 56 of 70 seats. Authorities 19 April announced release of French family abducted Feb by Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram reportedly in exchange for $3.15m ransom and release of sect members imprisoned in Cameroon. Insecurity in east continued following early 2013 influx of refugees from CAR. Cameroon gendarmes 2 April launched “police action” in oil-rich Bakassi peninsula, ceded by Nigeria to Cameroon after ICJ ruling in 2002; 11 killed, some 1,800 displaced. Reasons for action unclear; Nigerian vowed to respond to attack.
Burundi
| 1 May 2013
National Assembly and Senate 29 April finished drafting controversial draft media law widely condemned as restrictive by press, UN, opposition and civil society. President Nkurunziza 9-12 April visited Iran, discussed economic support. Nkurunziza 13 April addressed ruling party leaders, warned against factionalism.
DR Congo
| 1 May 2013
Authorities announced assassination plot against President Kabila foiled 17 April. Talks between M23 and govt remain stalled; M23 rebels 12 April warned of reprisals if attacked by 3,069-strong UN intervention force expected to deploy late April; UN 25 April appointed Brazilian General dos Santos Cruz head of MONUSCO. Govt 5 April authorised controversial ban on exports of non-processed copper and iron; mineral-rich Katanga province rejected ban. 12 senior army officers suspended 11 April following UN probe into mass rape allegations.
Cameroon
| 1 Apr 2013
Following Feb abduction of 7 French tourists, including 4 children, govt reinforced security along Waza-Dabanga-Kousseri road, deployed Rapid Intervention Battalion in Amchidé town; also established 3 inter-ministerial committees to deal with hostage crisis. Islamist sect Boko Haram 18 March released video of hostages, said suicide bombings and kidnappings will increase if govt does not release jailed Islamist militants. French FM Fabius visited 15-16 March, reiterated French support for efforts to liberate kidnapped French citizens. Political parties 18 March submitted candidate lists to Electoral Council; ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement only party to field candidates in all 10 provinces. Govt 25 March confirmed deposed CAR president Bozizé had sought refuge in country.
DR Congo
| 1 Apr 2013
ICC indictee Bosco Ntaganda 18 March surrendered to U.S. embassy in Kigali, ending violent infighting between M23 rebel factions in DRC that has killed over 150; transferred to ICC custody 22 March. Ntaganda-allied Jean-Marie Runiga and Baudoin Ngaruye reportedly crossed into Rwanda 16 March with 550 M23 fighters; Rwanda swiftly announced their arrest. Ntaganda rival Sultani Makenga reportedly assumed leadership of M23. Following Ntaganda’s surrender, DRC and Ugandan govts announced imminent resumption of Kampala talks. President Kabila 24 March met with Rwandan and Ugandan counterparts in Oyo, Congo Brazzaville, to discuss regional security. Mayi Mayi asking for Katanga independence briefly occupied Lubumbashi 23 March before surrendering to MONUSCO. UNSC 28 March approved deployment of 2,500-strong intervention force.
Burundi
| 1 Apr 2013
UN-backed workshop on electoral process 11-13 March, attended by ruling party and opposition, agreed roadmap for 2015 polls including adoption of electoral code by Dec 2013. Journalist Hassan Ruvakuki, jailed since Nov 2011, granted provisional release 6 March. President Nkurunziza 10-12 March visited Paris, discussed intervention in Mali. 9 killed, some 40 wounded 12 March when followers of “Zebiya”, young woman claiming to have visions, clashed with police in Kayanza province; ministers of security and interior praised police, compared Zebiya followers to Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram. Following outcry at police brutality, comments by ministers, 3 policemen arrested. National Security Council 19 March declared Zebiya followers to be treated as outlaws.
Rwanda
| 1 Apr 2013
ICC indictee Bosco Ntaganda mid-month crossed border from DRC into Rwanda, surrendered at U.S. embassy and was transferred to ICC. Several donors resumed aid programs: UK 2 March released GBP 24m for humanitarian projects. Amnesty International 25 March reported trial of opposition leader Victoire Ingabire “flawed”, international standards flouted. Govt continued tightening controls on civil society. Grenade attack 27 March killed 1, wounded 8 in Kigali.
Central African Republic
| 1 Apr 2013
Seleka rebel coalition 24 March seized capital Bangui and overthrew President Bozizé’s regime, following repeated violations of ceasefire throughout month; Bangui remains tense with fears factions of fragmented Seleka coalition could decide to continue armed struggle. Rebels 18 March detained 5 Seleka leaders acting as ministers in new cabinet. As rebels advanced on Bangui, 13 South African soldiers reinforcing CAR troops in Bangui reportedly killed; South African President Zuma said troops to remain in CAR, would possibly be reinforced; France deployed 300 additional troops to secure airport, protect French citizens. Reported govt helicopter attack killed several regional peacekeepers 23 March. President Bozizé fled to Cameroon; widespread looting reported across Bangui in wake of coup. Seleka statement 24 March said PM, power-sharing govt would remain in place and Jan Libreville agreement would be respected; rebel leader Michel Djotodia 25 March proclaimed himself president, suspended constitution and National Assembly, announced he would rule by decree, 30 March said he would preside over 3-year transition; army chiefs 28 March pledged allegiance to Djotodia. Djotodia 31 March named new caretaker govt comprised of rebels and opposition; appointed himself as defence minister. AU suspended CAR 25 March, imposed sanctions on leaders of Seleka; U.S. 30 March condemned seizure of power. UNSC 25 March called for humanitarian access, parties to refrain from violence against civilians; Red Cross 30 March said some 78 bodies found in streets since rebel takeover.
Chad
| 1 Apr 2013
Rebel Union of Forces of Resistance (UFR) coalition 21 March announced resumption of rebellion. 2,000 Chadian troops 9 March officially joined African regional force deployed in Mali. President Déby 18 March said extremist Islamic threat exists in Chad, some Chadians already joined terrorist organizations. Opposition leader of disbanded rebel party FROLINAT 18 March returned to Chad after over 30 years’ exile following reconciliation with govt.
Rwanda
| 1 Mar 2013
President Kagame 17 Feb tasked 3 senior Rwandan Patriotic Front members with developing “transition formula” for end of his mandate in 2017, quelling rumours he will seek further term. Kagame 23 Feb signed DRC peace framework.
Chad
| 1 Mar 2013
West and Central African leaders 16 Feb met in N’Djamena at Sahel-Saharan regional CEN-SAD summit, discussed regional security. Chad widely criticised for hosting ICC indictee Sudanese President Bashir at summit. President Déby 27 Feb called for urgent deployment of regional troops to Mali. 6,000-strong police force suspended 4 Feb, police chief dismissed 6 Feb following investigation that revealed irregularities including graft; Déby 14 Feb dismissed Interior and Public Security Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration, accused of favouritism.
DR Congo
| 1 Mar 2013
Regional leaders 23 Feb signed Peace Framework Agreement under auspices of UN, AU, SADC and Great Lakes region; states agreed to abstain from interfering in internal affairs of neighbours, DRC agreed to structural reform. Govt 6 Feb signed agreement with M23 rebels on implementation of March 2009 peace agreement. Clash between rival M23 factions 24 Feb reportedly left 10 dead in Rutshuru region; M23 rebels 27 Feb accused leader Jean-Marie Runiga of treason and embezzlement, replaced him with General Sultani Makenga. Several Mayi Mayi groups 9-17 Feb attacked villages close to Lubumbashi and Pweto, Katanga Province. Head of UN mission Meece 21 Feb told UNSC of concern at re-emergence of armed groups, reported “worrisome security developments” in N Katanga.
Central African Republic
| 1 Mar 2013
New transitional govt sworn in 3 Feb following several days of negotiations: strategic foreign, justice and security ministries remain under control of President Bozizé ’s party; Seleka rebel group leader Michel Djotodia named defence minister. Rebels 25 Feb threatened to resume fighting if Bozizé fails to implement Jan Libreville peace agreement. NGOs, UN mid-month reported ongoing violence, displacement in areas under Seleka control including Bambari town and Mobaye, from which some 10,000 reportedly fled 7-13 Feb. Confinement of rebels to barracks scheduled to begin 24 Feb delayed due to logistics, dissent within Seleka. Bozizé 14 Feb met with Chad President Deby on sidelines of Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) summit (see Chad), discussed security in CAR.
Cameroon
| 1 Mar 2013
7 French tourists abducted from Dabanga on border with Nigeria 19 Feb by suspected Nigerian militants; captors demanded liberation of Islamist militants detained in Cameroon and Nigeria, declared war against France for Mali intervention in video published 25 Feb. President Biya 27 Feb set long-delayed date for Senate polls for 14 April.
Burundi
| 1 Mar 2013
President of opposition National Council for Defence of Democracy (CNDD) 11 Feb announced plan to return from exile; president of opposition Movement for Solidarity and Democracy (MSD) early Feb also announced intention to return. Police 19 Feb used tear gas to disperse demonstration against imprisonment of journalist Hassan Ruvakuki, jailed since Nov 2011; protests held again 26 Feb. UN office in Burundi (BINUB) mid-Feb announced elections roadmap workshop to be held with govt and opposition 11-13 March. BINUB mandate extended to Feb 2014.
Rwanda
| 1 Feb 2013
President Kagame 21 Jan said he does not oppose planned UN deployment of surveillance drones to DRC, again denied Rwandan support for M23 rebels, acknowledged difficult budget situation due to aid suspension. Germany 30 Jan announced suspended aid to Rwanda to be released. Rwanda 28 Jan expelled Belgian diplomat.
Cameroon
| 1 Feb 2013
Authorities 7 Jan announced extradition of 29 Nigerians, 2 Nigeriens suspected of ties with Boko Haram (BH). Former BH member turned “informant” found executed 19 Jan in Kousseri town, authorities believe BH responsible. Mid-month clashes over land between Peul and Mboum ethnic groups in Touborou left at least 4 dead. Amnesty International 24 Jan released report accusing govt of abuses including unlawful killings and torture of political opponents, human rights defenders, journalists.
Chad
| 1 Feb 2013
President Déby 21 Jan replaced PM Emmanuel Nadingar with Chief of Staff Joseph Dadnadji. National Alliance for Change and Democracy (ANCD) rebels 4 Jan denied govt claims ANCD lending support to CAR Seleka rebel coalition. Déby 23 Jan sent 2,000 troops to help fight Islamist groups in Mali.
DR Congo
| 1 Feb 2013
Govt talks with M23 rebels resumed 17 Jan after agreement on agenda, but plans to sign peace deal on 28 Jan cancelled as negotiations stalled. U.S. 9 Jan backed UN plans to deploy surveillance drones to aid peacekeepers. UN/SADC/AU/ICGLR leaders 28 Jan failed to reach agreement on deployment of neutral force. Rebel groups continued to launch attacks in east: Mai Mai Morgan militants 7 Jan seized Mambasa city in Province Orientale for 3 days; Front for Patriotic Resistance of Ituri (FRPI) 11 Jan attacked Kagaba city, Irumu; Mai Mai Gedeon and Bakata Katanga militias launched several attacks in Katanga province; Rayia Mutomboki 10 Jan attacked several areas in Shabunda territory, South Kivu. 2013 budget adopted 15 Jan with significant increase in defence spending.
Burundi
| 1 Feb 2013
National Forces of Liberation (FNL) rebel group members early Jan announced Agathon Rwasa, leader in exile, no longer head of group, sparking intra-FNL clashes in eastern DRC. Journalists 15 and 22 Jan demonstrated in Bujumbura against imprisonment of journalist Hassan Ruvakuki; life sentence against Ruvakuki reduced 8 Jan to 3 years after court dropped terrorism charges on appeal.
Central African Republic
| 1 Feb 2013
Seleka rebel movement and President Bozizé 11 Jan agreed to ceasefire, formation of unity govt and legislative elections within 1 year at Libreville peace talks that began 9 Jan; Bozizé 17 Jan named Nicolas Tiangaye, leader of Republican Convention for Social Progress, as new PM until 2016, following his nomination by democratic opposition. Bozizé same day proposed ministerial redistribution: Seleka rebels and democratic opposition given 5 positions each, civil society and other politico-military groups 4 each, 12 positions awarded to presidential majority. PM Tiangaye late Jan denounced attacks committed by Seleka elements in Kembe and Dimbi; Seleka’s spokesperson said perpetrators will be sanctioned. UNSC 24 Jan welcomed ceasefire, extended peacekeeping mandate to 31 Jan 2014.
Burundi
| 30 Dec 2012
Opposition Democratic Alliance for Change (ADC-Ikibiri) 5 Dec rejected new electoral commission, approved 4 Dec by National Assembly and Senate. President Nkurunziza 22 Dec announced postponement of Truth and Reconciliation Commission bill, will now be tabled early 2013.
DR Congo
| 30 Dec 2012
M23 rebel group withdrawal from Goma completed 2 Dec. Opposition parties 6 Dec rejected invitation to join govt-M23 talks facilitated by Uganda beginning 7 Dec; talks made little progress, extended to end of 2012. Insecurity around Goma, IDP camps continues. 2 MONUSCO helicopters reportedly fired at from areas under M23 control 26 Dec. ICC 18 Dec acquitted former militia leader Mathieu Ngudjolo (Chui) of war crimes, crimes against humanity in 2003 in Ituri.
Cameroon
| 30 Dec 2012
Cameroon and Nigerian govts 17 Dec agreed to start process for demarcation of land-based areas yet to be identified in Bakassi peninsula; Nigeria expressed concern at reported cases of maltreatment of its citizens in Bakassi. Soldier 27 Dec reportedly shot at President Biya’s motorcade in failed assassination attempt. Court 14 Dec sentenced opposition leader Enoh Meyomess, arrested Nov 2011 for alleged coup attempt, to 7 years jail on charges of aggravated theft, illegal sale of gold.
Rwanda
| 30 Dec 2012
Govt 2 Dec said FDLR rebels crossed border from DR Congo into Rwanda, killed national park warden near Musanze province. U.S. President Obama 18 Dec called for end to Rwandan support for DR Congo M23 rebels.
Chad
| 30 Dec 2012
Govt mid-Dec agreed to enhance surveillance of border with Libya during visit by Libyan PM Zeidan. President Déby 5 Dec met with French President Hollande, discussed potential deployment of Chadian troops to Mali, security deterioration in Central African Republic (see CAR). Govt 18 Dec deployed some 400 troops to fight CAR rebels, said intervention an “interposition” mission, Chad not siding with any protagonists in CAR conflict.
Central African Republic
| 30 Dec 2012
Resurgence of rebel activity in north under new Seleka coalition early Dec threatened Bozizé regime. Rebels made swift gains in north and east: 11 Dec captured Ndele town, 18 Dec seized central mining town Bria, 29 Dec seized Sibut, 114 miles from capital Bangui; rebels currently control approximately a third of country. Estimated 400 Chadian soldiers deployed 18 Dec in Sibut and Damara cities to contain rebels, prevent fall of Bangui. Rebels 26 Dec called on troops to stand down, said did not intend to march on capital, but later warned they may enter Bangui, despite 28 Dec agreeing to talks with govt starting early Jan. Regional presidents 21 Dec met with President Bozizé, called for deployment of regional peacekeepers, negotiations under aegis of regional organisation (ECCAS); ECCAS 29 Dec announced deployment of additional troops. AU chair Boni set to discuss crisis with Bozizé end-month. UN late month began evacuation of staff, U.S. evacuated embassy and urged citizens to leave. Bozizé 27 Dec appealed for U.S., French intervention. Hundreds late Dec demonstrated, stoned French embassy, criticised France for failing to intervene; French president Hollande said French military will protect embassy and French citizens, will not interfere in domestic affairs.
DR Congo
| 1 Dec 2012
M23 rebels 15 Nov launched offensive against FARDC in east with alleged support from Rwanda, 19 Nov took regional capital Goma prompting thousands to flee and sparking protests against Monusco and presidential political party PPRD; M23 rapidly extended control to Sake town 10km from Goma, announced intention to take S Kivu capital Bukavu. President Kabila 19 Nov met with Rwandan, Ugandan counterparts for emergency regional meeting; 3 presidents 20 Nov called for M23 withdrawal from Goma. UNSC 20 Nov condemned Goma takeover and called for immediate withdrawal, 28 Nov extended sanctions against armed groups in DRC to 1 Feb 2014, said additional measures against M23 leaders and supporters will be considered. International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) met 24 Nov; peace deal announced following reported first meeting between M23 rebels and President Kabila at gathering. M23 leader Colonel Sultani Makenga 29 Nov announced withdrawal from Goma and Sake; rebel leaders 30 Nov said withdrawal delayed due to “logistical reasons”, UN peacekeepers impeding withdrawal; promised rebels would fully withdraw by 2 Dec. UN Group of Experts report 21 Nov substantiated alleged Rwandan and Ugandan support for M23; Group mandate and current sanctions renewed 28 Nov for 14 months.
Rwanda
| 1 Dec 2012
Govt 19 Nov accused DRC military of shelling across border in Gisenyi, wounding 3 civilians. DRC soldier shot dead, Rwandan wounded 3 Nov in Kibumba, near Goma, when several DRC soldiers crossed border. UN Group of Experts 21 Nov released new report again accusing Rwanda of supporting M23. Pressure to cut aid to Rwanda for support to DRC’s M23 rebels mounted among EU member states, U.S.; UK 30 Nov announced £21m to be withheld. Authorities 27 Nov said attack by FDLR Hutu rebel group in Rubavu district repelled, 6 FDLR killed, 2 captured.
Cameroon
| 1 Dec 2012
Security forces 6 Nov violently dispersed some one thousand opposition supporters in Douala protesting against President Biya’s 3 decades in power. Opposition grouping “G7” 10 Nov announced end of opposition coalition. UN/Nigerian/Cameroonian Joint Technical Team 23 Nov announced suspension of maritime boundary demarcation process following protests by displaced Bakassi people.
Central African Republic
| 1 Dec 2012
Abuses by armed groups near Kabo town in north throughout month, and 27 Nov fights between CAR army and rebels in which several soldiers killed, confirmed nascent rebellion. Ouaka governor shot, seriously wounded 24 Nov near Sibut by unidentified men; disarmament process in NE remains stalled. Faction of UFDR threatened attack on Ndele, NE. Policeman, 2 others killed 13 Nov in attack by armed men in Libi, north of Bangui.
Chad
| 1 Dec 2012
President Deby 14 Nov met with AU High Rep for Mali standby military force Sékouba Konaté; Konaté suggested Chad ready to contribute troops, govt spokesman Hassan Sylla said Chad had not formally consented.
Burundi
| 1 Dec 2012
President Nkurunziza 10 Nov appointed new chiefs and deputies to police, army. Forced repatriation of 35,000 Burundian refugees from Tanzania that began 31 Oct continued throughout month, raising concerns over possible land disputes. Trial of RFA journalist Hassan Rucakuki continued with hearings 8-9 Nov; verdict expected Jan 2013. U.S. govt 8 Nov issued travel warning, said Burundi target of Somalia-based al-Shabaab militants. Cabinet 15 Nov adopted draft law on Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
DR Congo
| 1 Nov 2012
Clashes between M23/Congolese Revolutionary Army rebels and FARDC continued in east. M23 10 and 14 Oct conducted unsuccessful offensives to extend territory in NE. FARDC 24 Oct began integration of Nyatura local militias. Leaked UN group of experts report mid-month said Uganda, Rwanda backing M23 rebellion; UNSC 19 Oct announced intention to impose sanctions on M23 leaders, anyone who violated sanctions regime, arms embargo. DRC 17 Oct called for sanctions against Ugandan and Rwandan officials named in leaked report. At 14th Francophonie summit in Kinshasa, French president Hollande, Canadian PM Harper criticised govt over human rights, democratic record; govt denounced outside involvement in eastern rebellion. Attempted assassination of rights activist Dr Denis Mukwege in Bukavu 25 Oct prompted international condemnation. 6 UN peacekeepers wounded 19 Oct near Buganza, NE; 2 rangers, 1 soldier, 5 Mayi Mayi rebels killed 25 Oct in attack on Virunga National Park, NE.
Central African Republic
| 1 Nov 2012
Public prosecutor 18 Oct said 3 arrested, charged with planning coup. Authorities began repatriating Popular Front for Recovery (FPR) rebels to Chad early Oct. 2 Chinese road workers abducted late Sept by unidentified rebels on Garoua Boulai-Bouar road released.
Rwanda
| 1 Nov 2012
Country won 2-year Africa seat on UNSC 18 Oct despite continued international condemnation for reported support to DRC rebels. UN group of experts report leaked mid-Oct accused Defence Minister James Kabarebe of commanding DRC M23 rebels. Opposition leader Victoire Ingabire sentenced to 8 years jail 30 Oct for “genocide denial”. Amnesty International early Oct released report alleging govt torture of detainees in run-up to 2010 election.
Burundi
| 1 Nov 2012
At least 1 army officer killed 4 Oct in clash with Burundi rebels near Uvira, eastern DRC; witnesses alleged army conducting joint operation with DRC army. At least 9 rebels reportedly killed 22-24 Oct in clashes with security forces in Cibitoke province, near DRC.
Chad
| 1 Nov 2012
French President Hollande early Oct requested reopening of investigation into 2008 “disappearance” of political opponent Ibni Mahamat Saleh, 8 Oct cancelled planned meeting with President Deby; Deby did not attend 14 Oct Francophonie summit in Kinshasa, reportedly in response. 3-day trade union strike over salaries began 22 Oct. Govt 12 Oct announced expulsion of Italian bishop Michel Russo following his criticism of govt handling of oil revenues.
DR Congo
| 1 Oct 2012
Regional summit on DRC conflict early Sept agreed to deploy neutral force, excluding Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi troops, to combat M23 rebels. UN peacekeeping chief Hervé Ladsous 18 Sept told UNSC M23 rebels have established de facto administration in east. Govt 20 Sept began integration of 800 FRPI militias in Ituri into FARDC, 7 Sept initiated talks with Hutu self-defence groups in Masisi territory, N Kivu. Opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress 6 Sept accused govt of “treason” for crisis in east, presence of Rwandan troops. UNSG Ban 7 Sept expressed concern at continued reports of external support to M23; Human Rights Watch 11 Sept reported M23 rebels committing war crimes, said Rwandan officials possibly complicit. Govt continued to lobby international community to embargo minerals, impose sanctions on Rwanda. Roger Lumbala, Congolese MP and former rebel accused of supporting M23 rebellion in DRC, reportedly early month sought asylum at South African embassy in Burundi before fleeing to France; govt requested extradition.
Central African Republic
| 1 Oct 2012
LRA rebels reportedly kidnapped 55 in 1 Sept raid on 2 villages in east; govt soldier killed 10 Sept in ambush in SE. Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) faction claimed responsibility for 15 Sept attacks on Damara, Sibut, Dekoa towns, said faction does not recognise peace accords signed by CPJP leader, threatened further attacks; army 19 Sept killed faction leader Hassan al-Habib. Chadian Popular Front for Recovery (FPR) rebel chief Baba Laddé 2 Sept surrendered, extradited to Chad 5 Sept; govt 11 Sept established committee for repatriation of FPR rebels to Chad. Govt, opposition, civil society 13 Sept agreed to formation of National Elections Authority to replace much-criticised Independent Electoral Commission.
Rwanda
| 1 Oct 2012
Govt early Sept withdrew Special Forces supporting Congolese army against Hutu rebels, ending joint operations initiated in 2010; DRC govt said Rwanda smuggling troops supporting M23 out of eastern regions. EU 25 Sept froze further budgetary support over allegations Kigali supporting M23; President Kagame 27 Sept rejected claims, warned against external solutions to DRC crisis at UN high level summit.
Burundi
| 1 Oct 2012
Govt 14 Sept met with EU ambassadors, disputed existence of extrajudicial killings. Former rebel National Liberation Forces (FNL) military chief Aloys Nzampema 3 Sept announced creation of new FNL-Ubugabo burihabwa rebel group citing govt “policy of extermination of FNL members”, claimed responsibility for 2 Sept attack on military base outside Bujumbura. VP Sinunguruza 7 Sept attended Great Lakes summit in Kampala on security in DRC. Rising tension between Barundi, Bafulero communities in DRC late month caused refugee influx in Cibitoke province.
Cameroon
| 1 Oct 2012
Court 22 Sept sentenced former minister Marafa Hamidou Yaya, seen as potential successor to President Biya, to 25 years prison for embezzlement. Central African Republic rebels 23 Sept attacked border post in attempt to free comrades held in Cameroon; 3 killed including 1 rebel.
Chad
| 1 Oct 2012
2 lead trade union members, journalist found guilty 18 Sept of “incitation of hatred”, defamation, sentenced to 18 months in prison. 2-month public sector workers’ strike in N’Djamena ended 17 Sept, reportedly to give mediation efforts initiated by religious leaders a chance at reaching a settlement.
Cameroon
| 1 Sep 2012
New Bakassi Self-determination Front (BSDF) rebel group mostly composed of Nigerian Ijaw fishermen 10 Aug declared Bakassi peninsula independent. Police 11 Aug denied newly-created opposition coalition Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) leaders access to press conference in Yaoundé; CRM 15 Aug held second press conference in private office but event again disrupted by police forces.
Rwanda
| 1 Sep 2012
Govt continued to deny allegations of support to DRC M23 rebels; FM Mushikiwabo visited New York, lobbied against UN allegations. Belgian FM Didier Reynders visited late Aug, threatened to propose UN sanctions if Kigali did not halt M23 support. Govt early month requested UN investigate appointment of coordinator of UN group of experts Steve Hege, alleged he sympathises with FDLR following new report linking govt with M23 rebels. Exiled opposition members 17 Aug visited The Hague, called for ICC to bring charges against Kagame.
Central African Republic
| 1 Sep 2012
CPJP rebel group 25 Aug signed peace deal with govt. Violent protests erupted after 2 Aug release of Armed Forces recruitment results; angry youths attacked Ngaraba central prison, freed all inmates. British safari employee, accused of killing 13, released 27 Aug after 5 months.
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