Suspected jihadists stepped up attacks against security forces and civilians especially in north, fuelling further protests in capital Ouagadougou; security forces’ partial withdrawal from Djibo, Soum province capital, and nearby military camps raises risk that jihadists further increase attacks on urban centres in coming weeks. In Soum province, Sahel region in north, suspected jihadists 2-3 Sept killed two civilians in Koutougou village; suspected members of jihadist Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM) 9 Sept killed four gendarmes in ambush near Inata; JNIM 12 Sept killed two soldiers in Baraboulé and Nassoumbou military camps, reportedly seized camps, forcing withdrawal of military units; local police next day withdrew from province’s capital Djibo for fear of attacks. Suspected jihadists 28 Sept killed soldier in Déou, Oudalan province, Sahel region. Media 24 Sept reported that Adama Garibou, Burkinabe leader of jihadist group Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, and 24 other combatants had died of their wounds sustained in 19 Aug attack on Koutougou. In Centre-North region, suspected jihadists 8 Sept killed 29 civilians in two attacks in Sanmatenga province; JNIM 20 Sept apologised for death of civilians killed by mine 8 Sept; suspected jihadists 21-28 Sept killed at least 31 civilians in several areas of Bam province. Fewer attacks reported in East region than in recent months. In Ouagadougou, police 16 Sept used tear gas to disperse at least 2,000 protesters denouncing “security, social and economic crisis”. At Economic Community of West African States extraordinary session on terrorism in Ouagadougou 14 Sept, regional leaders announced $1bn 2020-2024 plan to fight jihadist violence in region by reinforcing national and joint military operations. Military court 2 Sept sentenced several leaders of 2015 attempted coup: Gilbert Diendéré, chief of Presidential Security Regiment under former President Compaoré, was sentenced to twenty years in prison, and Djibril Bassolé, FM under Compaoré, to ten years.

Authorities and ruling party’s youth wing continued to repress opposition, in particular members of opposition party National Congress for Freedom (CNL), killing one. Security official 4 Sept reportedly tortured CNL member in Mwaro province and police 15 Sept arrested CNL member in Nyabikere commune. Imbonerakure, youth wing of ruling party CNDD-FDD, 1 Sept attacked CNL member and apprehended a dozen in Mutumba commune; 8 Sept attacked CNL member in Kayogoro commune; 22 Sept assaulted CNL member who next day died of injuries in Gihogazi commune; same day detained two CNL members in Mabanda commune in Makamba province; 23 Sept detained CNL member in Rumonge commune. Former members of coalition of opposition parties in exile CNARED-Giriteka 9 Sept created new opposition bloc, Coalition of the Burundian Opposition Forces for the Restoration of the Arusha Agreement (CFOR-Arusha); 12 Sept opposed holding of elections in current political climate. CNARED-Giriteka delegation sometime between 30 Aug and 2 Sept reportedly met govt officials in Kenyan capital Nairobi to discuss their return from exile. UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi 4 Sept released report highlighting human rights violations against opposition, identifying 2020 elections as potential trigger for violence; govt and ruling party officials denounced report. UN Human Rights Council 27 Sept prolonged Commission of Inquiry’s mandate for one more year. After Burundi and Tanzania agreed late Aug to repatriate Burundian refugees from Tanzania, NGO Amnesty International 6 Sept revealed official document suggesting repatriation would not be voluntary.

Violence increased in Anglophone regions as military stepped up attacks mostly targeting civilians, and Boko Haram (BH) sustained attacks in Far North. In Northwest and Southwest regions, Anglophone separatists continued to impose ban started late Aug on economic activity and movement by vehicle until mid-Sept and prevented schools from reopening. In Northwest region, clashes between separatists and security forces 3-11 Sept left eleven dead in Bui and regional capital Bamenda; security forces 5-9 Sept killed nine in Weh, Kumbo, Bali Nyonga and Bambui; separatists 14 Sept kidnapped two in Bamenda; clashes between security forces and separatists 30 Sept left gendarme dead in Bamejin. In Southwest region, security forces 1-7 Sept clashed with armed separatists in Kumba, killing at least four; gunmen 9 Sept kidnapped four motorcyclists in Limbe; security forces 12-19 Sept reportedly killed at least a dozen in Muntengene and Munyenge; clashes between security forces and separatists 29 Sept left five dead in Owe. President Biya 10 Sept announced govt would organise national dialogue 30 Sept-4 Oct in capital Yaoundé to address Anglophone crisis principally, but also other issues. Separatists rejected initiative. PM Ngute held pre-dialogue consultations mostly with Francophones. Opposition party Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC) 14 Sept said it would boycott dialogue unless authorities released party leader Maurice Kamto. Court 9 Sept sentenced imprisoned Anglophone activists and MRC members, including its Vice President, to two years in jail for taking part in prison riots in July. Cameroon bar association 16-20 Sept held nationwide boycott of courts to protest govt’s human rights violations. In Far North, BH militants 5-13 Sept killed ten civilians in several villages. BH combatants of Islamic State West Africa Province 14 Sept attacked military base in Soueram, killing six soldiers. Clashes between BH and security forces 19 Sept in Kouyapé left at least four militants and civilian dead. BH attack on military post in Guitsenad-Tourou, Mayo-Tsanaga 21 Sept left soldier dead.

Fighting between armed groups surged in north east leaving over 40 combatants dead; authorities launched mediation initiatives but tensions remained high. In north east, fighting between armed groups Popular Front for the Central African Renaissance (FPRC) and Movement of Central African Liberators for Justice (MLCJ) in Birao 1, 3 and 14 Sept left at least 44 combatants dead and over 14,000 displaced; fighting sparked when ethnic Runga FPRC members late Aug killed son of Sultan of Birao who was Kara, dominant tribe in MLCJ. Amid mediation initiatives, over 100 FPRC combatants 20 Sept left group’s base in Ndele for Birao, raising risk of reprisal attacks in coming weeks. In north west, UN mission (MINUSCA) 26-28 Sept conducted operation against armed group Return, Restitution and Rehabilitation (3R) in Ouham Pende, Nana Mambere and Mambere Kadei prefectures destroying several bases, seizing vehicles and weapons. MINUSCA helicopter 27 Sept crashed in Bouar in west leaving three peacekeepers dead. In south east, armed group Union for Peace in Central African Republic (UPC) 3 Sept attacked gold mine in Basse-Kotto prefecture, leaving unknown number dead. Suspected members of Lord’s Resistance Army armed group 16 Sept attacked Gbassigbiri village, Mbomou province killing three villagers. Following late Aug resignation of armed group leader Mahamat Al Khatim from position as special adviser in charge of mixed security units in north centre, leader of armed group 3R, Sidiki Abass, 3 Sept resigned from same role for north west. UN Security Council 12 Sept partially lifted arms embargo on CAR. President Touadéra 5 Sept met French President Macron in Paris and discussed France’s renewed support to govt. EU 26 Sept announced it would contribute some $65mn to support implementation of Feb peace agreement. Sudan 26 Sept said it would close its border with CAR citing security concerns.

President Déby pressured electoral bodies to hold legislative elections by Jan 2020, govt extended state of emergency in east and north, and Boko Haram (BH) continued attacks in west. Déby 16 Sept rejected electoral commission’s proposals to hold legislative elections in either April or Nov 2020 and ordered it to organise them by Jan 2020. Govt 24 Sept created commission to revise electoral code in order to organise elections as soon as possible. Opposition coalition General Coordination of the Opposition 21 Sept denounced Déby’s interference in electoral process and threatened to boycott elections. Opposition Party for Liberties and Development 24 Sept also called on Déby to stop interfering in electoral calendar, to lift state of emergency in east and north and to organise new electoral census. Parliament 10 Sept extended by four months state of emergency that govt declared in Aug in Ouaddaï and Dar Sila provinces in east following intercommunal violence and Tibesti province in north. In Lake Chad province in west, BH militants 11 Sept attacked Medi Kouta leaving at least one dead; mine planted by Boko Haram (BH) in Kaiga Kindjiria 17 Sept killed army commander. Chad and France 4 Sept signed agreements expanding French support to Chadian security sector. U.S. 26 Sept delivered 60 vehicles to Chadian G5 Sahel contingent.

Opposition parties continued to close ranks in likely bid to challenge President Ouattara’s party, Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace, in 2020 presidential election. Former President Bédié’s Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) and former President Gbagbo’s Popular Ivorian Front (FPI) held joint rally 14 Sept in Abidjan, gathering about 10,000 supporters despite leaders’ absence. Jean-Louis Billon, PDCI’s head of communications and Ouattara’s former trade minister, visited Gbagbo’s former youth minister Charles Blé Goudé in The Hague 15 Sept. Ouattara 25-28 Sept made first state visit to N’zi region, PDCI stronghold home to Bédié’s ethnic group Baoulé. Electoral commission’s fifteen members took oath 27 Sept. Prosecutor of International Criminal Court 16 Sept appealed 15 Jan acquittal of Gbagbo and Blé Goudé.

Violence continued in Ituri province in north east killing at least 66 people, and could escalate in Oct if dialogue between provincial authorities and militia leader collapses. In Ituri province, unidentified gunmen 5-12 Sept attacked two villages and displaced persons’ camp killing ten and kidnapping at least six; suspected ethnic Lendu armed group 17 Sept killed fourteen ethnic Hema in Bukatsele; several attacks by unidentified assailants in Djugu territory 17-18 Sept left at least 42 dead. Ituri provincial authorities late Sept held talks with leader of armed group Cooperative for Development of Congo (CODECO), who said he was willing to lay down arms if authorities granted group amnesty and integrated his men into armed forces. CODECO 23 Sept released seven prisoners. In North Kivu province, 55 members of Raia Mutomboki militia surrendered in Walikale. Armed group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) 16 Sept kidnapped three in Beni territory. In Rutshuru territory, security forces night of 17-18 Sept killed Sylvestre Mudacumura, leader of militia Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) under International Criminal Court arrest warrant. ADF attack on security forces in Beni territory 18 Sept left ADF commander dead. Gunmen 29 Sept ambushed security forces, killing two in Mulimbi, Rutshuru territory. Army chiefs of DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda 13-14 Sept met in Goma, North Kivu to discuss insecurity affecting east and neighboring countries. Parliament 6 Sept approved PM Ilunkamba’s program, which prioritises security, employment, health, access to infrastructure and anti-corruption; MPs from three main opposition groups boycotted vote. President Tshisekedi 13 Sept chaired his first cabinet meeting and asked ministers to disregard political divisions. In Belgium, Tshisekedi met country’s PM and EU officials 16-19 Sept, restoring diplomatic relations with Belgium broken off since 2017.

President Isaias 14-16 Sept visited Sudanese capital Khartoum for first time since 2014; he and chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council Lieutenant General Abdel-Fattah Burhan 16 Sept announced that their countries would increase security cooperation.

Civil servants went on strike nationwide 23-25 Sept to protest low pay and rising cost of living; police in capital Mbabane 25 Sept clashed with protesters using rubber bullets, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse them, reportedly leaving at least fifteen injured.

Insecurity persisted as opposition contested new electoral law ahead of 2020 general elections and new talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan over Nile waters failed to make headway. Group of opposition parties 3 Sept threatened to boycott 2020 elections if govt refused to change electoral law passed in Aug, in particular new regulations that would raise number of signatures required for parties to register. Electoral board 9 Sept released plan for preparation of referendum scheduled for 13 Nov on changing Sidama zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ state into new ethnic federal state; plan stipulates that all residents of Sidama zone are eligible to vote, not just ethnic Sidama. Following 12 Sept grenade attack on police camp in Burayu town, Oromia region near capital Addis Ababa, authorities arrested 22 people suspected of involvement in attack whom they accused of having ties with armed splinter of ethno-nationalist group Oromo Liberation Front. Army 12 Sept said security forces had detained unspecified number of Islamic State members in Addis Ababa, Oromia region and Somali region. In Gambella region in west, unidentified attackers 5 Sept killed two staff members of NGO Action Against Hunger prompting UN and humanitarian organisations to suspend operations in region until security has improved. Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan held talks in Cairo 15-16 Sept aimed at resolving dispute over Ethiopia’s construction of its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on River Nile; parties failed to make breakthrough with Ethiopia and Egypt still disagreeing on fill rate of reservoir.

Govt 2 Sept dismissed claims that President Bongo, who suffered stroke in Oct 2018, had been hospitalised in London during visit there. After govt 22 Aug suspended magistrate who initiated hearing on whether doctors should assess Bongo’s fitness to rule, Court of Appeal 2 Sept refused to hear case.

President Condé seemed to continue manoeuvres to change constitution so that he can run for third term in 2020 presidential election. Condé 4 Sept said legislative elections, postponed since Oct 2018, must be organised by end of 2019. President of electoral commission 16 Sept said vote would take place 28 Dec, but opposition representatives in commission said they believed election could not be organised legally and practically before March 2020. At Condé’s request, PM Fofana 12-25 Sept discussed possible new constitution with national assembly, political parties, trade union and civil society organisations, but several opposition parties and civil society groups critical of govt refused to take part in consultations. Members of opposition movement National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) 11 and 17 Sept blocked meetings of Condé’s supporters in Boffa in west. Security forces 19 Sept blocked FNDC demonstration against constitutional change in Macenta in south.

Ahead of presidential election scheduled for 24 Nov, nineteen individuals put forward candidacies, including incumbent President Vaz. Judiciary, which needs to approve applications, 24 Sept went on strike to demand better police protection and working conditions, potentially delaying vote. PM Gomes deferred vote on his program and budget, initially due 23 Sept.

Al-Shabaab attacks continued in north east and Kenya-Somalia tensions eased. In Mandera county in north east, suspected Al-Shabaab attack on Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) convoy in Elwak 10 Sept left at least five soldiers dead. KDF 11 Sept arrested Al-Shabaab member in Mombasa. In south, herders attacked locals in Kitui South and Kitui East constituencies 8 Sept leaving at least two dead. Following killing of taxi driver by suspected herders, driver’s colleagues 14 Sept killed two herders in Voi constituency. In centre, unidentified gunmen 23 Sept ambushed herders, killing four and stealing livestock in Baragoi, Samburu county. After months of tensions between Kenya and Somalia particularly over maritime border dispute, President Kenyatta and Somali President Farmajo 24 Sept met on sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York and agreed to normalise relations. Despite African Union’s plan that its mission in Somalia (AMISOM) pull out by 2021, Kenyatta 11 Sept said KDF serving under AMISOM would stay until Al-Shabaab was defeated. Following govt’s 3 Sept request to International Court of Justice (ICJ) to postpone by one year hearing on maritime border dispute originally set for 9-13 Sept, hearing rescheduled for 4-8 Nov. In recording released 19 Sept, Al-Shabaab leader Sheikh Ahmed Diriye criticised Kenya’s maritime border claim and said Al-Shabaab would not accept any decision made by ICJ. Kenyatta and Ugandan President Museveni 12 Sept signed agreement to help mitigate cross-border violence between herding communities.

President Weah 12 Sept endorsed creation of war crimes court and called on national assembly to take necessary steps toward its establishment.

Authorities and ruling party supporters continued efforts, sometimes using force, to thwart protests against electoral commission’s alleged rigging of May presidential poll; violence could escalate in Oct if constitutional court rules against opposition’s application to overturn President Mutharika’s election win. Constitutional court hearing resumed 3 Sept until 20 Sept, restarted 30 Sept; judge said case would conclude three weeks after resumption. Supporters of NGO Human Rights Defender Coalition (HRDC) 19 Sept protested in capital Lilongwe accusing electoral commission chairperson Jane Ansah of bias in favour of Mutharika; protesters also demanded parliament reject appointment of Duncan Mwapasa as new police chief. Supreme Court of Appeal 20 Sept rejected Attorney General’s application to stop HRDC protests. In Blantyre, youth wing of ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) 25 Sept blocked route of HRDC protest march to electoral commission conference before attacking protesters with stones and sharp objects, injuring senior HRDC official. Clashes between demonstrators and military in Karonga 25 Sept reportedly left 30 injured. HRDC vowed to return to streets 1-4 Oct.

Violence surged in centre as jihadist group’s and army’s attacks against Dogon militia fuelled intercommunal conflict, and insecurity persisted in north. In Mopti region in centre, Dogon militia Dan Na Ambassagou 2 Sept attacked Fulani village of Ouro Fero, Bandiagara district killing one. Following pledge to protect Fulani, jihadist group Katiba Macina 3 Sept killed 27 Dan Na Ambassagou militiamen near Ouro Fero. Security forces continued attacks against Dan Na Ambassagou, outlawed in March, notably conducting 5 Sept airstrike on base in Bandiougou, Bandiagara district. Suspected Fulani militiamen 9 Sept ambushed vehicle between Simekanda and Parou, Bandiagara district killing six Dogon. Dogon militiamen 16-18 Sept set up checkpoints in Bandiagara city, arresting and chasing out Fulanis, reportedly killing two. Dogon youth groups demonstrated in support of Dan Na Ambassagou and against govt in Bandiagara city 9 Sept and capital Bamako 13 Sept. Protesters accusing police commissioner of abuses 19 Sept burned police station in Niono, Ségou region in centre and killed commissioner, one protester killed. Explosive device 26 Sept killed seven soldiers on Douentza-Sévaré axis. In north, civil society and youth groups protested early Sept in Timbuktu and Gao calling on govt to build roads and address insecurity, 7-10 Sept blocked access to Timbuktu airport. Intercommunal clashes in Timbuktu city 19 Sept killed three, including two children. Over 1,000 disarmed and demobilised former combatants of Mécanisme opérationnel de coordination (MOC) integrated into army 4 Sept, but unidentified gunmen 5 Sept kidnapped at least 22 of them as they travelled to their posts in Gao region. Govt cancelled meeting of 2015 peace accord follow-up committee (CSA) initially planned for 17 Sept in Kidal after Nigerien President Issoufou accused some signatory armed groups of collusion with jihadists. In reaction, ex-rebel Coalition of Azawad Movements suspended participation in CSA. Preparations for national dialogue continued, but opposition parties threatened to boycott over lack of inclusivity.

Ahead of 15 Oct general elections, opposition accused ruling Frelimo party of intimidation and trying to rig polls and suspected jihadist attacks continued in north; rebel faction and jihadists could seek to violently disrupt polling. Breakaway faction of former rebel group now opposition party Renamo 19 Sept reiterated pledge to disrupt polling and increase attacks during campaign. Renamo district delegate for Nampula in north 23 Sept said that Frelimo members had been intimidating Renamo supporters and preventing them from putting up election posters. Renamo officials 24 Sept accused Frelimo members of illicitly collecting voter cards in southern province of Inhambane to manipulate voting. Stampede at election rally for President Nyusi in Nampula 12 Sept left ten people dead. In far north, unidentified militants 18 Sept attacked Christian village of Quiterajo and military post in Cobre in Macomia district, Cabo Delgado province killing six and abducting ten, Islamic State same day claimed responsibility. Suspected jihadists 23 Sept attacked Mbau village in Mocimboa da Praia district killing twelve people and burning down Frelimo HQ. Same day militants decapitated two farmers near village of Mindumbe. Locals in Niassa province 18 Sept killed five Chinese employees of mining company suspected of trafficking human organs; police 20 Sept arrested two people in connection with killings.

Jihadist groups continued attacks on civilians in south east near Nigeria, as President Issoufou accused Malian armed group leaders of collusion with jihadists in west. In south east, villagers in Diffa region reported deadly incursions by Boko Haram, in particular faction known as Islamic State West Africa Province, almost every day. In west, suspected jihadists 10 Sept stole two vehicles from International Committee of the Red Cross near Tongo Tongo, Tillabéry region. During visit to Malian capital Bamako 7 Sept, President Issoufou said unresolved status of Kidal region in northern Mali, still controlled by ex-rebel group Coalition of Azawad Movements, signatory of 2015 peace accord, was “threat to Niger’s domestic security” and accused some armed group leaders of collusion with jihadists. Issoufou raised issue again during 14 Sept extraordinary summit of regional bloc Economic Community of West African States in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou. Niger’s ambassador to Mali 13 Sept said he would not attend meeting of peace accord committee scheduled to take place in Kidal 17 Sept; consequently meeting postponed (see Mali). About 2,000 gathered to protest against electoral code and electoral commission in capital Niamey 28 Sept, ahead of 2020 elections.

Boko Haram (BH), especially Islamic State-allied faction known as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continued to stage attacks in north east and criminal violence persisted in north west, despite peace initiatives. In Borno state in north east, air force 21 Sept said air campaign 13-20 Sept killed scores of BH insurgents and destroyed hideouts, but overall military campaign seemed increasingly challenged. BH insurgents, mostly from ISWAP, launched some five attacks 4-12 Sept killing at least 22 soldiers, one police officer and one vigilante leader; notably 6 Sept they ambushed military convoy between Damaturu in Yobe state and Biu in Borno state, killing at least one soldier and stealing 15.5mn naira (about $43,000) intended as soldiers’ allowance. Troops 15 Sept repelled gun and suicide attack by Abubakar Shekau-led BH faction on military camp near University of Maiduguri. ISWAP 25 Sept beheaded one of six aid workers abducted 18 July and threatened to kill others. Army shut down offices of two humanitarian NGOs in north east – Action Against Hunger 20 Sept and Mercy Corps 25 Sept – accusing groups of sabotaging fight against BH. In north west, amid continuing bandit violence, state govts continued peace efforts, including through dialogue initiatives and amnesties, reporting some achievements. In Sokoto state, bandits killed six in two villages 11 and 14 Sept. In Zamfara state, authorities early Sept said peace efforts had allowed for return of 25,000 displaced persons as of late Aug and Zamfara police 22 Sept said they had led to release of 372 captives; but one report said at least 40 captives had been sold to slave dealers in Benin and Burkina Faso. Zamfara state govt 22 Sept accused unnamed “politicians” of planning with “dispersed elements of Boko Haram” to launch attacks in seven areas and on strategic targets in state capital Gusau to hamper peace process; authorities called for vigilance. Katsina state govt 8 Sept released six bandits in exchange for twenty captives; other bandit groups then released dozens more captives. Niger state governor 21 Sept granted amnesty to 27 bandits. Governors of Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states 8 Sept signed agreement on cross-border security cooperation with governor of Niger’s Maradi region.

Rwanda and Uganda continued efforts to ease tensions. Following agreement late Aug to normalise relations, Uganda 14 Sept released 32 Rwandan detainees. Govt 16 Sept received high-level Ugandan delegation in capital Kigali to discuss implementation of agreement. Two unidentified assailants 23 Sept stabbed to death senior member of unregistered opposition party FDU-Inkingi, authorities arrested two people in connection with crime. Party leader next day said killing was attempt by govt to intimidate opposition.

Al-Shabaab intensified attacks and relations between federal govt and federal member state Jubaland soured further. In capital Mogadishu, suspected Al-Shabaab attacks on checkpoint 2 Sept, president’s compound 11 Sept and govt official 18 Sept left at least seven dead; roadside bomb 30 Sept struck Italian military convoy in EU mission, no casualties. In south and centre, Al-Shabaab stepped up attacks on national forces and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops. Attacks against AMISOM 8-17 Sept left at least seventeen Burundian and five Djiboutian soldiers dead in Middle Shabelle and Hiraan regions respectively. At least five attacks on security forces and officials in Bay, Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle regions 12-22 Sept left at least 52 dead. Army operations in Hiraan, Lower Juba and Lower Shabelle regions 17-27 Sept reportedly killed 80 Al-Shabaab militants. U.S. and Somali airstrikes in Middle and Lower Juba and Lower Shabelle 3-30 Sept reportedly killed 33 militants. Federal govt continued to reject Aug re-election of Jubaland state president Ahmed Madobe. Authorities in Mogadishu 22 Sept prevented ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed travelling to Jubaland for Madobe’s inauguration 26 Sept and banned all flights to and from Kismayo 23-27 Sept; Jubaland govt postponed inauguration. In preparation for presidential polls in Galmudug state, following Galmudug Reconciliation Conference 5-16 Sept, federal govt 16 Sept said it would form committee to oversee formation of state administration and election guidelines. Opposition parties next day accused federal govt of “hijacking” process. Galmudug President Haaf 29 Sept reneged on agreement with federal govt to facilitate elections, saying it had failed to deliver tangible results in recent months and said he would reassume his executive role. Following Kenya’s request for delay, International Court of Justice postponed hearing on Somalia-Kenya maritime border dispute from 9-13 Sept to 4-8 Nov. In New York, Farmajo and Kenyan President Kenyatta 24 Sept agreed to normalise relations.

Govt 2 Sept set conditions for resumption of talks with Somalia federal govt, including holding talks at neutral venue, international mediation and that latter’s delegates not include individuals from Somaliland. Hargeisa regional court 3 Sept ordered internet providers to block news website Hadhwanaag News after mid-Aug it reported alleged corruption of Somaliland’s central bank governor; police 10 and 19 Sept arrested three of its journalists; authorities 23 Sept released all three. Police 6 Sept shut down independent TV station planning to air series on social ills and next day arrested its owner; released 16 Sept. President Bihi 14 Sept said that planned military airport being built with Emirati support would be used for both military and civilian purposes.

Xenophobic rioting continued, leaving at least ten people dead, including two foreigners, souring relations between South Africa and other African nations, especially Nigeria. Following riots and attacks on foreign-owned businesses in capital Pretoria late Aug, protests in Johannesburg against foreigners accused of drug-dealing 1 Sept deteriorated into riots and attacks on foreigners and foreign-owned businesses. Violence continued for several days and flared again mid-month in Johannesburg. Security forces arrested over 400. Lorry drivers 1 Sept began nationwide strike to protest employment of foreign drivers, some torched vehicles driven by foreigners and blocked roads in multiple places across country; in response police arrested over twenty people in KwaZulu-Natal province in south east. President Ramaphosa 3 Sept condemned xenophobic attacks. In response, Nigeria 4 Sept recalled its high commissioner to South Africa and refused to attend 4-6 Sept World Economic Forum conference in Cape Town. In Nigeria, following reprisal attacks against South African businesses in capital Abuja and Lagos, South Africa 5 Sept closed diplomatic missions in those cities. Nigeria 11 Sept repatriated 189 citizens from South Africa and said over 600 expected to return. Air Tanzania 5 Sept cancelled flights from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg and Zambia and Madagascar boycotted football matches in South Africa. President Ramaphosa mid-Sept deployed special envoys to affected countries to brief leaders on actions his govt was taking to address xenophobic violence. After army deployed in Cape Town in Aug to support local police combatting gang violence, govt 26 Sept said military presence would remain for additional three months.

Ahead of Nov deadline to form transitional govt, President Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar met for first time since April to hasten implementation of Sept 2018 peace agreement; govt forces continued to clash with non-signatory rebels in south. Machar visited Juba 9-12 Sept accompanied by deputy head of Sudanese Sovereign Council General “Hemedti” before returning to Sudan’s capital Khartoum. Kiir and Machar held face-to-face meetings 9 and 11 Sept and agreed to form 3,000-strong protection unit tasked with providing security for govt officials in Juba during transitional period, and to form committee to resolve question of number of states and location of state boundaries. Machar’s rebel group Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) 11 Sept announced it would move its HQ from Khartoum to Juba. SPLA-IO commander 20 Sept announced he and other officers had defected to govt; 25 Sept twelve more SPLA-IO officials defected. Clashes between govt forces and opposition National Salvation Front continued in Jubek, Yei River and Terekeka states in south. Attacks by unidentified gunmen in Tonj, Terekeka and Yei River states in south and centre 7-21 Sept left at least nine dead. Clashes between ethnic Dinka and Nuer 22 Sept left at least eleven dead in Eastern Lakes state in centre. Sudanese PM Hamdok visited Juba 12-13 Sept and met Kiir; leaders 12 Sept agreed to reopen access to several border areas in Sudan and South Sudan and reopen border crossings to improve bilateral trade and freedom of movement. Kiir facilitated talks between Sudanese govt and Sudanese armed opposition groups 11 Sept; parties signed roadmap for peace, pledging to begin talks 14 Oct in Juba and conclude agreement by 14 Dec.

Security forces continued to repress protests, but stakeholders agreed on new cabinet and talks between govt and several armed opposition groups to begin mid-Oct present opportunity to advance peace in peripheries. PM Hamdok 6 Sept appointed cabinet of twenty ministers, including four women; appointment followed weeks of negotiations among civilian technocrats, military, opposition parties, protest leaders and civil society groups. Police 12 Sept used tear gas to disperse protesters outside presidential palace in Khartoum demanding prosecution of security forces responsible for deaths during past protests. PM Hamdok 22 Sept said govt would initiate independent investigation into deaths of pro-democracy protesters in June. In Nyala in South Darfur state, security forces 22 Sept fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse students protesting high prices and bread shortages. Next day demonstrations erupted in Khartoum protesting security forces’ violence in Nyala. In South Darfur state, unidentified militants 18-19 Sept attacked Gereida killing two civilians and one army officer, five assailants also killed. Following talks in South Sudan’s capital Juba brokered by its President Kiir, Sudan govt and Sudanese armed opposition groups 11 Sept signed roadmap for peace called “The Juba Declaration of Confidence Building Measures and the Preparation for Negotiation”; armed groups Sudanese Revolutionary Front and Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance signed document and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North faction led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu signed same text in separate document. Declaration says full negotiations will begin 14 Oct in Juba and sets 14 Dec as deadline for agreement. Armed opposition faction Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur refused to take part in talks. Hamdok and Kiir in Juba 12 Sept agreed to reopen access to several border areas in Sudan and South Sudan and reopen border crossings to improve bilateral trade and freedom of movement. Sovereign Council 26 Sept announced immediate closure of borders with Libya and Central African Republic citing undefined security and economic threats.

Govt maintained crackdown on press freedom. Authorities 12 Sept postponed for fourth time trial of investigative journalist Erick Kabendera, who could face five years in jail without trial as bail not permitted in cases related to economic crimes; national media council said case had been “politically handled”. NGO Amnesty International 6 Sept criticised Aug agreement between Tanzania and Burundi to repatriate Burundian refugees with or without their consent, despite UN Refugee Agency claims that political environment in Burundi is not conducive for returns.

Govt continued to repress opposition and took steps to thaw relations with Rwanda. Police 7 Sept prevented opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) from holding rally in Mbale in east, used teargas and live bullets to disperse FDC supporters, and arrested three party supporters and senior FDC member Patrick Amuriat Oboi, who was later released. In Hoima county, ahead of 26 Sept parliamentary by-elections, security forces deployed in large numbers as President Museveni campaigned for candidate of ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition leaders, including musician-turned-opposition leader Bobi Wine and Amuriat, campaigned for FDC candidate Asinansi Nyakato. Police 25 Sept arrested twelve FDC supporters over alleged voter fraud. After NRM candidate was declared winner 27 Sept, Amuriat claimed NRM had rigged poll. Police 26 Sept arrested ten FDC officials in Kasese for holding illegal meeting. After Uganda and Rwanda agreed late Aug to normalise relations, govt 14 Sept released 32 Rwandans. High-level govt officials 16 Sept met Rwandan counterparts in Rwandan capital Kigali to discuss implementation of agreement. Museveni and Kenyan President Kenyatta 12 Sept signed agreement to help mitigate cross-border violence between pastoral communities in north east.

Severe economic crisis persisted, pushing doctors to strike, and former President Mugabe died. Doctors went on strike 3 Sept demanding 400% pay rise. Leader of doctors’ union Peter Magombeyi disappeared 16 Sept, reappeared 19 Sept 40km from capital Harare, he said unidentified men had abducted him. After security forces blocked two of doctors’ attempted protest marches, court 19 Sept ordered police not to intervene. Police lost High Court and Supreme Court bid to prevent Magombeyi from receiving treatment in South Africa. Former President Mugabe, who ruled from 1980 until he was ousted in Nov 2017, died 6 Sept in hospital in Singapore aged 95 reportedly from cancer. After initial announcement that he would be buried in mausoleum at National Heroes Acre in capital Harare, he was buried in courtyard of his residence in Zvimba according to his family’s wish.

U.S. cancellation of talks with Taliban dealt blow to peace process, while levels of violence remained high, including attacks around 28 Sept presidential election. Hopes for deal between Taliban and U.S. quashed after President Trump in series of surprise tweets 7 Sept cancelled U.S.-Taliban negotiations and secret meeting with Taliban and Afghan govt at Camp David in U.S., citing 5 Sept death of U.S. soldier in Taliban attack in Kabul and doubts over militants’ desire for peace due to their failure to agree to ceasefire. Tweets came day after U.S. Special Envoy Khalilzad and Taliban had completed discussion on draft deal and moved onto details of deal’s announcement; Khalilzad had earlier said in TV interview that agreement “in principal” with Taliban would see drawdown of 5,400 U.S. troops within 135 days of deal’s signing. Insurgent attacks continued; in Kabul, Taliban 2 Sept attacked housing complex used by international security contractors with vehicle packed with explosives followed by gunfight, killing at least 30. Taliban 16 Sept killed U.S. special forces soldier in Wardak province during joint U.S.-Afghan operation against militants; seventeenth U.S. combat fatality in 2019, highest yearly number since 2014. Next day, in election-related violence ahead of 28 Sept presidential election, Taliban suicide bomber attacked campaign rally for President Ghani in Charikar, Parwan province, killing 26; and same day killed at least 22 in suicide attack near U.S. embassy in Kabul, reportedly targeting Afghan military facility. Elections took place 28 Sept; bomb at polling station in mosque in southern city Kandahar wounded sixteen. Election commission reported low turnout from data from half of polling stations; full data and results expected mid-Oct. Amid continued high levels of civilian casualties, local civilians and officials in Nangarhar province 18 Sept reported U.S. drone strike, intended to hit Islamic State-Khorasan Province hideout, mistakenly killed 30 civilians.

Security forces continued anti-militancy operations, while govt took more hardline stance toward Rohingya refugees. Paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion 1 Sept arrested suspected members of Allahr Dal and Ansar-al-Islam (also known as Ansarullah Bangla Team, ABT) in Narayanganj. Following stalled 22 Aug attempt at repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and same day murder in Cox’s Bazar of Omar Faruk from Awami League-youth wing Juba League, allegedly by Rohingya refugees, Bangladeshi govt took more hardline approach, including reportedly returning or refusing entry to new Rohingya arrivals caught crossing border and imposing restrictions on telecommunications in refugee camps; govt claimed some NGOs had organised 25 Aug rally of hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas and had incited refugees to reject repatriation, withdrawing 41 NGOs from working in camps by early Sept and banning two. Police claimed Rohingya couple – reportedly part of gang that murdered Faruk – killed in gunfight soon after being detained 22 Sept; at least thirteen Rohingya refugees killed in alleged gunfights since Faruk’s murder. Insecurity continued in Chittagong Hill Tracts area; army officer injured 25 Sept during clash between military and members of United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF, regional party supporting complete autonomy for Chittagong Hill Tracts); came after army claimed to have killed four UPDF members in gunfights in Rangamati and Khagrachhari district late Aug.

Clashes between security forces and Maoists continued, while militants targeted suspected police informants. In Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra state (centre), militants 11 Sept shot dead former Maoist member on suspicion of being police informant, and security forces 15 Sept claimed to have killed two militants during clash. Maoists 13 Sept slit throat of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party official in Munger district, Bihar (east), and next day killed villager in Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh (east), both reportedly for providing information to police. Police 22 Sept claimed to have killed five Maoists during gunfight on Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border (east). Police claimed Maoists responsible for 24 Sept IED that killed three in Bastar district and 28 Sept murder of man in Sukma district, both in Chhattisgarh state.

Fallout from Indian govt’s revoking of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) special constitutional status in Aug continued, amid sustained clashes along Line of Control (LoC, dividing Pakistan and Indian-administered Kashmir). Tensions remained high between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi insisting changes to J&K’s status was internal matter and Islamabad demanding reversal of decision. Despite rejecting India’s 29 Aug allegation that Pakistan was trying to infiltrate militants into J&K to create “alarmist situation”, Pakistan military spokesperson 4 Sept said “Kashmir is our jugular vein” and will be fought for “until our last bullet, soldier and breath”. Pakistani PM Khan 18 Sept statement made resumption of bilateral dialogue with India conditional on revival of J&K’s special status and end to security lockdown; Khan also stated any Pakistanis wishing to fight in Kashmir would do “greatest injustice to the Kashmiris” and give India pretext to “blame Pakistan for cross-border terrorism and infiltrating terrorists”. U.S. Assistant Sec State 19 Sept welcomed Khan’s statement and said Pakistan’s commitment to counter-terror groups was “critical to regional stability”. During speech to UN General Assembly 27 Sept, Khan warned of “bloodbath” once lockdown in J&K is lifted. Indian and Pakistani military continued clashing along LoC, including deaths of two Pakistani soldiers 12 and 14 Sept. Security lockdown and communications blackout continued through month in most Muslim-majority areas of J&K; UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Bachelet 9 Sept expressed concern about restrictions on internet communications, peaceful assembly and detention of local leaders and activists. Reuters reported Indian govt 6 Sept report showed 3,800 people have been arrested in J&K since clampdown started, 2,600 of them subsequently released. Indian govt 15 Sept formally charged former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah under controversial Public Safety Act, which allows detention for up to two years without charges, trials or judicial review. Six militants and a soldier reported killed 28 Sept during two separate clashes in J&K.

Demonstrations led to violence again in Papua, resulting in at least 30 reported dead and scores injured. Separate protests erupted in Wamena city and Papua’s capital Jayapura 23 Sept. Demonstrations in Wamena allegedly provoked by rumours that teacher directed racial slurs against indigenous Papuan student 21 Sept. Protesters reportedly set fire to buildings, including govt district office; at least sixteen people reported killed, most non-indigenous, and many after being trapped in fires; dead reportedly include children. In Jayapura, media reports indicated violence erupted after authorities stormed gathering of indigenous Papuan students at university, including some taking refuge from other cities; at least three protesters and one soldier reported killed in clashes in Jayapura. Media reported thousands of people attempted to flee Wamena late month; military 27 Sept said they evacuated about 700 residents. Authorities ramped up efforts to arrest activists suspected of involvement in Aug protests in Papua, including Buchtar Tabuni, arrested 9 Sept for suspected treason, and issued notice to Interpol for arrest of Australia-based Indonesian human rights lawyer Veronica Koman. Authorities 26 Sept arrested journalist Dandhy Laksono, accused of violating online hate speech laws in posts on Papua clashes. Military 19 Sept reported three civilians including a young child killed and four wounded in shoot-out with separatists in Ilaga town. Elsewhere, counter-terror unit Densus 88 arrested nine suspected members of Islamic State (ISIS)-linked Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) during 23 Sept raids near Jakarta; police said they uncovered bomb-making materials. Anti-corruption protesters clashed with police in Jakarta and other cities late Sept; at least three protesters reported killed, including two students in Sulawesi island.

Positive statements by U.S. and North Korean officials during month signalled potential for revival of bilateral dialogue, despite North Korea launching another test of short-range missile early Sept. North Korea 10 Sept launched two short range missiles, similar to launches in July and Aug. In 6 Sept speech, U.S. Special Representative Stephen Biegun signalled greater flexibility concerning U.S.’s North Korea policy. U.S. President Trump 20 Sept said he is open to “new method” in future talks; North Korean media same day reported Pyongyang’s chief negotiator Kim Myong-gil welcomed Trump’s comments. Trump 23 Sept held out possibility of another summit with Kim Jong-un, which observers fear could reduce the likelihood of working-level dialogue. South Korean President Moon 23 Sept met with Trump, reportedly advocating for creation of denuclearisation roadmap and stating Seoul’s objectives to strengthen U.S.-South Korean alliance. North Korea responded angrily, accusing U.S. of intervening in inter-Korean affairs, but statement from veteran North Korean official Kim Kye-gwan’s 27 Sept indicated North Korea keen to arrange third summit with U.S.. Chinese customs figures released mid-Sept showed steadily rising trend of oil exports to North Korea, suggesting ambivalent Chinese enforcement of international sanctions on North Korea.

Insecurity continued in Rakhine state with ongoing clashes between military and ethnic Rakhine insurgents, while alliance of ethnic armed groups in north east announced pause in fighting. Violence continued across several townships in Rakhine State as Arakan Army and security forces clashed; unidentified assailants 1 Sept stabbed off-duty police officer to death in Ponnagyun township; decapitated and mutilated bodies of two villagers found in Myebon township 10 Sept, prompting military to declare situation in area “resembles anarchy”. Govt 1 Sept restored internet to five townships in Rakhine and Chin states cut off since June; internet shutdown however continues in four townships. Same day, military announced it would form court martial to try soldiers for “possible weakness in following military instructions” amid ongoing inquiry by Judge Advocate General’s Office into alleged massacre of Rohingya in Gudarpyin village in 2017. In northern Shan State, Brotherhood Alliance – joint force of Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army – announced one-month cessation of hostilities against military 9 Sept, and 20 Sept extended ceasefire until end of year, although reserving right to act in defence. Military’s unilateral ceasefire with ethnic armed groups in Kachin and Shan states ended 21 Sept, with reports of subsequent clashes between army and militants in Mongko and Kutkai townships in Shan State. UN Fact-Finding Mission 17 Sept presented final report on alleged human rights violations by Myanmar military and security forces to Human Rights Council, identifying pattern of ongoing attacks “aimed at erasing the identity and removing” Rohingya from Myanmar, as well as military persecution during operations in Rakhine, Shan and Kachin states; said govt-established Independent Commission of Enquiry not credible. Bangladeshi govt took more hardline approach vis-à-vis Rohingya refugees, including reportedly returning or refusing entry to new Rohingya arrivals caught crossing border (see Bangladesh).

Four-year anniversary of promulgation of 2015 constitution met with protests 20 Sept by minority ethnic and indigenous groups who are critical of Nepal Communist Party (NCP)-led govt for refusing to amend key constitutional provisions, such as redrawing of federal provincial boundaries and ensuring proportional representation in upper house of parliament. Civil society leaders expressed concerns about govt’s overtly-nationalistic rhetoric in efforts to mark celebrations, including by demanding mandatory attendance of civil servants and urging civilians to don clothing bearing national flag. Constitutional experts criticised govt for failure to empower provincial govts throughout first four years under new constitution and thus weakening the core commitment underpinning the new statute: the transition toward a federal structure. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Kathmandu 8-10 Sept and met PM KP Oli and NCP Co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal among others to lay groundwork for potential visit by Chinese President Xi in Oct; Yi’s 10 Sept meeting with Dahal caused controversy following official readout from Chinese Foreign Ministry describing Nepal’s disagreement with U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Strategy. Opposition figures also criticised ruling party for “importing ideology” after NCP’s 23-24 Sept symposium with Communist Party of China which included training on Xi Jinping Thought.

Govt faced concerns over terrorism financing and tensions with India over Kashmir (see Kashmir), while militant attacks persisted. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf govt continued efforts to remove Pakistan from Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s “grey list” for counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering deficiencies; FATF review due to begin in Oct. Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah 12 Sept said country had “spent millions of rupees” financing militant group Jamaat-ud-Dawa – whose leader Hafiz Saaed has petitioned Lahore High Court to dismiss several terrorism financing cases against him. Authorities continued corruption probes into opposition leadership: National Accountability Bureau 18 Sept announced it had arrested Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Khursheed Shah during investigation into his wealth; PPP condemned case as “political victimisation”. Insecurity persisted amid continued militant attacks; in Balochistan’s capital Quetta, security forces claimed to have killed six Islamic State-linked militants during operation in which one paramilitary officer was killed; one rescue worker was killed and ten people injured in two coordinated bomb blasts 5 Sept. Militants 13 Sept killed soldier in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province’s North Waziristan tribal district; next day, cross-border militant attack in KPK’s Upper Dir district near Afghan border killed three soldiers. Officer and soldier killed in bomb attack near Afghan border in Mohmand tribal district 21 Sept. Following U.S. President Trump’s 7 Sept decision to cancel U.S.-Afghan talks, foreign ministry emphasised “no military solution” to Afghan conflict, urging both sides to “re-engage to find negotiated peace”.

Clashes continued between armed forces and militants, including Abu Sayyaf in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in south, and communist rebels in centre. In BARMM’s Sulu province, security operations against Abu Sayyaf 10 Sept resulted in one suspected militant killed. Army 16 Sept reported it had recovered approximately 700 kg of bomb components belonging to Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. Military 21 Sept reported three Abu Sayyaf members surrendered in Basilan province. U.S. State Department 11 Sept added Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan to its global terrorist list, along with suspected militant Almaida Marani Salvin. In centre, encounter between Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and armed forces in Iloilo 20 Sept left one suspected NPA dead, further clashes 25 Sept resulted in no govt casualties. Military 28 Sept killed suspected NPA commander in shoot-out in Bukidnon province. Security forces 17 Sept arrested two NPA during clashes in Negros Occidental; authorities same day arrested high-ranking NPA leader in Laguna province. Islamic State (ISIS)-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) 7 Sept reportedly carried out bomb attack that wounded eight in Sultan Kudarat province in Mindanao; military 23 Sept arrested suspected Swedish militant and two local militants. UN Human Rights Council 19 Sept released report naming Philippines in list of countries linked to growing reprisals against victims of human rights abuses and activists; govt said it “condemns all acts of intimidation and reprisals”.

U.S. conducted freedom of navigation operation in South China Sea (SCS), while tensions continued between China and rival claimants to disputed areas. U.S. Navy destroyer 13 Sept sailed near contested Paracel islands, controlled by China but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; Beijing said it “expelled” vessel, called it “act of trespass”. BBC 3 Sept reported Chinese crane vessel spotted in area claimed by Vietnam as its exclusive economic zone; Chinese oil exploration survey ship 23 Sept departed from Vietnamese-claimed area of disputed Spratly Islands, where it had been spotted since early July. Chinese state media 25 Sept reported Beijing had deployed new deepwater drilling rig in SCS, without giving exact location. Philippines President Duterte 10 Sept said Chinese President Xi late Aug offered majority stake in joint oil and gas exploration venture inside disputed area which Philippines claims is inside its Exclusive Economic Zone, in exchange for setting aside July 2016 ruling by the Hague Permanent Court of Arbitration that China has no legal basis to claim historical rights to area encompassed by “nine-dash line”; Duterte’s spokesperson later clarified that Philippines is not dropping its claim. Philippines military conducted series of drills, including 21 Sept exercise using amphibious assault vehicles near SCS. Chinese and Malaysian foreign ministers early Sept agreed to set up joint dialogue mechanism for disputed SCS. Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said mechanism will deal with maritime issues and presents “new platform for dialogue and cooperation for both sides”. U.S. and ten countries 2-6 Sept conducted maritime drills as part of first ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise, crossing SCS. U.S. reportedly sailed aircraft carrier near disputed Spratly Islands late Sept, with Chinese warships reported nearby; U.S. said it was “conducting routine operations”, Beijing said U.S attempting “to flex muscles and escalate regional militarization”.

Political manoeuvring continued ahead of presidential elections set for 16 Nov, while international actors raised concerns about progress of post-war reconciliation. Following months of bitter internal debate, governing United National Party (UNP) 26 Sept named its deputy leader Sajith Premadasa as its presidential candidate, with agreement of Premadasa’s rival, party leader and PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. Former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, candidate for Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and widely assumed to be front-runner, faced series of ongoing legal cases. President Sirisena 20 Sept testified to public parliamentary hearings into April terror attacks and next day appointed presidential commission of inquiry for further investigations. Police continued post-attack operations including late-Aug arrest and detention of Usthaz Hajjul Akbar, former head of Sri Lanka Jama’athe Islami; cabinet 18 Sept approved memorandum outlining new counter-terrorism legislation reportedly designed in part to address threats from international jihadi networks. UK 10 Sept made statement at UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on behalf of UNHRC core group on Sri Lanka noting govt implementation of 2015 resolution on accountability and reconciliation “remained slow in many areas” and sharing High Commissioner Bachelet’s Aug concerns over appointment of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva as army commander and effect on justice, accountability and reconciliation. UN Department of Peace Operations announced 25 Sept it was suspending future non-essential deployments of Sri Lankan military as peacekeepers in light of Silva’s appointment.

Tensions with Beijing continued as two more countries cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and Taipei accused Beijing of interference ahead of presidential elections in Jan 2020. Solomon Islands 16 Sept became latest country to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, joined by Kiribati 20 Sept, leaving Taiwan with just fourteen countries that recognise its independence, plus the Vatican. President Tsai 20 Sept condemned China for its efforts to “suppress and coerce Taiwan” ahead of its elections. China 11 Sept confirmed Taiwanese national who went missing in Aug was arrested for “endangering national security”, prompting Taiwanese govt to warn citizens against visiting Hong Kong and China. Canadian warship sailed through Taiwan Strait 10 Sept, Chinese foreign ministry next day questioned Canada’s “intentions”.

Violence continued in deep south, while constitutional court issued two rulings bolstering PM Prayut Chan-ocha’s new govt. In Khok Pho district in Pattani province, two village defence volunteers killed in ambush involving roadside IED and small-arms fire 16 Sept. Gunmen 19 Sept killed Muslim village chief in Sai Buri district, Pattani province. General Wanlop Rugsanaoh, National Security Council chief, 26 Sept said he will lead Thai peace-dialogue delegation beginning in Oct. Following controversy over PM Prayuth during swearing-in of new govt in July omitting sentence from constitutionally required oath that directs cabinet to uphold the constitution, Constitutional Court 11 Sept declined to accept opposition petition to examine omission, determining it had no authority to consider case. In separate case, court 18 Sept ruled that Prayuth was not considered a “state official” following 2014 coup when he served as head of National Council for Peace Order, which would have made him ineligible to stand as candidate for PM in June 2019. Rulings added to growing perception among some observers of double standards in application of law.

Investigative Committee 26 Sept brought charges against former defence minister Vigen Sargsyan and former police chief Alik Sargsyan for abuse of power. Yerevan court 20 Sept denied bail to former President Kocharyan, who was arrested for third time in June for ordering violent crackdown against opposition protesters after 2008 election. Former police chief and witness in case against Kocharyan, Hayk Harutiunian, found dead 24 Sept, preliminary investigation suggested apparent suicide. PM Pashinyan 16 Sept announced dismissal of National Security Service head and police chief; appointed new chief adviser.

Dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia on issues related to settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict continued despite deadly incident along front lines, while de facto NK authorities held local elections. Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs 23 Sept held meeting at sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York; no immediate results reported. During talks, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group co-chairs informed FMs about their activities, including recent meetings in Paris and Geneva “on the humanitarian and security dimensions of the conflict”; co-chairs plan to follow up talks with regional trip. In positive sign ahead of talks, Armenian FM 6 Sept publicly stated that purpose of negotiations is to “discuss numerous parameters of a potential settlement”, adding “neither side can be guided by a maximalist approach”, while FM and defence minister 3 Sept spoke out in support of communication channel with Baku, saying it had helped mitigate shootings along front lines. In incident some observers feared might affect talks, Armenia reported it had prevented special operation by Azerbaijani military trying to approach Armenian positions in south-eastern direction of Line of Contact 23 Sept, resulting in death of Azerbaijani soldier whose body was left in neutral zone. NK 8 Sept held unusually open and competitive de facto local elections for heads of eight main regional centres and their councils; turnout reported at 65%. Armenian PM Pashinyan praised vote as “free, fair and competitive”; Azerbaijani FM denounced election, while OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in comments to Azerbaijani media said results do not affect legal status of NK nor outcome of negotiations.

Speculation that govt was considering participation in Russian-led military bloc Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) prompted expression of concern from Armenian parliament and officials; Azerbaijani presidential administration 17 Sept denied govt was considering participating in CSTO “in any form, including as an observer”.

Bosnian Serb entity Republika Srpska (RS)’s creation of new gendarmerie police unit prompted concerns, while state-level govt formation remains stalled. RS govt 24 Sept unveiled new gendarmerie police unit, prompting criticism from Bosniak politicians. During unveiling ceremony, Bosnian Serb member of tripartite state presidency Milorad Dodik said in statement perceived as controversial that establishing reservist police force was best way to “protect and defend” territory. State-level govt formation still in deadlock a year after Oct 2018 elections, despite 5 Sept deadline set in Aug between three main parties. Bosniak Party of Democratic Action congress mid-Sept adopted pledge to reorganise country based on economic regions, prompting criticism from Croat and Serb parties and high representative for Bosnia Valentin Inzko and U.S. embassy.