Peace deal signed with Front for the Liberation of Cabinda Enclave separatists following July ceasefire, but smaller factions refused to sign. Parliament approved amnesty deal for separatists and pledged Cabindan integration into civil service and army.

Tension rose in Bujumbura over government’s uncovering of alleged coup plot; former President Ndayizeye and 8 others charged. Allegations government tortured suspects and claim by 1 plotter coup conceived by authorities fueled international concern; government requested recall of UN envoy after he convened meeting of diplomats to discuss plot. Government prepared 2 laws regulating press and civil society in another perceived attempt to clamp down on dissent. Negotiations between FNL rebels and government on hold ahead of Dar es Salaam regional summit 7 September, where heads of state expected to set agenda for agreement on ceasefire. Demobilisation of non-FNL former combatants and government soldiers expanded to include officer level for first time.

Rebel leader Larmassoum received life sentence for September attacks along Chadian border and plot to assassinate President Bozize. Government denied reports Ugandan LRA leader Kony asked for asylum.

Full restoration of diplomatic relations with Sudan after surprise attendance of Sudanese President Bashir at President Déby’s third-term inauguration. N’Djamena cut ties in April after alleged Sudanese support for rebel coup attempt. Government announced arrest of 3 JEM rebel leaders and handed them to AU, in keeping with July agreement with Khartoum. Déby launched commission to renegotiate terms of oil consortium, seeking greater share for new national company, after ordering Chevron and Petronas, who together hold 60% stake, to leave Chad over tax disagreements. N’Djamena also restored relations with Beijing 7 August ending decade of relations with Taipei.

Disarmament process, prerequisite for scheduled October elections, suspended 4 August over low weapons yield. UN peacekeeping mission chief said elections likely to be delayed. President Gbagbo recalled magistrates supervising voter identification in dispute over process. Gbagbo vowed not to step down before next elections, pre- empting UN decision on transitional government’s mandate, due in September.

Situation fragile as election process continued. Results of 30 July vote released 20 August, showing regional divide and potential for further unrest: eastern provinces voted for incumbent Kabila, while contenders Bemba, Gizenga and Mobutu strongest in western districts. After no candidate received majority of votes, run-off between Kabila (44.8%) and Bemba (20.03%) scheduled to coincide with provincial elections 29 October, but Kabila pushing for earlier poll. 3-day gun battle in Kinshasa between supporters of Kabila and Bemba before presidential results announced killed 23. EU observers deemed election free and fair but called for greater transparency in vote counting. 7 election officials arrested on allegations of vote-rigging; Supreme Court to give verdict on 8 cases 5 September. 250 EU troops called in as reinforcements to patrol streets before candidates agreed truce 22 August. Parliamentary results expected 4 September. Angola moved troops to border in advance of electoral results and sent 1,700 Katangan Tigers back to country. UPC militia leader Thomas Lubanga charged by ICC with recruiting child soldiers despite calls for wider charges of murder, rape and torture.

Tensions over new constitution highlighted by police clampdown on opposition party rally 9 August. Debate emerged over future of political parties, banned under old laws, as royalist Sive Siyinqaba cultural organisation formally declared itself party.

Security situation tense in Ogaden region as military said it killed 13 ONLF ethnic Somali separatists crossing into Ethiopia, days after ONLF said “ready for talks”. Addis Ababa continued to deny any incursion of Ethiopian troops into Somalia.

Former Ethiopian commander defected with several senior officers and 150 soldiers to join secessionist, Eritrea-backed OLF rebels; clashes killed 2.

Reconstruction progress continued as UN-backed government forces repossessed lawless Guthrie Rubber Plantation from 500 former LURD rebels, ending 3-year illegal tapping scheme. President Sirleaf signed 2006/07 budget into law 29 August, granting pay rise for civil servants, and launched program to bring 15,000 child labourers back to school.

President Obasanjo vowed crackdown in Niger Delta region after 16 foreign oil workers kidnapped in 2 weeks. Security forces launched raids in Port Harcourt 19 August, arresting hundreds, and 10 MEND rebels killed 21 August in Bayelsa state. Oil unions met 30 August to protest security situation in Delta and threatened strike 13 September. Cameroon assumed sovereignty over formerly disputed Bakassi peninsula 14 August, after Nigerian troops withdrew in peaceful handover despite reported local opposition. Resignation of FM Okonjo-Iweala seen as blow to Nigerian reform efforts, while riots in Ekiti state following assassination of gubernatorial candidate - third killed in 2 months - deepened concern over security for 2007 elections, now set for 21 April.

Parliament set to debate draft law repealing Rwanda’s death penalty; would remove obstacle to transfer of ICTR cases to Rwandan jurisdiction before tribunal mandate ends 2008.

Further violence between MFDC fighters and Senegal military near Ziguinchor caused 300 residents to flee across border into Gambia.

President Kabbah set July 2007 date for next presidential elections. Joint security patrols began along Liberian border, closed since 2003.

Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) further consolidated control over much of south and east, seized coastal towns north of Mogadishu and vowed to eliminate piracy. Transitional Federal Government (TFG), weakened after string of July cabinet resignations, dissolved cabinet in Ethiopian-brokered initiative 7 August and appointed smaller cabinet 2 weeks later. UIC and TFG due to meet in Khartoum for talks 1 September. U.S. and UN called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to end interference in Somalia, threatening sanctions in response to any violation of arms embargo. Ethiopian troop presence reported in Baidoa, Wajid and Galkayo but denied by Addis Ababa. UIC head Aweys rejected IGAD proposals for regional peacekeeping force.

Ministerial delegation due to travel to Washington in September to seek support against threat of Union of Islamic Courts militia pursuing Somali reunification. President Kahin told on visit to UK that U.S. and UK see AU as primary forum for discussion of recognition issue .

Sudanese military launched strike 29 August on Darfur rebel groups not party to May Darfur Peace Agreement. Reports indicated government offensive drove back rebels from Kulkul 29 August as Khartoum continued to build military presence in North Darfur. UN Security Council voted 31 August to approve force for Darfur with some Chapter VII powers, “inviting” consent from Khartoum. Sudanese approval nonetheless considered prerequisite for deployment; President Bashir continued to reject any UN force for Darfur and Sudan refused to attend UNSC discussions on the issue prior to vote, pointing to plan for its own force of 12,000 new troops. Resolution does authorise existing UNMIS force to provide support to cash-strapped AU force already in Darfur, whose mandate currently expires end September. Minni Minnawi, leader of rebel SLA faction that signed the May peace deal and now fighting alongside government forces, appointed senior assistant to President Bashir. Chronic insecurity continued: UN official Jan Egeland called situation worst since 2004; WFP said 500,000 cut off from food aid. Relations between Khartoum and Chad improved as border opened and diplomatic ties re-established. Asmara talks between Khartoum and Eastern Front rebels led to agreement for more regional development.

Government signed elections accord with opposition Union of Forces for Change, ending 12-year stalemate. EU restored aid funding, suspended since 1993, after parties agreed to hold 2007 parliamentary elections with loosened voter eligibility requirements.

Government and LRA broke 4-week deadlock in Juba peace talks by signing truce 26 August. Under terms of deal, LRA have 3 weeks to assemble at designated safe zones in South Sudan, protected by SPLA, before proceeding to further talks. Stumbling blocks for further negotiations remain, including status of ICC arrest warrants, security guarantees for LRA leaders and substantial discrepancies between sides’ agendas. Government earlier refused to match 4 August ceasefire declared by LRA leader Kony, instead continuing attacks on LRA and seeking Kinshasa’s approval to attack LRA camps in northeast DRC. Reports indicated Kony might be seeking asylum in CAR.

President Mugabe’s proposal for limited talks on land reform with London rejected in SADC closed-door session 17 August, as the regional body reserved its approval for talks with a broader agenda that encompassed internal divisions. Mugabe had first proposed talks mediated by former Tanzanian President Mkapa at July Abuja summit, leading Kofi Annan to cancel Harare visit. “Non-aggression pact” signed between twin factions of opposition MDC party, but both denied reports of talks on cooperation. Trial launched against justice minister on charges of witness intimidation in case involving intelligence minister, in possible sign of continued government interference into judiciary. Government imposed 21-day price freeze and redenomination of Zimbabwean dollar at $1:$1000 in effort to curb effects of inflation.

NATO, U.S. and Afghan forces battled daily with militants in south and east with increased NATO and coalition troops casualties. NATO-supported Afghan police reportedly killed 71 suspected militants in southern Kandahar 19 August, while heavy fighting in northeast near Pakistan border left 3 U.S. soldiers dead. Suicide bombers continued to target civilians and NATO troops: attack on NATO convoy 3 August killed 21 civilians. In second round of confirmations, National Assembly approved new Supreme Court and final 5 cabinet ministers; also made first moves as lawmaking body by giving more powers to provincial councils.

Significant shift in electoral politics as former military ruler HM Ershad’s Jatiya party agreed to join BNP-led government alliance for January 2007 polls. 5 killed when police fired into crowd demonstrating against coal mine in Dinajpur district 26 August; plans for mine subsequently dropped. India and Bangladesh involved in cross-border shelling, killing 2 civilians on each side; exchanged mutual accusations of initiating clash following alleged land-grab by Bangladeshi farmers. 3 members of banned Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh sentenced to death in connection with August and October 2005 bombings.

Beijing court dismissed charges New York Times employee Zhao Yan leaked state secrets, but sentenced him to 3 years for fraud. Hong Kong journalist for Singapore’s Straits Times Ching Cheong jailed in mainland China for 5 years for spying. Authorities accused of clamping down on lawyers and rights advocates representing those aggrieved about land seizures, environmental abuses, religious persecution and population controls.

United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) rebels and government agreed to temporarily suspend operations as talks to prepare for direct negotiations continued. ULFA repeated demand that government release 5 leaders in detention as condition for direct negotiations. Previously in month 3 civilians, 5 police and 4 ULFA killed in separate incidents in Assam state. Explosion at Hindu temple in Imphal, Manipur state 16 August killed 5: Government suspected militant Meitei Manipur separatist group Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup; KYKL denied involvement. 2 Indian and Bangladeshi civilians killed in cross-border shelling. Maoists killed 3 members of security forces at Atmakur police station in Andhra Pradesh 19 August. Andhra Pradesh government extended ban on Communist Party of India (Maoist) and 6 of its front organisations for 1 year.

India and Pakistan engaged in tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats in moves reminiscent of pre-normalisation process antagonism. Clashes continued throughout month with surge of grenade attacks in run up to 15 August Indian independence day. 5 Pakistan-based militants killed in attempt to cross Line of Control 16 August. Pakistan alleged violations of Line of Control ceasefire by Indian forces. Further 9 killed, including 3 soldiers, in security operations in Kulgam-Qazigund area. Lashkar-e-Toiba militant allegedly linked to 11 July Mumbai bombings charged with establishing terror network in Mumbai.

Officials announced landmark Aceh elections for governor and local positions to be held 11 December. Election preparations revealed split in GAM between Sweden-based leaders and younger, Aceh-based group. Anniversary of peace deal saw huge demonstration in Banda Aceh organised by GAM and pro-referendum organisation, SIRA: both celebration of peace and protest against Jakarta for reducing level of autonomy offered in original agreement. Signs of progress in resolving partition of Papua under Special Autonomy. President Yudhoyono stated his commitment to single Papuan People’s Council and tasked legal experts with drafting revisions to autonomy law to accommodate West Irian Jaya.

Tensions continued to mount on Korean peninsula after July missile tests and speculation North aiming for nuclear test. Joint U.S.-South Korean annual military exercises started 21 August and led to North threat of “pre-emptive action”. North and South troops exchanged fire across border 1 August; no injuries reported.

Jennifer Latheef, daughter of Maldivian Democratic Party founder, rejected presidential pardon for 10-year house arrest on charges of inciting 2003 riot; wanted charges dropped and release of other MDC detainees.

FM Nyan Win told Thai counterpart that junta looking for way to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met junta leader Than Shwe 2 August and announced oil find in Myanmar by Thai state-owned company. Philippine FM Romulo visited Myanmar to encourage democratic reform but earlier in month Than Shwe emphasised ASEAN principle of non-interference. Myanmar diplomat said new constitution 75% complete and national convention to resume in October, but Suu Kyi to be excluded.

7-party alliance government and Maoists finally agreed on joint request for UN assistance in peace process, writing 9 August letter to UNSG Annan. UN responded by appointing OHCHR office head Ian Martin to lead new political mission to prepare assistance plan, including monitoring ceasefire, arms management and observation of constituent assembly elections. Controversy remained over king’s position in period before constituent assembly in place. Government and Maoists also failed to agree on interim constitution - due in June; incomplete draft only submitted 25 August. Serious disturbances over fuel-price hike forced government u-turn and highlighted fragile security situation. Maoist cadres clashed with People’s Democratic Tarai Liberation Front in Siraha District in southern Nepal 17 August; locals protested Maoist violence next day. 2 Nepali Congress Party cadres reportedly killed after kidnapped by Maoists 5 August. Outgoing army chief succeeded by his deputy despite allegations of serious human rights violations and royalist bias; draft Army Bill criticised domestically and internationally for violating human rights provisions.

Major Balochistan leader, Nawab Akbar Bugti, killed by security forces 26 August. Violent protests and province-wide strikes in Balochistan and Baloch majority areas of Karachi followed. Curfew imposed on Balochistan’s capital Quetta. Bugti’s killing condemned by all major political parties, including opposition Alliance for Democracy: 21 soldiers and 37 rebels also killed in operation. International attention focused on Pakistan’s failure to rein in jihadis as 22 suspects, mostly UK citizens of Pakistani origin, arrested in UK in alleged plot to blow up transatlantic flights. Pakistani intelligence agencies detained UK citizen in Punjab along with 6 nationals countrywide.

Government declared state of emergency in energy-rich Southern Highlands province. PM Somare said troops deployed to restore law, order and good governance in province after suspending provincial administration for alleged corruption.

Communist New People’s army attacks on military and police continued, including raid on army outpost in Mindanao 23 August and army convoy ambush 26 August. President Arroyo appointed commission to investigate series of killings and kidnappings of left-wing activists: Amnesty International report accused military of being involved. 6 killed in attack by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members on Tulunan town 12 August. Sporadic attacks by MILF on military posts in Mindanao also continued. Government spokesman said peace talks with MILF to resume but without any public deadline. 1 civilian and 2 rebels killed in military offensive and airstrikes against Abu Sayyaf on southern island of Jolo.

PM Sogavare announced intention to dismiss attorney-general in dispute over inquiry commission’s power to investigate 2 jailed MPs’ involvement in April unrest. Sogavare visited Taiwan reaffirming diplomatic relations and support for Taiwanese UN membership.

Security situation deteriorated with full-scale military clashes in eastern and northern regions. 200,000 displaced in areas of conflict and hundreds killed. Fighting engulfed predominantly Muslim town of Muttur, forcing 50,000 to flee; casualties included 17 workers of French NGO that Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) later accused security forces of “assassinating”. Air force bombing in Mullaitivy district 14 August reportedly killed dozens of young students; government claimed training camp for young LTTE rebels. Fighting broke out in northern Jaffna peninsula 11 August. In Colombo, LTTE shot dead Tamil deputy head of government peace secretariat Kethesh Loganathan, 12 August. 7 killed in explosion near residence of President Rajapakse 14 August in LTTE attack suspected to have been aimed at Pakistan’s envoy amidst enhanced defence cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Clashes over Mavilaru waterway in east continued, despite deal that saw LTTE lift 14 day blockade. Military reported at least 100 killed in operations in northeast Sampur area from 27 August. Monitors from EU states left 1 September after having been ordered out by LTTE in response to EU listing of group as terrorists.

Both sides stepped up diplomatic war of attrition: China lured Chad to re-establish ties, and continued negotiations with 3 Taiwan allies - Guatemala, Paraguay and Sao Tome & Principe - for oil/gas exploration. Taiwan rallied support in Central America and Solomon Islands, and made 14th attempt at UN membership 10 August when several supporting states wrote to UNSG Annan requesting issue be raised in September General Assembly. Beijing called proposal attempt for Taiwanese independence.

Political uncertainty and southern violence continued. Opposition parties threatened to restart mass demonstrations after clashes between protestors and supporters at caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s public appearances. Interior Minister Wantana said credible reports of assassination plot against PM. Although royal decree on 15 October election came into effect 24 August, 10 August deadline for Senate to approve new Election Commissioners missed, possibly delaying poll. Insurgency continued in south with 53 deaths reported in various attacks on civilians and security forces: 2 August mine on rail bridge killed 3 police; 20 coordinated blasts outside banks in Yala province 31 August killed 1; while night of 1 August saw 128 separate bombing and shooting incidents. In Yala province locals received insurgent leaflets telling Buddhists to leave south.

Situation remained tense with local trust in international police/defence forces and government greatly reduced. Process of removing illicit weapons and holding those responsible for April/May violence yet to begin; 56 prisoners, including Alfredo Reinado, rebel leader arrested in July, escaped from Dili jail 30 August. UN Security Council unanimously approved new and expanded UN mission (UNMIT) 26 August. Mission to consist of 1,600 police and 35 military liaison officers, but no troops. Previous request by Dili, UNSG Annan, China, France and others for UN control over all international troops rejected in resolution - allowing Australia, with 1,500 troops in multi-national force of 2,300, to retain control and financial burden for military component; Annan to review arrangements by 25 October. Intermittent violence persisted in Dili despite President Gusmao’s suspension of emergency rule. Attacks by youths on refugee camps saw Australian police fire warning shots. 25 gang members arrested for arson and attack on police 21 August.

All 7 seats of Central Electoral Commission filled 4 August after months of wrangling between ruling Democratic Party and opposition Socialists. Further opposition threats to boycott winter elections followed, before parties compromised 31 August to increase number of electoral commissioners to 9 and local government terms from 3 to 4 years.

Minsk Group U.S. co- chair Matthew Bryza visited Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan 29 July-1 August. U.S., French and Russian co- chairs met in Paris 2 August; discussed “new proposals” to resolve current deadlock.

Campaign for October municipal elections started 8 August; opposition Azadliq bloc said planning boycott, citing past vote-rigging. Former official accused of plotting coup committed suicide in custody 24 August. Baku court sentenced opposition Popular Front Party (AHCP) activist Sakhavat Babayev to 3 years’ prison for “commercial crimes”; followed similar sentencing of AHCP activist in July.

Separatist ETA said peace process in crisis as result of ongoing Spanish and French arrests of members. Group threatened to “respond” if policy continued; government denied promising to halt arrests. Large pro-independence march held in Bilbao 25 August.

OSCE and EU condemned sentencing of 4 election monitors to between 6 months and 2 years in prison for “infringing on rights and interests” of citizens. 2 released after serving 6-month pre-trial detention. Diplomatic row erupted with Latvia after Minsk accused embassy official of involvement in pornography. Poland called for release of 3 ethnic Pole activists detained ahead of Union of Poles in Belarus meeting 18 August.

Tensions mounted ahead of 1 October presidential and parliamentary polls. Republika Srpska (RS) and Bosniak-Croat Federation leaders’ rhetoric over RS status intensified after broadcast of controversial war-time footage and bomb attack on former President Izetbegovic’s tomb. Belgrade television aired apparent recordings of war crimes against Serbs during Bosniak and Croatian offensive in 1995. Serbia passed footage to BiH and Croatian governments; prosecutors from 3 countries agreed to cooperate in investigation. High Representative Schwarz- Schilling appealed to politicians to curb rhetoric.

Russian President Putin asked defence and interior ministries to formulate plan for withdrawal of all non-permanent troops from Chechnya by 2008. Pro- Kremlin Chechen PM Kadyrov welcomed proposal. Separatist leader Umarov’s brother reportedly surrendered to Chechen authorities 18 August. Russian rights group reported major decrease in number of people killed or disappeared in republic in 2005 in comparison to 2004.

2 suspected separatists died in north after bomb, reportedly intended for French-owned fire-fighting helicopters, exploded prematurely: Corsican National Liberation Front “October 22” section claimed responsibility.

Senior-level talks between representatives of Turkish and Greek Cypriot presidents continued under UN auspices amid media blackout. Representatives Pertev and Tzionis discussed extensive lists of bicommunal issues submitted by both sides in July, but establishment of technical committees delayed. UNSC urged both sides to fully implement July agreement without further delay.

Tbilisi confirmed plans to install pro-Georgian Abkhaz government-in-exile in upper Kodori gorge, near Abkhazia conflict zone, and pledged major investment in infrastructure. De facto Abkhaz authorities and Russia objected to Georgian police presence in area, saying violation of 1994 Moscow agreement. Tbilisi agreed to UN inspection of gorge without Russian peacekeeping participation; CIS peacekeepers and UN observers carried out joint monitoring of rebel-held lower gorge 15 August. Joint Control Commission discussed South Ossetia 17-18 August: Georgia sought revisions of 1992 agreement on Russian-led peacekeeping and negotiation mechanisms before launch of internationally- funded rehabilitation program; Russia and South Ossetians reject any changes. Georgian local elections set for 5 October.

Former security officer Rustam Ibragimov sentenced to death for February murder of opposition leader Sarsenbaev; 9 other defendants given prison sentences of between 6 and 20 years. Sarsenbaev’s family called trial farce, saying real blame lay with national security committee.

Sixth round of decentralisation talks in Vienna ended without progress 7 August. Kosovo Serb representatives, refusing label of minority, boycotted first round of negotiations on minorities 8 August, which failed to produce results. UN envoy Ahtisaari and team subsequently negotiated altered decentralisation proposal with Pristina. Contact group called for practical solution for North of province, expressing concern over deteriorating political and security situation. UNMIK reinforced international police presence in area but tensions stoked by grenade attack on north Mitrovica cafe 26 August; 7 Serbs and 2 foreigners wounded. German diplomat Joachim Rucker appointed new head of UNMIK from 1 September.

Tensions rose in southern town Karasuu after prominent Imam Kamalov killed with 2 Tajik citizens by security forces: government initially claimed Kamalov Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan “terrorist” but, after mounting local anger, said cleric may have been accidentally killed in clash between militants and armed forces. Security services called on Islamist militants in southern Osh region to lay down weapons by 1 September, while 6 went on trial accused of May border checkpoint attacks. UNHCR condemned extradition to Uzbekistan of 5 refugees, 4 of whom fled after 2005 Andijon uprising; 4 other refugees disappeared from Osh under suspicious circumstances (see Uzbekistan, below). 2 Washington-based Kyrgyz diplomats declared persona non grata following July expulsion of 2 U.S. diplomats from Bishkek. 3 sentenced to death for 2005 killing of MP Tynychbek Akmatbaev, who died while mediating prison revolt.

President Voronin visited Moscow 8 August for first talks with Russian President Putin in 3 years; discussed Transdniestria and ban on Moldovan wine imports. Bomb blast on bus in Transdniestrian capital Tiraspol killed 1, month after similar blast killed 7.

Parties prepared for 10 September parliamentary and local elections with series of coalition agreements: 7 coalitions, 4 parties and 1 civic-group submitted electoral lists. Military conscription abolished as part of efforts to join NATO Partnership for Peace by end 2006.

Parliament approved new government 27 August: coalition, led by VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, includes Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) and several smaller parties. Ethnic Albanian Democratic Union for Integration continued to protest opposition status, arguing party gained more ethnic Albanian votes than DPA in July elections.

Dissident republicans launched wave of minor attacks and disruptions, including firebombing of shops in Newry and devices on Dublin-Belfast rail track; Real IRA claimed responsibility for both. A