CFC Complex Coverage Review, 09 July 2013

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Complex Coverage ReviewC I V I L - M I L I T A R Y F U S I O N C E N T R E

09 July 2013

Middle East 1

North Africa 5

Northeast Africa 7

Horn of Africa 8

ED & Demining 9

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Middle East Linda [email protected] UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) reports that 761 people were killed interrorist attacksin

June, informs United Press International (UPI). More than 1,700 injuries were associated with

violence last month; however, the number of casualties decreased from May 2013 when more than

1,000 Iraqis were killed. June 2013 shows, [t]he number of civilians killed was 685, including 131

civilian police, and the number of civilians injured was 1,610, including 221 civi lian police. The UN

mission added, a further 76 members of the Iraqi security forces were killed and 161 were injured.

Baghdad was the worst-affected region in Iraq, followed by the mostly Sunni provinces of Salahuddin

Diyala, Nineveh and Anbar.

A spokesman for Iraqs Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), Safaa al Moussawi, reportsthat candidates backed by influential Sunni politicians won thebiggest single blocof seats in the 20

June Anbar provincial elections, according to Associated Press (AP). SunniUnited List led by Iraq

Parliament Speaker Osama al Nujaifi won 8 of 30 seats in Anbars provincial council. The State of

Law block, led by Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki came in second with five seats. According to

Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), the provincial elections held in April and again in June

show that Prime Minister Malikis base of support is eroding. Two other Shiite blocs, the Muwatin

Coalition and the Sadrist Movement, made strong showings in recent elections, resulting in Malikis

party losing five of the nine provincial councils it once controlled. Malikis most strategic loss

This document provides complex coverage of developments in regions of interest from 02 - 08 July

2013, with hyper-links to source material highlighted in blue and underlined in the text. Formore information on the topics below or other issues pertaining to the region, please contact the members

of the CFC, or visit our website at www.cimicweb.org.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/02/UN-Civilians-bear-brunt-of-Iraqi-violence/UPI-65661372774648/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/02/UN-Civilians-bear-brunt-of-Iraqi-violence/UPI-65661372774648/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/02/UN-Civilians-bear-brunt-of-Iraqi-violence/UPI-65661372774648/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-kurdish-list-wins-largest-bloc-ninevah-19491958http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-kurdish-list-wins-largest-bloc-ninevah-19491958http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-kurdish-list-wins-largest-bloc-ninevah-19491958http://iwpr.net/report-news/iraqi-premier%E2%80%99s-party-losing-grip-regionshttp://iwpr.net/report-news/iraqi-premier%E2%80%99s-party-losing-grip-regionshttp://iwpr.net/report-news/iraqi-premier%E2%80%99s-party-losing-grip-regionshttp://iwpr.net/report-news/iraqi-premier%E2%80%99s-party-losing-grip-regionshttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-kurdish-list-wins-largest-bloc-ninevah-19491958http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/02/UN-Civilians-bear-brunt-of-Iraqi-violence/UPI-65661372774648/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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occurred in Baghdad where his State of Law1 coalition received only 20 of 58 seats. Nabil Salim, a professor of political science at

Baghdad University notes, The results indicate an obvious decline in popularity for the prime ministers bloc because of the failure of

its governors over the last four years, especially in providing basic services and reducing unemployment rates.

TheKurdish parliamentvoted to extend the terms of its leaders by two years, ending a months-long political deadlock between the

two ruling parties over the issue, according to Rudaw. Regional parliament spokesman Tareq Juhar announced that the majority of

lawmakers voted to keep President Massoud Barzani as the KRG head through August 2015. For the first time in over two years,

President Barzani visited Baghdad on 07 July, in a gesture meant to mend current riftsbetween Kurdistan and the Iraqi centra

government, reports Voice of America (VOA).

Iraqi Member of Parliament (MP) Waleed al Mohamadi of the Sunni Mutahidoun Alliance described the current security situationinIraq as collapsed, according toIraqi News. Hassan Jihad, a Kurdish MP on the Security and Defence Committee, conceded that the

current security situation willlikely remain unchangedas the country heads into the Holy Month of Ramadan, reports Gulf Today.

Numerous violent incidents were reported throughout the country this past week.

02-July-13:Reuters reports that at least 45 people were killed in bomb attacks across the country, mostly concentrated inBaghdad where attackers targetedbusy marketsand commercial areas.

03-July-13: A roadside bomb in Nahrawan, south-eastern Baghdad, killed seven and wounded fifteen others, while in the south-eastern neighbourhood of Zafaraniyah, thebodies of three workerswere discovered at a home construction site, reports Time. In

Mosul, two suicide attackers drove their vehicles into military barricades, killing four soldiers and wounding one civilian. Also,

two Sahwa2 fighters were killed and six wounded when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in Abu Ghraib Baghdad.

04-July-13: In Tuz Kharmato, four police officerswere killed and fifteen civilians wounded when a suicide bomber drove hisvehicle into police patrolling the city, reports Time.

05-July-13: Asuicide bomberkilled fifteen people in an attack on a Shiite mosque in Baghdad, reports The New York Times(NYT). Also, in Samarra a female suicide bomber blew herself up amid Sunni protesters, killing seven.

08-July-13: A series of attacks killed at least fifteen people in Iraq; the deadliest attack occurred in Madain southeast of Baghdadwhere a bomb exploded near ayouth centrekilling six civilians, reportsAP. In Mosul, a car bomb exploded in a commercial area

killing one and wounding several others. Also, two militant groups attacked a Mosul checkpoint killing a police officer. Finally,

early Monday morning gunmen stopped a police officers family as they returned from a wedding early Monday morning in

Musayyib, killing the officer.

The UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR) found that Iraqs human rights record is on the decline as a

result of mounting violence within the country, reports UPI. UN Special Envoy to Iraq Martin Kobler stated, [The UN] has

consistently urged Iraqi leaders to engage in dialogue and develop policies that address the root causes of the problem, and welcomed

Iraqi efforts to implement a national action plan on human rights. Also, the UN Security Council (UNSC) eased sanctions against Iraq

which date back to Saddam Husseins 1990 invasion of Kuwait, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). Iraqs Foreign Minister

Hoshyar Zebari called the UNSC decision a landmark in Iraqs effort to restore its international standing.

More than 160,000 Syrian refugees areseeking shelter in Iraq, most of them in the Domiz camp located in the Kurdish region of the

country, reports The Guardian. Domiz is the only refugee camp in Iraq and is severely overcrowded. Refugees are struggling to access

food and water while adequate sanitation is an ever-increasing problem in the camp

LebanonThe Institute of International Finance (IIF) reports that the Lebaneseeconomy contractedbetween 0.5 and 1 per cent in the first six

months of 2013, reports Albawaba. However, if the security situation stabilises, Lebanon could see a rebound to marginal positive

growth in 2013. Tourism has dropped by 12.5 per cent this year, coupled with plummeting investments. While the downturn remains

manageable, the bleak forecast is a sign that instability and weakening institutions are negatively impacting the economy.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)3 officials met on 04 July to oversee the adoption of sanctions against Hezbollah interests in the

region, according to The National. Two monitoring groups were proposed; one to coordinate with central banks, and the other to

review legal administrative and financial matters of the Lebanese group. The developments represent a shift in relations withHezbollah which previously enjoyed wide regional sympathy in its confrontations with Israel. According to Middle East Online, a

Lebanese government source indicated that recently Qatar expelled eighteen Lebanese citizens from the country. An estimated

360,000Lebanese workin the Gulf region.

UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon appealed to Lebanons armed forces to remain loyal to Lebanese President Michel Sleiman as

sectarian tensions fuelled by the Syrian conflict mounted, reports AFP. The UN leader expressed deep concern after sixteen

1 Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki is part of theDawa party, which is part of the larger State of Law Coalition.2Sahwa fighterswere a key component of the US surge strategy. These Sunni fighters turned against al Qaeda in order to establish security in the Iraq provinces. Sahwa

fighters are often targeted by re-emerging al Qaeda members in revenge attacks.3GCC statesinclude Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/05072013http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/05072013http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/05072013http://www.voanews.com/content/iraq-kurd-barzani-baghdad-visit/1696889.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/iraq-kurd-barzani-baghdad-visit/1696889.htmlhttp://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/mp-describes-security-situation-as-quot-collapsed-quot/http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/mp-describes-security-situation-as-quot-collapsed-quot/http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/mp-describes-security-situation-as-quot-collapsed-quot/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/41da7edd-97f9-484d-b6e4-e45554912c8a.aspxhttp://gulftoday.ae/portal/41da7edd-97f9-484d-b6e4-e45554912c8a.aspxhttp://gulftoday.ae/portal/41da7edd-97f9-484d-b6e4-e45554912c8a.aspxhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE9610VM20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE9610VM20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE9610VM20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://world.time.com/2013/07/03/officials-insurgents-kill-17-people-across-iraq/http://world.time.com/2013/07/03/officials-insurgents-kill-17-people-across-iraq/http://world.time.com/2013/07/03/officials-insurgents-kill-17-people-across-iraq/http://world.time.com/2013/07/04/suicide-bomber-in-iraq-kills-2-police-wounds-19/http://world.time.com/2013/07/04/suicide-bomber-in-iraq-kills-2-police-wounds-19/http://world.time.com/2013/07/04/suicide-bomber-in-iraq-kills-2-police-wounds-19/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/06/world/middleeast/iraq-attacks-kill-shiites-and-sunnis.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/06/world/middleeast/iraq-attacks-kill-shiites-and-sunnis.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/06/world/middleeast/iraq-attacks-kill-shiites-and-sunnis.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/attacks-kill-15-iraq-officials-19603321#.UdwWu23D-M8http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/attacks-kill-15-iraq-officials-19603321#.UdwWu23D-M8http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/attacks-kill-15-iraq-officials-19603321#.UdwWu23D-M8http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/06/27/Iraqs-human-rights-image-in-decline/UPI-56181372347427/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/06/27/Iraqs-human-rights-image-in-decline/UPI-56181372347427/http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/gallery/2013/jul/02/syrian-refugees-iraq-domiz-in-pictureshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/gallery/2013/jul/02/syrian-refugees-iraq-domiz-in-pictureshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/gallery/2013/jul/02/syrian-refugees-iraq-domiz-in-pictureshttp://www.albawaba.com/business/lebanese-economy-takes-unexpected-nosedive-503946http://www.albawaba.com/business/lebanese-economy-takes-unexpected-nosedive-503946http://www.albawaba.com/business/lebanese-economy-takes-unexpected-nosedive-503946http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/gcc-sets-up-panels-for-hizbollah-sanctionshttp://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/gcc-sets-up-panels-for-hizbollah-sanctionshttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Jun-25/221495-uns-ban-urges-lebanon-army-to-back-president.ashx#axzz2XeQYPhpxhttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Jun-25/221495-uns-ban-urges-lebanon-army-to-back-president.ashx#axzz2XeQYPhpxhttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Jun-25/221495-uns-ban-urges-lebanon-army-to-back-president.ashx#axzz2XeQYPhpxhttp://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/maliki-reelected-as-dawa-head-fo.htmlhttp://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/maliki-reelected-as-dawa-head-fo.htmlhttp://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/maliki-reelected-as-dawa-head-fo.htmlhttp://www.mepc.org/journal/middle-east-policy-archives/iraqs-tribal-sahwa-its-rise-and-fallhttp://www.mepc.org/journal/middle-east-policy-archives/iraqs-tribal-sahwa-its-rise-and-fallhttp://www.mepc.org/journal/middle-east-policy-archives/iraqs-tribal-sahwa-its-rise-and-fallhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.mepc.org/journal/middle-east-policy-archives/iraqs-tribal-sahwa-its-rise-and-fallhttp://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/maliki-reelected-as-dawa-head-fo.htmlhttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Jun-25/221495-uns-ban-urges-lebanon-army-to-back-president.ashx#axzz2XeQYPhpxhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=59891http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/gcc-sets-up-panels-for-hizbollah-sanctionshttp://www.albawaba.com/business/lebanese-economy-takes-unexpected-nosedive-503946http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/gallery/2013/jul/02/syrian-refugees-iraq-domiz-in-pictureshttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/06/27/Iraqs-human-rights-image-in-decline/UPI-56181372347427/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/attacks-kill-15-iraq-officials-19603321#.UdwWu23D-M8http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/06/world/middleeast/iraq-attacks-kill-shiites-and-sunnis.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://world.time.com/2013/07/04/suicide-bomber-in-iraq-kills-2-police-wounds-19/http://world.time.com/2013/07/03/officials-insurgents-kill-17-people-across-iraq/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE9610VM20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://gulftoday.ae/portal/41da7edd-97f9-484d-b6e4-e45554912c8a.aspxhttp://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/mp-describes-security-situation-as-quot-collapsed-quot/http://www.voanews.com/content/iraq-kurd-barzani-baghdad-visit/1696889.htmlhttp://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/05072013


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Lebanese troops were killed in battles between Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Sunni followers of radical Sunni cleric Sheikh

Assir in Sidon. According to IHS Janes 360, the LAF received low-level supportfrom the Shiite militant group Hezbollah during

the 23-24 June assault on the Assir compound. The revelation has fuelled tensions between Sunni and Shiite sects within Lebanon.

The recent clashes betweenhard-line Sunnigroups and the Lebanese army are seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the fragile

state, reports The Guardian. The growing view among Sunni groups across the region is that the Lebanese state is giving cover to

Hezbollah as the Lebanese group continues to fight in Syria. McClatchy reports that Lebanese Sunni cleric Sheikh Salem al Rafehi

informed a gathering of Sunni clerics the LAF is working in conjunction with Hezbollah and [Hezbollah] militia allies in Tripol

against the Sunni population. Rafehi also implied that President Michel Suleiman and Lebanons acting defence minister, Fayez

Ghosnboth Christianswere aware of Hezbollahs involvement in the recent clashes in Sidon with the followers of radical cleric

Sheikh Ahmad al Assir. In a veiled warning, Rafehi cautioned, [i]f our Christian partners are turning a blind eye to whats happening

to Sunnis, then their turn will come.

On 02 July, Lebanese security forceslaunched a manhuntfor radical Sunni cleric Ahmad al Assir after the recent violence in Sidon,

according to France 24. A day earlier, the Lebanese judiciary issued arrest warrants for Assir along with warrants for 123 of his

supporters. On 05 July,after Friday prayersin Sidon, supporters of Assir took to the streets, some with black Islamist flags, showing

their support for the fugitive cleric, reports The Daily Star. Similar demonstrations took place in Tripoli

A number of violent incidents were reported throughout the country this past week.

02-July-13: In the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanese soldiers clashed with gunmen after unidentified assailants hurled a handgrenade at a Lebanese army post, reports The Daily Star. Fighting escalated with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled

grenades and finally ceased after the Army managed to secure control of al Nour Square. Also, Israeldispatched reconnaissance

and fighter jets into Lebanese airspace, considered a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by Lebanese leadership,

reports The Daily Star.

03-July-13: A 122-mmmortar bomb without a warhead was found in a Barja field, close to the residence of Barja Mayor AliBarrak, according to The Daily Star.

07-July-13: Two bombings in the Bekaa Valley city ofHermelresulted in the injury of two Lebanese soldiers, reports AlbawabaSaudi Arabias Ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Awad Asiri, voiced serious concern over clashes, from Tripoli to Akkar and Arsal a nd

Sidon, which aredirectly linkedto the Hezbollahs involvement in the events in Syria, according to The Daily Star. Asiri called on

Hezbollah to reconsider its policy toward the Sunni sect in order to avoid additional unrest in the country. Meanwhile, UPIreports tha

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Roknabadi reiterated the importance ofHezbollah membersto continue its support of the

Syrian government in a recent trip to Beirut.

Inside Lebanon, there are indications that support for Hezbollahs policy in Syria is increasingly questionedby Shiite Hezbollah

families, reports VOA. For many Hezbollah members, Israel is seen as their real enemy as opposed to Syrian rebels. One Shiite

Sheikh who declined to be identified said some Hezbollah militiamen sought his counsel on whether they should heed Hezbollah

leader Hassan Nasrallahs call to arms [to fight in Syria against Syrian rebels] . The militiamen questioned Hezbollahs involvemenin Syria and the risk of igniting a sectarian civil war in Lebanon. On 07 July, UPIreports that someLebanese parentshave petitioned

Nasrallah to stop sending their sons to fight for the regime in Syria.

Anger is mounting in Lebanon towardsSyrian refugees as locals compete with Syrians for scarce jobs and housing in the region

according to VOA. Seeking to stem growing tensions between the communities, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is

assisting towns and villages with housing and public infrastructure development. UNHCR quick impact projects include the

construction of new waste management plants, libraries, as well as local housing development. The work attempts to relieve pressure

on host communities. Meanwhile, with hard-line Islamist groups on the ascendancy in Lebanon,Palestinian leadersin refugee camps

struggle to keep the camps from becoming flash points for violence, according to TheWashington Post. Paul Salem, director of the

Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, suggests that the sectarian politics on the rise in Syria and Lebanon reinforce the m ilitan

radicals [in the camps], adding, the mainstream leadership can try and keep the lid on it, but puffs of steam will erupt now and

then. After his three day visit to Beirut, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed his neutrality in the Syrian conflict

according to UPI.

SyriaTheSyrian National Coalition(SNC) elected Ahmad Jarba as its new president on 06 July, reports Reuters. Jarba is a tribal leader

from the eastern Syrian province of Hasaka and has strong Saudi connections. A senior official of the SNC stated, [a] change was

needed, adding, [t]he old leadership of the coalition had failed to offer the Syrian people anything substantial and was preoccupied

with internal politics. Amhad Jarba is willing to work with everyone. Earlier in the week, the SNC urged the international c ommunity

to take action to protect civilians in the embattled city of Homs, according to Al Jazeera. Khalid Saleh, spokesperson for the SNC

warned that the fall of Homs would jeopardise any political solution for the country. AFPreports that Saleh pronounced, if Homs

falls, it will be very difficult for us to explain to the families of tens of thousands of dead Syrians why [the SNC] negotiated with a

regime that shows us day after day that it doesnt want apolitical solutionand that it only wants to kill more Syrians. Shortly after the
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409 July 2013

election of Jarba, theSyrian Muslim Brotherhoodasked the US and Europe to deliver on the promise to provide military support to the

rebels, reportsReuters.McClatchy reports that when the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) begins arming Syrian rebels later this

month, the organisation will likely be acting without help from its European allies who continue to express deep reservationsabou

arming unknown rebel groups. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that Germany will not be involved in arming

anyone in the conflict. The Austrians, Belgians, Greeks and Irish have taken similar positions while France and Britain have not

publically voiced support toward arming the rebels.

Deadly clashes between rival rebel factions are hampering rebel efforts as they attempt to halt recent Syrian army gains on the

battlefield, reports NYT. Fighting flared between a mainstream rebel group and an al Qaeda -affiliated faction, according to activists

As foreign fighters cross into Syria to join the fight against Assad, the prospects for unity among Syrian rebels grows more remote

Tensions within the insurgency have intensified lately, and violent confrontations have erupted in Raqqa, Idlib and Aleppo over accessand control of economic resources.

According to some Middle East analysts, the Assad regime is said to have been fortifying what is becoming known as Alawistan for

months, with help from Russia and Iran, reports VOA. Murhaf Jouejati, professor of Middle East studies at the National Defense

University in Washington, D.C., asserts that the creation of an enclave for Alawites along Syrias Mediterranean coast has been under

serious consideration for some time especially by Iran. After recent military gains within Syria, on 04 July President Bashar al Assad

said that only aforeign interventioninto Syria would prevent him and the government from surviving the civil war, reports Reuters

On 08 July, Syrian national television announced that new leadership had been appointed within the ruling Baath Party, reports

Reuters. The reshuffle of posts was seen as an attempt by the Assad government to put a new face on the party that has dominated

Syrian politics for over forty years.

Following his meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the proposed

peace conference between the Syrian government and rebels is unlikely to take place untilSeptemberor later, reports The Washington

Post. Kerry stated, [w]e both agreed that our countries have an ability to make a difference if we can pull together [in ending the

bloody civil conflict in Syria]. The proposed meeting has been repeatedly postponed over the question of Assad or rebel atte ndance

as well as disagreements between the US and Russia over Assads future role in the country. Meanwhile, on 05 July UPI reports

Russias Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu dismissed claims that theconflict in Syriawas a civil war, but rather Syria was engaged in

a battle against roving international forces.

Charles Farr, Director General of Britains Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism, states, Syria is a very profound game

changer, adding, the blunt truth is there are more people associated with AQ (al Qaeda) and AQ -associated organisations now

operating in Syrian than there ever have been - that close to Europe, reports Reuters. Farr also indicated that AQ is operating at an

intensity which is unparalleled since the insurgency in Iraq between 2005 and 2006. Spanish security forces arrested eight suspected

militants in Moroccos Ceuta, accusing them of recruiting fighters for an arm of al Qaeda in Syria, reports Al Jazeera. Spanish security

forces confirmed that several jihadists were waiting to travel from Spain to Syrian and dozens of people had already been sent to

Syria by the smuggling ring. According toIWPR, a small number of young men from the Central Asian countries ofKyrgyzstan and

Tajikistanhave travelled to Syria to fight on the side of rebel forces4

. Iraqi Shiitescontinue to flock to Syria to join Hezbollah indefending the Assad regime, reports UPI.

A number of violent incidents were reported throughout the country this past week.

02-July-13: Syrian forces shelled arebel-heldsuburb of Damascus killing at least eleven people, according to Time. 03-July-13: The Syrian militarydropped leafletson opposition held regions of Idlib province urging rebel fighters to surrender

according to ABC News. The battle for Idlib province in the north is one of a series of key campaigns being waged in Syria.

Syrian forces bombedrebel strongholdsin Homs where the military offensive there continued into its fourth day.

04-July-13: Syrian warplanes continued their bombing of Homs while rebels and Syriantroops battled in fierce fighting withinthe city, according toAFP.

07-July-13: A Syrian government official claimed that Assad forces had seized control of acontested districtin Homs; howevertwo Syrian activists contradicted government reports saying that rebels were under heavy fire but holding their positions, reports

AP.

08-July-13: Syrian troops in Homs continued to fight rebels as government forces seek to drive a wedge betweenopposition-heldareasand establish links between Damascus and coastal strongholds, reportsReuters.On 05 July, the UN stated that four million Syrians, a fifth of the population, are unable to produce or buy enough food. Farmers, shor

of seedand fertilizers, have yet to plant their next crop, according to Reuters. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and

the World Food Programme (WFP) said Syrias domestic wheat production over the next twelve months will likely be severely

compromised, and the country will need to import 1.5 million metric tonnes of wheat in 2013-2014. Additionally, Syrias livestock

has been seriously depleted by the conflict, with poultry production down by more than fifty per cent from 2011.

4Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty reported on 19 June that there areChechen fightersin Syria as well. There is a growing list of foreign fighters involved in the

Syrian conflict. Arecent study, Convoy of Martyrs in the Levant provides a more in-depth accounting of the presence of foreign fighters in Syria.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/us-syria-crisis-brotherhood-idUSBRE96609X20130707?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/us-syria-crisis-brotherhood-idUSBRE96609X20130707?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/us-syria-crisis-brotherhood-idUSBRE96609X20130707?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/06/28/195325/europe-likely-to-stay-on-sidelines.html#.Udr-mG3D-ishttp://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/06/28/195325/europe-likely-to-stay-on-sidelines.html#.Udr-mG3D-ishttp://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/06/28/195325/europe-likely-to-stay-on-sidelines.html#.Udr-mG3D-ishttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/world/middleeast/tension-between-rebel-groups-intensifies-in-syria.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/world/middleeast/tension-between-rebel-groups-intensifies-in-syria.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/world/middleeast/tension-between-rebel-groups-intensifies-in-syria.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://www.voanews.com/content/alwawistan-syrias-once-and-future-state/1693606.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/alwawistan-syrias-once-and-future-state/1693606.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/alwawistan-syrias-once-and-future-state/1693606.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/04/us-syria-crisis-assad-idUSBRE9630A120130704?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/04/us-syria-crisis-assad-idUSBRE9630A120130704?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/04/us-syria-crisis-assad-idUSBRE9630A120130704?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/kerry-syria-peace-talks-unlikely-until-at-least-september/2013/07/02/f4666752-e300-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html?wprss=rss_worldhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/kerry-syria-peace-talks-unlikely-until-at-least-september/2013/07/02/f4666752-e300-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html?wprss=rss_worldhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/kerry-syria-peace-talks-unlikely-until-at-least-september/2013/07/02/f4666752-e300-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html?wprss=rss_worldhttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/05/Russian-defense-minister-No-civil-war-in-Syria/UPI-26041373030132/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/05/Russian-defense-minister-No-civil-war-in-Syria/UPI-26041373030132/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/05/Russian-defense-minister-No-civil-war-in-Syria/UPI-26041373030132/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-syria-crisis-britain-qaeda-idUSBRE9620TA20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-syria-crisis-britain-qaeda-idUSBRE9620TA20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-syria-crisis-britain-qaeda-idUSBRE9620TA20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/06/201362192616764706.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/06/201362192616764706.htmlhttp://iwpr.net/report-news/central-asian-recruits-syrian-conflicthttp://iwpr.net/report-news/central-asian-recruits-syrian-conflicthttp://iwpr.net/report-news/central-asian-recruits-syrian-conflicthttp://iwpr.net/report-news/central-asian-recruits-syrian-conflicthttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/03/Syrian-war-Iraqi-fighters-swell-Iran-foreign-legion/UPI-21461372871336/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/03/Syrian-war-Iraqi-fighters-swell-Iran-foreign-legion/UPI-21461372871336/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/03/Syrian-war-Iraqi-fighters-swell-Iran-foreign-legion/UPI-21461372871336/http://world.time.com/2013/07/02/activists-shelling-kills-11-near-syrian-capital/http://world.time.com/2013/07/02/activists-shelling-kills-11-near-syrian-capital/http://world.time.com/2013/07/02/activists-shelling-kills-11-near-syrian-capital/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-battle-retake-rebel-held-areas-19561877#.Udr4PG3D-iuhttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-battle-retake-rebel-held-areas-19561877#.Udr4PG3D-iuhttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-battle-retake-rebel-held-areas-19561877#.Udr4PG3D-iuhttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/03/Syrian-army-bombs-Damascus-Homs/UPI-89151372853111/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/03/Syrian-army-bombs-Damascus-Homs/UPI-89151372853111/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/03/Syrian-army-bombs-Damascus-Homs/UPI-89151372853111/http://www.arabnews.com/news/457084http://www.arabnews.com/news/457084http://www.arabnews.com/news/457084http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syria-rebels-pound-besieged-shiite-towns-19598396#.UdsItG3D-ishttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syria-rebels-pound-besieged-shiite-towns-19598396#.UdsItG3D-ishttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syria-rebels-pound-besieged-shiite-towns-19598396#.UdsItG3D-ishttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/05/us-syria-food-idUSBRE96406B20130705?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/05/us-syria-food-idUSBRE96406B20130705?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/05/us-syria-food-idUSBRE96406B20130705?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/05/us-syria-food-idUSBRE96406B20130705?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.rferl.org/content/chechen-syria-fighting-kadyrov/25022321.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/chechen-syria-fighting-kadyrov/25022321.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/chechen-syria-fighting-kadyrov/25022321.htmlhttps://flashpoint-intel.com/upload/syria_martyrs/2013-06-02_Convoy_of_Martyrs_Report.pdfhttps://flashpoint-intel.com/upload/syria_martyrs/2013-06-02_Convoy_of_Martyrs_Report.pdfhttps://flashpoint-intel.com/upload/syria_martyrs/2013-06-02_Convoy_of_Martyrs_Report.pdfhttps://flashpoint-intel.com/upload/syria_martyrs/2013-06-02_Convoy_of_Martyrs_Report.pdfhttp://www.rferl.org/content/chechen-syria-fighting-kadyrov/25022321.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/05/us-syria-food-idUSBRE96406B20130705?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/05/us-syria-food-idUSBRE96406B20130705?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syria-rebels-pound-besieged-shiite-towns-19598396#.UdsItG3D-ishttp://www.arabnews.com/news/457084http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/03/Syrian-army-bombs-Damascus-Homs/UPI-89151372853111/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-battle-retake-rebel-held-areas-19561877#.Udr4PG3D-iuhttp://world.time.com/2013/07/02/activists-shelling-kills-11-near-syrian-capital/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/07/03/Syrian-war-Iraqi-fighters-swell-Iran-foreign-legion/UPI-21461372871336/http://iwpr.net/report-news/central-asian-recruits-syrian-conflicthttp://iwpr.net/report-news/central-asian-recruits-syrian-conflicthttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/06/201362192616764706.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-syria-crisis-britain-qaeda-idUSBRE9620TA20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/us-syria-crisis-britain-qaeda-idUSBRE9620TA20130703?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/07/05/Russian-defense-minister-No-civil-war-in-Syria/UPI-26041373030132/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/kerry-syria-peace-talks-unlikely-until-at-least-september/2013/07/02/f4666752-e300-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html?wprss=rss_worldhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/08/us-syria-crisis-homs-idUSBRE9670K320130708?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/04/us-syria-crisis-assad-idUSBRE9630A120130704?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNewshttp://www.voanews.com/content/alwawistan-syrias-once-and-future-state/1693606.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/world/middleeast/tension-between-rebel-groups-intensifies-in-syria.html?partner=rss&emc=rsshttp://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/06/28/195325/europe-likely-to-stay-on-sidelines.html#.Udr-mG3D-ishttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/us-syria-crisis-brotherhood-idUSBRE96609X20130707?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews


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North Africa Eray [email protected] Algerianair strikeon a terrorist hideout in Bouira killed seven Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) militants on 05 July,

reportsMagharebia. In addition, seven other AQIM terrorists of Malian origin were killed and one other was wounded duringclashes

between the group and Algerian security forces on the night of 06-07 July, reports Tout sur lAlgrie. The group, which was

attempting to enter Algeria, was stopped near the town of Tinzaouatine, and several weapons were recovered during the operation.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, hospitalised in France since 27 April after suffering a stroke, will reportedly returnto his

country soon, according to a source close to the president, reports Reuters. However, no specific date for his return was provided

Given the long absence of the president from office and the lack of information concerning his condition, Algerians are preparing for a

new presidentto succeed Bouteflika, reports Magharebia. General opinion in the country suggests that Bouteflika will not be able to

stand for re-election, even if he finishes his current term in the office, which expires in April 2014. Opposition parties are calling for

politicians to invoke Article 88 of the constitution, which allows forearly elections if the president is ill or otherwise prevented from

performing his duties. There is also talk of potential candidates for the upcoming elections which include the current non-party

affiliated Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal.

Algeria and the European Union (EU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 07 July covering cooperation on

conventional and renewable energy sectors as well as technology transfers, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). European

Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said [t]his is a strategic document, a tool to develop energy cooperation between Algeria

and the EU. The MOU aims to increase investment in Algeria, which is the third largest gas provider for the EU, supplying betweenthirteen and fifteen per cent of Europes gas needs.

EgyptOn 03 July, the Egyptian military removed the countrys first democratically elected president,Mohammed Morsi, placing him under

house arrest and detaining some of his top supporters, reports CNN. The head of the Egyptian armed forces, General Abdel-Fatah El-

Sisi, justified the military action stating that Morsi did not achieve the goals of the people andfailed to complywith the generals 01

July 48-hour deadline to reach a power sharing deal with the national opposition. Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians celebrated in

the streets across the country. Sisi also announced the suspension of the Egyptian Constitution, adding that Adly Mansour, head of the

Supreme Constitutional Court, will serve as interim president, and new parliamentary elections will be held in the near future. The

army laid out plans for a political transition which included the appointment of an interim prime minister. The armys first choice

liberal politicianMohamed ElBaradei, was met by heavy resistance from the Nour Party, a conservative Salafi political party, reports

Reuters. TheNour Party initially supported the coup against President Morsi and the transition plan. The Nour Party objection to

ElBaradei delayed naming the interim prime minister.

Following Morsis removal,Al Jazeera reported on 08 July that amassacreof at least 51

people occurred during a sit-in by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo. The

Independentreports that over400 peoplewere also injured. According to Gehad Haddad,

spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, army and police forces fired upon the protesters

in front of the Republican Guard headquarters. After the incident, the military issued

conflicting statements, claiming that a terrorist group was responsible for the shootings,

while military spokesman Ahmed Ali blamed the violence on protesters for attacking the

military headquarters, saying forces acted in self-defence. The interim administration

issued a statement expressing deep regret for those killed in the violence and informed

that a judicial committee would be created to investigate the incident.

In reaction to the events, US President Barack Obama, condemned the violence and stated that the US was not directly supporting any

sides within Egypt. Obama neither condemned the military takeover nor called the actions a coup. Obama did instruct his

administration to review whether the assistance of USD 1.5 billion should be suspended, as required by US law if a countrys military

removes a democratically elected president. On 08 July, White House spokesman Jay Carney indicated that the Obama administration

hadno immediate plansto cut US aid to Egypt, according to CNN.

Following the massacre, The Guardian writes that moreviolenceis expected on the streets of Egypt. In response to the killings, the

Muslim Brotherhoodcalled for an uprising and requested the assistance of the international community to stop the massacres

following Morsis removal. The incident also compromised the planned political transition as the Nour Party withdrew from talks with

the interim government. Late on 08 July, interim President Mansour issued his first decree outlining plans to amend the constitution

within fifteen days followed by a referendum to be held in the next four months. The plan also pledged to holdparliamentary elections

by early 2014, with a presidential election to follow once the new parliament convenes, informs BBC. On 09 July, Essam el-Erian, a

Source:New York Times
mailto:[email protected]:[email 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609 July 2013

senior Brotherhood leader and deputy head of the Freedom and Justice Party, rejected the proposed timetable, saying it takes the

country back to zero, informs The Canadian Press.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) voiced concern over a dramatic increase insexual assaultsin Egypt since anti-Morsi protesters took to

the streets during the week of 01 July, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Over the past week, more than 100 sexual assaults

have been reported, most of which took place in or near Tahrir Square in Cairo. A majority of the victims are Egyptian; however

some are Western journalists covering events in the country. The Guardian informs that most of these crimes occur withimpunity.

LibyaHundreds of protesters gathered in Algiers Square in Tripoli on 07 July demanding the General National Congress (GNC) order

militias to withdraw from the city and create an army and police force, reports AFP. Prime Minister Ali Zeidan also said that it isnecessary to dissolve the brigades and other formations (of ex-rebels who battled the late Moamer Kadhafi) and integrate them

individually into the army and police. However, Libyan officials reportedly still rely on former rebels to secure the borders and

intervene in tribal conflicts.

International and national organisations clearinglandminesand unexploded ordnance in Libya are facing a funding shortfall of USD

18.5 million, informsLibya Herald. A total of 14.1 million square metres have successfully been cleared while the organisations have

destroyed over 750,000 explosive remnants of war since the 2011 revolution. According to the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS),

technical assessments and surveys are needed to determine the amount of remaining ordinance, mines and ammunition. Deputy Head

of Arms and Ammunition Advisory Section of UNSMIL Julia Goehsing said: We are very pleased to support the Libyan government

in its efforts to counter illicit proliferation of arms and material based on Libyan priorities.

The Es Sider and Ras Lanuf oil ports in eastern Libya were shut down on 04 July by security guards demanding better working

conditions. Regular operations resumed after an agreement was reached on 07 July between the Ministry of Oil officials and the

representatives of the security guards, reports Reuters. Oil facilities in Libya are guarded by a special force under the Ministry ofDefence. However, the ministry has only trained 2,000 members of the 15,000-strong force. Former rebels from the Libyan civil war

comprise the remaining security force. Most of those remaining lack proper training and equipment, and have been the source of oil

production disruptions in previous weeks.

MaliThe United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) took over the African-led Internationa

Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) on 01 July, according to Al Jazeera. The 12,600-strong mission will represent the third-larges

current UN peacekeeping operation when troop levels reach capacity. With 6,000 initial troops, it will grow to 11,200 military

personnel and 1,400 police by the end of the year, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). Itsbroad mandateincludes maintenance

of security, protection of civilians, and the coordination of political and humanitarian affairs within Mali. The mission is led by

Special RepresentativeBert Koenders, a Dutch statesman who previously served as Special Representative to the UN mission in Cte

dIvoire and President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Rwandan Major General Jean Bosco Kazura was appointed Force

Commander; he previously served as the deputy force commander for the African Union Mission in Sudan. MINUSMA deployed to

the country as campaigning began for presidential elections, which are scheduled for 28 July. Election observershave raised concerns

over the countrys ability to hold credible elections with 500,000 people remaining displaced, reports AFP. Malis election

commission has expressed concern about the logistics surrounding polling stations. Two hundred soldiers from the Malian army

entered Kidalon 06 July for the first time in sixteen months after a peace accord was signed with the Tuareg separatist group MNLA

in a deal that was deemed necessary for elections to take place, reportsAl Jazeera. As the political process unfolds, Malis lean season

began andhumanitarian conditions deteriorated, especially in the north. According to the UN News Centre, 4.3 million people require

humanitarian aid and 1.4 million need immediate food assistance. Although the World Food Programme (WFP) reports access to most

areas in the north, shortages in water and electricity hamper its ability to conduct operations.

TunisiaA group of nineteen Tunisian actors who were detained after being attacked by Salafists forindecent behaviour will appear before a

public prosecutor on 08 July, reportsAFP. The prosecutor is expected to charge them with indecent acts, although the exact charges

remain uncertain. The actors were performing in the western town of Kef on 06 July, when they were confronted by the Salafists. A

lawyer for the actors, Ghazi Mrabet, said the police arrested the actors rather than the attackers. The performance was a tribute toChokri Belaid, an anti-Islamist MP who was assassinated by suspected Salafists in February 2013.

French President Francois Hollande visited Tunisia on 04 July for talks regarding the region and the recent ousting of Egyptian

Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, reports AFP. Veteran leader of the ruling Ennahda party Rached Ghannouchi said that events

similar to those in Egypt are unlikely to happen in Tunisia as the country enjoys a consensus, especially between the Islami st and

modernist movements. Although there has been some violence involving radical Islamists, especially over the draft constitution

Tunisia is deemed most likely to successfully realise its democratic transitiona development France is interested in seeing due to its

historical and economical linkages to the country. Hollande pledged EUR 500 million (USD 644 million) to support Tunisias

democratic transition and also announced that some of Tunisias EUR one billion (USD 1.28 billion) debt would be transferred to

development projects, reportsMagharebia.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-urges-revolt-against-army-54-084159272.htmlhttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-urges-revolt-against-army-54-084159272.htmlhttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-urges-revolt-against-army-54-084159272.htmlhttp://www.npr.org/2013/07/07/199557748/sexual-assaults-reportedly-rampant-during-egypt-protestshttp://www.npr.org/2013/07/07/199557748/sexual-assaults-reportedly-rampant-during-egypt-protestshttp://www.npr.org/2013/07/07/199557748/sexual-assaults-reportedly-rampant-during-egypt-protestshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/09/sexual-violence-egypt-target-womanhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/09/sexual-violence-egypt-target-womanhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/09/sexual-violence-egypt-target-womanhttp://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/libya-militias-out-demand-tripoli-residents-afp/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/libya-militias-out-demand-tripoli-residents-afp/http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/07/07/mine-clearance-threatened-by-18-5-million-deficit/http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/07/07/mine-clearance-threatened-by-18-5-million-deficit/http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/07/07/mine-clearance-threatened-by-18-5-million-deficit/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/libya-oil-idUSL6N0FD0FM20130707http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/libya-oil-idUSL6N0FD0FM20130707http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/libya-oil-idUSL6N0FD0FM20130707http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/libya-oil-idUSL6N0FD0FM20130707http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/20137182846984106.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/20137182846984106.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/20137182846984106.htmlhttp://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45310#.UdrIGj44XV0http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45310#.UdrIGj44XV0http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45310#.UdrIGj44XV0http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1404.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1404.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1404.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1416.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1416.doc.htmhttp://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/2013762404443986.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/2013762404443986.htmlhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45351&Cr=+Mali+&Cr1=#.UdrHpD44XV0http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45351&Cr=+Mali+&Cr1=#.UdrHpD44XV0http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45351&Cr=+Mali+&Cr1=#.UdrHpD44XV0http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/tunisia-actors-may-face-indecency-charges/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/tunisia-actors-may-face-indecency-charges/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/tunisia-actors-may-face-indecency-charges/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/04/hollande-in-tunisia-amid-turmoil-in-egypt/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/04/hollande-in-tunisia-amid-turmoil-in-egypt/http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/newsbriefs/general/2013/07/07/newsbrief-03http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/newsbriefs/general/2013/07/07/newsbrief-03http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/newsbriefs/general/2013/07/07/newsbrief-03http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/04/hollande-in-tunisia-amid-turmoil-in-egypt/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/tunisia-actors-may-face-indecency-charges/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45351&Cr=+Mali+&Cr1=#.UdrHpD44XV0http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/2013762404443986.htmlhttp://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1416.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sga1404.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45310#.UdrIGj44XV0http://www.arabnews.com/news/457358http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/20137182846984106.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/libya-oil-idUSL6N0FD0FM20130707http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/libya-oil-idUSL6N0FD0FM20130707http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/07/07/mine-clearance-threatened-by-18-5-million-deficit/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/07/libya-militias-out-demand-tripoli-residents-afp/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/09/sexual-violence-egypt-target-womanhttp://www.npr.org/2013/07/07/199557748/sexual-assaults-reportedly-rampant-during-egypt-protestshttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-urges-revolt-against-army-54-084159272.html


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709 July 2013

Northeast Africa Trista [email protected] South Sudan - Sudan Cross Border IssuesSudan will not close a pipeline which carriesSouth Sudanese oilfor export after

the two countries reached an agreement on 07 July to ease tensions, reports

Agence France-Presse (AFP). In early June, President Omar al Bashir threatened

to close the pipeline after accusing Juba of supporting rebels in the north,according to South African Press Association (SAPA). However, following a

meeting last week between South Sudans Vice President Riek Machar and top

Sudanese officials, the two countries agreed to continue oil exports. South Sudan

continues to deny Bashirs accusations of supporting the rebels and claims Sudan

is supporting rebels in southern Sudan.

SudanA pro-government militia leader wanted for war crimes by the International

Criminal Court (ICC) was wounded during clashes in the capital of South Darfur

state on 07 July, reports Reuters. Residents reported a gun fight broke out when

gunmen raided the local market. During the clash, militia leader Muhammad Ali

Abdel-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, was wounded and is currently hospitalised. The ICC charged Abdel-Rahman in 2007

with war crimes committed in Darfur. Prosecutors said he commanded thousands of militia fighters and coordinated attacks on towns

Caught in the crossfire, two Sudanese employees of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) World Vision International, were

killed while a third was wounded, reports UN News Centre. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ali Al-Za'tari

condemned the killings and expressed concern over the increasing instability in Darfur: Humanitarian workers in Darfur are there to

improve the lives of others. They should not have to pay for their noble work with their own blood.

Radio Dabanga reported on 05 July that Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) agents raided the office of the

Al Mashhad newspaperon 03 July, confiscating their daily edition. Similar seizures occurred with the daily newspapers of Al Gharar

and Akhir Lahza on 04 July. No justification was given by the NISS for the seizures. The Sudanese Journalists Network and

Journalists for Human Rights condemned the confiscation of the newspapers by the NISS, stating that it violates the right of

expression, press freedom and the Constitution of Sudan.

South SudanMdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) reports that more than20,000 displaced personsare cut off from receiving aid in Northern Bahr el

Ghazal state after escaping violence over the past year in the disputed border area with Sudan. MSF warned that living conditions forthe displaced are deteriorating, faced with increasing shortages of potable water and other critical humanitarian supplies. MSF cites

confusion over the status of the displaced persons as hindering the provision of services. Since the displaced persons come from the

disputed region with Sudan, there is uncertainty as to whether to classify them as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

However, according to Shaun Lummis, MSF field coordinator in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, MSF continues to operate mobile clinics

and providing training to teams of community-based healthcare workers to treat diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition.

South Sudan will celebrate its secondindependence dayon 09 July, as it continues to address many critical issues such as corruption,

extreme poverty, hunger and unemployment, reports Al Jazeera. Despite gaining its autonomy from Sudan in 2011, life for many

South Sudanese has not improved, with residents saying increasing crime and rising health care costs are compounding their misery

While the international community has provided considerable financial and technical support, South Sudan remains one of the poorest

nations in the world. Many people continue to struggle to feed their families, and access to schools and health care is minimal.

Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that women in the country have the highest materna

mortality rate in the world and a mere nine per cent of South Sudanese will finish primary school. Humanitarian coordinator for South

Sudan, Toby Lanzer,congratulatedSouth Sudan on their second anniversary, reportsAll Africa. Lanzer reconfirmed the support of thehumanitarian community to the South Sudanese government and population. However, Lanzer also highlighted the detrimental effects

of continued insecurity, particularly on the population in the state of Jonglei, where aid agencies estimate about 100,000 people

require urgent assistance, emphasising that their situation may worsen as we move further into the rainy season.

Violence erupted during protests attended by primary school students inLakes stateon 06 July, injuring at least nineteen, informs

Sudan Tribune. The demonstrations, organized by the ruling Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) party, were ordered in

efforts to support the interim state governor Matur Chut Dhuol as pressure mounts against Dhuol to vacate his post after his term

expired three months earlier. According to teachers, Lakes state education minister forced headmasters to nominate 50 students to

participate in protests warning that those who did not comply would instantly be dismissed from their respective schools. Despite

public demands that Dhoul be removed from office, an appeal by SPLM acting secretary, Mabor Ater, to the UN peacekeeping

Source:Britannica
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8xUsmh_qPFOXen8hLF7d_UNylrw?docId=CNG.d83756aebae6c59a9009b01723438640.1031http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8xUsmh_qPFOXen8hLF7d_UNylrw?docId=CNG.d83756aebae6c59a9009b01723438640.1031http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8xUsmh_qPFOXen8hLF7d_UNylrw?docId=CNG.d83756aebae6c59a9009b01723438640.1031http://business.iafrica.com/worldnews/864256.htmlhttp://business.iafrica.com/worldnews/864256.htmlhttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/wanted-militia-leader-hurt-clashes-darfurs-biggest-city-211040328.htmlhttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/wanted-militia-leader-hurt-clashes-darfurs-biggest-city-211040328.htmlhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45355&Cr=Darfur&Cr1=#.Udq8QLLD-ishttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45355&Cr=Darfur&Cr1=#.Udq8QLLD-ishttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45355&Cr=Darfur&Cr1=#.Udq8QLLD-ishttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080346.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080346.htmlhttp://www.msf.org/article/south-sudan-20000-people-neglected-after-fleeing-disputed-border-regionhttp://www.msf.org/article/south-sudan-20000-people-neglected-after-fleeing-disputed-border-regionhttp://www.msf.org/article/south-sudan-20000-people-neglected-after-fleeing-disputed-border-regionhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/07/201377175019190794.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/07/201377175019190794.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/07/201377175019190794.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307090185.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307090185.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307090185.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080065.html?viewall=1http://allafrica.com/stories/201307080065.html?viewall=1http://allafrica.com/stories/201307080065.html?viewall=1http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-158284/South-Sudanhttp://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-158284/South-Sudanhttp://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-158284/South-Sudanhttp://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-158284/South-Sudanhttp://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-158284/South-Sudanhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080065.html?viewall=1http://allafrica.com/stories/201307090185.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/07/201377175019190794.htmlhttp://www.msf.org/article/south-sudan-20000-people-neglected-after-fleeing-disputed-border-regionhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080346.htmlhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45355&Cr=Darfur&Cr1=#.Udq8QLLD-ishttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/wanted-militia-leader-hurt-clashes-darfurs-biggest-city-211040328.htmlhttp://business.iafrica.com/worldnews/864256.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8xUsmh_qPFOXen8hLF7d_UNylrw?docId=CNG.d83756aebae6c59a9009b01723438640.1031mailto:[email protected]


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809 July 2013

mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) requested that the president allow Dhoul to remain in office. Aters petition disputed recent claims

of insecurity and human rights violations within the state. However, in June Human Rights Watch reported that the state

administration was guilty of carrying out gross human rights violations, including unlawful detainment and ill-treatment of over 130

civilians since February 2013.

Horn of Africa Foard Copeland [email protected] EritreaSpecial Rapporteur on Eritrea, Sheila Keetharuth, presented areportto the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) on 04 June in which sheurged the international community to scrutinise Eritrea for forced conscription, extremely limitedpolitical freedoms, and country

wide arming and military training of the civilian population. Speaking to the HRC, she summarised, I am extremely concerned

about the human rights situation in Eritrea. The prevailing situation in the country is characterised by extrajudicial killings and forced

disappearance and incommunicado detention, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and inhumane prison conditions. Eritrea

responded to the remarks, expressing surprise and thanking delegations for their constructive comments.EthiopiaEthiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegnreshuffledhis cabinet on 04 July, two months before the anniversary of his first year

in office, reports the Sudan Tribune. Ten new ministers were sworn in before Parliament. Among them was Bakar Shale, who replaces

Melaku Fenta, the former Director-General of the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA). Fenta was dismissed after an

investigation in Mayrevealedthat he and a dozen ERCA officials laundered over USD 1 million in government assets. According to

court documents, theERCA investigationshould conclude by 15 July.

As many as 40,000Ethiopian workersin Saudi Arabia could face deportation in three months after a deadline was postponed on 03

July that would have expelled the foreign workers immediately, according to Sudan Tribune. The decision came after the Saud

government passed legislation aimed at curbing the number of expatriate employees. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged

Ethiopia to open key sectors of its economy to private investment, reports Africa Review. Senior IMF leaders spent two weeks in

Addis Ababa encouraging officials to loosen tight state control of companies in telecommunications and financial services. Et hiopias

protectionist policiesoften exclude foreign firms from investing in areas that economists say could improve stagnant growth figures.

KenyaDue to recent gang violence in western and north-eastern Kenya, which has resulted in the emergence of various vigilante groups in

recent months, severalcounty governorsrequested greater control over local security, reports All Africa. The governors say the move

to localise security could be implemented as part of the national devolutionprocess. Currently, the Kenyan Police Force (KPF

answers to a single, national command structure based in Nairobi. Harshly criticisedby the UN for corruption and incidents of

extrajudicial killings, the KPF has been slow to adopt reforms, according to Sabahi. Empowering governors to oversee loca

commanders could devolve power and increase citizen protection, improve transparency and provide public accountability standards.

The Starreported the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Labour department failedto reach an agreement that would

end a three-week old strike of 278,000 teachers seeking higher compensation. Knut claims a debt of KES 47 billion (USD 541

million) is owed to teachers dating to a 1997 agreement that promises medical coverage, housing allowances and commuting costs.

Attorney General Githu Muigai warned teachers they could face jail time and fines if the strike continues, but the secretary-general for

Knut, Mudzo Nzili, said teachers will not be deterred by the threat of imprisonment.

SomaliaA plane carrying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an emergency landing twenty minutes after departing from Mogadishu

airport on 08 July, reports Voice of America (VOA). The reported problem, an engine malfunction, caused a slight delay before the

president boarded another flight to South Sudan.

Tensions continue to run high between tworival warlordsin Jubaland as fighting between militia groups killed at least 71 people in

June, reports Al Jazeera. The on-going conflict complicates military relations between Somali and Kenya, notes The Star. KenyaDefence Forces (KDF) currently patrol southern Somalia, deployed as peacekeepers, but the KDF security arrangementseems tenuous

due to perceiveddiplomatic riftsbetween the two countries. On 05 July, former defense minister and local kingpin, Barre Adam Shire

Hirale,threatenedto retake the port city of Kismayo, reports Sabahi. Competing with Hirales militia are members of Ras Kamboni,

an armed group led by Ahmed Madobe, whoproclaimedhimself president of Jubaland in May. The Somalia Federal Government

(SFG) called Madobes presidency unconstitutional. The decision to shun Madobe resulted inlukewarm relationsbetween SFG and

Kenyan officials, according to the Christian Science Monitor, due to the fact that KDF received support from Madobes militia in

ousting al Shabaab from Jubaland. Somalis accused Kenya of creating a security buffer zone in southern Somalia, but Kenya

maintains itsneutralityin the country. Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam,misdirected a lettermeant for the African Union

(AU) through local media outlets that accused the KDF commander in Kismayo of poor judgment and incompetence. Theletter

released on 04 July, exposed a diplomatic rift that could initiate a Somali request for KDF to withdraw from the countrys so uth
http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/06/24/south-sudan-rough-justice-lakes-statehttp://www.hrw.org/news/2013/06/24/south-sudan-rough-justice-lakes-statemailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://webtv.un.org/watch/id-eritrea-special-rapporteur-20th-meeting-23rd-regular-session-of-human-rights-council/2434622449001/?fb_action_ids=674297425929419%2C674294919263003&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22674297425929419%22%3A354044701385490%2C%22674294919263003%22%3A577119055666926%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22674297425929419%22%3A%22og.likes%22%2C%22674294919263003%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5Dhttp://webtv.un.org/watch/id-eritrea-special-rapporteur-20th-meeting-23rd-regular-session-of-human-rights-council/2434622449001/?fb_action_ids=674297425929419%2C674294919263003&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22674297425929419%22%3A354044701385490%2C%22674294919263003%22%3A577119055666926%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22674297425929419%22%3A%22og.likes%22%2C%22674294919263003%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5Dhttp://webtv.un.org/watch/id-eritrea-special-rapporteur-20th-meeting-23rd-regular-session-of-human-rights-council/2434622449001/?fb_action_ids=674297425929419%2C674294919263003&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22674297425929419%22%3A354044701385490%2C%22674294919263003%22%3A577119055666926%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22674297425929419%22%3A%22og.likes%22%2C%22674294919263003%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5Dhttp://www.ethiomedia.com/abc_text/4185.htmlhttp://www.ethiomedia.com/abc_text/4185.htmlhttp://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AFR64/001/2013/en/64b58cdf-a431-499c-9830-f4d66542c8da/afr640012013en.pdfhttp://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AFR64/001/2013/en/64b58cdf-a431-499c-9830-f4d66542c8da/afr640012013en.pdfhttp://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AFR64/001/2013/en/64b58cdf-a431-499c-9830-f4d66542c8da/afr640012013en.pdfhttp://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/D20AC80E4BBD0939C1257B81004DD344?OpenDocumenthttp://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/D20AC80E4BBD0939C1257B81004DD344?OpenDocumenthttp://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/D20AC80E4BBD0939C1257B81004DD344?OpenDocumenthttp://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article47183http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article47183http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article47183http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/news-headlines/item/702-brace-yourselveshttp://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/news-headlines/item/702-brace-yourselveshttp://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/news-headlines/item/702-brace-yourselveshttp://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46546http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46546http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46546http://allafrica.com/stories/201307080561.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080561.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307080561.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307040312.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307040312.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307040312.htmlhttp://www.africareview.com/Business---Finance/Open-up-IMF-urges-Ethiopia/-/979184/1906092/-/of9r8p/-/index.htmlhttp://www.africareview.com/Business---Finance/Open-up-IMF-urges-Ethiopia/-/979184/1906092/-/of9r8p/-/index.htmlhttp://www.africareview.com/Blogs/Ethiopia-should-not-fear-opening-up/-/979192/1631062/-/158sp14z/-/index.htmlhttp://www.africareview.com/Blogs/Ethiopia-should-not-fear-opening-up/-/979192/1631062/-/158sp14z/-/index.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307081954.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307081954.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201307081954.htmlhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/b004_CFC_In-Brief_(23-Apr-13).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/b004_CFC_In-Brief_(23-Apr-13).pdfhttp://www.review.upeace.org/index.cfm?opcion=0&ejemplar=24&entrada=129http://www.review.upeace.org/index.cfm?opcion=0&ejemplar=24&entrada=129http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/05/15/feature-02http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/05/15/feature-02http://allafrica.com/stories/201