CFC Mediterranean Basin Review, 03 April 2012

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

Mediterranean Review

In Focus 1HoA: Land & Sea 2North Africa 4Northeast Africa 6Syria 8

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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This document provides an overview of developments in the Mediterranean Basin and other regions of

interest from 27 March02 April, with hyperlinks to source material highlighted and underlined in the

text. For more information on the topics below or other issues pertaining to the region, please contact the

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03 April 2012

In Focus: Piracy and Armed Robbery in the Gulf of Guinea

By Britta Rinehard

The increase of reported piracy and armed robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) has recent-ly drawn more regional and international attention. Criminal activities in that area are a clear threatto securityand economic development. In 2011, incidents in the GoG hit a four-year high, with 64attacks on ships, compared to 45 in 2010. The number of attacks continues to climb, with 13 ves-sels reportedly attacked in January and February of 2012. While some hijackings of vessels andcrew members have been followed by ransom demands, the majority of incidents on the Westcoast of Africa involve the robbery of cargoes. Robbers in the GoG often target oil tankers andsyphon the cargo to sell it on the black market. The tankers are sometimes held up to two weeks or

until the cargo is transferredto smaller vessels to be later sold in Nigeria or nearby Benin.

On 01 March 2012, Lloyds List, a leading daily newspaper for the maritime industry, reported anincident during which eight armed pirates hijacked the cargo vessel Breiz Klipper off the coast ofNigeria. For the first time, the attackers took crewmembers off the ship as hostages. After 25 daysin captivity, the two hostageswere released, following negotiations encouraged by Russian, Dutchand Philippine officials. Details of the negotiations and stipulations were not disclosed. Accordingto a United Press International (UPI) article, the Movement for the Emancipation of the NigerDelta (MEND), the main militant group in the Niger Delta, was involved in the attack. At the be-ginning of March 2012, MEND announced that it will attack any ship that will not let its menboard, saying We will launch rockets at the bridge and other parts of the superstructure of suchuncooperative vessels, and ensure such vessels are set alight, when we eventually board.

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

Horn of Africa: Land & SeaBritta Rinehard [email protected]

Page 2

03 April 2012

Eritrea

For the past two years, the potable watersources in Kelay-Bealtiet administrative area were non-functional, according to Shabait.

After repairs, the community is now able to get potable water in five stations, improving the lives of citizens. Previously, residentshad to walk long distances and children were removed from school to collect water.

Shabait says that the Eritrean Development Foundation (EDF) has made a commitment to increase the power supply to villagesthroughout the country. Now in its fourth phase, 38 villages in the Anseba region will now have access to electricity 24-hours a day.

The Ginda Associate Nursing School issued certificatesto 97 students who successfully completed the one-year programme, reportsShabait. The school has graduated 2,360 students to date. The increase of health facilities and professionals has decreased child andmaternal mortality rates and the spread of communicable diseases.

EthiopiaEthiopias export earnings rose 16.6%over the last eight months, according to Reuters. Revenue grew to USD 1.87 billion from USD1.6 billion. Rising agricultural output and revenue from gold have contributed to the increase of export earnings. Gold revenues hit

USD 370 million, up from USD 253 million. Oil seed exports accounted for USD 269 million compared to USD 192 million for thesame period in the previous year. Ethiopia is the fourth-largest sesame exporter in the world. Coffee earnings for the country contin-ue to slide as a result of bad weather, according to experts.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi hosted a delegation from China to discuss investment opportunitiesfor Chinese investors inEthiopia, reportsEthiopian News Agency. The visitors commented on Ethiopias five-year Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP),stating that this indicates the desire towards development and economic growth of the country. The GTP was initiatedin 2010 andis a medium-term strategic framework. Zenawi discussed his wishes for Ethiopian Airlines to begin flightsto Chongquing, China,statesEthiopian News Agency. Abilateral agreementbetween Ethiopia and Germany was recently signed to expand the existing air-line services from two to four cities in Germany and from three weekly flights to daily services between the two countries, accordingto Walta Information Center (WIC).

Reuters reports that 21 illegal Ethiopian migrantswere freed by Yemeni police in Hajja province, a region that borders Saudi Arabia.

The migrants were held in a house and tortured by their captors. The kidnappers attempted to secure ransom from the migrants fami-ly members living in Saudi Arabia. The illegal migrants have been transferred to a UN refugee centre.

Researchers have found three genetic variants that increase the risk of developing podoconiosis, a type of elephantiasis that disfig-ures and disableslegs, according toReuters. About four million people in the world, including one million in Ethiopia alone, sufferfrom the tropical disease, which has a significant effect on the quality of life and livelihood. The condition primarily affects those infarming communities who cannot afford shoes, allowing mineral particles to enter through bare feet and affect the lymph system inthe legs. The discovery may lead to potential treatments in the future for those afflicted with the disease.

KenyaHuman Rights Watch (HRW) states that Kenyan officials told Somali refugees that it is safe for them to return home. However,HRW advises Somali refugees against returning for now, based on continuous fighting in Somalia and abuses against civilians. HRWcalls on the Kenyan authorities to reopen the screening centre in Liboi, a border town close to Dadaab refugee camps, and resumeregistration of new arrivals.

The Kakuma refugee camp in Kenyas north-western region has seen an influx of peoplefrom Sudan and South Sudan, according toUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). More than 4,500 people have arrived at the camp since the beginning ofthe year, with 76% reportedly from Sudan and South Sudan. Most are trying to escape communal fighting (see 27 March Mediterra-nean Basin Review In Focus: Conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan). The 20-year old camp was established to host 100,000 peopleand now holds 91,140 refugees and asylum-seekers. It is expected to reach full capacity by June.

Somalia

Growing concerns over the internal divisionsamong senior al Shabaab leaders could mean an escalation in violence within the re-gion, reportsReuters. Sheikh Muktar Abu Zubeir, the al Shabaab leader since 2008, announced that no other Islamist group could becreated in Somalia. However, another senior rebel member, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, said No one can limit Jihad to himself. Itis better to have many Islamic groups and then unite later.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8977-potable-water-supply-in-kelay-bealtiet-administrative-area-renovatedhttp://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8977-potable-water-supply-in-kelay-bealtiet-administrative-area-renovatedhttp://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8936-38-villages-in-anseba-region-to-receive-electricity-power-supplyhttp://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8976-ginda-associate-nursing-school-graduates-97-students-with-certificatehttp://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8976-ginda-associate-nursing-school-graduates-97-students-with-certificatehttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ER75120120327http://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ER75120120327http://allafrica.com/stories/201204020541.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204020541.htmlhttp://www.mofed.gov.et/English/Resources/Documents/GTP%20English2.pdfhttp://www.mofed.gov.et/English/Resources/Documents/GTP%20English2.pdfhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204020541.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204020541.htmlhttp://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2595:ethiopia-germany-sign-air-transport-accord&catid=52:national-news&Itemid=291http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2595:ethiopia-germany-sign-air-transport-accord&catid=52:national-news&Itemid=291http://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ET1MN20120329http://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ET1MN20120329http://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ES5D420120328?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ES5D420120328?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ES5D420120328?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/30/kenya-somalia-unsafe-refugees-returnhttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/30/kenya-somalia-unsafe-refugees-returnhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f72d87ab.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f72d87ab.htmlhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n048%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(27-Mar-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n048%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(27-Mar-12).pdfhttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n048%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(27-Mar-12).pdfhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f72d87ab.htmlhttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/30/kenya-somalia-unsafe-refugees-returnhttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ES5D420120328?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ES5D420120328?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ET1MN20120329http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2595:ethiopia-germany-sign-air-transport-accord&catid=52:national-news&Itemid=291http://allafrica.com/stories/201204020541.htmlhttp://www.mofed.gov.et/English/Resources/Documents/GTP%20English2.pdfhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204020541.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/ethiopiaNews/idAFL6E8ER75120120327http://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8976-ginda-associate-nursing-school-graduates-97-students-with-certificatehttp://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8936-38-villages-in-anseba-region-to-receive-electricity-power-supplyhttp://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/8977-potable-water-supply-in-kelay-bealtiet-administrative-area-renovatedmailto:[email protected]


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03 April 2012

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African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops fought with al Shabaabrebels in Daynile district, which is located on the outskirts of Mogadishu, states Reuters. The AU and TFG were unsuccessful incapturing the rebel-held airstrip. During the clash, 20 al Shabaab fighters and one Burundian soldier were killed while four otherswere wounded. Reuters further states that while the TFG was not able to gain controlof the Dayniles airstrip, they weakened alShabbabs position. Doctors Without Borders/Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) indicated that the fighting occurred near DaynileHospitals emergency room and part of its surgical ward which resulted in substantial damage. The hospitals 19 patients, 36 medi-cal personnel and 12 guards found shelter and survived the attack without casualties. MSF urges the fighting parties to respect theneutrality and safety of patients and staff.

The Mogadishu Roadmap was amendedby its signatories, states Garowe. The changes include the decrease of the National Constit-uent Assembly (NCA) members from 1,000 to 825. Attendees also agreed that selected traditional leaders will choose the NCAmembers.

Garowe reports that two renewed clashesbetween Somaliland forces and an armed militia from the newly declared Khatumo statecaused the death of at least 30 people. After the incident, Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo stated he is not yet readyto engage in talks with the Khatumo government, but instead announced we are ready to hold peace talks with the regions intellec-tuals, community leaders, clan leaders, politicians, women groups and youth.

Somali Piracy

On 28 March, the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) launched the GUARDCON contract.The document was col-laborated by ship owners, underwriters, P&I Clubs and lawyers to provide ship owners and private security companies a standardcontract to govern the employment and use of security guards on board merchant vessels. TradeWinds states that in addition toGUARDCON, BIMCO published the Guidance on the Rulesfor the Use of Force (RUF).

Khaleeu Times reports that Somali pirates will receive USD 2.85 million for the releaseof the MV Albedo and its crew of 22 com-prising five Bangladeshis, two Indians, one Iranian, seven Pakistanis and seven Sri Lankans. Ahmend Chinoy, the chief negotiatorrepresenting the Malaysian ship owner, emphasised that this isnt ransom payment but merely reimbursing the pirates for their ex-penses, and for taking care of the 22 hostages and the ship. The payment will be delivered on 20 April 2012. According to theSavemvalbedowebsite, the vessel and its initial crew of 23 were hijacked 900 miles off the Somali coast by Somali pirates on 26November 2010, while traveling from Mombasa, Kenya to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to Khaleej Times one Indiancrew member died during captivity.

Seventeen convicted Somalipirates were transferredfrom the Seychelles to Somaliland, according to Reuters. The United Nationscharted the planes to transfer the pirates. Funds from the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) helped build a prison in Hargei-sa, Somalilands capital.

Garowe reports that the TFG has signed an agreement with a Nairobi-based security group to help trainSomali troops to protect its

coast from toxic dumping and piracy.

Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) announced that the Royal Thai Navy assumed itscommand. The change of command ceremony took place onboard the USS HALSEY. Rear Admiral Tanin Likitawong is assumingcommand from Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, Royal Danish Navy.

European Union Naval Forces Somalia (EU NAVFOR) successfully intercepteda Pirate Action Group. A Yemeni dhow, used as amothership by pirates, was intercepted by ESPS PATIO. The crewmembers were handed over to the Yemeni Coast Guard and thepirates were released. The EU NAVFOR warship FS ACONIT tracked suspected pirates allegedly involved in a tanker attack. Theboarding team was unable to find pirate paraphernalia and sent the whaler back to the Somali coast.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) Proceedings, Journal of Safety & Security at Sea Spring 2012, Combating Piracy, was released. The

publication contains comprehensive information on maritime piracy, important stakeholders, USCGs involvement and lessonslearned. Somalia Reports informs that the US Navy allegedly killedtwo fishermen after mistaking them for pirates. No US Navypress release or other media sources reported about the incident. Puntlands Minister for Sea Transport and Port is investigating theincident.
mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.cimicweb.org/http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/press/release.cfm?id=5854&cat=press-releasehttp://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/press/release.cfm?id=5854&cat=press-releasehttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_President_Farole_returns_from_Galkayo.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_President_Farole_returns_from_Galkayo.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Silanyo_calls_for_peace_after_Somaliland_forces_clash_with_armed_group.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Silanyo_calls_for_peace_after_Somaliland_forces_clash_with_armed_group.shtmlhttps://www.bimco.org/News/2012/03/28_GUARDCON.aspxhttps://www.bimco.org/News/2012/03/28_GUARDCON.aspxhttp://www.tradewindsnews.com/piracy/665886/bimcos-guardcon-goes-livehttp://www.tradewindsnews.com/piracy/665886/bimcos-guardcon-goes-livehttp://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2012/March/international_March1083.xml&section=international&colhttp://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2012/March/international_March1083.xml&section=international&colhttp://savemvalbedo.com/http://savemvalbedo.com/http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8ES5O520120329?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8ES5O520120329?sp=truehttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_TFG_hires_security_group_to_help_protect_coast.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_TFG_hires_security_group_to_help_protect_coast.shtmlhttp://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/03/eu-naval-force-ensures-pirate-action-group-is-incapable-of-further-crime/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/03/eu-naval-force-ensures-pirate-action-group-is-incapable-of-further-crime/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/03/would-be-pirates-captured-by-european-naval-forces/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/03/would-be-pirates-captured-by-european-naval-forces/http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/title/11313http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/title/11313http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3181/US_Navy_Mistakenly_Kills_Two_Fishermenhttp://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3181/US_Navy_Mistakenly_Kills_Two_Fishermenhttp://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3181/US_Navy_Mistakenly_Kills_Two_Fishermenhttp://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/title/11313http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/03/would-be-pirates-captured-by-european-naval-forces/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/03/eu-naval-force-ensures-pirate-action-group-is-incapable-of-further-crime/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_TFG_hires_security_group_to_help_protect_coast.shtmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8ES5O520120329?sp=truehttp://savemvalbedo.com/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2012/March/international_March1083.xml&section=international&colhttp://www.tradewindsnews.com/piracy/665886/bimcos-guardcon-goes-livehttps://www.bimco.org/News/2012/03/28_GUARDCON.aspxhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Silanyo_calls_for_peace_after_Somaliland_forces_clash_with_armed_group.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_President_Farole_returns_from_Galkayo.shtmlhttp://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/press/release.cfm?id=5854&cat=press-releasehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F103020120401?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0http://www.cimicweb.org/mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topic


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North AfricaErin Foster [email protected]

Sahel Food Insecurity

Recurrent drought and crop failureshave affected millions of people in the Sahel in 2005, 2008, 2010 and now this year, more than10 million people are food insecure, reports the Integration Regional Information Networks (IRIN). UN News reports that despiteearly warning measuresand appeals by governments and aid agencies in the Sahel, a food and nutrition crisis is imminent. The UNOffice for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Director of Operations, John Ging, explains we are in a race againsttime and some of the harshest climatic conditions on the planet. The recent displacement of 100,000 Malian refugees into the regionis compounding the situation for host communities. Oxfam International warnsthat the conflict in northern Mali has disrupted localand cross-border food markets, prevented traditional migration routes of pastoralists and reduced the ability to travel across b orders(see Mali below). Further, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) suggests that the nutrition crisis is likely to escalatefrom April to June 2012, with agencies responding in three phases: emergency response to malnutrition, addressing food reserves incountries and building resilience from recurring food crises.

Algeria

The European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)reports that on 30 March, a delegation of 120 European Unionelection observersarrived in Algeria. The members will be dispatched across the country to monitor all aspects of the forthcoming

10 May parliamentary elections. The EU Election Observation Mission is headed by Jose Ignacio Salafranca and is tasked with pre-paring a comprehensive report on pre and post electoral processes in the country. Algerian officials say that an estimated 25,800 can-didates (69.8% male and 30.2% female) are vying for 462 parliamentary seatsin the 10 May elections, reportsKuwait News Agency(KUNA).

Libya

The National Transitional Council (NTC) says a ceasefire agreementwas reached on 31 March to end fighting in the southern townof Sabha, reportsReuters. The Minister of Health, Fatima al Amroush, told reporters that 147 people were killed and 395 injured as aresult of recent tribal violence (see 27 MarchCFC Mediterranean Review). According to Bloomberg, the NTC also appointed amilitary governorin Sabha, the fourth largest Libyan city, to uphold the ceasefire, secure all forces in the area and control militaryand vital targets. The NTC sent 1,500 forces to secure a ceasefire in the southern town. Reuters reports that Libyan Prime MinisterAbdurahim el-Keib flew to Sabha on 01 April to speak with membersof the Tubu and non-Tubu tribes to ease tribal tensions byemphasising the importance of all tribes and ethnic groups. El -Keib says that tribal disputes where leveraged by the former Gaddafiregime to weaken opposition movements but that the current government is now seeking a solution for the inclusion of all tribalgroups. In an interview with Agence France

-Presse (AFP),the leader of Libyas Tubu tribe, Issa Abdel Majid Mansur, warned the

group may seek an autonomous statein the southern Fezzan region to protect the Tubu people from ethnic cleansing. Further, heclaims the Tubu Front for Salvation of Libya (TFSL), a former opposition group operating under the Gaddafi regime, has been reac-tivated. In related news, brigades of the two neighbouring towns of Ragdalein and Zwara engaged in hostage takingand fighting on02 April in western Libya, reports Associated Press (AP). A police brigade was sent by the Interior Ministry to broker a ceasefireand release hostages.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) released the reportof the Commit-tee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons regarding lives lost in the Mediterranean Sea in2011. The committee found a catalogue of failures in the deaths of people who attempted to fleethe Libyan conflict by sea. An estimated 1,500 people are thought to have died while attempting tocross the Mediterranean in 2011. The PACE report focuses on the fatal outcome of an unanswereddistress call from a boat of migrants fleeing violence in Libya, which resulted in the deaths of 63

individuals. The report suggests that two NATO vessels in the area failed to respond to the boat.Recommendations presented in the report include the need to fill the vacuum of responsibility forsearch and rescue zones, drafting guidelines for responding to distress calls, ensuring the principleof non-refoulement(i.e. not returning people who have legitimate protection claims) and conduct-ing further investigations. PACE further suggested that future NATO operations plan for possible refugee flows. In response to ques-tions presented by PACE, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Stephen Evans, provided informationabout the Italianvessel ETNA and Spanish vessel ESPS MENDEZ NUNEZ, both operating under NATO command during the period in question.Additionally, NATO says it held coordination meetings with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United NationsHigh Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during Operation Unified Protector(OUP) to ensure the sharing of information on search and rescue operations. NATO vessels rescued an estimated 600 migrants in theMediterranean Sea during OUP and indirectly facilitated the rescue of hundreds of others. Evans emphasised the adherence by allNATO commanders to responsibilities defined under international law and the Law of the Sea.

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03 April 2012
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.irinnews.org/Report/95198/MAURITANIA-Nothing-left-but-dust-and-sandhttp://www.irinnews.org/Report/95198/MAURITANIA-Nothing-left-but-dust-and-sandhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41657&Cr=sahel&Cr1http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41657&Cr=sahel&Cr1http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2012-03-30/conflict-mali-disrupts-fragile-food-markets-and-threatens-escalatehttp://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2012-03-30/conflict-mali-disrupts-fragile-food-markets-and-threatens-escalatehttp://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_62091.htmlhttp://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_62091.htmlhttp://enpi-info.eu/indexmed.phphttp://enpi-info.eu/indexmed.phphttp://enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=28513&id_type=1&lang_id=450http://enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=28513&id_type=1&lang_id=450http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2230827&Language=enhttp://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2230827&Language=enhttp://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6E8EV0BC20120331http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6E8EV0BC20120331https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n048%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(27-Mar-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n048%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(27-Mar-12).pdfhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-01/libyan-tribal-clashes-leave-147-dead-health-minister-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-01/libyan-tribal-clashes-leave-147-dead-health-minister-says.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6E8F10ST20120401http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6E8F10ST20120401http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203567.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203567.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jppoMhUsHZ0vrW-Kbbw1Xwi2rD4g?docId=c568b20dcc764425967c30dabfb2aa1ahttp://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jppoMhUsHZ0vrW-Kbbw1Xwi2rD4g?docId=c568b20dcc764425967c30dabfb2aa1ahttp://assembly.coe.int/defaultE.asphttp://assembly.coe.int/defaultE.asphttp://assembly.coe.int/ASP/NewsManager/EMB_NewsManagerView.asp?ID=7567&L=2http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/NewsManager/EMB_NewsManagerView.asp?ID=7567&L=2http://assembly.coe.int/CommitteeDocs/2012/20120329_mig_LET.APENDIX.EN.pdfhttp://assembly.coe.int/CommitteeDocs/2012/20120329_mig_LET.APENDIX.EN.pdfhttp://assembly.coe.int/CommitteeDocs/2012/20120329_mig_LET.APENDIX.EN.pdfhttp://assembly.coe.int/ASP/NewsManager/EMB_NewsManagerView.asp?ID=7567&L=2http://assembly.coe.int/defaultE.asphttp://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jppoMhUsHZ0vrW-Kbbw1Xwi2rD4g?docId=c568b20dcc764425967c30dabfb2aa1ahttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203567.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6E8F10ST20120401http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-01/libyan-tribal-clashes-leave-147-dead-health-minister-says.htmlhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n048%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(27-Mar-12).pdfhttp://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6E8EV0BC20120331http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2230827&Language=enhttp://enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=28513&id_type=1&lang_id=450http://enpi-info.eu/indexmed.phphttp://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_62091.htmlhttp://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2012-03-30/conflict-mali-disrupts-fragile-food-markets-and-threatens-escalatehttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41657&Cr=sahel&Cr1http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95198/MAURITANIA-Nothing-left-but-dust-and-sandmailto:[email protected]


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03 April 2012

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An estimated 26,000 criminals, including 200 serious offenders, escaped from Libyan prisonsin last years revolution, reports Glob-al Post. According to prison officials, the security guards and staff fled and facilities ran out of food and money, forcing the releaseof inmates. The records of many criminals were lost in the bombing of towns; consequently, police say they are unable to re -arrestformer inmates. Misrata Police Chief Ibrahim Mohammed Alsherikcia says they are now free criminals and all of them are armed.

Libyan oil productionis on the rise, with 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in March, a 300,000 bpd increase over February, reportsDaily News. The country is expected to reach its pre-revolution rate of 1.6m bpd by the end of 2012. Meanwhile, Reuters reportsthat contracts held by foreign oil companies in Libya will be reviewed by a special contract committee. Libyas deputy oil minister,Omar Shakmak, suggests that contracts are likely to be kept with companies but renegotiated to ensure there is no corruption.

MaliIn an attempt to force coup leaders from power, West African countries announced on 29 March

they will close their borders with landlocked Mali in addition to freezing Malis foreign assets,according to AP. The president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, stated that member states would give coup leaders 72 hours to restoreMalis democratic institutions or sanctions would be imposed. As the ECOWAS deadline looms,coup leader Amadou Sanogo pledged to reinstateMalis constitution, says Reuters. Additionally,Sanogo assured he would re-establish all state institutions before facilitating a power transfer backto civilians through democratic elections. Meanwhile, Magharebia reports that a week after thecoup, military leaders are still struggling to take control of the country. According to Voice ofAmerica (VOA), the key northern town of Kidal is now controlled by the Tuareg-led NationalMovement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA). BBCreports that Tuareg rebels also tookcon-trol of Gao, home to Malis largest military base in the North, on 31 March. Sandogo confirmed his

soldiers had ceded control in Gao to avoid fighting in residential areas. Further, an AFParticle from 31 March suggests that Tuaregrebelsnow control most of north-eastern Mali with the exception of the Timbuktu garrison, which was eventually captured by rebelson 01 April, reports the Wall Street Journal. Finally, al Jazeera reports that the Tuareg rebels have secured the borders of the territo-ry they consider to be the Tuareg homelandand are not seeking to further expand their area of control. Also, the group signalledtheir willingness to hold discussions with the Mali government or ECOWAS leaders to negotiate an end to hostilities.

MauritaniaUN High Commissioner for Refugees Antnio Guterres visited Mauritania from 25 to 26 March to mark the end of the repatriationof 24,000 Mauritaniansfrom Senegal. Guterres congratulated Mauritanian officials on the remarkable success of the operation,which assisted people to return after decades of exile in Senegal following border violence that occurred in April 1989. Further, theCommissioner visited a camp for the nearly 44,000 Malians seeking refuge at the south-eastern border of the country.

Nigeria

On 22 March, Nigerian police disrupted the first verifiable AQIM terrorist celloperating in the country, according to Magharebia.

Five AQIM operatives were arrested in Kano for the 06 January kidnapping of a German engineer. Reuters reports that Nigerianforces patrolled the remote north-east regions of the country, searching housesfor suspected Boko Haram militants in the aftermathof a gun battle that killed four. The crackdown in the groups base of Maiduguri comes after recent attacks by Boko Haram, whichinclude the 29 March attack that left one police officer dead and two injured at a remote police stationin northern Nigeria, reportsAP. According to the article, the attack also killed three members of Boko Haram and destroyed buildings in the village. On thesame day, Reuters reports 14 inmatessuspected of being Boko Haram members were freed from a prison in Yobe state. This Dayreports that Boko Haram militants robbed a bankand stormed a police station in Maiduguri on 31 March, killing four people. Addi-tionally, a Vanguardarticle reports, on 31 March Nigerian security forces clashedwith suspected Boko Haram militants, resulting in10 deaths. Security forces encountered the militants after receiving a tip about a Boko Haram bomb-making facility in Kogi state.

Tunisia

On 01 April, Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki announced the extension of the countrys state of emergencythrough the end ofApril, reports Tunisian News Agency (TAP). According to the official communique, the current security situation has improved butremains risky. However, the extension is not intended to curtail public and individual liberties. Meanwhile, the Tunisian Minis-

try of Interior, announced via its official Facebook page, that is has banned protestsfrom being held on Avenue Habib Bourguiba,reports Tunisia Live. The avenue was the site of many revolutionary protests in 2011 and is home to state institutions and foreignembassies.

An estimated 400 of Tunisias 5,000 mosques are now led by conservative Salafists, Tunisias Religious Affairs Minister Nourredi-ne al-Khademi toldAFP. Al-Khademi says that only 50 mosques are of serious concern and that the ministry was creating a 20 -person committee of wise men to oversee the countrys mosques. The committee will review practicing imams, Islamic universi tylectures and humanities teachers and set standards for imam recruitment which will include the requirement of a masters degree.
mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.cimicweb.org/http://news.salon.com/2012/03/27/libyas_escaped_prisoners/singleton/http://news.salon.com/2012/03/27/libyas_escaped_prisoners/singleton/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=326950http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=326950http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/28/us-libya-exploration-idUSBRE82R0EC20120328http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/28/us-libya-exploration-idUSBRE82R0EC20120328http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120329/mali-coup-political-reaction-120329/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120329/mali-coup-political-reaction-120329/http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/international/189259-mali-junta-pledges-to-cede-power-rebels-advance.htmlhttp://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/international/189259-mali-junta-pledges-to-cede-power-rebels-advance.htmlhttp://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2012/03/29/feature-01http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2012/03/29/feature-01http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/west/Tuareg-Rebels-Seize-Town-in-Northern-Mali-145135765.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/west/Tuareg-Rebels-Seize-Town-in-Northern-Mali-145135765.htmlhttp://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/120331/mali-tuareg-rebels-take-control-the-garrison-town-gaohttp://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/120331/mali-tuareg-rebels-take-control-the-garrison-town-gaohttp://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/120331/mali-tuareg-rebels-take-control-the-garrison-town-gaohttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/world/africa/fighting-erupts-as-rebels-advance-in-mali.html?=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/world/africa/fighting-erupts-as-rebels-advance-in-mali.html?=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/world/africa/fighting-erupts-as-rebels-advance-in-mali.html?=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304750404577317621318168702.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304750404577317621318168702.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/20124121123843658.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/20124121123843658.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f71f54c6.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f71f54c6.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f71f54c6.htmlhttp://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/reportage/2012/03/30/reportage-01http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/reportage/2012/03/30/reportage-01http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=495870&version=1&template_id=39&parent_id=21http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=495870&version=1&template_id=39&parent_id=21http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/1-killed-in-northeast-nigeria-as-radical-islamist-sect-attacks-police-station/2012/03/29/gIQA39dEjS_story.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/1-killed-in-northeast-nigeria-as-radical-islamist-sect-attacks-police-station/2012/03/29/gIQA39dEjS_story.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/nigeriaNews/idAFL6E8EU3CO20120330?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=nigeriaNews&rpc=401http://af.reuters.com/article/nigeriaNews/idAFL6E8EU3CO20120330?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=nigeriaNews&rpc=401http://allafrica.com/stories/201203310301.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201203310301.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204010172.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204010172.htmlhttp://www.tap.info.tn/en/en/component/content/article/45/12693.htmlhttp://www.tap.info.tn/en/en/component/content/article/45/12693.htmlhttp://www.tunisia-live.net/2012/03/28/protests-banned-on-avenue-bourguiba-theatre-of-tunisia%e2%80%99s-revolution/http://www.tunisia-live.net/2012/03/28/protests-banned-on-avenue-bourguiba-theatre-of-tunisia%e2%80%99s-revolution/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/31/204431.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/31/204431.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/31/204431.htmlhttp://www.tunisia-live.net/2012/03/28/protests-banned-on-avenue-bourguiba-theatre-of-tunisia%e2%80%99s-revolution/http://www.tap.info.tn/en/en/component/content/article/45/12693.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201204010172.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201203310301.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/nigeriaNews/idAFL6E8EU3CO20120330?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=nigeriaNews&rpc=401http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/1-killed-in-northeast-nigeria-as-radical-islamist-sect-attacks-police-station/2012/03/29/gIQA39dEjS_story.htmlhttp://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=495870&version=1&template_id=39&parent_id=21http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/reportage/2012/03/30/reportage-01http://www.unhcr.org/4f71f54c6.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f71f54c6.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/20124121123843658.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304750404577317621318168702.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/world/africa/fighting-erupts-as-rebels-advance-in-mali.html?=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/world/africa/fighting-erupts-as-rebels-advance-in-mali.html?=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/120331/mali-tuareg-rebels-take-control-the-garrison-town-gaohttp://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/120331/mali-tuareg-rebels-take-control-the-garrison-town-gaohttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/west/Tuareg-Rebels-Seize-Town-in-Northern-Mali-145135765.htmlhttp://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2012/03/29/feature-01http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/international/189259-mali-junta-pledges-to-cede-power-rebels-advance.htmlhttp://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120329/mali-coup-political-reaction-120329/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/28/us-libya-exploration-idUSBRE82R0EC20120328http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=326950http://news.salon.com/2012/03/27/libyas_escaped_prisoners/singleton/http://www.cimicweb.org/mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topic


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Egypt

Egyptian Foreign Ministry official Mohamed El-Shenawi announced that some 450,000 Egyptian expatriates living abroad have

registered to votein Egypts upcoming presidential elections, according to Ahram. There are currently between 6.7 and 10 millionEgyptians living and working abroad, with an estimated 74% working in the Gulf region. The Egyptian military ruler, Field MarshalHussein Tantawi, has pardonedprominent opposition politician Ayman Nour, thereby allowing Nour to run in the upcoming presi-dential election, reports theAssociated Press(AP). Ayman Nour previously ran against former President Hosni Mubarak in the 2005presidential elections. Nour was charged with forging signatures and was sentenced to five years in prison, a sentence Nour c alled apolitical punishment for challenging Mubarak. Meanwhile, Egypts Muslim Brotherhood has stated that it will field the groupschief strategist and deputy leader Khairat al Shater as apresidential candidate, reports al Jazeera.

Egyptian liberals and leftists have withdrawn from the assembly responsible for drafting a new constitutionin protest of the assem-blys Islamist dominance, says al Jazeera. According to al Masry al Youm, protestors marched on the Parliament to show their dis-pleasure with thepredominantly Islamistmake-up of the assembly. According to Egypt Independent, the National Council for Wom-en called the 6% representation of womenin the assembly an extremely offensive, poor representation.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Egypts military courts to end all investigations and trials of childrenbefore militarycourts. HRW and an Egyptian activist group, No Military Trials for Civilians, documented the 2011 detention of 43 children whowere arrested and were not given access to lawyers, or often their families, until after they were sentenced. In addition to those underinvestigation by the military, other children have been prosecuted through Egypts adult criminal justice system rather than beforejuvenile justice courts, says HRW.

South SudanTheIndian Times reports that India has appointed a special envoyto mediate the on-going oil dispute between Sudan and South Su-dan. The international petroleum company of India, ONGC Videsh Limiteds (OVL), invested close to USD 3 billion in Sudan be-fore the country split. On a similar note, South Sudans Deputy Minister for Petroleum Elizabeth James Bol told Reuters that SouthSudan is considering reviewing a venture with the oil trading major Glencore and state oil firm Nilepet, if Glencore agrees to reviseaprevious agreementmade before South Sudan became independent. Bol told the Sudan Tribune that in an effort to diversify the

economy, South Sudan is open to investments in both the mineral and oil sectors. Bol stated that the country had huge mineral re-sources such as gold, zinc, copper and diamonds.

APreports that an Israeli court has ordered the government topostpone the expulsionof South Sudanese migrants living in the coun-try until more information can be collected on the conditions in South Sudan and whether returning the South Sudanese would en-danger their lives. Up to 2,000 South Sudanese are believed to be living in Israel.

SudanThe joint African Union/UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) announced on 29 March that a UN -African Union assess-ment team would soon be sent to North Darfur to work with the Sudanese authorities to investigate the deathsof three people duringan incident in the town of Kabkabiya. The violence occurredon 27 March when residents were protesting the planned relocation of alocal market without the communitys consent. Following the incident, a crowd tried to force their way into a UNAMID camp, re-sulting in the injury ofseven peacekeepers.Reuters reports that UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations HerveLadsous has stated that the peacekeeping mission in Darfurmay be reducedover the next 18 months.

The UN has reported that over 100,000 people have fledfrom the Sudanese border state of Blue Nile into neighbouring South Su-dans Unity and Upper Nile states, reports theInter Press Service(IPS). The UN and the United States have warned that hundreds ofthousands more could flee from Blue Nile and South Kordofan states as food runs out. New insight into the violence in the regionhas been revealed by a video takenby al Jazeera which shows the governor of South Kordofan, Ahmed Harun, telling governmentsoldiers, in reference to rebels in the area, you must hand over the place clean. Swept, rubbed, crushed. Dont bring them backalive. We have no space for them, before the soldiers entered rebel territory. Ahmed Harun is currently wanted by the InternationalCriminal Court (ICC) for committing crimes against humanity in Darfur.

On 28 March in Khartoum, Sudan, the African Development Bank (AfDB) held a national consultation meetingon the Banks LongTerm Strategy (LTS) for 2013. The LTS will guide the banks operations and strategic engagement in Africa over the next decade.The meeting allowed stakeholders in Sudan to provide recommendations for the LTS.

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Northeast AfricaAngelia Sanders [email protected]

03 April 2012
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/7/38069/Egypt/Presidential-elections-/Ministry-,-Egyptian-expats-register-to-vote-in-pre.aspxhttp://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/7/38069/Egypt/Presidential-elections-/Ministry-,-Egyptian-expats-register-to-vote-in-pre.aspxhttp://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738651http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738651http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331191231210148.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331191231210148.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/2012327152356932987.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/2012327152356932987.htmlhttp://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738531http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738531http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738836http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738836http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/27/egypt-children-trialhttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/27/egypt-children-trialhttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-envoy-in-South-Sudan-on-oil-mission/articleshow/12497084.cmshttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-envoy-in-South-Sudan-on-oil-mission/articleshow/12497084.cmshttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07Z20120329http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07Z20120329http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-open-to-investment-in,42092http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-open-to-investment-in,42092http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-open-to-investment-in,42092http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israeli-court-orders-government-to-halt-planned-deportation-of-african-migrants/2012/03/29/gIQA3vMXjS_story.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israeli-court-orders-government-to-halt-planned-deportation-of-african-migrants/2012/03/29/gIQA3vMXjS_story.htmlhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41668&Cr=darfur&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41668&Cr=darfur&Cr1=http://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=899&ctl=Details&mid=1072&ItemID=16672http://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=899&ctl=Details&mid=1072&ItemID=16672http://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=899&ctl=Details&mid=1072&ItemID=16686http://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=899&ctl=Details&mid=1072&ItemID=16686http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ESB9S20120328?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ESB9S20120328?sp=truehttp://www.ips.org/africa/2012/03/the-forgotten-emergency-in-sudan8217s-blue-nile-state/http://www.ips.org/africa/2012/03/the-forgotten-emergency-in-sudan8217s-blue-nile-state/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331114433519971.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331114433519971.htmlhttp://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/article/afdb-holds-long-term-strategy-consultation-meeting-in-sudan-9006/http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/article/afdb-holds-long-term-strategy-consultation-meeting-in-sudan-9006/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/article/afdb-holds-long-term-strategy-consultation-meeting-in-sudan-9006/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331114433519971.htmlhttp://www.ips.org/africa/2012/03/the-forgotten-emergency-in-sudan8217s-blue-nile-state/http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ESB9S20120328?sp=truehttp://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=899&ctl=Details&mid=1072&ItemID=16686http://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=899&ctl=Details&mid=1072&ItemID=16672http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41668&Cr=darfur&Cr1=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israeli-court-orders-government-to-halt-planned-deportation-of-african-migrants/2012/03/29/gIQA3vMXjS_story.htmlhttp://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-open-to-investment-in,42092http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-open-to-investment-in,42092http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07Z20120329http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-envoy-in-South-Sudan-on-oil-mission/articleshow/12497084.cmshttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/27/egypt-children-trialhttp://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738836http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738531http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/2012327152356932987.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331191231210148.htmlhttp://www.egyptindependent.com/node/738651http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/7/38069/Egypt/Presidential-elections-/Ministry-,-Egyptian-expats-register-to-vote-in-pre.aspx


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Recent Border Clashes between South Sudan and Sudan

Clashes between South Sudan and Sudan erupted along the borderon 26 March,reports Agence France-Presse (AFP), though both sides provide different ac-counts of the unfolding events. One reported attack occurred in the oil -rich, dis-puted area of Heglig, a region partly controlled by Sudan. Violence erupted whenSouth Sudanese troops pursued the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) into the area, re-portsBloomberg. South Sudan stated that it had followed the SAF into Heglig inresponse to the SAF bombing of a key South Sudanese oil fieldin Unity state, astate bordering Sudans Southern Kordofan state, reports Reuters. The Greater

Nile Petroleum Operating Company (GNPOC), a consortium led by the ChinaNational Petroleum Corp (CNPC), confirmed that their oil facilities had been hit.The Financial Times notes that South Sudans army spokesman, Col. PhilipAguer, stated that the clashes were the worstsince the two countries separated inJuly 2011. Sudan has denied any attacks in Unity state but did admit that itsground forces attacked southern artillery positionsin response to the earlier SouthSudanese attacks in Heglig.

According to Reuters, both sides reported that South Sudan withdrew its forcesfrom the Heglig area on 28 March, though there continued to be a heavy securitypresence. However,AFPreported on 01 April that Sudans army claimed SouthSudanese forces again pushed into the Heglig region and were moving troopstoward the town of Talodi, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north -east of Hegligin order to support the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement -North (SPLM-N)rebel group. South Sudan and the SPLM

-N have denied these claims. Reuters

reports that the SPLM-N launched an assaulton the Talodi town in South Kordo-fan state on 30 March. SPLM-N spokesman Arnu Lodi said that two garrisons had been destroyed by the rebels and that the Suda-nese government troops had suffered heavy losses. According toReuters, South Sudan has accused Sudan of using helicopter gun-shipsto attack Unity state in the early morning hours of 02 April, something Sudan denies.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, statedthat the High Representative was gravely concerned about the military clashes and that the military activity could result in a wid-ermilitary confrontation. The members of the UN Security Council expressed that they were deeply alarmed over the clashes,which they believe could precipitate a resumption of conflict. Due to the increase in violence on the border, the UN High Commis-sioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that they are concerned about Sudanese refugeesliving in settlements in the South Sudaneseborder town of Yida. South Sudanese authorities at all levels are urging refugee leaders to relocate to safer locations.

The African Union (AU) stated in a press release that they are deeply concerned over the escalating security situationalong the bor-der. The Chairperson of the Commission stressed that disputes over border territories can be resolved only through peacefulmeans. The AU reaffirmed its commitment through the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to help the two countriesreach an agreement on the post-secession issues. In response to the fighting that began on 26 March, Sudanese President Omar alBashir suspended his 03 April trip to Juba where he planned to discuss on-going issueswith his South Sudanese counterpart, reportsal Arabiya. However, security officials from both countries flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 30 March for crisis talks. On 01 April,Sudanese and South Sudanese government delegationsmet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi as part of on -going negoti-ations surrounding the border conflicts, reports the Sudan Tribune. In Sudan, the head of the Shura Council of the ruling NationalCongress Party (NCP), Abu Ali Majzoub, proposed that the council hold an emergency meetingto discuss the military conflict onthe border, reports the Sudan Tribune.

A coalition of African and Arab civil society organisations have warned that a return to war between Sudan and South Sudan couldcost the region a loss of overUSD 100 billion, reports the Sudan Tribune. The coalition believes that both of the Sudans would lose

a combined total of USD 25 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), while neighbouring countries could lose up to USD 25 billionin GDP. It is expected that international peacekeeping and humanitarian costs for the region could exceed USD 30 billion.

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03 April 2012

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Heglig and Unity State

Source: TheEconomist
http://www.france24.com/en/20120327-un-calls-calm-sudan-after-clasheshttp://www.france24.com/en/20120327-un-calls-calm-sudan-after-clasheshttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-28/south-sudan-withdraws-its-forces-from-oil-rich-heglig-area-1-.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-28/south-sudan-withdraws-its-forces-from-oil-rich-heglig-area-1-.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ER2EP20120327?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ER2EP20120327?sp=truehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/cross-border-violence-threatens-sudan-deal/2012/03/27/gIQA5zQheS_story.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/cross-border-violence-threatens-sudan-deal/2012/03/27/gIQA5zQheS_story.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ER2EP20120327?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ER2EP20120327?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ESB9M20120328?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ESB9M20120328?sp=truehttp://reliefweb.int/node/486931http://reliefweb.int/node/486931http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82T05C20120330http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82T05C20120330http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83100L20120402?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83100L20120402?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83100L20120402?sp=truehttp://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/129279.pdfhttp://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/129279.pdfhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10594.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10594.doc.htmhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f719a059.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f719a059.htmlhttp://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/Communique%20on%20tensions%20between%20Sudan%20and%20South%20Sudan.pdfhttp://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/Communique%20on%20tensions%20between%20Sudan%20and%20South%20Sudan.pdfhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203420.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203420.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203420.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203420.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jDxnDF6edBquVKN4fmJG0f_44ZhQ?docId=CNG.91f54df3baaf54aa7554fca3c3d379df.611http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jDxnDF6edBquVKN4fmJG0f_44ZhQ?docId=CNG.91f54df3baaf54aa7554fca3c3d379df.611http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudanese-negotiating-team-meets,42101http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudanese-negotiating-team-meets,42101http://www.sudantribune.com/NCP-member-proposes-meeting-on,42105http://www.sudantribune.com/NCP-member-proposes-meeting-on,42105http://www.sudantribune.com/Return-to-North-South-Sudan-war,42075http://www.sudantribune.com/Return-to-North-South-Sudan-war,42075mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.cimicweb.org/http://media.economist.com/images/20090801/CMA980.gifhttp://media.economist.com/images/20090801/CMA980.gifhttp://media.economist.com/images/20090801/CMA980.gifhttp://www.cimicweb.org/mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.sudantribune.com/Return-to-North-South-Sudan-war,42075http://www.sudantribune.com/NCP-member-proposes-meeting-on,42105http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudanese-negotiating-team-meets,42101http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jDxnDF6edBquVKN4fmJG0f_44ZhQ?docId=CNG.91f54df3baaf54aa7554fca3c3d379df.611http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/27/203420.htmlhttp://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/Communique%20on%20tensions%20between%20Sudan%20and%20South%20Sudan.pdfhttp://www.unhcr.org/4f719a059.htmlhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10594.doc.htmhttp://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/129279.pdfhttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83100L20120402?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83100L20120402?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82T05C20120330http://reliefweb.int/node/486931http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ESB9M20120328?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ER2EP20120327?sp=truehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/cross-border-violence-threatens-sudan-deal/2012/03/27/gIQA5zQheS_story.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8ER2EP20120327?sp=truehttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-28/south-sudan-withdraws-its-forces-from-oil-rich-heglig-area-1-.htmlhttp://www.france24.com/en/20120327-un-calls-calm-sudan-after-clashes


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03 April 2012


SyriaAmber Ramsey [email protected]

Governance

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports that in a 27 March article published by the State

-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syrian

President Bashar al-Assad vowed to supportUnited Nations-Arab League envoy Kofi Annans peace plan for Syria. According tothe SANA article, Assads support for the peace plan was conditional upon an end to terrorist acts across the country, says AFP.The six-point peace plan proposed by Annan seeks to, among other things, immediately stop violence in Syria, provide access forhumanitarian agencies, and open the way for an inclusive political dialogue. While speaking to Arab leaders at a summit in Baghdad,UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Assadto put his words into action, warning that the world is waiting for commit-ments to be translated into action. The key here is implementation. Meanwhile, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nu-land, told reporters[w]e will judge him (Bashar al-Assad) on his actions, not his promises, a comment repeated by officials fromFrance and Germany at the Friends of Syria meeting in Istanbul. A spokesman for the UN -Arab League envoy for Syria told re-porters that Annan plans to continue consultationswith Arab leaders in an effort to garner support for his mission. Annans next vis-its are expected to be to Iran and Saudi Arabia, while his deputy, Nasser al -Kidwa, took part in a meeting of opposition figures, in-cluding the Syrian National Council (SNC), in Istanbul last week and the Friends of Syria meeting on 01 April.

At a landmark Arab League summit held on 29 March in Baghdad, Iraq heard callsfrom some Arab nations, including Saudi Arabiaand Qatar, to arm Syrias rebels, reports BBC, while others, including Iraq, warned that arming either side of the conflict will leadto a regional and international proxy war in Syria. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he would meet with Arab leaders inBaghdad to discuss how the UN and Arab states can work together in helping the joint special envoys diplomatic efforts to get thesix-point proposal implemented. The Arab summit produced a resolution calling on the Syrian government and opposition to dealpositively with the envoy (Kofi Annan) by starting serious national dialogue. However, according to The New York Times aspokesman for the Syrian foreign ministry reiterated Syrias rejectionof any decisions made at the Arab meeting. Iraqi Foreign Min-ister Hoshyar Zebari later told a news conference, [w]e have no new initiative to bring except for the issues weve already dis-cussed.

Representatives from 71 countries gathered in Istanbul, Turkey on 01 April for the second Friends of Syria meeting, reportsAFP.According to a Turkish official, [t]he main objective of this conference is to increase the pressure on the Syrian regime to end thebloody repression. Both Russia and China chose once again to abstain from participating in the meeting. AFPnoted that expecta-

tions were lowfor the meeting, with analysts saying that differences between participants on how to stop the bloodshed in Syria haveprevented any unified response. At the meeting, the Syrian opposition, led by the Syrian National Council (SNC), urgently cal led onWestern nations and Arab countries to arm Syrian rebels. However, AFPexplains that dissent within the opposition movement con-tinues to hamper action by the international community, with many countries hesitating on the level of support that can be given tosome groups under the SNC umbrella.

Both Russia and China have upped pressure on Syria, reports AFP, calling on both sides to honour commitments to end the con-flict. Following Annans visit to Beijing last week, Chinese spokesman Hong Lei said that China will continue to actively coordi-nate with and support Mr. Annans mediation efforts and hopes the international community will create enabling conditions forthat.

Security

On 28 March Syrian troops stormedthe central town of Qalaat al-Madiq and surrounding villages in Hama province, after nearly 17days of shelling and gunfire, reportsAl Arabiya News. Four civilians were reportedly killed in the early morning attack.

In the central province of Homs, seven civilians were reported killed, including two women, during fightingbetween regime forcesand Syrian rebels, reportsAFP. Five civilians were also reportedly killed as regime forces entered villages near Maaret al -Numan inIdlib province.

A 29 March article by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) claims that two freelance journalistswere shot dead near the border withTurkey, while another journalist was wounded in the attack. The two men were killed after returning to an area where regime forceshad opened fire on a group of nearly 50 people, says the report. RSF calls on freelance journalists to use extreme caution when insideSyria and to ensure their travel plans are known by a reliable source that can pass on information to journalist organisations or theauthorities in case they run into danger.

Anti-regimeprotests were stagedacross Syria on 30 March, with signs and slogans denouncing Arab countries inaction on Syria,
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGOl8TuxxkgNh4ocfrKSsX3m0eew?docId=CNG.1e8c967748f92d3c3acb6b7f091cd8e3.371http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGOl8TuxxkgNh4ocfrKSsX3m0eew?docId=CNG.1e8c967748f92d3c3acb6b7f091cd8e3.371http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41663&Cr=Arab%20League&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41663&Cr=Arab%20League&Cr1=http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-forces-storm-central-town-102125687.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/syrian-forces-storm-central-town-102125687.htmlhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41678&Cr=syria&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41678&Cr=syria&Cr1=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17544431http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17544431http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/arab-league-resolution-calls-syria-talkshttp://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/arab-league-resolution-calls-syria-talkshttp://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/arab-league-resolution-calls-syria-talkshttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/middleeast/arab-leaders-gather-for-meeting-in-baghdad.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/middleeast/arab-leaders-gather-for-meeting-in-baghdad.htmlhttp://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/friends-of-syria-to-crank-up-pressure-on-damascus-sunday/story-e6frf7lf-1226314517847http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/friends-of-syria-to-crank-up-pressure-on-damascus-sunday/story-e6frf7lf-1226314517847http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hOSxYllqjwYNppF9NhoS2viXg3GQ?docId=CNG.65605d82f9e8f0788a078c1a4655b4de.7a1http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hOSxYllqjwYNppF9NhoS2viXg3GQ?docId=CNG.65605d82f9e8f0788a078c1a4655b4de.7a1http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hOSxYllqjwYNppF9NhoS2viXg3GQ?docId=CNG.65605d82f9e8f0788a078c1a4655b4de.7a1http://www.dawn.com/2012/03/28/china-calls-on-syria-to-honour-commitments.htmlhttp://www.dawn.com/2012/03/28/china-calls-on-syria-to-honour-commitments.htmlhttp://www.dawn.com/2012/03/28/china-calls-on-syria-to-honour-commitments.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/28/203769.htmlhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/28/203769.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGOl8TuxxkgNh4ocfrKSsX3m0eew?docId=CNG.1e8c967748f92d3c3acb6b7f091cd8e3.371http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGOl8TuxxkgNh4ocfrKSsX3m0eew?docId=CNG.1e8c967748f92d3c3acb6b7f091cd8e3.371http://en.rsf.org/syria-two-freelance-journalists-killed-29-03-2012,42215.htmlhttp://en.rsf.org/syria-two-freelance-journalists-killed-29-03-2012,42215.htmlhttp://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2012/March/middleeast_March654.xml&section=middleeast&col=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2012/March/middleeast_March654.xml&section=middleeast&col=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2012/March/middleeast_March654.xml&section=middleeast&col=http://en.rsf.org/syria-two-freelance-journalists-killed-29-03-2012,42215.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGOl8TuxxkgNh4ocfrKSsX3m0eew?docId=CNG.1e8c967748f92d3c3acb6b7f091cd8e3.371http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/28/203769.htmlhttp://www.dawn.com/2012/03/28/china-calls-on-syria-to-honour-commitments.htmlhttp://www.dawn.com/2012/03/28/china-calls-on-syria-to-honour-commitments.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hOSxYllqjwYNppF9NhoS2viXg3GQ?docId=CNG.65605d82f9e8f0788a078c1a4655b4de.7a1http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hOSxYllqjwYNppF9NhoS2viXg3GQ?docId=CNG.65605d82f9e8f0788a078c1a4655b4de.7a1http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/friends-of-syria-to-crank-up-pressure-on-damascus-sunday/story-e6frf7lf-1226314517847http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/middleeast/arab-leaders-gather-for-meeting-in-baghdad.htmlhttp://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/arab-league-resolution-calls-syria-talkshttp://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/arab-league-resolution-calls-syria-talkshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17544431http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41678&Cr=syria&Cr1=http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-forces-storm-central-town-102125687.htmlhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41663&Cr=Arab%20League&Cr1=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGOl8TuxxkgNh4ocfrKSsX3m0eew?docId=CNG.1e8c967748f92d3c3acb6b7f091cd8e3.371mailto:[email protected]


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reportsAFP. Regime forces reportedly fired on several groups of protesters to disperse the crowds, according to activists accounts.Rallies were held in several suburbs of Damascus as well as in the cities of Deir Ezzor and Aleppo. Syrians have held protests everyFriday after Muslim prayers throughout the past year of the Syrian uprisings, often leading to violent suppression by forces loyal toPresident Bashar al-Assad.

Humanitarian Affairs

The UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joint assessment mission to Syria has determined that at least one mil-lion Syrians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Priority needs identified during the mission include protection, food,medical assistance, non-food items and education. According to the UN News Service, an initial assistance convoyhas been sent to

the Tartous Governorate where it will benefit 2,000 displaced Syrian families. The UN has urged international donors to begin con-tributing funds to the newly-established Emergency Response Fund for Syria. In a statement released by OIC, the organisation indi-cates that host families, charity organisations and community leaders throughout Syria have played a key role in alleviating thehardship on affected communities.

The Womens Media Center, a non-profit womens media group from the United States, has begun utilising crowd-sourcing tech-niques to track rapeand other sexual violence across Syria, reports Reuters. The groups website allows the general public to quick-ly provide information and report events related to sexual violence in Syria. To date, the group has posted more than 20 incidentsthat occurred in Syria between 06 May 2011 and 17 March 2012. According to the Womens Media Center, violence against womenhas been particularly underreported, adding that [n]o one has ever measured sexual violence in conflict during the conflict. Itsalways after the fact. The website, WomenUnderSiegeSyria.crowdmap.com, uses technology from a global non-profit technologycompany called Ushahidito allow people to anonymously report incidents of sexual violence. As stated by Cristina Finch of Am-nesty International, [a]ny tool that we can use to highlight whats happening on the ground and document human rights abuses,atrocities and incidences of sexual violence is useful for accountability.

An article byAFPwarns that inflation caused by rounds of sanctions issued by the international community has made it difficult formany Syrians to buybasic food staplessuch as rice, fruit and vegetables. Many Syrians are now said to be surviving on bread tocope with rising costs, waiting hours in bread -lines every day. Some say Syria is facing a bread crisis, with the cost of flour jump-ing 200% in the last year and short-staffed bakeries resulting from insecurity, saysAFP.

A recent article by the Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) highlights the practice of using networks of oppositionactivists to get aid into Syria. The article notes that under international humanitarian law (IHL) it is considered illegal to provide aidto residents of a country without permission from the government; however, this excludes countries in the midst of conflict. Accord-ing toIRIN, the situation in Syria has led many in the aid community to a call for a new humanitarianism that would not rely oncurrent IHL standards but instead would take its lead from the actual needs on the ground.

Socio-cultural Development

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) warns ofpossible damageto historic sites as a result of theon-going conflict within Syria. UNESCO explains that Syria is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, historic cities, culturallandscapes, monuments and works of art that have resulted from a succession of cultures living there. Six Syrian cities and sites arepart of UNESCOs World Heritage List, including Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, Bosra, the Crac des Chevaliers and Saladins Cas-tle, with several other sites on a tentative list that has not yet received full accreditation from the organisation. UNESCOs Director-General Irina Bokova has called on the Syrian authorities to respect the 1954 Convention on the Protection of Cultural Properties inthe Event of Armed Conflict, the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer ofOwnership of Cultural Property, and the World Heritage Convention. UNESCO has alerted several international policing organisa-tions on cultural items that could appear on the international antiquities market.

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03 April 2012

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The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) includes Benin and Nigeria in their pirate and armed robbery prone areas and warningslist. Pirates in the GoG are often characterised as very violent in their methods. The recent increase of attacks has prompted the JointWar Committee (JWC), a war risk underwriting group, to add Beninto the Hull War, Strikes, Terrorism and Related Perils list inAugust 2011. Nigeria and portions of the Benin and Nigeria Exclusive Economic Zones in the GoG are also included in JWCs list.

Current responsesSeveral regional and international initiatives to counter piracy in the GoG have been initiated in recent months. In September 2011,Nigeria and Beninbegan joint naval patrolsafter an unprecedented number of attacks in the region threatened to impact their econo-mies. West African officials urged the United Nations (UN), as well as the international community, to prevent the regions coastfrom becoming a havenfor pirates.

Nigeria is Africas largest oil producerand exports over2 million barrelsof crude oil per day. According to the Nigerian NationalPetroleum Corporation, Nigeria is the worlds sixth largest oil producing country, with a maximum crude oil production capacity of2.5 million barrelsper day. Associated Press (AP) reports that Nigeria is trying to increaseprotection of its waterways, but despitethe governments efforts, is unable to do so. The private security company Global West Vessel Specialist Agency Ltd recentlysigned a USD 103 million contract with the Nigerian Government to patrol its coast. The security company is linked to an ex -militant leader.

In November 2011, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent an assessment team into the area to evaluate the piracy situation. Ac-cording to an AParticle, the assessment teamfound that pirates were resorting to sophisticated modes of operations and utilizingheavy weapons. On 29 February 2012, the UN Security Council, prompted by the assessment teams findings, adopted Resolution

2039, which calls for a summit to be held on piracy in West and Central Africa in order to develop a regional comprehensive ap-proach to the issue.

The UN has also encouragedthe Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West AfricanStates (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of