The Break of Dawn? Shifting Interests and Opportunities in the Libya Dawn Bloc

Africa, Analysis, Civilians At Risk, Current Hotspots, Focus On Militias, Islamist Violence, Rioting And Protests, Violence Against Civilians
Libya was the fifth most active country in the ACLED dataset in February 2015 with an average of 4 fatalities incurred for every conflict event (see Figure 1). The recent wave of attacks by Islamic State groups has prompted widespread discussion of the role of Islamist groups such as the Shura Council of Islamic Youth, Ansar al-Sharia, Islamic State of Tripoli and the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade in the political negotiation process mediated through the UN.…

The Targeting of Children in Conflict Zones, Part 1: General Trends

Africa, Civilians At Risk, Focus On Militias, Violence Against Civilians
Violence against children is a conscious strategy employed by armed groups within conflict contexts. When children are targeted or killed, it is often in an attempt to instill terror in populations, or to reaffirm brutality and gain (global) notoriety, given that the targeting of children is meant to send a message to (adult) adversaries and/or the international community at-large.…

Dynamic Conflicts and Static Promises: Shifting Advantage, the Political Marketplace and Broken Ceasefires

Africa, Civilians At Risk, Focus On Militias, Political Stability, Violence Against Civilians
In the past half-decade, multiple peace agreements and ceasefires have been implemented in various African countries to solve ongoing political conflicts on the continent. The most notable examples during this period are Mali, Central African Republic and South Sudan.…