Africa
Freedom of expression in Libya undermined by targeted civilian killings
15 October 2014
Since elections on June 25th, Libya’s volatile political landscape has, to a great extent, been characterised by warring political and ethnic militias vying for power and control. A joint report by UNSMIL and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR, 4 September 2014) documents how the ongoing fighting has impacted ordinary civilian life: multiple armed militias…
- Africa
- Analysis
- Civilians At Risk
- Current Hotspots
- Ethnic Militias
- Focus On Militias
- Rioting And Protests
- Violence Against Civilians
Conflict in DR Congo
15 October 2014
Conflict in DR Congo continues to involve many of the usual suspects, despite efforts and ultimatums by the UN and humanitarian organizations. The UN presses on in seeking the disarmament of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), with arguably minimal success (so far). The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) exhibits heightened violence in…
- Africa
- Analysis
- Civilians At Risk
- Ethnic Militias
- Focus On Militias
- Governance
- Political Stability
- United Nations
- Violence Against Civilians
Tunisia’s October Elections and Collective Action
8 October 2014
Electoral violence has long spurred debate over the catalysing effects of party rivalries, the strive for democratic institutions, and social divisions on conflict patterns. With parliamentary and presidential elections due to be held in Tunisia on 26 October and 23 November respectively, a number of key factors may be instrumental in shaping conflict in the country over the coming months.…
Read MoreAl Shabaab in Kenya a Year After Westgate
8 October 2014
In the aftermath of the attack by Al Shabaab on the Westgate shopping centre in September 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed to punish the perpetrators of the attack and continue the ‘moral war’ against Al Shabaab. Kenyatta also called on Kenya’s diverse society to stand united against the attackers (Jamhuri, 22 September 2013). Yet, Al Shabaab…
Read MorePre-Election Conflict in Mozambique
8 October 2014
Mozambique continues to experience a marked escalation in conflict, dating from late 2013. An increased number of battles and instances of violence against civilians involving the ruling Frente de Libertacao de Mocambique (FRELIMO) party – who have held a monopoly on ruling power since independence from Portugal in 1975 – and opposition party the Mozambican…
Read MoreConflict in South Sudan: The Rising Role of Political and Ethnic Militias
26 September 2014
The civil war in South Sudan continues. The sixth round of peace talks between president Salva Kiir and SPLA/M-In Opposition leader and former vice-president Riek Machar was delayed last week due to agenda disagreements.[1] Over the weekend, fighting broke out yet again in Upper Nile state, near the town of Renk, which sits near several oil…
- Africa
- Analysis
- Civilians At Risk
- Ethnic Militias
- Focus On Militias
- Political Stability
- Pro-Government Militias
- Unidentified Armed Groups
- Vigilante Militias
- Violence Against Civilians