Islamic State in Afghanistan
Islamic State’s “Khorasan Branch” continues to have a significant presence in Afghanistan after appearing for the first time in 2014. The group has consolidated its position in the southeastern quadrant of Afghanistan, centered around its “home base” of Nangarhar Province in the time period from early 2017 to late 2017 / early 2018.… Details
Demonstrations Across Iran
Beginning on 28 December 2017, a wave of demonstrations swept across Iran. Protests started in the city of Mashhad, Iran’s second most populous city and one of its most important religious centers, and rapidly spread into other major towns including Nishabur, Kashmar, Birjand, Noshahr, and Yazd.… Details
Eastern Yemen – Hadramawt and Al Mahrah
Hadramawt and Al Mahrah governorates make up the eastern region of Yemen, which has witnessed less conflict than the rest of the country. Al Mahrah has remained largely peaceful throughout the civil war; ACLED recorded only two violent occurrences in the governorate in early 2018: the assassination of an Omani citizen, and clashes involving Saudi forces and armed smugglers.… Details
Tensions Flare in the DR-Congo
In DR-Congo, signs of a perfect storm are emerging: local conflict is flaring in the North East, continued demonstrations are occuring in urban areas, state repression of protesters is leading to increased fatalities, new militia actors and coalition are forming and joining with typical violence agents, international security groups are being targeted by rebel organizations with lethally disruptive intentions, and diplomatic tensions are ongoing.… Details
Will the Ethiopian government be open to democratic reforms despite this week’s emergency declaration?
Signs of a political thaw in Ethiopia have taken a sharp reversal. Despite the government’s amnesty of 6,000 political prisoners in January, protests against the Tigray-led regime in the Oromio Region have spread into the Amhara and Southern Nations regions (Financial Times, 17 February 2018) (see Figure 1).… Details
10 Hidden Conflicts in Africa #10 Mozambique: A Peace Deal between FRELIMO & RENAMO, A Rise in Islamist Violence
In this series of infographics, we explore 10 hidden or under-reported conflicts across Africa. The tenth explores Mozambique: A Peace Deal between FRELIMO & RENAMO, A Rise in Islamist Violence.… Details
10 Hidden Conflicts in Africa: #9 The Sahel and the Merger of Islamist Factions
In this series of infographics, we explore 10 hidden or under-reported conflicts across Africa. The ninth explores The Sahel and the Merger of Islamist Factions.… Details
10 Hidden Conflicts in Africa: #8 Post-Election Violence and Repression in the Republic of Congo
In this series of infographics, we explore 10 hidden or under-reported conflicts across Africa. The eighth explores post-election violence and repression in the Republic of Congo.… Details