cfc med basin weekly news review, 14 february 2012

8/2/2019 CFC Med Basin Weekly News Review, 14 February 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 1Horn of Africa:Land & Sea 2North Africa 4Northeast Africa 6

The Civil-Military Fusion Centre

(CFC) is an information and

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ABOUT THE CFC

CONTACT THE CFC

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

interest from 07 February13 February 2012, with hyperlinks to source material highlighted and un-

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

please contact the members of the Med Basin Team, or visit our website at www.cimicweb.org.

14 February 2012Comprehensive Information on Complex Crises

In Focus: The Emerging Role of the Arab LeagueBy Linda Lavender

A Stimson Centerarticle dated 22 November 2011 asserts that emerging political realitiesacross

North Africa and the Middle East have impacted the role of regional organisations like the Arab

League, whose creation in 1945 sought to foster close relations between Arab states, protect their

independence and sovereignty and to discuss relevant Arab issues. According to the article, the

Arab Leagues effectiveness has been in question for decades; however, in light of the Arab

Spring, the Arab League has now taken on an important new role within the region.

The Arab League in LibyaIn March 2011, as the Arab Spring swept across North African countries and civil warbroke out in

Libya, the Arab League intervened by calling on the United Nations Security Councilto impose a

no-fly zone over Libya in efforts to protect innocents, according to the Telegraph. TheFinancialTimes states that the Arab Leagues decision to call for a no -fly zone was critical to winning US

supportforUN Resolution 1973and simultaneously increased pressure on Europe and the United

States to embark on limited military action against the Gaddafi regime. Additionally, to distance

itself from the Gaddafi regime, the Arab League sent a clear message to the international commu-

nity by denying two Gaddafi envoys seeking attendance at the Arab League meetings, meanwhile

agreeing to an audience with representatives from the self-declared provisional government in

eastern Libya, according to the article. While some Arab League members were steadfast in

(continued on page 8)
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M E D I T E R R A N E A N B A S I N T E A M P R E S E N T S

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

Comprehensive Information on Complex Crises

DjiboutiThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approvedan additional USD 14.7 million for Djibouti to help the country counter theincrease in global commodity prices. Approximately USD 9.7 million of the USD 24.75 million total funding is scheduled for im-

mediate release to the government of Djibouti.

EthiopiaEthiopia is showing progress toward achieving universal primary education, according to a Voice of America report. Over the past

few years, the Ethiopian government has invested nearly one quarter of all public expenditures in schools. The report states that the

number of primary schools in the country grew from less than2,000 to about 28,000 within the last 15 years. Rajendra Joshi, the

World Banks senior education specialist in Ethiopia commented on the improvements, stating Ethiopia at the beginning of the

90s used to be one of the worst countries in terms of participation rate. Now participation rate in primary education is 86 per-

cent - grades one to eight.

Somalia

Reuters reports that a new state called Khaatumowas created by leaders of the

Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions of Somalia in January. Khaatumo is

located close to the border with Ethiopia and lies in an area which has been

disputed by Somaliland and Puntland. SA Time states that Somaliland had

seized the disputed area from Puntland in 2007. According to a member of

Khaatumos new administration, Somaliland and Puntland claim that the

Khaatumo region is part of their territory, but we want to be an autonomous

region that is part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) reports that Somalilands

Minister of Fisheries and Ports, Abdillahi Jama Geeljire, claims that clan mili-

tia attacked government forces in clashes that began on 26 January. Heavy

fighting between clan militias and the Somaliland Army has forced more fami-

lies to leave their homes, contributing approximately 6,000 IDPs to easternSomaliland.

Despite recent progress made by the African Union Mission in Somalia

(AMISOM) the security situation, particularly in Mogadishu, remains fragile,

according toReuters. On 08 February, a suicide bomber, killed more than 11

people and wounded numerous others. The attacker drove his car into a caf

located near Muna hotel in Mogadishu, a popular meeting place for lawmak-

ers. Al Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ayman al-Zawahri, leader of al Qaeda, announced that al Shabaab has offi-

cially joinedthe al Qaeda global network, according to a 09 February Reuters

report. Some experts assert the merger was a public relations move to restore

credibility and gain recruits, as al Qaeda has been weakened as an organisation by drone attacks in Pakistan. An AMISOM press release from 11 February

called al Shabaabs decision a desperate move by a group riddled with inter-

nal disputes. Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed, Somali Minister of Information,

Posts and Telecommunications, responded to the news by stating that al Shabaab leaders arepaid by al Qaeda, and that al Shabaab

can no longer masquerade as an indigenous Somali-Islamic organization, reports Voice of America. The announcement of al Sha-

Page 2

Source:Daily News, Wars in the World

Disputed Region of Khaatumo

14 February 2012

SUBMIT AN RFI OR RECOMMEND REPORT TOPICS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN TEAM: In

order to meet the growing demand for information regarding the dynamic, complex events in Libya specifically and North Africa

generally, the CFC has begun publishing special reports on the region in addition to our weekly newsletters. Please send your

recommendations for future report topics or requests for information (RFIs) to: [email protected].
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.imf.org/external/index.htmhttp://www.imf.org/external/index.htmhttp://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2012/pr1238.htmhttp://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2012/pr1238.htmhttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopia-Set-to-Achieve-Universal-Primary-Education-by-2015-139051809.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopia-Set-to-Achieve-Universal-Primary-Education-by-2015-139051809.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopia-Set-to-Achieve-Universal-Primary-Education-by-2015-139051809.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopia-Set-to-Achieve-Universal-Primary-Education-by-2015-139051809.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL2E8D9BN420120210http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL2E8D9BN420120210http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/somaliland-battles-own-secessionists-1.1231169http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/somaliland-battles-own-secessionists-1.1231169http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=94821http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=94821http://www.africa-union.org/root/AU/AUC/Departments/PSC/AMISOM/amisom.htmhttp://www.africa-union.org/root/AU/AUC/Departments/PSC/AMISOM/amisom.htmhttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8D88PW20120208http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8D88PW20120208http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8D88PW20120208http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BP20120209http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BP20120209http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BP20120209http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/com.auc_.somalia.11.02.2012.pdfhttp://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/com.auc_.somalia.11.02.2012.pdfhttp://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/02/10/somali-govt-no-news-al-shabab-allied-to-al-qaida/http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/02/10/somali-govt-no-news-al-shabab-allied-to-al-qaida/http://www.warsintheworld.com/index.php/2012/01/13/somalia-created-a-new-federal-state-inside-somalia-called-the-unity-and-salvation-authority-of-the-ssc-regions-of-somalia/http://www.warsintheworld.com/index.php/2012/01/13/somalia-created-a-new-federal-state-inside-somalia-called-the-unity-and-salvation-authority-of-the-ssc-regions-of-somalia/mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.warsintheworld.com/index.php/2012/01/13/somalia-created-a-new-federal-state-inside-somalia-called-the-unity-and-salvation-authority-of-the-ssc-regions-of-somalia/http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/02/10/somali-govt-no-news-al-shabab-allied-to-al-qaida/http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/com.auc_.somalia.11.02.2012.pdfhttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BP20120209http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BP20120209http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8D88PW20120208http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8D88PW20120208http://www.africa-union.org/root/AU/AUC/Departments/PSC/AMISOM/amisom.htmhttp://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=94821http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/somaliland-battles-own-secessionists-1.1231169http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL2E8D9BN420120210http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopia-Set-to-Achieve-Universal-Primary-Education-by-2015-139051809.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopia-Set-to-Achieve-Universal-Primary-Education-by-2015-139051809.htmlhttp://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2012/pr1238.htmhttp://www.imf.org/external/index.htmmailto:[email protected]


3/8

Horn of Africa: Land & Sea News Coverage Continued

baab joining al Qaeda may increase instabilitywithin the country as well as the region, according to a Bloombergarticle from 13

February. Somalias Transitional Federal Government (TFG), in an effort to improve its ability to resist the Islamist insurgency, has

requested the 20-year old UN Security Councils arms embargoon Somaliabe lifted,according to Reuters. Although the embargo

has been amended several times since 1992, British Foreign Secretary William Hague raised concerns about completely lifting the

embargo.

The African Union (AU) High Representative for Somalia and former Ghanaian President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings said that 2.3

million people in Somalia (approximately one-third of the population), as well as approximately 9.5 million people in the Horn of

Africa (HOA) region still face famine. According to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) website, Rawlings com-

ments were made at a 12 February event, which was organised byNew York Universityin Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is

believed that about USD 1.5 billion is needed, without which the region may slip back into famine status within the next 100 days.

Additionally, Rawlings stated that addressing the areas of security, political process, counter-terrorism, piracy, local stability, hu-

manitarian and international coordination within the region are vital to ensuring food security.

On 09 February, AMISOM pledged to spend USD 4.5 millionon various projects

to improve the lives of people in Somalia. Over USD 1 million from international

donors will be spent on equipment and supplies for police stations, water treat-

ment plants and generators for a hospital. Jowharreports that the Somali Minis-

try of Information, Posts and Telecommunications distributed 6,000 hand-held

radios to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Mogadishu. Approximately 1,000

radios were handed out at the Badbado camp, which is the largest in Somalia.

The radios will provide important information on the on-going relief efforts and

the locations of distribution points. Humanitarian aid agencies will have the op-

portunity to make daily announcements on the Radio Mogadishu broadcast show

called Recovery, reportsJowhar.

PiracyIn the most recent hijacking incident, pirates attacked the Greek-owned MV Free

Goddess and its crew of 21 Filipinos in the Arabian Sea on 07 February, reports

TradeWinds. The Philippine Daily Inquirerstates that 47 Filipinos are currently

being held hostageby pirates, further noting that Filipinos constitute 25 percent

of the manpower of the worlds commercial shipping fleet.

The European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation ATA-

LANTA reportsthat a total of six vessels, including the MV Free Goddess, and

176 hostages are currently being held by pirates. The map to the right provides the

location of the hijackings, number 47 points to the location of the MV Free Goddess.

Several EU representatives visited Somaliauthorities in efforts to further reiterate EUs

intention to enhance peace and security and to counter piracy in Somalia. The meeting

underscored the need for collaboration and coordination with Somali authorities in order

to strengthen Somali security capabilities and to bolster law and order. Discussions also

focused on the potential for an EU civilian mission supported by military expertise in the

future in order to strengthen maritme capabilities in the Horn of Africa. EU NAVFOR

announced on 09 February, that they had completed trainingof 12 AMISOM troops who

may embark on ships as part of a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD). This training is part of a larger effort to improve AMISOM capabilities with enhanced and specialised

drills to address potential security issues such as pirate attacks. According to EU

NAVFOR, the AMISOM VPDs will provide logistical support for their shipments des-

ignated for Mogadishu.

Although the International Maritime Bureaus (IMB) annual piracy report revealed that

successful hijackings have decreasedcompared to previous years, the impact that Somali piracy has on the global economy is signif-

icant. Oceans Beyond Piracy (OBP) published the Economic Cost of Somali Piracy report, stating that various factors, such as the

hiring of private armed security guards, ransoms and extra insurance premiums contribute to the global cost of Somali piracy of ap-

proximately USD 7 billiona year, reports Reuters. Several successful protective measures such as ships travelling faster than 18

knots, citadels, installation of barb wires on vessels and the use of armed guards resulted in the decrease of attacks, but OBPs Jens

Vestergaard Madsen warns that 90 percent of these costs are spent mitigating the problem, not resolving it.

EU NAVFOR Pirated Vessels09 February

Source:EU NAVFOR

Total Cost of Piracy in 2011

Source: Oceans Beyond Piracy

Page 3

14 February 2012
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-13/somalia-says-al-shabaab-al-qaeda-union-raises-security-risks.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-13/somalia-says-al-shabaab-al-qaeda-union-raises-security-risks.htmlhttp://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/sanctions/somalia.htmhttp://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/sanctions/somalia.htmhttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8DD4LL20120213?sp=truehttp://au.int/http://au.int/http://amisom-au.org/2012/02/rawlings-somalia-still-at-risk-of-serious-famine/http://amisom-au.org/2012/02/rawlings-somalia-still-at-risk-of-serious-famine/http://amisom-au.org/http://amisom-au.org/http://nyuad.nyu.edu/institute/http://nyuad.nyu.edu/institute/http://amisom-au.org/2012/02/amisom-to-implement-4-5m-projects-in-mogadishu/http://amisom-au.org/2012/02/amisom-to-implement-4-5m-projects-in-mogadishu/http://www.jowhar.com/?p=13395http://www.jowhar.com/?p=13395http://www.tradewindsnews.com/piracy/663624/freeseas-bulker-hijackedhttp://www.tradewindsnews.com/piracy/663624/freeseas-bulker-hijackedhttp://globalnation.inquirer.net/25575/somali-pirates-seize-21-filipinos-from-hijacked-shiphttp://globalnation.inquirer.net/25575/somali-pirates-seize-21-filipinos-from-hijacked-shiphttp://www.eunavfor.eu/http://www.eunavfor.eu/http://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/02/the-eu-joins-hands-to-tackle-instability-in-somalia/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/02/the-eu-joins-hands-to-tackle-instability-in-somalia/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/02/eu-navfor-trains-amisom-vessel-protection-detachment-troops-2/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/02/eu-navfor-trains-amisom-vessel-protection-detachment-troops-2/http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=16http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=16http://www.breakbulk.com/piracy/piracy-drops-2011http://www.breakbulk.com/piracy/piracy-drops-2011http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/abouthttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/abouthttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-somalia-piracy-costs-idUSTRE8170PF20120208http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-somalia-piracy-costs-idUSTRE8170PF20120208http://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011_summary.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011_summary.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011_summary.pdfhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-somalia-piracy-costs-idUSTRE8170PF20120208http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/abouthttp://www.breakbulk.com/piracy/piracy-drops-2011http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=16http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/02/eu-navfor-trains-amisom-vessel-protection-detachment-troops-2/http://www.eunavfor.eu/2012/02/the-eu-joins-hands-to-tackle-instability-in-somalia/http://www.eunavfor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pirated-Vessel-09.02.2012.ppt.pdfhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/25575/somali-pirates-seize-21-filipinos-from-hijacked-shiphttp://www.tradewindsnews.com/piracy/663624/freeseas-bulker-hijackedhttp://www.jowhar.com/?p=13395http://amisom-au.org/2012/02/amisom-to-implement-4-5m-projects-in-mogadishu/http://nyuad.nyu.edu/institute/http://amisom-au.org/http://amisom-au.org/2012/02/rawlings-somalia-still-at-risk-of-serious-famine/http://au.int/http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8DD4LL20120213?sp=truehttp://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/sanctions/somalia.htmhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-13/somalia-says-al-shabaab-al-qaeda-union-raises-security-risks.html


4/8


North AfricaErin Foster [email protected]


LibyaReuters reports that Moammar Gaddafis son Saadi, who fled to Niger following last years revolt, told al Arabiya journalists that

Libyan discontent with the current situation will result in uprisingsin the country. He further called on people to revolt against mili-

tias and the National Transitional Council (NTC). Following his interview, NTC officials called for the extradition of Saadi from

Niger, says the Tripoli Post. In response, Niger officials agreed that the terms of his asylum based on humanitarian grounds had been

compromised; however, they would not release Saadi back to Libya until he is assured of a fair trial. Saadis telecommunications

lines have been cut and he is currently underhouse arrest.

On 08 February, the NTC published the final draft of the countrys election laws, according toReuters. Libyas new electoral laws

now guarantee two-fifths of all parliamentary seats to political parties with the rest open to independent candidates. However, the

final version of the law does not include the promised 10% quota for female candidates. A poll conducted by ORB International

found that four out of five Libyans agreed the country was headed in the right direction. The United Nations Support Mission in Lib-

ya (UNSMIL) welcomed the Libyan-ledelectoral process and new laws, saying that for the first time in four decades Libyans will

participate in a free election.

The NTC has been slow to take over militia-held prisonsin Libya, according to a recent Reuters article. Reporters visited Guwasim

prison where nearly 400 prisoners and illegal immigrants are being held, the majority of whom are from sub -Saharan Africa. Militia

members say they are trying to stop illegal immigration and capture suspected foreign fighters, while inmates told reporters that they

are mistreated (see 07 February Med Basin Review) and lack access to legal counsel. Militias continue to assert a rule of force in

the majority of Libya, with the government yet unable to fully consolidate and transition power, reports the New York Times. Human

Rights Watchestimates there are nearly 250 militia groups in Misrata alone, demonstrating the huge challenge facing the NTC. Fur-

ther,protection concernsfor internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been raised by UNSMIL, who has called for greater action by

Libyan security forces. Last week, an attack against Tawergha IDPs occurred at Janzur Marine Academy camp near Tripoli, killing

seven people, including three children and two women. The camp is predominately populated with people from Tawergha who fled

the town after being accused of collaboratingwith Gaddafi forces, according to Reuters. Fifteen armed men reportedly opened fire

on people in the camp.

In other news,BBCreports that the NTC has halted a programto send Libyans wounded in the uprisings abroad for treatment after it

was found that many sent to countries such as Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan never participated in the fighting. Libyan Deputy Prime

Minister Mustafa Abushagur estimates that USD 800,000 million has been spent on this medical program to date. An estimated

10,000 families in Benghazi will benefit from a new food voucher programmerun by the World Food Programme (WFP), says UN

News. WFP will run the project for three months, in which families can trade vouchers for food from local store owners.

The general manager ofLibyas Stock Exchange, Ahmed Karoud, says he anticipates reopening by the end of February 2012, reports

Reuters. The Exchange was closed for nearly a year following last years revolution, and Karoud says he anticipates seven or eight

of the 13 listed companies will resume trading. He also called for new regulations to create incentives for foreign investors.

MaliMalian Defence Minister, Sadio Gassama, told reporters the army was working to end violence in northern Mali before the April

Presidential election. According to Reuters, President Amadou Toumani Toure, who has been criticised by Malians for not doing

enough to end the current violence by Tuareg rebels, will step down from power following the election. As the Malian army

launched a new assaulton Tuareg rebels in the north, France called for talks to end the violence. Further, the United States has sus-

pended its annual counter-terrorism training, Flintlock 2012, for countries in the Sahara to ensure the full participation of Mali. Ma-

gharebia reports that the continued fighting in northern Mali could hinder regional efforts to counter al Qaeda in the Islamic Ma-

ghreb (AQIM), although Tuareg rebels maintain that they have no relationship with al Qaeda. Algerian authorities encouraged a res-

olution to the current conflict in northern Mali by hosting a three-day dialoguebetween Malian officials and Tuareg rebels in Al-

giers. Both sides acknowledged the impact on local communities and called for an end to hostilities. However, Tuareg rebels vowed

to continue their campaign until they achieve an autonomous state in northern Mali.





Page 414 February 2012
mailto:[email protected]:[email 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protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email 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protected]


5/8

North Africa News Coverage Continued

Meanwhile, AlertNetreports that an estimated 65,000 Malianshave been displaced both internally and into neighbouring countries

as a result of continued violence. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR) says people have sought refuge in

neighbouring Mauritania (12,000), Burkina Faso (8,000) and Niger (10-15,000). The International Committee of the Red Cross

(ICRC) warns an additional 30,000 people have fled to interior parts of Mali. The head of Medecins Sans Frontiers ( MSF) in Niger,

Benot Kayemb, commented on the current situation, saying refugees currently have no access to drinking water, food, latrines, orproper shelter, and [they] have no access to basic health care. The displacement of thousands of Malians into countries already fac-

ing food insecuritydue to drought and rising food prices is placing a greater strain on people living in the Sahel, according to the

Associated Press (AP).

MauritaniaGovernment officials announced reformsto the public procurement system in Mauritania as part of a response to calls by the youth

for greater transparency, reportsMagharebia. The new system utilises revised formulas for procurement, a control committee and a

pan-industry regulatory body.

MoroccoThe French company Renaulthas opened North Africas largest car plantin the town of Melousa near Tangiers, according to BBC.

The plant currently employs 2,000 people but officials say this could grow to 6,000 jobs with 35,000 indirect jobs once they triple

production at the plant by 2015. An estimated 10% of cars will be sold on the local market. Meanwhile, the National Telecoms Reg-ulation Agency (ANRT) reported a 75% growth in in the number of internet users in Morocco and an 18% rise in the mobile phone

market in 2011. TheMagharebia articlesuggests e-commerce is another growth industry which recorded a 72% increase in 2011.

Following protests and a series of self-immolations by soldiers and veterans of the Moroccan army, King Mohammed VI adopted a

draft law to improve the basic living conditions and rights of soldiers, reports Reuters. The King will remain commander of the

190,000 force but parliament and government will gain some authority.

NigeriaKabiru Sokoto, the suspected mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing of a Nigerian church in Madalla, has been recaptured by

authorities, reportsBBC. He is said to be affiliated with Boko Haram militants and escaped custody last month during a search of his

home. The article further notes that at least 185 people were killed in January due to Boko Haram attacks in Kano. Nigerian officials

from the Security Joint Task Force (JTF) reported further gainsin its counter-terrorism efforts, says This Day. The JTF received a tip

-off of a large arms and ammunition cache in Kano State. Meanwhile,Afrique en Linge has announced that a Boko Haram faction is

seeking to negotiate with authoritiesfollowing the deaths of Muslims in recent attacks.

TunisiaTunisian President Moncef Marzouki visited the leadersof Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria to discuss the re-establishment of the

Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), reports AFP. The AMU is an economic cooperativeof the five North African countries of Algeria,

Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. The plan for a common market within the region was set forth in a treaty that established

the countries as a trading bloc in 1989. The Maghreb common market was to be modelled after the European Unions common mar-

ket, but the main objective of the AMU Treaty was to strengthen all forms of tiesamong member states in order to ensure regional

stability and enhance policy coordination, according to International Economics. The AMU has been dormant since 1994due to a

dispute between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara.

Tunisia Live reports that a Constituent Assembly committee will start drafting Tunisia's new constitution14 February; however, the

form of government is still being debated. The majority party Ennahada is in favour of a parliamentary system while the opposition

parties are promoting a semi-presidential system with a separation of powers. If an Assembly vote is not reached, it could go to a

national referendum. Further, five secular partieshave joined together in an effort to balance the 40% of parliamentary seats held by

moderate Islamist group Ennahda, according to Reuters. The new grouping includes the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and

Afek Tunis, holding a combined 10% of parliamentary seats.

NATOs Standing Mine Counter Measure Group 2 (SNMCMG2) has made a five-day visitto Tunisia 09-13 February. The Group

met with civilian and military authorities and discussed SNMCMG2 capabilities and current activities.

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6/8


EgyptThe Egypt State Information Service reports that the Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Hisham Qandeel, an-

nounced that a group of experts from national security, foreign affairs, agriculture, education, trade and media helped draft a strategy

forEgypts cooperationwith other Nile Basin countries. Egypt seeks to make the Nile River a source of development and coopera-

tion in the region rather than conflict.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) cautions that the climate of free expressionin Egypt has worsened since Hosni Mubarak was ousted

a year ago.Al Jazeera reports that four people, including an Australian journalist and an Egyptian activist, were detained on suspi-

cion that they were inciting protestsand paying workers to take part in a strike against army rule. Egypt has formally charged43

foreign and local activists working in Egypt with illegal foreign funding of non -governmental organisations (NGOs). Nineteen of

those charged are Americans working for pro-democracy organisations in Egypt, reports Voice of America(VOA). Egypt claims that

the United States, European Union and some Arab countries have been illegally funding NGOs in Egypt. The arrest of the Ameri-

cans caused US government officials to warn that its annual contribution of USD 1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt could be cut.

However, President Obama has asked the US congress to maintain aid to Egypt, reports Reuters. Egypts military rulers have

stressed the importance of maintaining a good relationshipwith the United States.

As Egypt continues its transition to democracy, there is growing concern over the protection of womens rights, reportsAl Jazeera.

During the recent parliamentary elections, only a small number of female candidates were supported by the political parties, result-

ing in less than 2% of the countrys parliamentary seats being won by women. Additionally, there have been moves to reverse

Suzannes laws, which give women certain rights, including the right to initiate divorce and assert more control in custody battles.

The laws were initiated by former first lady Suzanne Mubarak, and opponents are currently using this fact as a basis to rescind many

of the rights the laws gave to women. Egyptian news source al Ahram reports that a United Nations freelance consultantwith the

Womens Fundin Cairo, Nermine Khalil, was shot in the head while driving in Cairo. It is unclear if Khalil was specifically target-

ed.

USD 250,000 will be donated by the International Football Federation ( FIFA) to families of those who were killed in Egypts recent

violence following a football match in Port Said, reports Reuters. Many people were crushed to death from the panicked crowd,

while others were thrown from terraces. Al Jazeera says that an Egyptian parliamentary inquiry into the deaths has found that fans

and poor securityat the stadium were to blame for the violence.

According toReuters, on 06 February the head of the ruling military council, Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, called for an accelerated

process to holdpresidential elections. However, on 10 February, thousands of people marched to the Defence Ministry calling for

the military to immediately hand over power. The Muslim Brotherhood has also called for a coalition government to replace the

current government.Reuters further reports that a general strike called to mark the first anniversaryof Mubaraks overthrow on 11

February 2011 had a poor turnout. The strike had been opposed by religious figures and major political groups.

South SudanAl Jazeera reports that South Sudan and Sudan have signed a non -aggression and co-operation memorandum of understanding

over the disputed borderbetween the two countries. The two sides have agreed to have respect for each others sovereignty and

territorial integrity and to refrain from launching any attack, including bombardment and no supporting of proxies. However, a

New York Times article reports that it is unclear how this nonaggression pact- which came about after intense pressure from China,

the African Union (AU) and the US-

will differ from previous security agreements. Compounding the tension between the twocountries is the on-going dispute over oil (see 07 February 2012 CFC Mediterranean Basin Review). Global Witness, an organisa-

tion focused on issues surrounding natural resource exploitation and corruption, stated that the AU, China, the US, UK, and Nor-

way in particular must engage at the highest diplomatic levelsto broker a deal between the two sides and that the longer the dispute

continues the more likely it is that the situation will escalate. Reuters reports that a South Sudan senior finance ministry official

said that the recent shutdown of South Sudan exports could lead to inflation and civil unrest. Oil accounts for 98% of the countrys

revenues and there is concern over how South Sudan will generate the funds to support its currency. South Sudanese Information

Minister Barnada Marial Benjamin explained that South Sudan and Ethiopia have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a





Page 6

14 February 2012


Northeast AfricaAngelia Sanders [email protected]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201202091101.htmlhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201202091101.htmlhttp://www.hrw.org/homehttp://www.hrw.org/homehttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/02/11/egypt-year-attacks-free-expressionhttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/02/11/egypt-year-attacks-free-expressionhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221275740797336.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221275740797336.htmlhttp://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/02/08/us-receives-egyptian-charges-against-american-ngo-activists/http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/02/08/us-receives-egyptian-charges-against-american-ngo-activists/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE81C0BF20120213?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE81C0BF20120213?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5E8DC3PQ20120212http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5E8DC3PQ20120212http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/2012117113758961894.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/2012117113758961894.htmlhttp://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/34370/Egypt/Politics-/UN-consultant-shot-dead-in-Egyptian-capital.aspxhttp://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/34370/Egypt/Politics-/UN-consultant-shot-dead-in-Egyptian-capital.aspxhttp://www.unwomen.org/http://www.unwomen.org/http://www.fifa.com/http://www.fifa.com/http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE8160BU20120207http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE8160BU20120207http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221220234874841.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221220234874841.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221220234874841.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/06/us-egypt-idUSTRE8151C520120206http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/06/us-egypt-idUSTRE8151C520120206http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8190AQ20120210http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8190AQ20120210http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5E8DB0CZ20120211http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5E8DB0CZ20120211http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/201221162956834538.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/201221162956834538.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/world/africa/sudan-and-south-sudan-edge-closer-to-brink-in-oil-dispute.html?_r=2http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/world/africa/sudan-and-south-sudan-edge-closer-to-brink-in-oil-dispute.html?_r=2http://www.au.int/en/http://www.au.int/en/https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-Med%20Basin%20(07-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-Med%20Basin%20(07-Feb-12).pdfhttp://www.globalwitness.org/http://www.globalwitness.org/http://www.globalwitness.org/library/diplomatic-community-should-act-now-help-resolve-oil-dispute-between-sudanshttp://www.globalwitness.org/library/diplomatic-community-should-act-now-help-resolve-oil-dispute-between-sudanshttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BX20120209http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BX20120209http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-09/south-sudan-ethiopia-sign-memorandum-on-djibouti-oil-pipeline.htmlmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-09/south-sudan-ethiopia-sign-memorandum-on-djibouti-oil-pipeline.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180BX20120209http://www.globalwitness.org/library/diplomatic-community-should-act-now-help-resolve-oil-dispute-between-sudanshttp://www.globalwitness.org/https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-Med%20Basin%20(07-Feb-12).pdfhttp://www.au.int/en/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/world/africa/sudan-and-south-sudan-edge-closer-to-brink-in-oil-dispute.html?_r=2http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/201221162956834538.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5E8DB0CZ20120211http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8190AQ20120210http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/06/us-egypt-idUSTRE8151C520120206http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221220234874841.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221220234874841.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE8160BU20120207http://www.fifa.com/http://www.unwomen.org/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/34370/Egypt/Politics-/UN-consultant-shot-dead-in-Egyptian-capital.aspxhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/2012117113758961894.htmlhttp://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5E8DC3PQ20120212http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE81C0BF20120213?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/02/08/us-receives-egyptian-charges-against-american-ngo-activists/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201221275740797336.htmlhttp://www.hrw.org/news/2012/02/11/egypt-year-attacks-free-expressionhttp://www.hrw.org/homehttp://allafrica.com/stories/201202091101.html


7/8

Northeast Africa News Coverage Continued

pipelinethat will link South Sudan to Djibouti via Ethiopia, reports Bloomberg. Djibouti is located at a strategic location on the Gulf

of Aden. The Sudan Tribune reports that an unnamed Texas based company is in discussions to buildthe oil pipeline to Djibouti,

while the Toyota Company has begun conducting feasibility studies on building a pipeline to the Kenya port of Lamu.

Ajoint reportreleased by the UN World Food Program (WFP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) states that there

has been a 40% increase in the number of food-insecure people in South Sudan as compared to 2011. Of the 4.7 million who are

currently food-insecure, one million are in need of urgent food assistance. The report expects that the number of people who are se-

verely food insecure could double if food prices keep rising and conflict -induced population displacements continue. Additionally,

the closure of border crossings with Sudan has resulted in a disruption on local markets and contributed to the lack of sufficient food

supply.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the South Sudan national government are backing the

construction of a training centreaimed at helping disarm and demobilise former soldiers. Those who attend the centre will receive

basic literacy education and business skills. HRW has called on South Sudan to ask the UN and regional organisations to establish a

commission of inquiry into the recent ethnic violence in Jonglei state. HRW believes that the violence is likely to occur again in

Jonglei due to the ease of access to guns and the continuation of hostile rhetoric between the various ethnic groups. On 07 February,

ethnic fightingresulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, with 26 others wounded in Pibor County in Jonglei state, reports the Su-

dan Tribune.

Sudan

According to the Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), South Sudans information minister and government spokes-

man, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, reported that there continues to be forced recruitmentof South Sudanese living in Khartoum into the

ranks of rebel groups fighting South Sudans government. South Sudan has accused Sudan security services of encouraging the prac-

tice, something Sudan denies.

Sudans foreign ministry said that 29 Chinese workers kidnapped 10 days ago in South Kordofan state have been released, reportsAl

Jazeera. They were flown from the area to Nairobi, Kenya by the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC). The rebel group

responsible for kidnapping, SPLM-North, said that the Chinese workers were taken for their own protection. Also released were six

membersof the student-led movement, Girifna, who had been arrested by National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) on 25

January, reports the Sudan Tribune. The political group was established in October 2009 to campaign against President Omar al

Bashir in the 2010 presidential and parliamentary elections.

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14 February 2012
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protected]://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-Med%20Basin%20(07-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Monthly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20IRAQ%20December%202011%20Final.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-Med%20Basin%20(07-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20BiMonthly_Kosovo_January%202012.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/forms/_layouts/FormServer.aspx?XsnLocation=https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/forms/RFI/Forms/template.xsn&OpenIn=browser&SaveLocation=https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/forms/RFI&Source=https://www.cimicweb.org/cmohttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20BiMonthly_Kosovo_January%202012.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/CFC%20Monthly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20IRAQ%20December%202011%20Final.pdfhttp://www.wagingpeace.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=388:the-sudanese-national-intelligence-and-security-service-4th-august-2011&catid=21:sudan-reports&Itemid=44http://www.sudantribune.com/New-article,41571http://www.sudantribune.com/New-article,41571http://www.icrc.org/eng/index.jsphttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/20122718057383606.htmlhttp://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportID=94811http://www.irinnews.org/http://www.sudantribune.com/Jonglei-Bor-Pibor-clashes-kill-22,41555http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/02/10/south-sudan-justice-needed-stem-violencehttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41190&Cr=south+sudan&Cr1=http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unmiss/http://www.fao.org/http://www.wfp.org/http://www.fao.org/docrep/015/al984e/al984e00.pdfhttp://allafrica.com/stories/201202090734.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-09/south-sudan-ethiopia-sign-memorandum-on-djibouti-oil-pipeline.html


8/8

In Focus, continued

their support of the UN resolution, other important regional players notably Saudi Arabia, Syria and Algeria - were more cautious

in their support. The Telegraph reports that critics of these countries were quick to point out that these nations were concerned about

confronting similar popular uprisingswithin their own countries. One observer at the Arab League Cairo conference told the Tele-

graph, They [the aforementioned countries] are worried that next week, it will be them who are having a no -fly zone imposed.

The Arab League in SyriaUN Resolution 1973, authorising military intervention in Libya, was adopted by the UN Security Council 17 March. Popularpro-

tests within Syriabegan two days earlier on 15 March 2011, according to al Jazeera. Thousands of Syrians marched in the streets,

demanding their freedomafter 40 years of the Assad dictatorship, reports CBS News. The Syrian revolution met with increasingly

violent government crackdowns against protesting citizens. Much of what the world saw of the Syrian revolution came from mobile

phone videos broadcasting demonstrations that were met with brutality from Assad security forces reported al Jazeera. With escalat-

ing violence and civilian deaths, the Arab League began work to mediate the conflict. Euronews reported 19 December that Syria

had signed an Arab Leaguepeace planaimed to end months of bloodshed. According to the article, the agreement paved the way for

Arab League observes to monitor the situation on the ground. Syrias acceptance of the peace deal came after the suspension of Syria

from Arab League membership in November 2011.

Approximately 60 Arab League observers arrived in Syria on 26 December amidst some of the worst violencein months, reported

theNew York Times. Opposition groups within Syria quickly criticised the mission as a ploy by Assads regime to stall for time as it

continued its crackdowns. According to the article, concerns regarding the monitors freedom of movement, as well as the qualifica-

tions of those participating in the mission, were raised as the Arab League had historically not participated in fact -finding missions.

The Telegraph reported on 11 January that an Arab League observer quit the mission, saying he had witnessed scenes of horror

that he was powerless to prevent in his role. Subsequently, 55 monitors from the Gulf Arab states also withdrew from the mission

after Syria rejected an Arab League proposed plan for President al Assad to surrender powerto a transitional governing entity, re-

portsReuters. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement in which they asserted: [we are] certain the bloodshed and

killing of innocents would continue, and that the Syrian regime would not abide by the Arab Leagues resolutions. Although the

Arab League considered a one-month extension of the mission, on 24 January, Reuters indicated that the League chief sought UN

assistance in ending the violence.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that, on 4 February, the UN Security Council vetoed an Arab League-draftedresolution that

called for an end to the carnage and urged Assad to step down. According to the article, the Security Council vote took place on

the bloodiest day of violence since the start of the unrest. Syrian troops are alleged to have massacred 200 people on the same dayas China and Russia vetoed the resolution drafted by the Arab League. Activists confirmed reports of a massacre that had occurred in

the city of Homskilling scores of people while the government of al Assad denied the attacks, accusing the opposition of propa-

ganda, reportedBBC.

The Arab League has not abandoned its efforts to obtain a UN resolution, condemning the violent crackdowns in Syria, reports

Bloomberg. Currently, the League is considering approval for its plan to have Syrian President al Assad step aside by a vote in the

193-member General Assembly. The Stimson Center indicates that the Leagues new found sense of determination regarding Syria

reflects the enhanced standing it achieved in the chaotic climate of the Arab uprisings. On 12 February, Reuters reports that Arab

League ministers issued a proposed joint United Nations-Arab peacekeepingmission for Syria and, in a bold move, pledged to pro-

vide political as well as material aid to Syrian government opposition.

The Arab League played a key partin the Libyan conflict helping to facilitate the UN resolution authorising military intervention,

states the Guardian. Once again, the Arab League is demonstrating strong and clear commitment and leadership in resolving theSyrian crisis, reports al Arabiya. Clearly, the stakes are higher, asserts the Stimson Center, as Syria lies at the centre of a web of re-

gional relationships involving Iran, Lebanon and Israel. The Arab League is acutely aware that al Assads fall will mean the reshuf-

fling of the regionspolitical dynamics.

ENGAGE WITH US Civil-Military Fusion Centre [email protected] www.cimicweb.org

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14 February 2012
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