The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 1

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief

October 2017

Security Incidents

Africa Central African Republic 20 October: In Pombolo town, an attack launched by mostly anti-Balaka militias led to the injury of two United Nations (UN) peacekeepers. Source: News24 Chad 02 October: Near the University of N’Djamena, people believed to be students burned a car tyre and broke a vehicle window to protest against unspecified issues. Source: Alwihda Info Democratic Republic of the Congo 06 October: In Lubero town, North Kivu province, 30 heavily armed Mai Mai militants launched an attack against the Indian post of the UN mission. Indian peacekeepers responded, during which two Indian peacekeepers and three perpetrators were killed. Sources: New Indian Express and Reuters 09 October: In Beni city, North Kivu province, rebels from the Ugandan rebel group Allied Democratic Forces attacked a UN military base, killed one Congolese peacekeeper, and injured 12 others. Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP) 11 October: In Tshanda locality, Lualaba province, Guatemalan peacekeepers clashed with Ituri Patriotic Resistance Force (FRPI) militiamen. Two or three peacekeepers were wounded either by gunshots, or by stones thrown by civilians. Source: Radio Okapi 26 October: In Beni city, North Kivu province, perpetrators armed with machetes and knives attacked the Evangelical Nyakunde hospital, assaulted a guard, nurses, and several patients, before taking several drugs, and a large sum of money. Source: Radio Okapi Ivory Coast 22 October: In Yopougon college, Sideci area, Abidjan, Ivorian police shot and killed a person. Source: Koaci

This monthly digest comprises threats and incidents of violence affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance. It is prepared by Insecurity Insight from information available in open sources. All decisions made, on the basis of, or with consideration to, such information remains the responsibility of their respective organisations. Editorial team: Christina Wille, Larissa Fast and Helen Buck Insecurity Insight Andrew Eckert European Interagency Security Forum (EISF) Research team: James Naudi Insecurity Insight Visit our website to download previous Aid in Danger Monthly News Briefs. Suggested citation: Insecurity Insight. 2017. The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief, October 2017. Geneva: Insecurity Insight, Aid in Danger Project.

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 2

Kenya 10 October: In Kipsaiya village, Elgeyo-Marakwet county, villagers attacked and whipped two teachers from Kipsaiya primary school for participating in a meeting over Arror Hydro power project. Source: The Star 10 October: In Ukunda town, Kwale county, suspected al-Shabaab gunmen fired shots at a vehicle carrying university staff and police near Larry Kieng campus at Technical University of Mombasa, and killed two female staff members. Students held demonstrations following the shooting condemning insecurity in the region. Source: Shabelle News 14 October: In Lokichoggio town, Turkana county, an expelled South Sudanese student and four other armed men shot and killed six students and a security guard at Lokichoggio Mixed Secondary School. Two female victims were raped before being shot. In the evening, angry residents at Kakuma refugee camp stormed Kakuma police station, and burned the attacker to death. Sources: Daily Nation 1, Daily Nation 2, New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV) and Voice of America (VOA) News Malawi 25 October: In Dowa town and district, Central Region, Malawi police launched investigations into an alleged trafficking cartel operated by Somali nationals through a mosque at Dzaleka Refugee Camp. Source: Nyasa Times Mali 04 October: In Mali, according to the UN, attacks by militant groups against UN peacekeepers, Malian troops and French forces have increased since last June. Source: News24 10 October: In Mopti town and region, an unidentified perpetrator killed the coordinator of an unspecified American non-governmental organisation (NGO) in his hotel. The alleged perpetrator was later arrested, but managed to escape. Source: aBamako 15 October: In Kidal region, armed intruders broke into the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and physically assaulted the guards, prompting the organisation to suspend some of its activities in the region. Source: aBamako Niger 27 October: In Elmainari town, Diffa department and region, suspected Boko Haram militants killed a teacher and deputy director of a school in the Geskérou Teaching Area. Source: aNiamey Nigeria 04 October: In Benin city, Edo state, unidentified perpetrators shot and killed a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, whilst driving toward his house along Siluko road. Source: Vanguard 04 October: In Borno state, the Nigerian Army killed four Boko Haram militants disguised as internally displaced persons (IDPs), who were plotting suicide attacks on IDP camps in Bama local government area. Source: Premium Times 13 October: In Enekorogha community, Delta state, unidentified gunmen kidnapped four British missionaries of the NGO New Foundations. Three were released and one was killed. Sources: The Guardian and The Telegraph 31 October: In Yamaltu-Deba local government area, Gombe state, around seven armed criminals kidnapped a nurse at Cottage hospital in Dadin-Kowa community from his home, and demanded a ransom. The victim

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 3

was released on 01 November after intervention by security agencies. Source: Vanguard Somalia 14 October: In Mogadishu, a truck bomb attack outside Safari Hotel in K5 junction, Hodan district, and another in Medina district, killed more than 300 people, and injured around 300 more. Five Somali Red Crescent volunteers were amongst those dead. An unspecified number of other volunteers and staff were injured. Al Shabaab are suspected to have been behind the attack. Sources: International Business Times and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies South Africa 09 October: In Cape Town, students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) held a protest and disrupted examinations, using pepper spray on some students. Later, a group of students held a meeting at the Cape Town campus, which was disrupted by security guards; students retaliated by throwing bottles and stones at them. Later in the afternoon, protesters set fires using mattresses and pillows from residence storerooms. Source: Independent Online 10 October: In Alexandra township, Gauteng province, two armed men stopped two paramedics along Second Street, and stole their wallets and mobile phones. Source: News24 22 October: In Bloemfontein city, Free State province, security guards shot and injured two students at the University of the Free State for unspecified reasons. Source: News24 24 October: In Cape Town, around 1,000 students demonstrated on the University of Cape Town campus to demand free higher education, leading to the evacuation of the library, and the interruption of classes. Source: News24 South Sudan 06 October: In Amadi state, gunmen stopped a vehicle belonging to the South Sudanese NGO Afro-Canadian Evangelical Mission (ACEM) whilst travelling from Mundri to Lui area, and stole a sack of sugar. No injuries were reported. Source: Radio Tamazuj 12 October: In Gudele, Juba, a UN aid worker was shot and killed during a residential robbery by unidentified armed perpetrators. Source: AWSD1 16 October: On Yei Road, Juba, an INGO vehicle carrying refugees was fired upon by armed men, injuring the driver and one refugee. Cash and other personal items were also stolen by the perpetrators. Source: AWSD1 20 October: In Bor town, Jonglei state, armed robbers broke into the compound of the NGO International Aid Services, assaulted two aid workers and stole three laptops, money, shoes, clothes and mobile phones. Source: Radio Tamazuj 25 October: In Juba, IDPs held a demonstration at a UN camp to protest the South Sudanese President, and looted the office of an unspecified NGO, prompting security forces to fire teargas to disperse them. Source: Politico 25 October: In Juba, residents living in a UN camp destroyed the office of the French NGO ACTED, claiming that the organisation’s officials, who run the camp, had stopped them from meeting the US Ambassador to the UN during her recent visit to the camps. Sources: AllAfrica and Radio Tamazuj

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 4

Sudan 02 October: In Central Darfur state, militiamen from the Rapid Support Forces in nine four-wheel drive vehicles, motorcycles and camels attacked Khamsa Degaig IDP camp in Zalingei locality, fatally shooting a resident and injuring nine more. The perpetrators accused residents of killing a fellow militia member. Source: Dabanga Sudan 06 October: In Umjak village, Al-Odeiya locality, West Kurdufan state, unidentified perpetrators attacked and killed a female student at Al-Salam University. Source: Radio Tamazuj 07 October: In Al Fashir city, North Darfur state, unidentified gunmen abducted a Swiss aid worker from an unspecified organisation near her home in the Agricultural Research Centre area. Sources: Sudan Tribune, Swiss Info 1, Swiss Info 2 and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan 12 October: In Omdurman city, Sudanese police put an unspecified number of security checkpoints along the road that leads from the city to Dar el Salam camp, where South Sudanese refugees are subject to continuous harassment and confiscation of property. Source: Radio Tamazuj 18 October: In Khartoum, Sudanese police harassed and assaulted a number of students in an attempt to break a sit-in held by students at the study hall of the Faculty of Education, University of Khartoum, who were protesting the administration’s dismissal of three of their colleagues who had earlier called for reform. Source: Dabanga Sudan 24 October: In Saraf Omra locality, North Darfur state, two motorcycle-borne militants opened fire on a child immunisation team from the Health Ministry at Bargo valley in the Birkat Seira area, seriously wounding three team members. Source: Dabanga Sudan Uganda 09 October: In Mamundioma village, Beni territory, suspected elements of the rebel group ADF launched an attack against a UN base, killing two peacekeepers, and injuring 12 more. Source: VOA News

Asia and Pacific Afghanistan 04 October: An American university professor is believed to be held by the insurgent group Haqqani network. Source: Newsweek Bangladesh 12 October: In Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong division, authorities banned the INGOs Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief, as well as the Bangladesh-based Allama Fazlullah Foundation, from working with Rohingya refugees amid concerns of radicalisation of displaced Muslims in camps along the country’s border. Sources: Dawn and The Daily Star 28 October: In Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong division, Rohingya refugees reportedly attacked and injured four Bangladeshis at Balukhali camp who they suspected were robbers. Source: BDNews24 30 October: In Tangail district, Dhaka division, a clash between two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University led to the injury of five people. Several rooms of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall at the university were also vandalised. Source: The Daily Star 31 October: In Dhaka, a court sent a Bangladeshi national, who allegedly runs the NGO Rakhine Development

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 5

Foundation, to jail on charges of passing state information to Myanmar, and conspiring to conduct subversive activities in Bangladesh with the help of the Myanmar-based militant group Arakan Liberation Party (ALP). Source: The Daily Star India 18 October: In Sophian Hill district, Jammu and Kashmir state, suspected Hizbul militants killed a teacher from an unspecified school for allegedly being an informer. The dead body was found near Lar Maidan Stadium in Wathoo village. Source: New Indian Express Indonesia 31 October: Update: Indonesian police arrested two suspects over arson attacks in seven elementary schools in Palangkaraya city, Central Kalimantan province, last July. Source: Antara News Myanmar 16 October: In Sittwe city, Rakhine state, Myanmar authorities charged a detained Rakhine activist from an unspecified organisation over a football match that allegedly celebrated the insurgent group Arakan Army. The activist was initially detained at Mrauk U police station, but was then transferred to Sittwe prison over security concerns. Source: Burma News International Pakistan 08 October: In Islamabad, a UN national staff member was injured in an attack by three perpetrators. No further information is currently available. Source: AWSD1 Papua New Guinea 31 October: In Manus Island, armed Papuans looted an Australian-run immigration detention centre that was officially closed on the same day, after staff departed. Sources: Al Jazeera and The Guardian

Europe Romania 03 October: In Branesti commune, Ilfov county, thieves broke into the office of the NGO MagiCAMP, stealing several laptops. Source: Romania Insider

Middle-East and North Africa Libya 02 October: In Sabratha city, Zawiya district, Tripolitania region, the Sabrath’s university hospital was twice hit during clashes between the Anas al-Dabbashi brigade and the armed group Operations Room.The emergency and surgery units were forced to closure. Source: Reuters 25 October: In Ubari town, Wadi al Hayaa district, Fezzan region, an unidentified armed group attacked members of the infantry regiment responsible for conflict resolution and ceasefire stationed at the town’s hospital. Source: Alwasat Occupied Palestinian Territories 27 October: In Gaza strip territory, in a failed assassination attempt by the militant group Islamic State, the jeep of the Hamas security chief exploded near Nusseirat refugee camp. Source: Times of Israel Saudi Arabia 10 October: In Jizan region, Samta governorate, Houthi armed militias fired a ground-to-ground missile at a school in Al-Jaradiyah village, causing damage. Source: Asharq Al-Awsat

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 6

Syrian Arab Republic Update: A male national paramedic arrested by Syrian forces at a checkpoint in Jibreen, Aleppo in December 2016, reportedly died due to torture at a detention centre the same month. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). 02 October: In al Mayadeen city, Deir Ez-Zour governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired several missiles at a vaccination warehouse, which caused heavy damage to the building and destroyed vaccines, among them MMRs and over 170,000 polio vaccines. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). 03 October: In al Badou area, Raqqa, a male national pharmacist was reportedly killed by missiles fired by international coalition forces warplanes. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). 04 October: In al Ashara city, Deir Ez-Zour governorate, a male national pharmacist was killed in suspected Russian forces bombing that targeted the water-crossing between al Ashara city and Darnej village. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). 05 October: In Tehtaya village, Idlib governorate, suspected Russian warplanes reportedly fired several missiles at Tehtaya School for Elementary Education, damaging the building and furniture. As a result, the school was forced to close. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights 06 October: In Douma city, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria forces warplanes fired a missile near Shefa Medical Institution which housed clinics, medical laboratories, and a pharmacy, partially destroying the building and damaging equipment. The centre was forced to close. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). 06 October: In al Hlubbaa village, Idlib governorate, Syrian forces warplanes reportedly fired several missiles at al Hlubbaa Elementary School in southern, partially destroying the school fencing. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights 07 October: On the outskirts of Madyara village, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syrian regime forces reportedly fired a mortar shell near an ambulance belonging to SCD-affiliated centre 90 as the ambulance team was responding to victims of a previous shelling. One SCD volunteer was reportedly injured and the ambulance was damaged. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).

13 October: In Mayadin town and district, Deir ez-Zor governorate, identified perpetrators attacked a vaccine cold room at a health centre, containing over 130,000 measles and polio vaccines. Source: Reuters 15 October: In Bab Touma neighbourhood, Damascus, a cardiac and vascular diseases specialist doctor was reportedly killed by mortar shells fired by opposition forces. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). 16 October: East of Kansafra village, Idlib governorate, an explosion reportedly occurred inside Bara’em al Amal Kindergarten. It is unclear from the available information, who the perpetrators were. As a result, the school was forced to close. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights 22 October: In Aleppo, a male national volunteer was killed during an airstrike by unidentified sources while performing humanitarian duties. Source: AWSD1

27 October: In Ratla village, Raqqa governorate, a suspected IS-planted landmine exploded inside an

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 7

unspecified school, damaging it. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights 29 October: In Kafr Batna town, East Ghouta region, artillery fired by unidentified sources reportedly hit a kindergarten, injuring at least one child and damaging the building. As a result, the school was forced to temporally close. Source: Syria Direct and Syrian Network for Human Rights

31 October: In Jisreen town, East Ghouta region, Syrian forces reportedly fired an artillery shell at Jisreen boys’ elementary school, killing at least five children, and injuring tens of others. Source: Syria Direct 31 October: In in Jisreen town, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syrian forces artillery reportedly fired several shells in front of Mohammad Naser Ash’oush Elementary School which provides schooling to around 400 students. The building was damaged, and many students were killed. Source: Syrian Network for Human Rights

The Americas Brazil 07 October: In Janauba municipality, Minas Gerais state, a nursery school guard sprayed a flammable liquid over several people inside the building, including himself, before starting a fire, killing a teacher and six children. Dozens of people were taken to hospital with severe burns. The fire destroyed the school. Source: Wall Street Bay 10 October: In North zone, Rio de Janeiro state, unidentified perpetrators kidnapped a doctor from an emergency care unit in Maré favela complex, and seized an ambulance. The doctor was forced to provide care to a drug trafficker injured in a shootout with Rio police, first inside the ambulance, and then at a clinic in the Baixada Fluminense region. The perpetrators released him on 15 October, and the ambulance five hours later. Source: Globo 20 October: In Goiânia city, Goiás state, a male student at the private Colegio Goyases school fatally shot two classmates to during playtime, after the victims allegedly bullied him for not using deodorant. Source: Mail Online 27 October: In Miguel Badra neighborhood, Suzano city, São Paulo state, two armed criminals approached the driver of a school bus, took him out of the way, and drove off with the vehicle with five children inside. The children were later found unharmed by military police. Source: R7 Colombia 14 October: In San Vicente del Caguán town and municipality, Caquetá department, two hooded armed men stopped an ambulance whilst it was moving, and shot a patient who was being treated inside it. Source: El Universal 28 October: In La Guajira department, Caribbean region, Colombian authorities seized an ambulance that was carrying approximately 200 kilos of cocaine. Source: Kienyke Mexico 15 October: In Guerrero state, a dispute between gangs over control of the production and trafficking of narcotics forced several health centres and at least 15 schools in Heliodoro Castillo, Chilpancingo, Leonardo Bravo and Eduardo Nerito municipalities to shut. Source: El Vigia Peru

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 8

11 October: In Consuelo de Velasco settlement, Veintiséis de Octubre district, Piura city and region, an unidentified perpetrator shot and wounded the director of the Divina Misericordia school, after he tried to enter a classroom. Source: Radio Programas del Perú 15 October: In Rimac district, Lima province, Peruvian police captured two members of the criminal group Los Boticarios responsible for thefts in pharmacies across the region. Source: La Republica 16 October: In Rimac district, Lima province, the dead body of a debt collector was found near the door of El Nazareno school. Source: Peru21 USA 18 October: In Pittsburgh city, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania state, a teacher at PreK-8 school who confiscated a mobile phone of a fourth grader was bitten by the same student, and then followed by her parents who threw a brick into her face, dragged her out of a car, and beat her. Source: Mail Online

Security-related access constraints Africa Angola 05 October: The Sindicato Nacional de Professores threatened to boycott the final examinations of this school year, if the new Education Ministry executive failed to address the issues left unresolved by its predecessor, such as pay raise, promotions, and reduced working hours. Source: VOA News 12 October: In Luanda, around 400 nursing professionals approved a five-day memorandum by the Nurses’ Union of Luanda, starting on 16 October, for the Angolan government to pay unpaid salaries, consultation grants, promotion of staff and allowances since 2012, before resorting to strike. Source: Novo Jornal 15 October: In Luanda, the union of teachers of the Higher Institute of Education Sciences of Luanda announced a strike starting on 16 October for at least two weeks to demand the payment of two months of salaries and allowances in arrears. Source: Novo Jornal Benin 04 October: In Allada commune, Atlantique department, health workers at health centres in Allomey, Togoudo and Attogon towns observed a 72-hour sit-in to protest against unpaid bonuses. Source: aCotonou 17 October: In Porto-Novo, the operational staff of the Education Ministry, including administrative staff, cooks and guards, threatened more strike action should the ministry fail to provide them with mandatory social protection. Source: Inforpress 30 October: A bill to outlaw strikes within the health sector is reportedly being drafted. Source: Notre Benin Burkina Faso 23 October: In Ouagadougou, the union of teachers Coordination Nationale des Syndicats de l’Education (CNSE) called on all education and research workers to observe a 48-hour strike from 26 till 27 October. Source: aOuaga 26 October: The union of teachers CNSE was unable to deliver a message to the Education Ministry during a 48-hour strike that started on 26 October. Source: Burkina24

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 9

Central African Republic 11 October: The Congolese refugee and asylum seeker community, addressed an official note to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Commission Nationale pour les Refugies, and the NGO ASA, expressing deep concern over the failure of the said institutions to honour their promises regarding voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement as durable solutions. Source: RJDH 12 October: Throughout the Central African Republic, continued violence and the precarious humanitarian conditions in the country are preventing aid workers of the Central African NGO Demain les Hommes from assisting people in need, particularly in areas controlled by non-state armed groups. International aid workers are also forced to pull out, whilst children continue to starve. Sources: Reuters and RJDH 24 October: In Batangafo town, Ouham prefecture, fierce fighting between armed groups prevents the wounded from accessing Batangafo hospital and Kabo health centre. Source: aBangui 26 October: According to a UN official, militias are more likely to attack humanitarian convoys if they believe that civilians on board are Muslim. Source: Star Tribune Chad 04 October: The union of teachers Syndicat National des Enseignants et chercheurs du Supérieur warned of a possible interruption of the forthcoming academic year, if N’Djamena fails to pay outstanding premiums and allowances. Source: Alwihda Info 12 October: The Chadian government invited the union of teachers SYNECS and the National Union of Chadian Students (UNET) to break with old habits, and begin the academic year 2017-2018 without disruption. It urged them to take account of the financial crisis in the country, and promised that scholarships and research grants would be paid by the end of this year. Source: VOA News 30 October: The Chadian government requested the immediate departure of the humanitarian agency World Food Programme (WFP) Representative in the country and other officials on the basis of a lack of collaboration, attentiveness to internal security, and humiliating and degrading treatment of local staff. Source: Makaila Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 21 October: In Lubero territory, North Kivu province, more than 200 schools in Kitese, Mubama, Masereka, Kasungu and Kaherio and Katshombiro and those on Lake Edward were forced to shut due to insecurity. Source: Radio Okapi 21 October: In Kinshasa, professors at the University of Kinshasa, led by the Association of Professors, suspended a 75- day- strike. Source: La Prosperite Online Gabon 30 September: The union of teachers Nationale des Syndicats du Secteur Éducation warned of a possible teachers’ strike, if the Gabonese government failed to address their concerns, such as construction of classrooms and payment of remaining balances since 2014. Source: Gabon Media Time Guinea-Conakry 16 October: In Kindia city, prefecture and region, assistant teachers and research associates at the University of Kindia held a strike to express their dissatisfaction with the university authorities concerning demands that have not been met, grinding registration or re-enrolment exercises to a halt. Sources: Guinee Matin and Guinee News

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 10

Guinea-Bissau 02 October: The Finance Ministry continued to block the salaries of 4,000 Guinea-Bissau teachers owing to allegations of irregularities in the process of their registration in the civil servants’ database. Source: Diario de Noticias 04 October: In Bissau, 22 teachers at the Brazil-Guinea-Bissau Professional Training Centre started a three-day strike to protest seven years of unpaid salaries. Source: Notabanca 10 October: The Colectivo dos Professores Novos threatened to hold a vigil in front of the Education Ministry to protest the unpaid payment of arrears. Source: Radio Sol Mansi 12 October: The teachers’ unions Sindicato Nacional dos Professores (SINAPROF) and Sindicato Democrático dos Professores (SINDEPROF) requested teachers not to attend the opening ceremony of the school year on the basis that conditions for the beginning of classes have not yet been met. Source: Ditadura e Consenso 30 October: The unions of teachers SINAPROF and SINDEPROF announced a two-week strike in public schools, started coming 06 November, pending actions by the Guinean government to fulfil the memorandum of understanding. Source: Notabanca Ivory Coast 03 October: In Abidjan, the Student and School Federation of Ivory Coast implemented its decision to halt courses and all academic activities at the Félix Houphouët Boigny University in Cocody suburb, unless the Ivorian government releases 40 students who have been detained since last September. Source: Koaci 04 October: In Abidjan, the Syndicat National des ex-Agents Déflatés de la Santé (SYNADES) threatened to block activities in public hospitals and health centres, if Ivorian authorities fail to pay outstanding salary arrears by 06 October. Source: Koaci 10 October: In Abidjan, medical students at the University Felix Houphouët Boigny in Cocody suburb demonstrated to protest against the unrest at universities and school that caused the discontinuation of courses in the faculties of public universities. Source: Koaci 15 October: In Abidjan, SYNADES announced a strike of at least three days, starting from 23 October, if Ivorian authorities failed to fulfil their demands. Source: Koaci Kenya 09 October: In Nairobi, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) cancelled the launch of the Global Education Monitoring report that was to be unveiled in the capital due to the current politically-charged environment in the country. Source: The Daily Nation Malawi 09 October: In Southern Region, mob violence triggered by a vampire scare forced the UN to relocate some of its staff from Phalombe and Mulanje districts. Source: Reuters Mali Undated: An unlimited strike, launched on 25 July by the National Executive Committee of the National Union of Higher Education and Scientific Research to demand compliance with the commitments made by the Malian government in the Memorandum of Understanding of last 18 May, continued. Source: Bamada

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 11

15 October: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) suspended some of its activities after armed men entered one of the staff quarters and physically assaulted the guards. Source: aBamako 23 October: In Bamako, Malian authorities announced their decision to expel a French teacher at Liberté A French high school in Bamako to France within 72 hours on suspicions of ex-rebels support. Sources: Afrique Sur 7 and Mali Web Mozambique 03 October: In Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, teachers at the secondary schools Joaquim Chissano, Inhamissa and Xai-Xai interrupted classes to demand overtime payments. Sources: Noticias Online and Sapo Noticias 12 October: In Gondola district, Manica province, about 1,573 teachers claimed that they still have not been paid for three months of overtime in 2016. Source: O Pais Namibia 18 October: In Windhoek, more than 150 University of Namibia Khomasdal campus student teachers, led by Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN), protest-marched to demand that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture releases the bulletin of teacher vacancies for 2018. Source: New Era Niger 05 October: In Niamey, an unspecified number of pupils and students, in a demonstration initiated by the Union of the Instituts et Ecoles de formation Professionnelle et Technique du Niger, barricaded the main roads that lead to the Higher Education Ministry, chanting anti-government slogans. Subsequently, they observed a sit-in at the premises of the same ministry, demanding payments of scholarships and training. Source: aNiamey 10 October: Throughout Niger, teachers and researchers at all public universities began a 72-hour strike, at the call of their union, demanding payment of salaries, security at all sites assigned to universities, and other statutory rights. Source: Infos Plus Gabon 16 October: Throughout Niger, teachers and researchers at all public universities renewed their strike for an additional 72 hours, at the call of their union, because their demands had not been met. Source: Xinhua 19 October: Throughout Niger, teachers from eight universities, led by the National Union of Higher Education Teachers (SNECS), launched another five-day strike because their demands had not been met. Source: Niamey Et Les 2 Jours Nigeria 27 September: The National Human Rights Commission expressed its opposition to a controversial bill that seeks to establish an NGO Regulatory Commission, claiming that most of the roles and functions ascribed to this commission in the proposed bill fall within the mandates of the Corporate Affairs Commission and other Agencies referred to in the same bill. Source: AllAfrica 09 October: The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), in a letter addressed to the Labour and Employment Minister, has given the Nigerian government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands, or otherwise face industrial action. Source: The Guardian 13 October: In Bayelsa state, unions of health workers agreed to suspend a three-month strike in protest of unpaid salaries. This decision was taken after reviewing the efforts of Bayelsa authorities to facilitate regular payment of salaries. Source: Punch

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 12

23 October: In Borno state, Boko Haram activities prevent aid organisations from accessing people facing hunger and diseases. Source: Premium Times 26 October: In Kaduna state, the Kaduna State Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers warned that it would shut all public schools, if any of its members is sacked by the state’s governor. This warning comes after the governor’s statement with regard to plans to sack 21,780 primary school teachers who allegedly failed a competency test and replace them with 25,000 new ones. Source: Punch Senegal 02 October: In Thiés city and region, the doors of the University of Thiés remained closed. The students have called on the Minister to intervene. Source: IGFM 09 October: In Dakar, the section of the Syndicat Autonome des Enseignants du Supérieur (SAES) at the Cheikh Anta Diop University decided to suspend a strike to protest against unpaid salaries, after the Senegalese government promised to pay such dues within 48 hours. Source: SEN360 South Africa 04 October: In Alice town, Raymond Mhlaba municipality, Amathole district, Eastern Cape province, the University of Fort Hare accused staff members of intending to destabilise the Alice campus by being the organising force behind a small group of students who have been running violently protesting on campus grounds over the previous two weeks. Source: News24 04 October: In Port Elisabeth city, Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Easter Cape province, four men in a Ford Ranger, who had tried to force their way into Nelson Mandela University South Campus without success, fired shots toward a freelance ENCA journalist who was covering a student protest. Source: News24 05 October: In Cape Town, about 200 students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) held a demonstration on campus, after some of them received a notice, ordering them to pay their debt, or they would not be able to register next year. Some protesters tried to disrupt classes, prompting South African police to disperse them with rubber bullets. Source: News24 27 October: In Cape Town, at least three protesters used pepper spray in buildings at CPUT to force an evacuation in an attempt to disrupt the institution’s operations. Protesters also set alight a design studio at the same CPUT. Source: News24 South Sudan 06 October: In Bieh state, violent clashes around Waat town prompted the ICRC to request all sides to allow the wounded access to health care. Source: Radio Tamazuj 09 October: In Western Equatoria state, the ICRC announced that it will resume its operations in the region after suspension of activities following the killing of its driver in September 2017. Source: Radio Tamazuj Sudan 12 October: In River Nile state, specialist doctors at Atbara Hospital threatened to hold a strike to protest poor conditions in the hospital, lack of proper work environment, and inadequate medical equipment. The doctors accused the hospital director of breaking the locks of their offices, and of transferring the equipment of their offices for use elsewhere. Source: Dabanga Sudan Swaziland

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 13

01 October: The Swaziland government failed to pay Swaziland Christian University employees for their work last September. Source: Swazi Observer 03 October: In Mbabane, students at the University of Swaziland and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) boycotted classes to protest unpaid allowances. Source: Swazi Observer 03 October: In Mbabane, during a student protest over unpaid allowances, a stunt grenade prematurely went off inside a police vehicle that was parked a few metres from the LUCT gate, injuring a police officer from the Operational Support Service Unit. Source: Times of Swaziland 12 October: The Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union announced a nationwide nurse strike, starting 18 October, which will last until the Swaziland government stops the ongoing commission of inquiry into an incident that took place on 25 December 2015 at Mkhuzweni Health Centre, where a child died during birth. Source: Times of Swaziland 31 October: The Swaziland Nurses Association threatened to launch a strike and minimise the effort nurses put in their work, if the Swaziland government refuses to reverse controversial salary grades reviews of public officials, which were done in secret. Source: Swazi Observer The Gambia 02 October: Lecturers at the Gambia College resumed work after 80 percent of their demands, which led to their sit-down strike since last 18 September, were met. Source: The Point Togo 19 October: Teachers led by eight trade unions launched a strike, and renewed it on 20 October, on the basis that the Togolese government did not meet their demands. Source: iciLome 1and iciLome 2

Uganda 09 October: Humanitarian agencies reported that food supply lines for South Sudanese refugees are being shut, and distribution of aid is becoming increasing irregular. Source: The Guardian 09 October: In Kampala, doctors under the umbrella body Uganda Medical Association (UMA) voted at Mulago hospital to go on strike at all public hospitals coming November, unless the Ugandan government responds to their demands, including enhanced allowances, including for overtime, housing, transport, medical risk, and retention. Source: Daily Monitor 11 October: In Buganda kingdom, Muteesa I Royal University lecturers went on a strike, accusing the Vice Chancellor of promoting divisions among staff members, and failing to clear their salary payments. This strike prompted 3,000 stranded students to threaten a parallel strike. Source: Daily Monitor Zambia 06 October: The Education Ministry announced the transfer of teachers from one town to the other intended to reduce residence monotony for teachers. The Secondary School Teachers’ Union of Zambia and other unions of teachers called for these transfers to stop, since they could potentially affect teachers’ social lives. Source: Lusaka Times

Asia and Pacific Afghanistan 09 October: Following a series of attacks on its staff, the ICRC announced that it was to close its operations

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 14

in Faryab and Kunduz provinces, scale down a regional hub in Mazar-i-Sharif city, Balkh province, and assess whether it could hand over an orthopaedic centre there to the Afghan government or another partner. This decision is likely to affect thousands of people in need. Sources: ICRC, Reuters, The New York Times and VOA News 26 October: Violent clashes continues to limit access to vital healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Afghans. This heightens the risk that treatable diseases, such as tuberculosis, turn deadly. A range of armed groups, including a resurgent Taliban, have targeted medical workers targeted, and have taken over or shut down health clinics. Source: Integrated Regional Information Networks Australia 02 October: A current inquiry by Canberra into political donations for Australia-based international NGOs could threaten the latter’s ability to receive overseas funding, cutting an estimated seven percent from annual funding, and thereby impacting their work worldwide. Source: Devex Bangladesh 08 October: In Dhaka, an unspecified number of students from seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University blocked Nilkhet-New Market intersection, demanding the result of their final year honours examinations. Source: The Daily Star 09 October: In Cox’s Bazar district, Chittagong division, funding shortfalls and bureaucratic obstacles hamper humanitarian response for Rohingya refugees, leaving aid organisations without approval to work, and vital supplies stuck in transit. Source: Devex 25 October: In Kishoreganj district, Dhaka division, at least 250 teachers from 23 secondary and higher secondary educational institutions formed a human chain in the district headquarters, demanding that the Bangladeshi government include them in its monthly-pay-order facilities. They also warned of tougher agitation programme if their demand was not immediately met. Source: The Daily Star 30 October: In Dhaka, several hundred students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology gathered on campus to protest an attack on some of their fellow students by a group of Dhaka University students on 27 October. Source: The Daily Star Cambodia 05 October: In Phnom Penh, Daun Penh security guards prevented about 20 Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association members from gathering near the Council for the Development Cambodia in Daun Penh district. The guards only allowed five representatives to deliver the petition to the Education Ministry, the National Assembly, the prime minister’s cabinet and the Council of Ministers, calling for monthly salaries of about 500 USD (approximately 425 EUR). Source: The Phnom Penh Post Hong Kong 18 October: The Hong Kong government announced that it was considering a list of measures intended to boost the transparency of Hong Kong charities, namely through the disclosure of financial information on fundraising activities granted a license or a permit. Source: South China Morning Post India 10 October: The Interior Ministry informed that existing NGOs, which were registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, and those which are seeking registration or prior permission or accepting foreign contributions, are required to enrol with the NITI Aayog portal DARPAN. Source: NDTV

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 15

16 October: In Maharashtra state, social activists decided to hold state-wide demonstrations at different hospitals on 02 December to protest the lack of facilities and medical staff in state-run hospitals. Source: DNA India 26 October: In New Delhi, about 2,000 resident doctors of the All India Institute of Medical Sceinces announced that they will go on a hunger strike while working, starting on 27 October, in protest of the improper implementation of the seventh central pay commission’s recommendations. Source: Indian Express Myanmar 01 October: In Rakhine state, the Myanmar government reopened schools in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, but children remain unable to attend despite a government declaration that stability has returned. Source: SBS 10 October: A director of the European Union (EU)’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations warned of access difficulties for aid agencies. Source: Devex 23 October: On Facebook, a story began circulating, alleging that Myanmar police conducted a raid at Sitagu Buddhist University, and discovered guns and ammunition in its premises. On 25 October, the university denied this report, and described it as fake news intended to sow religious conflict. Source: Myanmar Times 25 October: In Myebon town, Rakhine state, residents of the mostly Buddhist ethnic Arakanese community staged a protest to prevent around 10 Myanmar aid workers from the US-Britain-based NGO Relief International from visiting a camp for displaced Rohingya. Deliveries of food to Myebon’s Rohingya were delayed, and only allowed in after inspections by Buddhist community representatives. Source: Democratic Voice of Burma 26 October: In Rakhine state, whilst access to the region remains blocked for humanitarian groups, Myanmar has authorised Red Cross staff to use two helicopters to better track displaced people in the northern part of the region. Sources: Reuters and Thomson Reuters Foundation 27 October: The Myanmar government has given the green light to the WFP to resume humanitarian assistance in Rakhine state. Sources: Irrawaddy and Reuters 28 October: In Ngazun township, Mandalay state, more than 700 people, including members of the Myanmar Teachers Federation, took to the streets to express their support for the two demoted education officers, and called upon Myanmar authorities to reconsider their demotion. Source: Myanmar Times Nepal 06 October: In Kathmandu, agitating doctors staged a rally to protest against the four-point agreement reached between the Nepalese government and Nepal Medical Association last 29 September. Source: The Himalayan Times Pakistan 04 October: In Islamabad, students at Quaid-i-Azam University went on a strike, preventing university authorities from opening the institution, unless their demands are met. Pakistani police arrested over 70 demonstrators for disrupting academic activities. Source: Dawn 31 October: In Gujrat district, Punjab province, scores of activists from the sectarian outfit Tehreek Labaik

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 16

Ya Rasool Allah staged a sit-in on the premises of the district administration complex to register a blasphemy case against a senior doctor from a paramedical school at a public hospital. Source: Dawn 31 October: In Sindh province, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) organised a demonstration against the longstanding issues of doctors, which, it warned, could spark closures of hospital across the region if not seriously considered by the provincial government. Source: Dawn Taiwan 20 October: In Taipei, a man threw an open vile of sulphuric acid at his former boyfriend at a National Taiwan University dormitory, severely burning him, another student, and a security guard who tried to calm the situation. Subsequently, the perpetrator stabbed himself to death in an apparent suicide. Source: Taipei Times

Europe Bulgaria 17 October: In Burgas province, the hospital in Pomorie town stopped taking patients, and cancelled all planned operations after doctors vacated the premises to protest against unpaid salaries since last April. Some doctors stayed in front of the hospital, demonstrating. Source: Novinite France 23 September: A major cut in foreign aid by the French government affects French NGOs involved in international solidarity at the moment when their services are much in demand. Source: Radio France Internationale Greece 09 October: In Athens, anti-establishment protestors posted posters of a professor from Panteion Univeristy around the capital, calling him a fascist. This campaign is believed to have been triggered by the upcoming trial of a student sued by the same professor over an assault in early-2017. Sources: iEfimerida and Ekathimerini Hungary 04 October: The European Commission accused the Hungarian government of failing to address serious concerns relating a new law on NGOs receiving funding from abroad, adding that it could refer the case to the European Court of Justice, if Budapest fails to comply with the EU’s opinion within one month. Source: ABC News Italy 24 October: The combination of falling numbers of migrant crossings and worsening security forced Save the Children to stop rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Source: VOA News Poland 09 October: In Warsaw, a group of around 20 resident doctors occupied the foyer of a major paediatric hospital, and launched a hunger strike, demanding a pay raise, increased funding for public health care, better working conditions, less red tape, and shorter waiting lists. On 11 October, the same doctors announced that they were renewing the strike, claiming that talks with the Polish government have failed to produce an agreement. Source: Radio Poland 14 October: In Warsaw, the Polish government signed into law a controversial bill that seeks to establish a new centralised agency responsible for funding Polish NGOs, which critics fear could be used by Polish

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 17

authorities to undercut groups with missions that conflict with the ruling party’s positions, and that are conservative and Catholic in nature. Sources: DW and Miami Herald Russia 05 October: In Moscow, Russian police and plainclothesmen searched the offices of the civic organisation Open Russia. The homes of several employees were also raided. Source: Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty

Middle-East and North Africa Algeria 12 October: In Algiers, higher education teachers at the University of Algiers 3 announced that they will hold a rally in front of the Higher Education Ministry on 16 October to protest against the dismissal of a trade union member of the bureau and teacher of the Faculty of Economics. Source: Liberte 17 October: The Syndicat National des Professeurs d’Enseignement Paramédical addressed a letter to the Health Minister, threatened to start a three-day strike on 23 October, if the Algerian authorities fail to fulfil their demands. Source: Liberte 23 October: The Syndicat Algérien des Paramédicaux (SAP) decided to postpone a three-day national strike planned for 23 October, until December, when the SAP national council is expected to meet. Source: Liberte 23 October: In Bouira city and province, dozens of hemodialysis patients demonstrated at the hemodialysis center of Mohammed Boudiaf hospital to protest outdated conditions, and demand improvement in their care. Source: La Depeche de Kabylie 24 October: In Bejaia province, a two-day strike in the education sector took place. Source: Liberte 30 October: In Ben Aknoun commune, Algiers province, clashes between two groups of students erupted at the university campus Taleb Abderrahmane, following an assault on one of the residents. Source: Liberte Israel 15 October: In Jerusalem, the Israeli government announced that it intends to establish a parliamentary committee to investigate the funding that Israeli NGOs receive from foreign governments. Source: Associated Press 31 October: In Southern District, tensions between Israel and Palestinian terrorist groups over the destruction of a tunnel by Israeli forces prevented students from attending Israeli schools. Source: Times of Israel Libya 02 October: Workers of the National Education Sector threatened strike, if their demands are not met. Source: Echorouk Online 14 October: Throughout Libya, teachers’ representatives and Education Ministry officials decided to postpone the start of the academic year until an agreement on the teachers’ demands are found that include doubling of salaries, provision of healthcare insurance, and security in schools. Sources: Libya Herald 1 and Libya Herald 2 16 October: In an unspecified location, university professors protested in front of the Higher Education Ministry in order to express their disapproval of violent practiced used by some university directors. Source:

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 18

Echorouk Online 17 October: In Tripoli, striking teachers prevent the start of the new school year, demanding a minimum 100 percent salary increase. Source: Libya Herald 17 October: Doctors and medical professionals are considering strike action over pay. Source: Libya Herald 17 October: In Tripoli, UN guards from Nepal arrived as part of a security detail provided to keep staff from the UNHCR and other UN missions safe. Source: EU Observer 25 October: In Sirte city, Tripolitania region, the Security Operations Room for Sirte suspended the operations of a survey team from the mine clearance organisation Free Fields without giving reasons. Sources: Alwasat and The Observer Morocco 11 October: In Rabat, students with visual impairments threatened to set themselves on fire at the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences at the Mohammed V University at Souissi for being denied enrolment. Source: Yabiladi Occupied Palestinian Territories 02 October: In East Jerusalem, West Bank territory, Israeli forces raided Shufat refugee camp, sparking violent clashes. Source: Ma’an News Agency 10 October: The Belgium Government suspended funding for two school construction projects after it emerged that a school it backed in Hebron city, West Bank territory, was later renamed after a woman deemed as a terrorist. Source: Star Tribune 15 October: In West Bank territory, the Faculty of --- at Ariel University threatened to keep its doors shut at the beginning of the academic year, if education professionals remain without benefits and pay equal to other Israeli universities. Source: Haaretz 16 October: In East Jerusalem, Israeli soldiers raided Kalandia refugee camp in Area C, fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets at Palestinian residents, and forced nearby school children to flee. Source: Wafa 17 October: In Isawiyah neighbourhood, East Jerusalem, the deployment of Israeli border police near school during school hours forced the parents’ committee to suspend classes until further notice, claiming that the police are deliberately deployed near schools to provoke disturbances. Source: Haaretz 25 October: In Tulkarm city and governorate, West Bank territory, Israeli soldiers kidnapped a Palestinian man from Tulkarem refugee camp and installed a roadblock on a main junction, before searching many cars, and interrogateing dozens of young men. Source: IMEMC News 30 October: In Jenin city and governorate, West Bank territory, Israeli soldiers and undercover officers raided Jenin refugee camp, shot and injured a Palestinian driver, and kidnapped two young men from their homes. Source: IMEMC News Syrian Arab Republic 29 September: In Idlib and Hama governorates, an unspecified number of health facilities were forced to shut down, either because they were struck or for fear of being targeted since Syrian and Russian airstrikes intensified since last 19 September. Source: The New Arab

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 19

05 October: Throughout Syria, as a result of violence, at least 10 hospitals were damaged during October, cutting hundreds of thousands of people from access to basic healthcare. Current fighting around Deir ez-Zor city is also endangering water supplies. Source: ICRC 18 October: The Charity Commission warned that humanitarian convoys to Syria may be abused for non-charitable purposes, including facilitation of travel for fighters or provision of support for those involved in terrorism. Source: Third Force News 27 October: In East Ghouta region, a tightening siege prevents the delivery of aid, pushing civilians trapped inside the enclave to the verge of famine. Source: Reuters 29 October: Along the northeast Syria-Iraq border, clashes between Iraqi forces and Kurdish fighters limit the use of Fishkhabur, the only cross-border supply route open to Médecins Sans Frontières, leaving millions of vulnerable people without access to critical medical care. Source: VOA News 30 October: In East Ghouta region, for the first time since 23 September, 41 trucks carrying WFP supplies entered the area. The supplies should help an estimated 40,000 people for one month, thereby providing aid to only 10 percent of East Ghouta’s population. Source: Syria Direct Tunisia 12 October: In Sidi Bouzid city, Sidi Bouzid governorate, an unknown individual attacked the director of, and teacher from, El Hmaïma primary school in unspecified circumstances, prompting teachers in all primary schools to launch an open strike to protest, in part, the failure of Tunisian authorities to respond. Source: Jawhara FM 24 October: In Zarzis town and commune, Médenine governorate, a student’s parents physically attacked a teacher from Ksar Zaouia primary school, prompting the Syndicat de Base de l’Enseignement to announce a teachers’ strike in all schools across the region on 25 October. Source: Mosaique FM 24 October: In Bou Hajla town and commune, Kairouan governorate, a student’s parent verbally insulted the educational system at Ouled Achour school due to the lack of teachers. Consequently, classes were suspended. Source: Jawhara FM

Yemen 01 October: In Sanaa and northern rebel-held areas, a union strike over the non-payment of teachers’ salaries has ground the new school year to a halt, depriving children of education. Source: The New Arab 10 October: Saudi-led coalition warships prevent essential humanitarian supplies from entering Yemen via Hodeida port. Source: Nasdaq 29 October: There are reports that a large proportion of international financial aid channelled through humanitarian organisations to Yemen is lost due to exchange rates. Source: Asharq Al-Awsat

The Americas Colombia 11 October: In Medellín city, Antioquia department, Aburrá Valley region, protesting hooded individuals

The Aid in Danger Monthly News Brief – October 2017

Page 20

interrupted classes in an unspecified manner at the University of Antioquia for unspecified reasons. The demonstration also caused havoc in nearby streets. Source: El Espectador

Mexico 27 October: In Veracruz state, a neurosurgeon of the Mexican Social Security Institute was found dead three days after his disappearance. On 29 October, doctors from the Veracruz-Boca del Río conurbation marched through the main streets of the area to demand justice for his murder. Source: La Jornada 1 The AWSD database does not include the names of individual victims or the agencies affected by an incident. This is done in consideration of the victims and their families who may not wish to have the names publicised in this format and to afford equal respect to the many victims for whom this information is not available.

This document is part of the Aid in Danger project. It is published by Insecurity Insight and funded by European

Union Humanitarian Aid.

Insecurity Insight is a member of