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PEACE & SECURITY REPORT
IPSI's Peace & Security Report (PSR) is a concise weekly e-publication intended to brief busy students, academics, advocates, and practitioners in the conflict management community on pertinent global news, events, and trends. Meticulously researched and written by IPSI, the PSR empowers us all to take a step back from our immediate deadlines each Friday and gain a greater understanding of the week's global events.
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Applications Now Open for Summer 2013 Symposiums!
The International Peace and Security Institute (IPSI) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Summer 2013 Training Symposiums in The Hague and Bologna. The intensive four-week programs are focused on providing real-world and practical training in the field of conflict resolution through intensive workshops, games, and simulations.
Transferable academic credit equal to a semester-long course can be earned in both programs. The Hague Symposium offers credit options from the University of Leiden, while the Bologna Symposium offers credits through John Hopkins SAIS. Each participant earns a certificate upon completion irrespective of whether taking the course for academic credit.
Classes are taught by distinguished faculty including the heads of government agencies, multilateral institutions, NGOs, and the world's top universities including:
- Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor for the ICC
- Gareth Evans, Former Australian Foreign Minister
- Betty Bigombe, Chief Mediator, Uganda and LRA
- Juan E. Mendez, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture
- Ton Van Loon, Former Commander of ISAF
- Dr. William Zartman, Professor Emeritus, SAIS
Acceptance to the Institute is highly selective and spots are limited, so please fill-out your online application as soon as possible. A majority of the 2013 class will be selected Early Decision on January 14th. More information is available on our website or directly at:
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East & South Africa
KENYA: Bus explosion kills ten, leads to retaliatory attacks
An explosive attack on a minibus resulted at least ten deaths and 24 injuries on Sunday in Nairobi's Eastleigh district. Officials are unsure whether it was an improvised explosive device placed on the bus or a grenade thrown in. No one has claimed responsibility, but attacks are blamed on Somali forces and their Kenyan sympathizers who disagree with Kenya's role in combating Al Shabaab in Somalia. The Eastleigh district of Nairobi is home to many Somalis who fled their nation to avoid the conflict, and has recently experienced two other attacks. Three suspects are in custody. Comment: Officials urged Kenyans not to engage in retaliatory attacks; however, mobs attacked Somali homes and shops in the area while chanting "Somalis must go." Police fired tear gas to disperse the rioters, and many Somalis reportedly armed themselves with machetes and stones. Muslim Human Rights Forum Chairman Al-Amin Kimathi stated his hopes that the people of Kenya understand that even if some Somalis were behind the bus attack, it does not mean the entire community is responsible. (The Daily Nation, All Africa, Al Jazeera)
RWANDA: Village attacked, FDLR denies involvement
Officials in the Rwandan military assert that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) attacked a village on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The FDLR is a group composed of primarily Hutu soldiers based in the DRC who oppose the Tutsi led government in Rwanda. The Rwandan government claims that six FDLR members were killed and two were captured before the rest retreated back across the border. Comment: Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo believes the attack was an FDLR attempt to "take advantage of the volatile situation" in the border region due to the M23. An FDLR spokesperson stated that this particular area along the border is under M23 control, and that the FDLR "can't live side by side with M23." Additionally, no independent confirmation has been made that the FDLR attacked the border villages, and they deny playing a role. (Reuters, Voice of America, Associated Press)
SUDAN: Former spy chief arrested
On November 22, Salah Gosh, the former director of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) of Sudan was arrested due to a connection with alleged sabotage. Gosh and some top army officials are accused of a plot to destabilize the country, but according to Information Minister Ahmed Osman, "The authorities decided to stop them before they implemented it." Gosh, along with 12 others are also accused of "inciting chaos" by spreading rumors about President Omar al-Bashir's health. Comment: While he was the NISS director, Gosh received praise for his counter-terrorism cooperation with the CIA. Gosh was a longtime ally of the President until he was removed for unknown reasons. It is speculated that his removal from the post is due to his connections with a coup attempt. (Al Jazeera, BBC, All Africa)
Researched/Written by Sean Barrett
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West & Central Africa
COTE D'IVOIRE: ICC warrant issued for ex-first lady
On Thursday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) made public an arrest warrant issued in February for former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo's wife Simone Gbagbo, saying she has been charged with four counts of crimes against humanity. The warrant, the first for a woman, accuses Gbagbo of being her husband's "alter ego" and of "crimes against humanity, of murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence." The 2010-2011 post-election violence killed some 3,000 people. Mrs. Gbagbo began testifying on November 13 in Odienne, Cote D'Ivoire where she has been detained for the last 18 months and faces charges including genocide and embezzlement. Comment: Observers believe that current President Alassane Ouattara is reluctant to transfer her to The Hague fearing the negative effect that her husband's transfer had on the Ivorian reconciliation process. None of Ouattara's own supporters have been arrested for crimes during the post-election violence, although rights groups say there is evidence they too committed atrocities. (Reuters, Al Jazeera, France 24)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Rebels begin withdrawal
On Tuesday, the political leader of the Congolese rebel group M23, Jean-Marie Runiga said the group would only withdraw from Goma if the government meets its demands, despite earlier announcing that it would pull out of the city. His announcement came hours after the deadline set by regional leaders in Kampala, Uganda for the pullout expired. The rebels were demanding the government hold national talks, release political prisoners, disband the electoral commission, and disarm all remaining government troops before they withdrew from Goma. The Congolese government dismissed the demands as a "farce." Comment: After earlier contradictory comments from M23, they now say fighters are to gradually withdraw unconditionally, beginning with smaller towns around Goma. A handover ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday in Goma, where a UN peacekeeping contingent MONUSCO is based. (Al Jazeera, France 24, BBC, Reuters)
SIERRA LEONE: Koroma wins second term
On November 23, Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in for a second term after winning 58.7 per cent of the presidential election, according to the country's electoral body. Koroma took just above the 55 percent he needed to avoid a run-off in the Nov. 17 poll against Julius Maada Bio, who took 37.4 percent. Maada said on Monday that his party had evidence of "rampant ballot stuffing" and fraud in the vote, and accused the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of complicity. The opposition has said it will boycott parliament and local councils unless its concerns about the recent elections are addressed. Comment: The election was the third national vote since the nation's 11-year-civil war ended in 2002, in which an estimated 50,000 people were killed. The Carter Center election monitoring group and EU observers both said the poll was peaceful and transparent. (France24, AllAfrica, GlobalPost, Al Jazeera, BBC)
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Americas
ARGENTINA: Trial of 'dirty war' crimes begin in Argentina
On Wednesday, a large trial began in Buenos Aires for 68 defendants accused of committing crimes during Argentina's "Dirty War," which took place from 1976 to 1983. The trial is expected to continue for two-years, and 68 defendants face 800 charges of crimes against 789 victims. The defendants are linked to the military junta's most notorious detention center, ESMA Naval Mechanics School. Many of the defendants are accused of carrying out "death flights" in which members of the military junta drugged prisoners and threw them from planes into the sea. Comment: In 1986 and 1987, three laws were passed which granted amnesty for crimes committed during the "Dirty War." In 2003, these laws were overturned and prosecutions began. So far, 250 defendants have been found guilty. (BBC, France24, AP)
COLOMBIA: Colombia withdraws from International Court of Justice
On Wednesday, Colombia's President Santos withdrew from the Pact of Bogota, which gives the International Court of Justice (ICJ) power to settle territorial disputes. The announcement took place after the ICJ released its verdict on a territorial dispute between Colombia and Nicaragua over the San Andres Island and established a maritime border which favors Nicaragua. Colombia's withdrawal from the ICJ does not have retroactive effect and an ICJ representative clarifies that despite Colombia's withdrawal from the treaty, it is still required to uphold the ICJ mandated borders. President Santos has not yet announced whether he will uphold the border settlement. Comment: The dispute over the San Andres Islands began after Spain's withdrawal from Latin America. In 1928 Nicaragua and Colombia signed a treaty to settle the dispute, but in 1980, the Nicaraguan Sandinista government unilaterally withdrew from the treaty. In 2007, the ICJ ruled that the San Andres Islands were part of Colombia. (Colombia Reports, BBC, Reuters)
MEXICO: President-elect Nieto prioritizes economic growth
On Tuesday, Mexican President-elect Nieto met with President Obama in Washington to discuss Mr. Nieto's agenda as well as the relationship between the two countries. In the meeting, Mr. Nieto highlighted economic reform in Mexico as the key to reducing violence and creating security. His plan for economic reforms includes boosting tax revenues, privatization of the oil industry, and dismantling monopolies. At the meeting, Mr. Nieto and Mr. Obama also discussed the possibility of reducing trade regulations and strengthening economic ties between the two counties. Comment: Mr. Nieto's focus on economic development differs from the current President Calderon's focus on violence reduction. Mr. Nieto believes that strengthening the economy and creating jobs is the key to reducing narco-trafficking and drug related violence. (New York Times, CNN, AP)
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East Asia
CHINA: Jet successfully lands on aircraft carrier
On November 25, China successfully landed a fighter jet on the Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier. Put into service on September 25, the Liaoning is not yet combat-ready despite the crew of the carrier completing more than 100 training programs. The test was also the public debut of the J-15, a domestically produced carrier-borne fighter jet. Comment: The successful landing comes at a time of heightened tensions over a series of territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas. Analysts believe the carrier signals China's ambitions to expand its naval reach and capabilities. (China Daily, Xinhua, BBC, NY Times)
INDONESIA: Policemen killed in attack
On Tuesday, three policemen were killed when dozens of armed men stormed a police station in Papua province. The assailants seized weapons and set fire to the station before fleeing into the mountains. The gunmen have yet to be identified, but analysts speculate that they are members of the separatist group known as the Free Papua Movement. Comment: The attack comes ahead of this weekend's anniversary of Papua's failed attempt to declare independency on December 1, 1961. Papua became a part of Indonesia following a controversial election in 1969 that many locals consider illegitimate. At least 10 security officers have been killed this year in Papua. (Jakarta Globe, Jakarta Post, BBC)
MYANMAR: Mine protesters arrested
On November 28, police arrested six activists who helped lead protests against the expansion of the Chinese-backed Monywa copper mine in Rangoon. Authorities had announced on Tuesday that demonstrators must either leave the site or face legal action. The mine has been a center of controversy for months as protesters argue that the land obtained for the project was unlawfully seized. Comment: The leaders were arrested as they had not received permission to protest and were "inciting unrest and disturbing public tranquility." Analysts speculate that the protests may serve as a test of the new freedoms allowed to Myanmar citizens following the recent end of military rule in the country. (Irrawaddy, Mizzima, AFP, Reuters
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Europe & Central Asia
CROATIA: ICTY judge orders release of Croatian generals
On November 17, convicted generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac had their sentences overturned by an appeals judge of the ICTY. Gotovina and Markac were sentenced to imprisonment for 24 and 18 years respectively for the killing of ethnic Serbs during the Croatian attempt to reclaim its Kragina region in 1995. Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic welcomed the decision, stating "I think it is only fair to get the boys back home." Serbia's President Tomislav Nikolic condemned the decision, stating that no Croats from Croatia have been convicted by the court and that the ICTY had "lost all its credibility." Comment: 200,000 ethnic Serbs were forced out of Croatia in 1995, and 150 were killed in the offensive at Krajina. The move to retake the region was ordered by former Croatian leader Franjo Tudgman who died while being investigated by The Hague tribunal. The prosecution's case stemmed from the argument that there was a "joint criminal enterprise" to "permanently remove" Serbs from Croatia. (Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters)
FRANCE: Palestinian status change supported by France
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius supported Palestinian ambitions to change their member status within the UN. Since the 1980's, France's "consistent position has been the recognition of the Palestinian state," and "that is why when the question is raised on Thursday and Friday, France will respond with a 'yes'," said Fabius. On Thursday, France made good on its promise, and Thursday's vote in the UN upgraded Palestinian status to a "non-member observer state." Palestine was formerly categorized by the UN General Assembly as a "permanent observer." The United States and Israel opposed the proposal, while Denmark and Switzerland backed the Palestinian bid. Comment: The upgrade in status will permit Palestine to participate in debates, improve chances of joining UN agencies, and the opportunity to sign the ICC's treaty: the Rome Statute. Palestinian representatives reportedly hope to take legal action in the ICC to challenge Israel's occupation of the West Bank. The United States and Israel are concerned of an attempt by Palestine to gain full statehood via the UN, a move only permitted by negotiation as specified by the 1993 Oslo peace accords establishing Palestinian Authority. (Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters)
SPAIN: Government refuses to enter into negotiations with ETA
On Sunday, the Spanish government rejected proposals from the separatist group ETA to negotiate "a definitive end" to its operations. Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz stated Spain does not negotiate with a "terrorist organization," and called for its "unconditional dissolution." ETA's offer comes just before elections in the Spanish region of Catalonia, where Catalan nationalists are calling for a referendum on independence. Comment: ETA's 45-year campaign for Basque independence is believed to have cost 800 lives. In recent years, support for the group has diminished, and last year ETA announced an end to its violent campaign. The European Union and the United States still regard ETA as a terrorist organization, and last month French police found and arrested Izaskun Lesaka, a known ETA leader responsible for their reserves of arms and explosives. (Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters)
Researched/Written by A. Max Jones
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Middle East & North Africa
EGYPT: Mass protest in Tahrir square against Morsi's power grab
On Tuesday, an estimated 200,000 protestors rallied in Tahrir Square against President Morsi's decree made on November 22 granting him sweeping powers. Since the decree was issued, three have died and at least 100 injured during protests across several cities, including 21 in Cairo on Tuesday. Groups of protestors also attacked offices of the Muslim Brotherhood in Mahalla el-Kobra and Alexandria. Police fired tear gas on several hundred remaining protestors in Tahrir Square on Wednesday as clashes erupted in surrounding streets. The Muslim Brotherhood and allied groups are planning nationwide protests in support of Morsi on Saturday. Comment: The decree allows Morsi to "issue any decision or law that is final and not subject to appeal," which effectively puts him above the power of the judiciary. This move fueled opposition accusations that Morsi is amassing dictatorial powers and will allow the Islamist party to put forward their agenda. The President maintains the decree is temporary and was declared in order to prevent opposition from dissolving the constituent assembly, which expects to vote on the final draft of the new constitution this week. (Al Jazeera, AP, Reuters)
IRAQ: Series of bomb attacks kill 29 and wound 126 on Tuesday
A series of bomb attacks against civilians and security forces in central and northern Iraq killed at least 29 people and injured 126 on Tuesday. Car bombs exploded near three Shia mosques, killing 12 in Baghdad. Three car bombs exploded simultaneously in a residential area of Kirkuk in the morning, killing five people and wounding 41. Another bomb attack occurred in the Sunni town of Hawija, west of Kirkuk, killing two. Five Iraqi soldiers were injured near their houses as fighters detonated bombs in Tuz Kortmato. In the Diyala province, a member of the Sahwa, an anti-al-Qaeda group allied with U.S. forces, was killed at a checkpoint by fighters in a speeding car. Other bomb attacks occurred in the Khan Bani Saad, Mosul and Taji. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but police suspect al-Qaeda of Iraq. Comment: The violence followed an agreement reached the day before by senior security officials of the government and the autonomous Kurdistan region aimed at defusing tensions between the Kurds, Arabs, and Turkomen about the disputed lands in the north. The Kurds wish to incorporate the oil-rich Kirkuk into their self-ruled region, but Arabs and Turkomen are against it. Osama al-Nujaifi has warned of civil war if nothing is done to quell the disputing claims. Another series of blasts throughout the country targeting Shia worshippers and security forces killed 45 and left 155 wounded on Thursday. (Al Jazeera, CNN, SBS)
SYRIA: Two explosions in Damascus kill 34 and wound 83, heavy fighting continues
Two explosions in the mainly Druze and Christian populated eastern Jaramana district of Damascus killed at least 34 and injured 83 people early on Wednesday morning. The bomb attacks - the fourth attack on the district since August - occurred near stationed Assad forces defending against armed opposition. State media blamed the opposition for the attacks, who countered that the explosions could have been carried out by the government seeking to turn minority groups against the opposition. Amidst other fighting, a government air raid on Sunday using cluster bombs on the rebel-held Deir al-Asafir village near the capital killed 10 children while they played outside. On Monday, government forces bombed and missed the Free Syrian Army headquarters near the Turkish border in Atima, but sent hundreds of Syrians fleeing to Turkey. Syrian war planes bombed an olive oil factory killing at least 20 people on Tuesday. In a major battlefield advance, Syrian rebels shot down two military aircraft on Tuesday and Wednesday with surface-to-air missiles - possibly including a SA-16 Igla manpad - which would be the most advanced anti-aircraft weapon in the rebels' arsenal. Comment: The newly acquired missiles may threaten the government's air supremacy and become a strategic tipping point in favor of the opposition. According to analysts, the Syrian army has relied on air power in recent months in areas the overstretched army cannot easily reach. Rebels have been tightening their presence in farmlands and urban centers in the east and northeast of Damascus and have seized a series of military bases in the last 10 days. (Inside Bay Area, New.com.au, Al Jazeera, The Australian)
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South Asia
BANGLADESH: 112 killed in factory fire
On November 24, the Tazreen Fashion factory on the outskirts of Dhaka caught on fire killing 112 people; approximately 1,400 people work in the factory, 70 percent are women. Survivors say that exit doors were locked and there were no emergency exits in the eight-story building. Police report the supervisors told panicked workers at factory that the fire on Saturday night was just a drill and they had nothing to worry about. On Wednesday, police arrested three factory officials suspected of locking in the workers who died on Saturday. Comment: According to Government officials, preliminary information suggests the fire was an act of sabotage, while thousands of garment workers are protesting outside Dhaka, demanding higher safety standards. (AP, BBC, Reuters)
PAKISTAN: Nuclear capable ballistic weapon test
On Wednesday, Pakistan test-fired a nuclear capable ballistic missile with a range of 1,300 km. The missile, commonly known as Hatf-V is capable of reaching targets in India. Pakistan states the missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998 when it conducted underground nuclear tests in response to India's tests earlier that year. Pakistan, like India, is not a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. U.S. intelligence estimates last year put the number of nuclear weapons developed by Pakistan at 90 to 110. Comment: Pakistan says its nuclear weapons capability is a deterrent against India's larger and more conventional military. (Reuters, AP, Times of India)
SRI LANKA: Seven allegedly injured in clashes over Tamil Tiger remembrance
Seven Jaffna University students have reportedly been injured in clashes with the Sri Lankan security forces in the north of the country on Wednesday. The security forces entered the university on Tuesday to preemptively interrupt students participating in Martyrs Day, November 27, commemorations of dead Tamil Tiger fighters. Tigers and their separatist ideology are strictly banned in Sri Lanka. Police deny that any students were injured, while Tamil lawmakers and Jaffna University professors claim otherwise. Comment: The BBC's Charles Haviland says these are the biggest overtly political disturbances in the north since the civil war ended in May 2009, more than three years ago. (AFP, BBC, Calgary Herald)
Researched/Written by Maanasa Reddy
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IPSI News
IPSI Advisor and President of Search for Common Ground John Marks explains how "Traditional Journalism Stresses Conflict, and Exploits it."
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IPSI News
IPSI Faculty and ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda accuses Boko Haram of Crimes Against Humanity.
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IPSI News
IPSI Advisor and Former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans encourages Australia to "Get Back to ASEAN."
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IPSI Alumni News
IPSI Alumna of both The Hague and Bologna Symposiums, Allyson McCreery, publishes in The Peace Review Journal: "Crisis as Impetus Toward Conflict Resolution in Cyprus."
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IPSI Featured Event
SAIS and Clingendael will hold a high-level event on December 4th in Washington, DC: "Negotiating the Arab Spring"
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IPSI Leadership
Cameron M. Chisholm Dr. I. William Zartman
Dr. P. Terrence Hopmann
George Foote Alexander Little
Kevin Melton William Stuebner
Pamela Aall
Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah
Betty Bigombe Dr. Francis Deng
Jan Eliasson
Gareth Evans
Dr. Ted Robert Gurr
Amb. Jacques Paul Klein
Peter Kyle
Dr. Jean Paul Lederach
Jeffrey Mapendere
John Marks
Susan Collin Marks
Dr. Joyce Neu John Prendergast Dr. Valerie Rosoux
Dr. Ruth Wedgwood Dr. Craig Zelizer About Us >> ___________________ |
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