| International Peace & Security Institute |
|
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.
NOTE: This will be the final PSR in 2012. We wish you a peaceful holiday season, and we look forward to providing you with 45 new weekly PSRs in 2013!
|
|
| Featured Article
Citizens of Nowhere: Solutions for the Stateless in the U.S.
UNHCR
Stateless persons are individuals who are without the recognition or protection of any country. Without the protection of citizenship or nationality, stateless individuals are highly vulnerable to discrimination and abuse, and are often denied essential human rights by the State in which they live. As a result, many stateless individuals live in the shadows to minimize their risk of exposure to harsh treatment and potential expulsion. This "shadow" existence of many stateless individuals greatly impedes the ability to develop a full picture of statelessness globally and to make a precise determination of the number of stateless individuals in the world today.
Read Report >>
|
East & South Africa
SOMALIA: Somali troops force Al Shabaab out of Jowhar
African Union and Somali forces have succeeded in pushing Al Shabaab out of their largest remaining stronghold, the city of Jowhar. Jowhar is located 90km (55 miles) north of Mogadishu and serves as a major connection for the central and southern areas of the country. Al Shabaab remains in control of a small port town known as Barawe as well as many rural regions. Comment: African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) spokesperson Colonel Ali Hourned states "AMISOM troops alongside Somali National Forces entered the town, there was little fighting as the Al-Shabaab largely fled ahead of us." Al Shabaab members claim their retreat was strategic in nature; however, it appears to be a major blow to Al Shabaab, as the group has recently lost the cities of Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Baidoa. A government official claims "Jowhar is liberated and its residents are not under oppression any longer." (The Daily Nation, All Africa, BBC)
SOUTH AFRICA: Rhino poaching deal with Vietnam
On Monday, South African officials announced the signing of a deal with Vietnam to address the rising cases of rhino poaching in South Africa. Over 618 rhinos have been killed in South Africa this year, twice as many as 2010. Between July 2009 and May 2012, 48 percent of the foreign individuals hunting rhinos in South Africa were Vietnamese. Vietnam is a major destination for rhino horn, based on the superstition that it can reduce bodily toxins, improve sexual performance, and cure cancer. Currently, the black market price of one kilogram of rhino horn is USD 65,000, which is more than gold. Comment: The trade of rhino horn was banned in 1980 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This signing marks the first time the two countries have officially cooperated on the issue. Rhino trafficking expert Tom Milliken says "Vietnam needs to move quickly to make all rhino horn trade - real and fake - illegal and demonstrate good intentions for the future implementation of this important memorandum of understanding." (Business Day, All Africa, BBC)
SUDAN: Student protests continue
Students at various universities around Sudan including Neelain University and the University of Khartoum entered the second day of their protests on Monday. The students began their protest after the December 7 killing of four Al-Gazira University students that had previously participated in a sit-in in response to the school administration's refusal to waive tuition fees as it promised. The protesting students hold the school administration responsible for the deaths of the students, and in many locations the chant of "killing a student is killing a nation" can be heard. Comment: In what many have called a re-emergence of the Arab Spring, leaders of various political groups have called out to the students to "unite and face the real enemy; the National Congress Party." There have been 47 arrests made on charges of illegal assembly and causing chaos, and there are multiple reports of unnecessary force used by police officers. (Sudan Tribune, Al Jazeera, All Africa)
Researched/Written by Sean Barrett
|
West & Central Africa
NIGERIA: Finance minister's mother abducted
On Sunday, the mother of Nigerian Finance Minister and former World Bank managing director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was abducted from her home in the Delta State. Unidentified gunmen in two cars stormed the residence of Kamene Okonjo's husband, who is the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku. Two policemen who were supposed to be on duty when Okonjo was kidnapped had been arrested and detained following investigation. Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has received threats in the past said her special Finance Ministry spokesman Paul Nwabuikwu on Sunday. Comment: Abductions are most common in oil-producing areas like Delta state. Police said someone purporting to be one of the kidnappers had phoned on Monday to make some demands, but it was impossible to say whether the call was genuine. (Al Jazeera, Afrique en Ligne, BBC, Reuters, AllAfrica)
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Rebels seize town from army
On Monday, rebel forces in the Central African Republic (CAR) captured the northern town of Ndele following a surprise attack. Ndele is on a major route linking the CAR to Sudan, Cameroon, and Chad. The military suspects that men allied with Michel Djotodia, a co-founder of the former rebel movement the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR), were behind the latest violence. UFDR has accused President Francois Bozize's government of reneging on a peace accord signed in 2007 ending the Central African Bush War. Comment: The Central African Republic has been rocked by regular rebellions and coups since the fall in 1979 of military dictator Jean-Bedel Bokassa. The instability has impeded progress in the nation, which ranks among the world's poorest despite a wealth of raw materials such as uranium, diamonds, and timber. (BBC, AFP, StarAfrica)
MALI: Prime Minister quits after arrest
On Tuesday, Malian Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra resigned on state television just hours after he was detained by soldiers who led a coup in March. Diarra was made prime minister of the interim government in April after the military officially handed power back to civilians. But tensions between the soldiers who led the coup and the civilian prime minister they were forced to appoint have been mounting in recent weeks. Military junta spokesman Bacary Mariko said, "The prime minister was not a democratically elected official and we must all recognize that he has failed in his mandated mission to liberate northern Mali [from Islamist control]." In less than 24 hours, Malian interim President Diouncounda Traore appointed Django Sissoko as the new prime minister. Comment: Coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo, remains a powerful figure within the country despite officially conceding power to politicians. Sanogo has been repeatedly accused of meddling in politics since he stepped down and was officially tasked with overseeing the reform of Mali's army. (BBC, France 24, AllAfrica, BBC, France 24)
|
Americas
ARGENITINA: 13 suspected human traffickers cleared
On Wednesday, an Argentinean court announced a verdict of not guilty for 13 defendants accused of kidnapping 23 year-old Marita Vernon in 2002 and forcing her into prostitution. Ms. Vernon is still missing, but her mother, Susana Trimarco rescued hundreds of women while searching for her daughter. Mrs. Trimarco infiltrated human trafficking circles pretending to be interested in buying women and passed information to law enforcement officials, revealing collusion between human traffickers and police officers. President Fernando condemned the not guilty verdict, and protests are taking place throughout the country. Comment: Mrs. Trimarco established an organization to help victims of human trafficking. The organization rescued more than 900 girls and provides victims food, shelter, and psychological services. The foundation's efforts led to legislation to prohibit human trafficking in Argentina and raised awareness about the issue throughout Latin America. (BBC,AP, Buenos Aires Herald)
EL SALVADOR: Court orders investigation of Mozote massacre
On Monday, the Inter-American Court ruled El Salvador must investigate the crimes that occurred during the 1981 Mozote massacre. The perpetrators were not prosecuted due to the 2002 amnesty law, but the court declared the incident does not fall under the amnesty law. As a result, the court ordered El Salvador to conduct investigations, exhume bodies, register victims' family members, and compensate survivors and victims' families. Comment: The massacre took place from December 11 to December 13, 1981 and resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,000 suspected left-wing rebel sympathizers. Nearly half of the victims were children, and the massacre was the bloodiest incident of the 12 year civil war in El Salvador. (BBC, Tico Times, Washington Post)
VENEZUELA: Chavez's cancer surgery was "complicated"
In Cuba, President Chavez underwent his fourth cancer surgery on Wednesday. Vice President Madura announced the surgery was "complicated, delicate, and complex" and the recovery process is likely to be long and difficult. President Chavez has not disclosed the type of cancer or the details of his condition, but he recently named Vice President Madura his successor. Comment: If Chavez steps down, Vice President Madura promised to continue President Chavez's socialist policies saying "we will be loyal to Chavez beyond this lifetime." Madura is a moderate and formed relationships with many world leader during his six-year term as foreign minister. His is also a former union leader with strong ties to the business community. (BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera)
|
East Asia
CHINA: Three Uighur men sentenced to death
On December 11, a Chinese court sentenced three men to death and one to life in prison for attempting to hijack a plane in June. The men are members of the Uighur ethnic group, a minority population in China that practices Islam and has traditionally resented Chinese rule. Passengers and crew managed to subdue the hijackers and two of the perpetrators allegedly died from injuries received in the fighting. Comment: Uighur exile groups condemned the sentences and said that the men were denied lawyers. The exact circumstances surrounding the June hijacking are murky with some sources claiming the violence was prompted by an argument over seating arrangements. (BBC, NY Times, Reuters, Guardian)
NORTH KOREA: Satellite launched into orbit
On Wednesday, North Korea successfully launched a satellite into orbit using a long-range Unha-3 rocket. North Korean authorities said that the satellite would be used to track the weather, but other states claim the launch was a test of covert missile technologies. A UN resolution prohibits North Korea from conducting ballistic missile tests. Comment: A North Korean rocket test held in April this year failed. The United States, South Korea, and Japan are now expected to seek tougher UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. The launch came five days before the first anniversary of the November 17 death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. (Xinhua, Yonhap, AP, BBC)
PHILIPPINES: Rebel group raids police station
On December 12, one policeman was killed and another wounded when suspected members of the leftist New People's Army (NPA) guerilla group attacked a police station in Roxat town in the western Phillippine province of Palawan. The rebels posed as soldiers to gain entry to the station and seized communication equipment and at least eight firearms before fleeing in a van. Government troops have deployed in the area to track down the rebels. Comment: The raid comes at a time during the holiday season when the rebels and government traditionally declare a truce. Last Sunday, the NPA torched a company's mining equipment after it failed to pay a "revolutionary tax" to the group. (GMA News, Inquirer, Xinhua)
|
Europe & Central Asia
NORTHERN IRELAND: Protests continue after flag vote
For the past ten days, loyalists in Belfast have protested the vote which resulted in a limit setting how many days the Union flag will fly in a year. On Monday, a police officer guarding MP Naomi Longwas attacked with a Molotov cocktail, and a number of elected officials have been subject to death threats. Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has condemned the violence, stating that protestors were "dishonoring and shaming the flag." Comment: Violence has continued after councilors from Sinn Fein and SLDP voted to reduce the number of days a year the Union flag will be displayed. Since the vote, there have been 39 arrests and 29 police officers have been injured. Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton has appealed "to those involved in ongoing protests to listen to their political leaders and step back from protest activity before someone is seriously injured or killed." (BBC, Irish Times, Reuters)
SERBIA: Former general convicted for role at Srebrenica
On Wednesday, Bosnian Serb Zdravko Tolimir was convicted by the ICTY for his involvement in the killing of over 7,000 Bosnian men and boys at Srebrenica in 1995. Tolimir, labeled the "right hand" of Ratko Mladic by ICTY judges, was given a life sentence after being found jointly responsible for crimes against humanity committed by Serbian Forces. Presiding Judge Christoph Fluegge stated that "The accused not only had knowledge of genocidal intent of others but also possessed it himself." Comment: Tomilir reported directly to Mladic during the war. He was in charge of intelligence and security for the Bosnian Serb army which forced the expulsion of Bosnian Muslims from Srebrenica. Military commander Mladic and his political leader Radovan Karadzic are still in The Hague, awaiting trial at the ICTY. (BBC, Daily Telegraph, Huffington Post)
RUSSIA: Transportation official and journalist in North Caucasus
Last Thursday, a journalist was shot and killed as a he returned from work in the Kabardino-Balkaria region. Gunmen approached Kazbek Gekkiyev asking his name, and shot him after he confirmed his identity. Earlier that day, a senior regional transportation official had survived a bomb attack after a beer can containing 200 grams of TNT was used on his car. The Moscow-based Investigative Committee considered "This brazen crime was a warning to other journalists who are reporting on the results of the fight against the bandit underground groups operating in the region." Comment: The North Caucasus region has been a source of violence over recent months because of groups seeking to create an Islamic State across the region. Ethnic tension, including those between Balkars and Kabardins in Kabardino-Balkaria helps drive the violence in a region seeing almost daily attacks. Vladamir Putin responded "All people must be protected ... and I am sure that our law enforcement bodies will do everything so that the criminals will be revealed and punished." (Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters)
Researched/Written by A. Max Jones
|
Middle East & North Africa
EGYPT: Thousands protest for or against new constitution referendum
Thousands held rival rallies in Cairo to protest or support the constitutional referendum to be held on December 15 and December 22. On Tuesday, leftists, liberals and other opposition groups marched to the presidential palace to protest the referendum and later decided to vote against the constitution on Wednesday. Critics of the draft constitution said it does not adequately safeguard the rights of women and disregards personal rights. Supporters of the center-right Islamists rallied in the Nasr City neighborhood where multiple speakers called to pass the new constitution. "For them, the constitution brings stability to the country and economic recovery. And a lot of people here will tell you that their lives have been at a standstill since the revolution back in 2011," reports Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel-Hamid from Nasr City. Comment: Meanwhile, key opposition officials said that they were ready to take part in national unity dialogues called by the head of the military. Morsi also retracted his power grabbing decree last Saturday, which failed to appease opponents about the upcoming referendum for the constitution. According to the National Salvation Front opposition member Hamdeen Sabahy, "Egypt will continue in this really charged state. It is certain that this constitution is driving us to more political polarization." (Al Jazeera, Sky News, Al Jazeera, Reuters)
ISRAEL/PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Clashes ensue after death of Palestinian youth
On Wednesday, an Israeli policewoman shot and killed 17 year-old Muhammahd Ziad Awad Salaymah at a checkpoint in Hebron for allegedly carrying a gun, which later turned out to be "fake." Thousands of Palestinians marched through the streets of Hebron during Salaymah's funeral on Thursday, chanting anti-Israeli slogans and waving Hamas flags. Clashes ensued between Palestinian youth protestors and Israeli forces; Palestinians threw stones and bottles at Israeli forces, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in the hospitalization of five Palestinians on Thursday. Comment: In reaction to the two incidents in Hebron and Qalqilia last week, Israel instructed its armed forces to use live ammunition at their discretion if their safety was threatened. Israeli forces used lived ammunition when they raided the village of Nilin on Wednesday, resulting in two Palestinian injuries. (Al Jazeera, Gulf News, AP, Ma'an News Agency)
SYRIA: Heavy fighting continues; more than 100 countries back Syrian National Coalition
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a two-day battle ensued before Syrian opposition forces over took the Sheik Suleiman military base on Tuesday near the city of Aleppo, killing at least 35 and wounding 64 Assad forces. Eleven people were killed and 13 wounded from four mortar strikes fired by rebels on Monday in the district Sheikh Maksoud. The Local Co-ordination Committees reported heavy government shelling in southern parts of Damascus, and two men were killed in the southern town of Daraya where Assad forces have been sieging rebels since the summer. Fighting also occurred on Tuesday in the cities of Jisr al-Shughur, Arbeen and Deir al-Zor. On Thursday, 16 were killed and 25 wounded when a car bomb exploded in town Qatana, southwest of Damascus. Comment: More than 100 countries recognized or backed the new opposition Syrian National Coalition on Wednesday in Morocco, paving the way for greater assistance, possibly including military aid, to rebel forces. While the coalition applauded the international backing, the opposition said they need more concrete political and financial support and wish to see Assad's government tried at the International Criminal Court. Russia has admitted for the first time Assad is losing control over parts of the country and there is a possibility the opposition could succeed in toppling the government. (Al Jazeera, AP, Reuters, Al Jazeera)
SYRIA: Members of Alawite sect killed or wounded in Aqrab province
Contradictory reports from opposition activists claim at least 125 or as many as 300 Alawite civilians in the Aqrab village in Hama province were killed or wounded from explosions and gun fire on Tuesday. Activists say pro-Assad 'Shabiha' militiamen were holding civilians hostage in a building as they were being besieged by Free Syrian Army forces and bombarded by warplanes. Activists claim the Shabiha were using civilians as human shields and village elders were sent to discuss the release of the hostages and the surrender of the militiamen, but the elders were seized and killed as the Shabiha blew up the building and escaped. Other reports indicated government forces attacked the village from two directions and later bombed the building full of women and children with war planes. Comment: There are still no statements from the state media or the government, which has been accused of killing its own supporters in order to blame and stain the public opinion of the rebels. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Director Rami Rahman says "We cannot know whether the rebels were behind this attack, but if they were, this would be the largest-scale attack against Alawites." An Alawite boy that survived the events said, "Shabiha came to us, claiming they were going to protect us from the rebels. They stopped us from leaving the house, and killed my father, my mother, and my brother." (BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters)
|
South Asia
AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN: Agreement to investigate spy attack
On December 12, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to investigate an attempted assassination of Afghanistan's National Security Director, Asadullah Khalid, in Kabul last week. Kabul and Islamabad's announcement on Wednesday comes on the second day of trilateral talks in Ankara, Turkey. A statement issued by the governments of the three states stated "[a] joint working group comprising relevant agencies of Afghanistan and Pakistan will address the recent attack on the National Security Director of Afghanistan." Comment: Cross-border raids in Afghanistan's eastern provinces and accusations that Pakistan's intelligence agency backs the opposition forces in Afghanistan have strained ties between Kabul and Islamabad. (Al Jazeera, Geo News, Reuters)
BANGLADESH: General strike called after clashes
Explosions of homemade bombs were reported across the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Tuesday as opposition activists enforcing a daylong general strike rioted and clashed with police. Bangladeshi opposition parties called a general strike after two people were killed in clashes during a nationwide road blockade on Sunday; an additional 200 people were injured in Sunday's violence in the capital, Dhaka, and other districts. The blockade was held to press for an independent body to oversee next year's election, which the coalition of 18 opposition parties threatened to boycott unless a caretaker administration is installed beforehand to ensure free and fair elections. Comment: Robert O. Blake, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, called upon the bickering parties to hold a dialogue to find a solution to the political impasse. (Al Jazeera, AP, FARS News)
SRI LANKA: Chief Justice found guilty
On Friday, Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake was found guilty by an impeachment panel on three charges, including financial irregularities, conflict of interest, and failure to declare her assets. The Chief Justice came under government criticism after ruling against a USD 614 million development budget for not having the proper approval. The ruling angered the backers of the proposal, who then accused the judiciary of overstepping its authority. "This is a one-sided political decision," said Vijitha Herath, an opposition legislator. Three other opposition legislators also withdrew from the impeachment panel on Friday for the same reason. Comment: Sri Lankan lawyers boycotted courts on December 12 to protest what they call an unfair impeachment move against the chief justice. The decision was seen by many abroad as a blow to judicial independence. (Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters)
Researched/Written by Maanasa Reddy
|
|
|
|
|
IPSI Event
Prescriptions for Peaceful Transitions: Is Democracy Mandatory?
Watch the video >>
___________________ |
IPSI Symposium
The Hague Symposium on Post-Conflict Transitions & International Justice
July - August 2013
Applications due Jan 14
Learn More >>
___________________ |
IPSI Symposium
The Bologna, Italy Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, & Reconciliation
June-July 2013
Applications due Jan 14
Learn More >>
___________________ |
IPSI News
IPSI Advisor & UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson: Events in Syria call for preventative measures in neighboring countries.
Read Article >>
___________________ |
IPSI News
IPSI Advisor and ENOUGH! founder John Prendergast in FP: "The 7 Deadly Sins of Congo's Peace Process"
Read Article >>
___________________ |
IPSI Leadership
Cameron M. Chisholm Dr. I. William Zartman
Dr. P. Terrence Hopmann
Chic Dambach 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 >> ___________________ |
|
