Africa

Nigerian Taliban spread attacks

Rebels of a group known as the “Nigerian Taliban” expanded attacks against security forces to three northern states, leaving at least 80 people dead in two days of clashes.

Africa

Sudan: rumors of war

Chad admitted to an air raid on rebel positions in Darfur, but denied attacking Sudan’s armed forces or populace in the raid.

Africa

Nigeria frees MEND militant; attacks continue

The Nigerian government freed militant leader Henry Okah, meeting a demand by Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)—one day after rebels blew up an oil depot in Lagos.

Africa

Genocide charges for Sudan leader?

ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has filed an appeal to have Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir charged with genocide—but AU leaders say they will not cooperate in his arrest.

Africa

Nigeria: militants blow up Chevron platform

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) blew up a Chevron platform “in retaliation” for the “abduction of a traditional chief” by Nigeria’s Joint Task Force.

Africa

Somalia: West to groom Sufis as proxies?

More voices are raised calling for the West to play a Sufi card against Islamist insurgents in Somalia, as well as Pakistan and elsewhere. But will this only destroy the Sufis’ credibility?