Rwandan Hutu first to be convicted under Canada’s war crimes act

Rwandan Hutu militant Desire Munyaneza was convicted by the Superior Court of Quebec under Canada’s new Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act.

Somalia: Ethiopian troops return as battle rages for capital

More than a dozen Ethiopian military trucks crossed the border into Somalia this week, as Islamist insurgents launch an all-out offensive for the capital Mogadishu.

Darfur rebel leader appears before The Hague

Darfur rebel leader Bahar Idriss Abu Garda appeared before the International Criminal Court at The Hague to face war crimes charges over an attack that killed 12 African Union peacekeepers.

Somalia: thousands flee fighting in Mogadishu

Thousands fled their homes in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, after at least 35 people were killed over the weekend, while masked Islamist fighters were seen heading toward the city.

Chad: UN Security Council condemns rebel offensive

The UN Security Council condemned an offensive by rebels battling Chadian government government forces, saying “any attempt at destabilization of Chad by force is unacceptable.”

Botswana: depressed diamond industry saves Bushmen lands

The planned diamond mine at the centre of an international controversy over the forced relocation of Botswana’s Bushmen has been shelved due to the global recession.

Somali pirates extend reach —to Seychelles

Suspected Somali pirates who attempted to board an Italian cruise ship but were repulsed by Israeli security guards were later picked up by the Seychelles coast guard backed up by French forces.

Mauritania: activists demand independent commission to investigate atrocities

Mauritanian exile and refugee organizations are calling for an independent commission to investigate the crimes of former dictator Maouya Ould Taya before scheduled elections go ahead in June.

Darfur rebels sentenced to death in Khartoum attack

A Sudanese court sentenced 11 members of Darfur’s rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) to death by hanging in relation to last year’s attack on Khartoum.

Kenya charges suspected Somali pirates

Kenyan prosecutors brought piracy charges against 18 Somali nationals who were captured at sea by European naval forces over the past two months and handed over to Nairobi.

Rwanda rejects Laurent Nkunda’s appeal for release

A Rwandan court rejected a lawsuit brought by captured Congo rebel leader Laurent Nkunda seeking his release. Nkunda may be extradited to Congo, or to The Hague to face war crimes charges.

Somalia: villagers resist Islamists

At least seven were killed and 15 wounded as a clan militia in the southern Somalia town of Bulo Haji fought Shabaab insurgents who attacked the village. It is uncertain who is now in control.