Israel: Eritrea destabilizes Horn of Africa

Israel’s ambassador to Ethiopia charged that Eritrea is trying to destabilize the peace process in the Horn of Africa, and serving as a save haven for terrorist groups.

Madagascar: coup d’etat or revolution?

The African Union, after initially calling it an “attempted coup,” issued a new statement accepting the military’s installation of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as president of Madagascar. ExxonMobil, the French Total and Rio Tinto Group have oil and mineral interests in Madagascar, which has rich deposits of iron ore and bauxite. Investors have hailed Ravalomanana’s free-market reforms, while Rajoelina accused him of running Madagascar like a dictator, while letting his people starve. Most of the island’s population lives on less than $2 a day.

Photo: IRIN

Mauritania crisis mediation fails; still no justice for enslaved Blacks

Libya-brokered talks between the military junta and opposition broke down in Mauritania—while former Black slaves protest that laws abolishing slavery in the country have had little effect.

International lines drawn in Sudan war crimes warrant

While the Arab League is solidly rejecting the war crimes indictment against Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir, divisions are emerging within the African Union, UN and even Sudan’s Islamist movement.

UN may investigate Sudan for expelling foreign aid groups

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it may open an investigation into whether Sudan’s expulsion of foreign aid agencies is a breach of human rights law or war crime.

ICC charges Sudan president with war crimes, not genocide

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, charging him with war crimes and crimes against humanity, but not genocide.

Somalia president announces support for sharia

Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said he would support the imposition of a “moderate” form of sharia law as part of a cease-fire agreement with the country’s insurgents.

Rwanda tribunal convicts former priest of genocide

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda sentenced former priest Emmanuel Rukundo to 25 years imprisonment Feb. 27 after convicting him of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Riots rock Madagascar

Security forces in Madagascar’s capital fired teargas to disperse looters after an anti-government protest. Civil unrest has left 125 dead since the protest campaign began in January.

Sudan peace accords breaking down?

Bloody clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Upper Nile state has renewed fears that the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement is breaking down.

Sierra Leone war crimes court convicts three former guerrilla leaders

The Special Court for Sierra Leone found three former RUF guerrilla leaders guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity for their roles in the country’s civil war.

Somalia: rebel factions unite; Turkey sends warship

Islamist rebel factions in Somalia have formed a united front to fight the transition government, while Turkey announced it is sending a warship to help police the Somali coast against pirates.