Militant Advances in Mali

A group of Arab militants have taken over control of a town close to Timbuktu in Mali, whilst a new group of Islamist militants are currently amassing outside Kidal.

French forces recently led an international effort to take back control of northern Mali from Al Qaeda-linked Islamist rebels and return it to the national government in southern Mali. The rebellion in Northern Mali was originally started by Tuareg rebels from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), who then formed an allegiance with Islamist militant groups before being pushed aside. Many fighters from the MNLA crossed over to join the Islamists, and then promptly left again to join other groups when the French invaded. Ethnic Tuareg claim that they are discriminated against by the national government in Bamako

Read more at http://worldnewscurator.com/2013/04/22/militant-advances-in-mali/#24o36pJZfPSzcJUQ.99

Nigeria Kills 14 Suspected Militants in Kano Raid

Nigerian soldiers killed 14 suspected members of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram during a raid in the city of Kano on Sunday, said a military spokesperson.

A would-be suicide bomber was also arrested in possession of a car packed with explosives, say authorities.

One Nigerian soldier was also killed in the raid.

Police moved to raid the militant cell after receiving intelligence reports suggesting that they were planning a large attack against Christians on Easter Sunday.

The northern city of Kano has been hit by a series of terrorist attacks by Boko Haram – an Islamist rebel group which is fighting to create a breakaway Islamic state in northern Nigeria. Most recently a suicide attack targeting the Christian community left over 20 people dead on March 19th.

Ex-official Claims Government Agents are Behind Bombings…

Read more at http://worldnewscurator.com/2013/04/01/nigeria-kills-14-suspected-militants-in-kano-raid/#bqA44xyZl0kQ17KD.99

Post Coup Government Formed in CAR

The Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (CAR) has named a new government, following the recent coup which took control of the Presidency.

Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye, a civilian opposition leader who was appointed as part of a failed January peace deal between President Bozize and the Seleka rebel coalition but was allowed to stay in his post following the recent coup, named the 34 members of a new government, composed of rebels, opposition figures, and a single Bozize loyalist.

Rebel leader and new self-appointed President Djotodia also added defence minister to his list of official job titles. President Djotodia has vowed to step down from power following elections in 2016 which he will not contest.

The list of appointments to the new government was announced on national radio. It includes eight ministers drawn from the civilian opposition, and one minister who had been close to former President Bozize, as well as leading members of the Seleka rebel coalition….

Read more at http://worldnewscurator.com/2013/04/01/post-coup-government-formed-in-car/#wh0VGjLbq1S6r1Km.99

UN Gives Offensive Powers to Peacekeepers in DRC

Members of the United Nations Security Council have given their unanimous support to allow UN peacekeepers to launch offensive operations for the first time ever on Friday.

The Security Council passed a resolution which will create a force of 3,000 troops to be sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight rebel groups in the east of the country. The new ‘peacekeeping’ brigade will have revised rules of engagement which will allow them to launch “targeted offensive operations” to hunt down and disarm or neutralize armed rebels groups. Previously, UN peacekeeping brigades were able to guard key infrastructure, but could only engage enemies if attacked.

The Congo missions broader purpose will be to “prevent the expansion of all armed groups, neutralize these groups, and to disarm them,” the resolution said.

The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Augustin Matata Ponya welcomed the move, describing it as “the beginning of the end of armed groups” and saying “The DRC welcomes this vote, which marks a decisive turning point for re-establishing peace and security in the Kivu”.

South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi have all pledged troops to create the new brigade, says UN peacekeeping force chief Herve Ladsous. The force, along with surveillance drones, will be deployed to the Kivu region of DRC by July….

Read more at http://worldnewscurator.com/2013/03/29/un-gives-offensive-powers-to-peacekeepers/#VktYBVppgWD31p53.99