Peace and Security Council Report No 27

The Darfur crisis has received very little attention from the international or regional organisations and media in recent months. However the humanitarian situation in Darfur continues to be affected by the continuing violence while the focus has been on the ongoing conflict in North Africa and the newly born state of South Sudan. The analysis on Darfur looks at the current situation in the troubled region and the prospect for peace and stability. The recent series of terrorist attacks and religious violence has seriously compromised the security of the most populous country in the continent. Nigeria has suffered from the growing prominence and spreading activities of the Boko Haram, the notorious radical Islamic sect which recently attacked the UN office in Abuja. The piece on Nigeria critically examines at the group and its impact on the peace and security of Nigeria and beyond. The attempted coup in Niger was a reminder to the AU, ECOWAS and other actors that peace and stability is much more than democratic elections. The nation which has recently witnessed a smooth transition of power from a military junta to a democratically elected civilian government is still facing serious security and political challenges. The analysis constructs possible scenarios and early response optionsto stablise the country and consolidate the gains in Niger. The election of the AU Commission Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and eight Commissioners is scheduled for January 2012. The report also includes a spotlight on this crucial activity of the commission.

Duke Kent-Brown (Editor)