Peace and Security Council Report No 29
International observers of the presidential election in Liberia and those from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have said the election process was credible.The second democratic election in Liberia after the end of the civil war was a test for the political elite’s resolve to maintain the fragile stability that has existed since the 2006 historic victory of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. These elections have taken place at a time when the reform process is far from complete and Liberia is still faced with serious socio-economic and political challenges. The post election analysis critically examines the possible scenarios in the aftermath of the election and options by the PSC to support the reconstruction and national reconciliation process in Liberia.
The focus of the international community seems to have shifted away from the crisis in Sudan following the independence of the South Sudan in July 2011 and has been overshadowed to a large extent by the Arab spring. However, the fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and fighters of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement –North (SPLM-N) that started in South Kordofan and spread into the Blue Nile state has entered its fourth month. There are no indications that the fighting in these two states will stop soon. In the absence of international effort to end the violence each side seems to believe that there is an advantage in continuing the war. This regional security analysis looks at the conflict and suggests measures needed to be taken by national, regional and international actors to prevent further escalation of violence.
The prominence, capacity and outreach of AQIM have grown significantly in recent years. Being active in a large, unsecured, ungoverned region with porous borders and countries with weak security capabilities, and an absence of strong regional organization, the group has an effective safe haven for its operations. The recently acquired weapons from Libya may further embolden the group, while its alliance with Boko Haram could serve to increase its continental profile, thereby making it a very serious source of insecurity and instability. There is also a growing fear that a possible partnership between AQIM and Al Shabaab’s militia in Somalia could create a chain of terrorist cells stretching from the west through the Sahel to the east of Africa. The analysis sheds light on recent developments on the activities of AQIM and suggests ways the PSC could seek to reduce the threat.
The security situation in Burundi can hardly be described as stable since the 2010 elections. There have been attacks on civilians, fights between security forces and unidentified gunmen, and allegations of politically motivated arrests and killings.The analysis on Burundi explores the internal dynamics and ways to resolve the political deadlock in the country.
The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are among the five main pillars of the African Peace and Security Architecture (ASPA). Various documents require the PSC and the RECs/RMs to ensure regular exchanges of information, promote closer partnership and enhance coordination between their activities. This retrospective article looks at such cooperation in the light of the ECOWAS partnership with the AU.
Duke Kent-Brown (Editor)
