Genocide Monitor: Jan. 29, 2010
- AFGHANISTAN: Militants launched a brazen attack on government offices and other public targets in Kabul, while suicide bombs killed 7 people along the Afghan-Pakistani border
- SOMALIA: The new year has brought increased violence to Somalia, where 63,000 people have been displaced since January 1.
- EASTERN BURMA: In Rangoon, Aung San Suu Kyi awaits a decision on her appeal, while in the northern Shan State,the United Wa State Army is arming civilians.
- DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: MONUC and FARDC have begun Operation Amani Leo to provide increased protection for civilians and further disrupt the FDLR
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Spotlighted Conflict: Afghanistan
Situation on the Ground
Kabul Under Siege
Afghanistan’s capital came under attack on January 17 as well-armed insurgents struck government offices, a shopping center, a cinema, and a hotel frequented by foreigners, leaving 12 dead and 71 injured. The attack appears to have been planned by the Haqqani Network, an al-Qaeda affiliate based in North Waziristan, Pakistan.
While the attack demonstrates increasing brazenness among Afghanistan militants, the quick reaction by coalition and Afghan security forces ensured that no government building was heavily damaged.
Bombing in Eastern Afghanistan
Seven people were killed and another 24 wounded in insurgent suicide bombings at bazaars in Patkia and Khost provinces on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Khost is one of Afghanistan’s most volatile provinces.
Area of Concern: Somalia
Fighting in Beletweyne and Mogadishu
Between January 8 and 15, at least 30 were killed and over 50 injured during fighting between rival Somali militias. Hisbul Islam, backed by Al-Shabaab, and the government-aligned Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a clashed in the western town of Beletweyne. Most casualties were civilians and thousands were once again internally displaced.
In the capital, Mogadishu, battles between government forces and Al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam militants left at least 10 people dead. In the past two weeks, over 14,000 residents of Mogadishu have been displaced.
New Year Sees More Violence
According to UNCHR, over 63,000 people have been displaced in southern Somalia since the start of 2010.
Area of Concern: Burma
Wa Army Training Civilians
Burma’s largest ceasefire group, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) has reportedly been training thousands of civilians in Shan State since last year. The program is slated to end January 20.
The UWSA is a key player in Burma’s opium market and maintains strong support among ethnic Shan residents. Tensions have increased between the ceasefire group and the Burmese army over issues such as expansion of Wa territory and the integration of USWA soldiers into border guard units.
Awaiting Verdict on Suu Kyi Appeal
Burma’s Supreme Court heard the final appeal against the extended house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose sentence was extended by 18 months after an American swam to her lakeside home uninvited last year. The appeal is based on a legal technicality - the charges against Suu Kyi were brought under the old Burmese constitution, which is now defunct.
The extension of Suu Kyi’s house arrest would mean she would be unable to participate in the upcoming 2010 elections, though she is already constitutionally forbidden from running for office in the upcoming elections. A decision is expected within the next two weeks.
Area of Concern: Democratic Republic of Congo
MONUC and FARDC Begin Operation Amani Leo
Operation Amani Leo, Swahili for ‘Peace Today,’ focuses on protecting civilian populations with a special emphasis on women and children, and holding territory liberated from armed forces such as the FDLR.
The operation also aims to continue to pressure the FDLR through targeted interventions intended to disrupt the group’s command center and prevent it from regrouping.
Planned by senior UN peacekeepers and members of the Congolese Army (FARDC), Amani Leo began in early January. The operation aims to correct problems with its predecessor, Operation Kimia II, which was criticized for failing to protect civilians.
Legislators Take a Stand on LRA
More than 51 U.S. senators have co-sponsored the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, authorizing a new strategy to neutralize the LRA as well as an additional $10 million in annual aid to the Ugandan government.
Area of Concern: Darfur/Sudan
UNAMID to Receive 5 Tactical Helicopters
In a long awaited development, 5 Ethiopian tactical helicopters will be deployed to UNAMID forces in Darfur. The unit’s main body will arrive in Nyala, South Darfur on January 22, with the helicopters scheduled to join the force in mid-February. The helicopters should significantly enhance UNAMID’s ability to provide security in Darfur.
Bombings Resume in Darfur
Since the beginning of this year the Sudanese army has resumed daily bombardments in the Darfur region, resulting in the deaths of 5 civilians so far.
An official speaking on behalf of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) claims that Khartoum is targeting Arab nomads as punishment for their decision to join forces with other Darfur tribes. Areas that have been bombed include Al-Tamor, Abu Remail, Aljabat, Um Daraba and El-Geneina.
Sudanese Liberation Army rebels reported that the Sudanese government attacked the town of Furug on Saturday, January 16. According to the SLA, 18 civilians were killed when the market was attacked.
