Latest news with #ArmedConflictLocationandEventDataProject
Global News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
Canadian diplomat says West Africa terror threat has grown since his capture
A Canadian diplomat who was held captive by al-Qaida terrorists in the Sahara Desert for 130 days says Canada's promised boost to defence should include commitments to combatting the growing Islamic terrorism threat in Africa — a threat he says isn't getting the attention it deserves. Robert Fowler says it would take 'a very large and serious effort to eradicate' the groups that have taken root in West Africa's Sahel region — particularly Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali — and that U.S. military officials say are fighting to gain access to the western coast, which would increase their ability to attack North America. 'There's nothing we can say that will dissuade those people from doing what they're doing — I certainly learned that in the sand,' he told Mercedes Stephenson in an interview that aired Sunday on The West Block. 'They are deeply, absolutely committed and are evidently prepared to die in that commitment. So it would take a very large and serious effort to eradicate them, because they won't be convinced not to do it.' Story continues below advertisement Fowler, the longest-serving Canadian ambassador to the United Nations and an adviser to three former prime ministers, was captured by militants with the al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist group in December 2008 while serving as a UN special envoy to Niger. He was released along with other Western captives the following April. Since then, the presence of AQIM and other Islamic militant groups in the Sahel region has only grown, carrying out attacks against civilians while claiming wide swaths of territory. Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are currently ruled by military juntas who took power through coups in the last two years, with varying degrees of Islamic influence. 4:52 Why jihadist violence is getting worse in West Africa Around 5,000 civilians have been killed in the violence in those three countries in the first five months of this year, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a 25-per cent increase from the previous five months. Story continues below advertisement The loss of the French and American militaries from the region in recent months has further created a power vacuum, experts like Fowler say. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, told reporters last week that the U.S. military's withdrawal from Niger and an important counterterrorism base there last September means it has 'lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely,' as violent attacks in the Sahel continue to rise in both 'frequency and complexity.' He added that U.S. forces are 'standing with' local militaries in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin to prevent those groups from reaching their coasts. 'If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading,' Langley said in a media briefing. 'This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the U.S. shores.' Fowler said Canada also faces this risk, particularly the threat of individual acts of violence in the name of groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. 'I think it is fair to say that Islamic terrorism has not been beaten,' he said. 'Whatever success we had in Iraq, and the non-success we had in Afghanistan, hasn't in any way blunted the jihadi movement, and so we're going to have to be extremely vigilant.' Story continues below advertisement He added that western governments aren't prepared to commit the investments and military capabilities necessary to eliminate those threats in Africa. 'Whatever they should be doing, they won't be doing for all kinds of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with Africa,' he said. 'There are other issues and other concerns, and everybody needs money for those different things, and that doesn't leave much for Africa. 'The French had 5,000 top-line soldiers there for years, and they couldn't do it. It would take much more than that. But no, I don't think we have the will to do it.' 2:38 France pulls ambassador, troops out of Niger in wake of military coup Canada's new Africa Strategy, released in March, commits over $30 million to 'peace and security' projects in the Sahel and other conflict-affected regions like Sudan, but are focused primarily on humanitarian aid and civilian supports. Story continues below advertisement The Canadian Forces ended its peacekeeping mission in Mali in 2023 and has otherwise drastically reduced its presence on the continent. Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to bolstering border security, building on promises under the previous Liberal government to enhance screening of entry points and crack down on illegal crossings and smuggling. Fowler said the African threat should further inspire the Canadian government to spend 'a whole lot more' on defence, which he said has been 'pitiful' for years. Carney has vowed to get Canada's defence spending to NATO's target level of two per cent of GDP by 2030, and the Liberal platform promised $30 million in new spending over the next four years. The government spent just over 1.3 per cent last year. 'We don't have to think nice things about President Trump, but that doesn't mean he isn't wrong when he criticizes our defence performance,' Fowler said. 'He is right: we have been getting for years a free ride, particularly in continental defence.' While he wouldn't go so far as to recommend Canada sign on to Trump's 'Golden Dome' space-based missile defence concept, Fowler said it's 'illogical' that Canada is not part of the current U.S. ballistic missile defence initiative and similar programs. 'We very much have to convince the Americans that we are doing our bit, that we are sovereign and are committed to remaining so, because I think Canadians deserve that kind of defence of their territory,' he said. Story continues below advertisement Asked what advice he'd give Carney, Fowler said simply: 'Sign on.'
India Today
30-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Counting the dead: Pakistan's conflicts are the bloodiest
South Asia's unrest is pulling it in two directions. Nepal now sees the most frequent conflict events, largely driven by mass protests and political rallies. But it's Pakistan that bears the brunt of the bloodshed. New data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reveals a sharp contrast: civic-led unrest in some countries, lethal insurgencies in others — a split that carries weighty implications for domestic stability and cross-border new: In nearly a decade, Nepal recorded the most conflict events in South Asia, but Pakistan suffered the highest death toll relative to its it matters: These trends signal vastly different types of political unrest in the region — protests in Nepal along with India and other nations, and lethal insurgencies in Pakistan, with implications for domestic stability and bilateral relations. advertisementIn numbers (2016–2024):Nepal: 7.4 conflict events per 100,000, the highest in South Asia; and 0.07 deaths per 100,000, low fatalities despite frequent unrestPakistan: 3.2 events, 0.76 deaths per 100,000 — most lethal conflict trendIndia: 1.4 events, 0.10 deaths per 100,000; protest-heavy but relatively non-violentBangladesh: 1.1 events, 0.23 deaths per 100,000. Moderate unrest, second-deadliest per capitaIn-depth: Between 2016 and 2024, South Asia saw a significant rise in political conflict events. According to ACLED's data, Nepal consistently led the region in the number of events, driven mainly by mass protests and political rallies, averaging 7.4 events per 100,000 people. Although smaller in global geopolitics, Nepal reported the highest per capita rate of events. This difference is due to its smaller population and periodic bursts of localised unrest, often tied to governance issues or border tensions. However, Nepal's events dropped from 8.05 (2023) to 5.17 (2024).advertisementPakistan's conflict profile was the opposite. While it recorded fewer events than India, its per capita fatality rate was over seven times higher. An average of 0.76 fatalities per 100,000 reflects the more violent nature of the internal conflict, including militant attacks, cross-border skirmishes, and military also had a high count of protests. However, despite its large volume of unrest, India's conflict-related fatality rate remains comparatively low. India saw a moderate 1.4 conflict events per 100,000 people on average, with a relatively low death toll (0.10 fatalities per lakh).Bangladesh stood out with fewer events but a higher death toll, while countries like Afghanistan showed intermittent spikes without dominating either data: This story is based on data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, one of the most widely used global sources of real-time conflict monitoring. ACLED tracks political violence and protests around the world in real-time. It collects detailed information on the location, date, actors, and impact of events ranging from armed clashes to peaceful demonstrations.
Russia Today
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russia and Sudan discuss crisis in African state
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has held talks with the Sudanese ambassador to Moscow, Mohamed Siraj, to discuss the ongoing conflict in the African country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The discussions were held at Siraj's request and primarily focused on the military and political crisis in Sudan, 'including the urgent need for a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population,' according to the ministry. In addition, Bogdanov and Siraj discussed the prospects of enhancing the traditionally friendly ties between Russia and Sudan, the ministry's press service noted. In an interview with Izvestia earlier in April, Siraj expressed Sudan's ambition to elevate relations with Russia to a strategic partnership. He emphasized that Khartoum views Moscow as a steadfast friend and is counting on comprehensive cooperation across all sectors. READ MORE: A land of mass graves and mercenaries – Can this genocide be stopped? 'We [Sudan] are counting on a meaningful and vital partnership with Russia across all areas, which will enable it to make a clear and direct contribution to the reconstruction of Sudan,' the Sudanese ambassador stated. Siraj further pointed out that Moscow had consistently backed the Sudanese government since the onset of hostilities in the African country. 'Although the main military operation in Khartoum has been completed, significant and necessary military operations are still underway to clear the country of terrorist forces that have committed all kinds of violations against the civilian population, especially in the Darfur region in western Sudan,' Siraj stated. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by fierce fighting between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with both factions vying for control amid a stalled transition to civilian rule. Estimates of fatalities vary, although research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggests that over 61,000 people were killed in Khartoum state alone during the first 14 months of the conflict. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) indicated more than 28,700 fatalities by late November, including over 7,500 civilians killed in targeted attacks. READ MORE: Sudanese army declares capital 'free' (VIDEO) Last April, Bogdanov visited Sudan in 'a signal of support' for the Sudanese army amid its war with the RSF, Reuters reported. The Russia official met with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Morocco World
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Israel Escalates Ceasefire Violations in Lebanon
Rabat – Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes on Lebanon, on Saturday, at what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu and Defense Minister Israel Kats claimed to be 'dozens of Hezbollah targets.' The deadly strikes killed seven people, including two children, and injured 40 others. Israel alleges that the strikes were in response to several rockets that were intercepted after being fired from Lebanon, and claims that the 'counterattacks' have succeeded in hitting dozens of rocket launchers and a Hezbollah command center. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that his country is being dragged into a war that will lead to grave consequences on Lebanon and its people, mainly placing the blame on the military action in the south of Lebanon and called for 'decisive action to ensure that only the Lebanese state retains the authority to declare war or peace.' Reiterating its commitment to the November ceasefire, Hezbollah, in turn, issued a statement definitively denying any involvement in the attacks on Northern Israel, accusing Netanyahu of creating a pretext to renew its war on Lebanon. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa said that the Lebanese army has launched an investigation on the circumstances of the alleged rocket fire and called on the states sponsoring the ceasefire to 'deter the Israeli enemy from its continued violations and tracks under flimsy pretexts and false pretexts.' Salam also decried Israel's continued occupation of parts of the Lebanese territory as a violation of the November ceasefire and called on the international community to 'exert greater pressure on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories.' In fact, Hezbollah's latest rocket fires are the first they have launched since the ceasefire, whereas Israel has breached the agreement several times, repeating its exact playbook from Gaza. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was set to withdraw from the occupied parts of Lebanon by January; however, the IOF remain in five locations inside Lebanon and have carried out dozens of deadly strikes, striking civilians under the guise of targeting Hezbollah. By January 26, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that the IOF carried out 330 air strikes and shelling attacks since November, recording 260 residential properties destroyed alongside roads and other civilian infrastructure. Tags: (Israel) Newshezbollah lebanonlebanon
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Video of Burkina Faso massacre appears to implicate government-allied militia, watchdog says
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Video footage circulating on social networks of a recent civilian massacre in Burkina Faso appears to implicate government-allied militia, Human Rights Watch said, calling on authorities to investigate and prosecute all those responsible. According to testimonies collected by the watchdog, security forces and allied militias carried out large-scale operations in the Solenzo countryside on Monday and Tuesday, and targeted displaced Fulani in apparent retaliatory attacks against the community, which the government has long accused of supporting Muslim militants. 'The gruesome videos of an apparent massacre by pro-government militias in Burkina Faso underscore the pervasive lack of accountability of these forces,' said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch. 'Burkinabè authorities should take immediate action to end militia group attacks on civilians by punishing those responsible for atrocities like in Solenzo.' The government of Burkina Faso refused to comment on the report. Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation of 23 million in Sahel, an arid strip of land south of the Sahara, in recent years has become the symbol of the security crisis in the region. It has been shaken by violence from extremist groups and the government forces fighting them, much of it spilling over the border with Mali, and by two ensuing military coups. The military junta, which took power in 2022, failed to provide the stability it promised. According to conservative estimates, more than 60% of the country is now outside of government control, more than 2.1 million people have lost their homes and almost 6.5 million need humanitarian aid to survive. Based on video analysis, media reports, and local sources, most victims of the massacre in Solenzo appear to be ethnic Fulani, the Human Rights Watch said Friday. At least 58 people appear to be dead or dying in the videos, including at least two children, it said. According to analysts, the junta's strategy of military escalation, including mass recruitment of civilians for poorly trained militia units, has exacerbated tensions between ethnic groups. Data gathered by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project show that militia attacks on civilians significantly increased since Capt. Ibrahim Traore took power. Human Rights Watch says Burkinabè armed forces and militias have committed widespread abuses during counterinsurgency operations, including unlawful killings of Fulani civilians accused of supporting Islamist fighters. It it impossible to get an accurate picture of the situation in the country since the military leadership has installed a system of de facto censorship, rights groups said, and those daring to speak up can be openly abducted, imprisoned or forcefully drafted into the army.
