Topic: African Union

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5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
Somalia: A timeline of change in a troubled country

Here is a timeline of changes, intervention, and mediation in 5 bite-sized bits.
3 questions US forces must answer before declaring victory in Libya
Four reasons help is slow to reach Somalia’s famine victims
Uganda election: Four reasons donor nations won't turn their backs on President Museveni

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Keep Calm Sudan and South Sudan to resume negotiations

After weeks of fighting, in which South Sudan took out one of Sudan's last remaining oil fields, the two countries are returning to the negotiation table, under African Union mediation.
With conference in Mogadishu, TEDx is officially everywhere

The Somali capital is not an obvious choice for a conference that highlights 'ideas worth spreading,' but organizers say growing peace gives Somalis a chance to change their future.
Keep Calm Rains cool off war in South Sudan (+video)

The six month rainy season gives time for Sudan and South Sudan to make progress in resolving differences. But the wet weather will strain the sanitation systems in refugee camps.
Keep Calm Fighting continues between Sudan and South Sudan, as economies collapse

At this time last year, South Sudan was preparing to become Africa's newest nation. Now the dispute between South Sudan and Sudan may turn both into the latest failed states.
Keep Calm West African bloc prepares to send troops into Mali and Guinea-Bissau

Two separate military coups in Mali and Guinea-Bissau threaten the stability of the region. But will an intervention by ECOWAS actually resolve these conflicts or just complicate them?
Will a new constitution make Zimbabwe more democratic?

A draft constitution, released this week, proposes term limits for presidents, as well as a commission to study past crimes against humanity.
Keep Calm UN Security Council prods Sudan and South Sudan back to talks

The UN Security Council voted to impose economic sanctions on Sudan and South Sudan if they don't stop fighting immediately and restart mediation over oil revenues and borders.
Terrorism & Security Al Shabab strikes Somali lawmakers

A suicide bombing in a Somali town more than 300 miles from Mogadishu killed at least two lawmakers who were engaged in trying to set up a lasting government.
On trip to China, South Sudan's leader warns of war with Sudan (+video)

South Sudanese President Kiir is in Beijing to tighten economic links to China, traditionally a close ally of Sudan's.
Terrorism & Security Amid dispute over oil, Sudan bombs South Sudanese towns (+video)

When South Sudan declared independence from Sudan, it took three quarters of the formerly united country's oil, which has since been a source of tension and conflict.
Sudan threatens to unseat South Sudan government amidst clashes

Omar al-Bashir said he would "liberate" the people of South Sudan if fighting over oil revenues continue.
Terrorism & Security Sudan says talks off as border fighting with S. Sudan worsens

Khartoum mobilized its military after Sudan's attack Monday and South Sudan's counterattack Tuesday. The fighting could threaten the region's oil production, a Sudanese official predicts.
Africa Monitor How to respond to Boko Haram’s evolving threat to Nigeria

Guest blogger G. Pascal Zachary argues that Nigeria must treat the Islamist militant group Boko Haram as a homegrown threat, fueled by decades of unaddressed regional grievances.
Backchannels Did Libya's revolution topple Mali into crisis?

Maybe, but the Tuaregs have longed for independence for decades, and Mali's security has been declining for years.
Africa Monitor Bombers coopt the 'symbol' of Mogadishu's National Theater

Mogadishu's National Theater has been used as a symbol in Somali politics and the western press, but others used it as a symbol of their own during Wednesday's bombing, writes a guest blogger.
Terrorism & Security Deadly blast at Somali theater mars Mogadishu's budding peace

At least 10 people were killed in a suicide bombing at Somalia's national theater in Mogadishu. The capital of the wartorn country had been experiencing a revival of sorts.
Suicide bomber kills six in Somali capital

The militant Islamist group Al Shabab is claiming responsibility for the attack that targeted senior government officials Wednesday.
Youth discontent drives vote to oust Senegal's president

Despite President Wade's achievements in fixing infrastructure, high unemployment and rising prices spur frustration among Senegal's youthful majority.
Keep Calm Senegal's president concedes defeat, a welcome step in region of coups

After winning court permission to run for a third term, overriding a constitutional ban, President Abdoulaye Wade steps aside – breaking a pattern of Senegalese leaders overstaying their welcome.
Keep Calm Outgunned against rebels, Mali soldiers overthrow government

After a string of defeats against better armed Tuareg rebels, Mali's army staged a mutiny and overthrew the government.
Zimbabwe activists sentenced for watching Arab Spring video

Found guilty for conspiracy to commit violence, six Zimbabwe activists are given fines and community service. Opposition members see beginning of crackdown ahead of elections.
Africa Monitor Progress on citizenship and border issues in Sudan and South Sudan?

South Sudan and Sudan appeared to make progress in their latest talks in Addis Ababa, despite heightened regional tensions, writes guest blogger Amanda Hsiao.
Ethiopian Army attacks Eritrean military post in retaliation for rebel violence

Ethiopia's attack on an Eritrean-based rebel camp is the latest sign of deteriorating relations with Eritrea. Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a two-year war in 1998 that killed some 70,000 people.
Keep Calm Blowback? Kenya pins Nairobi grenade attack on Somali Islamists

Kenyan police have arrested four people in Sunday's grenade attacks in Nairobi, which killed 7 people. Is it blowback for Kenya's military involvement in Somalia?
Will new talks between Sudan and South Sudan end oil dispute?

In January, South Sudan cut off oil production, accusing its northern neighbor of stealing its oil. Now the African Union is aiming to settle things down.