Topic: Institute for Security Studies
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39 people killed in clashes in Kenyan village
The tit-for-tat cycle of killings may be related to a redrawing of political boundaries and next year's general elections, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Kenya said in late August.
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Ghana pulls off sixth 'free and fair' election in model for region
Despite problems with the voter registry and allegations of vote rigging, Ghanaians have once again chosen their president: John Dramani Mahama.
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Kenyan Christians fear former brethren are attacking churches
Some Christians converting to Islam in Kenya have been recruited by Al Shabab, a militant Islamist group with ties to Al Qaeda.
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When Al Shabab's last stronghold falls, will a guerrilla war follow?
Kenyan soldiers launched an attack on Kismayo, the last stronghold of Islamist group Al Shabab in Somalia. But many worry that if Kismayo falls, Al Shabab may revert to terrorist attacks.
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In Somalia, UN charcoal purchases could be funding Al Shabab terror group
A UN contract to buy charcoal for African Union troop kitchens in Somalia may indirectly be funding the country's Al Qaeda-allied Islamist army, the Monitor has learned.
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In Somalia, battle looms for militants' last major stronghold
Air and sea attacks around the key Somali port city of Kismayo this week point to a long-awaited offensive by the African Union Mission in Somalia against seasoned Al Shabab fighters.
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African Union gets a South African leader, lending the group heft
Observers hope that the long-deadlocked African Union will wield more influence with the economic and political power of South Africa behind it.
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Nairobi blast: Could have been Al Shabab or a 'lone wolf' sympathizer
Monday's explosion in a downtown market injured 38, the latest in a string of small attacks that may have been conducted by Al Shabab sympathizers both to kill and to create sense of insecurity.
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EU airstrike on Somali pirates echoes US drone strategy
An airstrike on Somali pirate logistics by EU helicopters puts EU members on footing similar to that of the US, which has used drones and special forces to target Islamist militant group Al Shabab.
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In Nigeria, Somalia, and Afghanistan: what is a foreign fighter?
In countries where colonial borders don't reflect ethnic or family ties, it's not as easy to decide who is a foreigner. Yet Nigeria has deported 11,000 foreigners in the past six months on suspicion of Islamist sympathies.
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Victims of Kenya violence shrug at ICC effort
Putting four senior leaders on trial at the Hague is not enough, say victims of the 2007-2008 wave of murder and arson in Kenya. The machete-swinging thugs who carried out the murders still walk free.
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Africa Monitor
Is Compaore's reign in Burkina Faso coming to an end?Burkina Faso's President Compaore is seeing new protests against his regime in Western Africa that may finally be sweeping him out of power.
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Africa Monitor
What to watch for as election season sweeps across AfricaThere are five countries in East and West Africa slated for elections in the near future. Guest blogger Alex Thurston outlines out the issues at hand in each election.
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How Qaddafi helped fuel fury toward Africans in Libya
During the past few weeks of uprising in Libya, hundreds of African migrant workers have been detained, beaten, or harassed by Libyans due to reports that African mercenaries are fighting for Muammar Qaddafi.
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Why Uganda's 25-year ruler is unlikely to face Egypt-style protests
Ugandans are expected to extend President Yoweri Museveni's 25-year rule in Friday's election. More voters seem to want change, but apathy and fear of brutal crackdowns prevent unrest.
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Africa Monitor
Five African stories you may have missed during Egypt's revoltStreet protests in Gabon, a punishing stalemate in Ivory Coast, a coming election in Uganda: there is plenty of news even as Africans remain glued to the Egypt revolt. Some of it may affect the price of your next steaming cup of cocoa.
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Mounting friction between Mugabe, Tsvangirai threaten Zimbabwe's government
Prime Minister Tsvangirai could pull out, leading to early elections that would favor President Mugabe, whose far-reaching powers haven't yet been curbed by promised constitutional reform.
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How a Kagame win in Rwanda election could destabilize region
President Paul Kagame is expected to win another seven-year term in today's Rwanda election. But critics say his strong-arm tactics against opponents could fuel future conflict.
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Terrorism & Security
Uganda bombing: Al Shabab suicide bombers attack during World Cup finalThree suspected Al Shabab suicide bombers killed more than 60 people, including one American, in successive bombings at places in the capital of Uganda, Kampala, where fans were watching the World Cup on TV.
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World Cup 101: Is South Africa really prepared to host the World Cup?
In recent years, South Africa caught a lot of flack as it fell beyond on stadium construction and infrastructure improvements for the World Cup. The country got the job done in the end. But one question mark remains over the cup: Security.
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Africa Monitor
World Cup robberies: Six tips for a safe visit to South AfricaThree foreign journalists were robbed Tuesday night near the Portuguese team's base camp north of Johannesburg. Security expert Johan Burger offers six safety tips for World Cup tourists, to prevent pickpocketing, robberies, and muggings.
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World Cup stampede renews concern over South Africa's preparedness
Sunday's World Cup stampede during a friendly between Nigeria and North Korea injured more than a dozen people, but officials say this will not be a problem at any of the tournament's official matches.
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Will terrorism acquittal of MDC's Roy Bennett salvage Zimbabwe unity government?
Roy Bennett, a white commercial farmer and top figure in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was acquitted Monday of terrorism charges. He's offered to lower his profile, but can that boost prospects of Zimbabwe's unity government?
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ICC to investigate Kenya election violence. Will leaders cooperate?
The International Criminal Court has told Luis Moreno Ocampo to investigate the role of senior politicians in 2008 Kenya election violence. But some are already suspected of working to undermine the ICC.
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Kenya political crisis: Kofi Annan to the rescue – again?
A corruption scandal threatens to tear apart the fragile coalition government, prompting fear of a return to the ethnic violence that killed 1,300 and displaced hundreds of thousands after the disputed elections of December 2007.
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