What is behind the sharp drop in deaths in Burkina Faso’s war?

The decline in conflict-related fatalities raises many questions, especially since the number of attacks against civilians, battles between armed actors and other acts of violence has remained the same.

For months, Belko Dialo’s* hometown of Djibo in the restive north of Burkina Faso was blockaded by armed groups that largely cut off its connection with the capital, Ouagadougou.

Mozambique to probe human rights violations in war on terror

Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi said Wednesday that alleged human rights violations by members of the Security and Defence Forces (FDS) in the fight against terrorism will not be tolerated.

“Human rights violations will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures will be taken,” he said.

Holdout rebels, sidelined victims, and other hurdles to peace in Darfur

A peace agreement last year between armed groups and Sudan’s transitional government was heralded as a landmark moment, coming as the country charts a new course following the ouster amid mass protests of long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir.

But in the western region of Darfur – one of several areas covered by the deal – resistance is coming from a major rebel group that refused to sign, as well as conflict-affected communities whose members complain that their voices have not been heard.

In Bid to Boost Its Profile, ISIS Turns to Africa’s Militants

Violence by Islamist extremists in Africa reached a record high last year. Now, the Islamic State is using those attacks to project an image of strength.

The Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate has fallen, its fighters have dispersed and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has been killed.

In Petition To The Indian Supreme Court, Shi’ite Leader Waseem Rizvi Demands Removal Of 26 Verses From The Koran That Promote ‘Militancy, Fundamentalism, Extremism, And Terrorism’

Syed Waseem Rizvi, an Indian Shi’ite leader known for issuing provocative statements against the majority Sunni Muslim leadership to gain favor with the country’s Hindu rightwing, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India seeking the removal of 26 verses of the Koran on the grounds that the verses spread extremism among Indian Muslims.

Senegal to open consulate in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara

Senegal will open a consulate in Western Sahara on Monday, joining other African and Arab countries in supporting Morocco’s claim to the disputed territory, two official sources said.

The consulate will be opened by the Moroccan and Senegalese foreign ministers in the Atlantic city of Dakhla, making Senegal the 22nd nation to establish a diplomatic mission in the territory, the sources said.