EISF | European Interagency Security Forum

Senegal: Election violence intensifying a week before polls

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:56:47 GMT

Over the weekend police forces clashed with opposition protesters in Senegal’s capital Dakar. Protests have been ongoing since President Wade announced his bid to seek a third presidential term in the elections that are due to take place on the 26th of February. If incumbent President Wade wins in the upcoming elections, it is likely that political unrest will further escalate - opposition groups have already announced they would make the country ungovernable if Wade does not withdraw his candidacy. Meanwhile the ECOWAS heads of state have endorsed a joint African Union-ECOWAS mission to oversee the Presidential elections this coming weekend.

Rebellion in Mali hampering Aid Effort in the Sahel

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:53:49 GMT

Recent fighting in Northern Mali between Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Malian government forces has sparked refugee movements across Mali into neighbouring countries. Aid agencies are now challenged by growing insecurity in a region that is already facing food shortages that could affect millions throughout the Sahel region. Last week, as a result of the recent rebellion, the NGO Medecins du Monde suspended its operation in Northern Mali. Meanwhile, other agencies also cite difficulties in scaling up operations in the current unpredictable environment.

Private Military and Security Companies: the New Humanitarians?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:20:49 GMT

An interesting new article sheds light on the relationship between private security providers and humanitarian actors. The article studies how private military and security companies (PMSCs) construct images of themselves as new humanitarian actors. Addressing similar points to the EISF paper on ‘Engagement with Private Security Providers’, the article highlights how PMSCs see the humanitarian sector as a business opportunity, as well as a way to help legitimise their business. As it becomes more difficult to distinguish between PMSCs and traditional humanitarian actors this can have consequences for the acceptance of aid workers and their security.

Risks of NGO-Journalist Collaboration & Security Tools of Journalists

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:28:00 GMT

Like aid workers, journalists often operate in the midst of conflict and are targeted because of their profession. The killings of a local journalist in Pakistan (claimed by the Taliban) and of a local reporter in Nigeria last week, indicate the dangers faced by journalist on a daily basis. While the risk profile of journalists differs significantly from that of aid workers, there are some similarities in risks, trends and developments related to security that are worth highlighting. This alert identifies some of the tools that are used by journalists to improve their safety and security, as well as looking into the risks that may result from NGO/media collaboration.

Nigeria: Sectarian violence and the threat of civil war

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:32:37 GMT

A sustained campaign of violence attributed to, and claimed by, Islamist sect Boko Haram in which many Christians have been killed, has triggered retaliatory attacks against Muslims in the south, and given rise to fears of civil war in Nigeria.

The terrorist threat has this week been combined with civil unrest over the abolition of fuel subsidies, leading to violent street protests in some areas, and escalating insecurity.

Counter Terrorism Legislation: the Impact on Humanitarian NGOs and New Developments

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:21:09 GMT

On the 14th of December 2011 European Parliament passed a resolution that calls for an assessment of the post 9/11 counter-terrorism measures taken in Europe, including on their cost, effectiveness, democratic scrutiny and impact on civil liberties. In a previous alert of February 2011 EISF looked at the evolving counter-terrorism legislation and its impact on humanitarian organisations. Two new documents review existing counter-terrorism legislation and the negative implications on the work and functioning of NGOs, including reduced access to people in need and delayed provision of assistance. Possible solutions and recommendations are also suggested by the writers.

War Risks for South Sudan

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:23:45 GMT

War Risks for South Sudan

Since South Sudan gained independent statehood in July this year, fighting between the North and South has intensified, exacerbating insecurity in the border area. This had led to worsening humanitarian conditions, mass displacements, and safety and security challenges for humanitarian agencies operating in the region. Rumours of imminent war between the two states are widely reported and the inflexible positions taken in peace talks do not give much hope for a swift resolution. Meanwhile, inter-ethnic fighting in South-Sudan, particularly in Unity and Jonglei states creates further instability and poses great challenges to the government of the world’s newest state.

Outcome Durban Climate Talks

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:36:44 GMT

The latest round of climate change negotiations in Durban ended in a historic agreement. After weeks of intense negotiation the conference concluded in a first time commitment from all countries to work out a global legally binding framework to cut emissions. This framework has to be negotiated and agreed upon by 2015 but will only come into force from 2020 onwards. The agreement, named ‘the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action’, also mentions a series of measures that should lead to an extension of the ongoing Kyoto Protocol and the establishment of a $100 billion Green Climate Fund for developing countries by 2020, to help them deal with the effects of climate change and move towards a green economy.

Egypt: An Uneasy Path to Democracy

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:29:15 GMT

Less than a week before parliamentary elections are scheduled, Tahrir Square is again filled with protesters demanding the reigning authority to step down. Numerous accounts of widespread violence against protestors recall the crackdown under Mubarak’s rule at the beginning of this year. Over 30 deaths have been reported with thousands wounded and unrest spreading to other parts of the country. The UN has condemned the violence and called for an independent inquiry into the abuses. Why have Egyptian’s taken to the streets again?

Securing Democracy in DRC

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:00:25 GMT

Elections are scheduled for November 28th, and predictions of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo are proving to have been well-founded. Despite calls by the UN, the EU and the African Union for peaceful elections, clashes between rival supporters, widespread lack of faith in the electoral process and inadequate policing have combined in past weeks to aggravate the volatile security situation. In a country where NGOs have come under an increasing threat, residents are already fleeing certain areas, and the controversial military are struggling to contain the activities of militia groups, there is cause for concern that electoral tensions may have serious humanitarian consequences.