Algeria is turning its attention to its southern borders, as the growing threat of penetration by traffickers, as well as by terrorists from Islamic State (IS), the MUJAO, and other groups, spurred the heightened attention to the Niger and Mali frontiers. Algeria over the last few months bolstered its security presence along the borders with Libya and Tunisia, sending at least 3,000 additional soldiers to the east. This latest deployment, however, was to Adrar province, adjacent to Mali. Military authorities sent 4,500 Special Operations and infantry forces to repel any infiltration attempts in Bordj Badji Mokhtar.
Army command also reportedly hired 218 Bedouin and Touareg trackers to support troops protecting the 1,800km long southern border between Mali and Niger, in Tamanrasset and Adrar provinces. This is in addition to flying night sorties to track terrorist movements. The decision was made after the army command received a report indicating an alarming increase of terrorism-related crimes. The report talked about violent, international networks engaged in smuggling arms and individuals along the Mali border, as well as in Tamanrasset and Illizi. Army forces stationed on the borders recently thwarted infiltration attempts by terrorists.
The latest operation 8 November netted al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) figure Ouhli Abdurrahman, alias Abou Alqama al-Nidjiri. During the action in Bordj Badji Mokhtar, ANP troops killed several terrorists. Dozens more have been eliminated in recent months.
The security measures implemented on the borders came in the wake of warnings about the possible infiltration of pro-IS elements into Algeria. Several recent arrests indicate that the threat may come from anywhere. Algerian authorities recently dismantled a 15-member cell engaged in recruiting fighters for terrorist groups operating inside and outside Algeria. Interpol warned Algeria to be on the lookout for suspected ISIS fighters that may cross international borders. Unofficial estimates indicate that 200 Algerians have joined ISIS. Official figures put the number at 80.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces should be equipped with military technology to adapt to the changing warfare, Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi has said at a ceremony marking the graduation of 52 officers of Junior Staff Course Number 62 at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare on 13 November. Dr Sekeramayi said it was important to equip the Defence Forces with military technology because of innovations in information technology. "Due to dynamic nature of technology, the emerging nature of conflicts and to a larger extent, innovation in military technology, the face of warfare in general is changing dramatically," he explained. "Asymmetric warfare is one such emerging new phenomenon that the big powers are using against developing countries like Zimbabwe. I am glad that the Zimbabwe Staff College takes into account all these developments when designing its curriculum in order to counter future threats."
Dr Sekeramayi said training in military technology, military leadership and socio-economic issues would broaden understanding of the challenges in various parts of the world. He said professional training in the security sector had raised the country's image internationally. "Investments in professional training and career development activities over the years have seen the Zimbabwe Defence Forces an envy of many," Dr Sekeramayi said. "This is evidenced by the prestigious achievements made by our gallant uniformed forces both locally and internationally
Training programmes, especially in military technology would preserve the legacy of the founding fathers of the ZDF. Training is one of the pillars of success for our Defence Forces as it improves their efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining peace and tranquillity in our beloved Zimbabwe, SADC, Africa and beyond. I urge you to remain vigilant and patriotic as some elements bent on reversing the gains of our independence are always looking for the slightest opportunity to exploit. The defence of our sovereignty is not negotiable and it will never be bought or sold."
Troubled by the current wave of insecurity in the nation, especially in the North-east region, the Nigerian Navy (NN) on 15 November said it had begun continuous training for personnel to be better positioned in tackling such challenges. Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, made this disclosure at the closing ceremony of the Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC), held in Lokoja, Kogi State. Themed ‘Transforming for Enhanced Nigerian Navy Operational Efficiency’, the conference’s objective was to adapt and appropriately respond to current and emerging security challenges facing the nation. He said: “Modern trends require an adequately trained force and it is in this regards that we will continue to develop our manpower to meet the ever changing security challenges."
At the end of the conference, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, R.Adm. Ameen Ikioda, however said the single most influential challenge to the smooth implementation of the NN transformation plan is funding.
Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh met with his Cameroonian counterpart Lt.Gen. Meka Rene Claude at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on 12 November in a bid to work out modalities on areas of cooperation between the two Armed Forces to tackle the terrorism challenge faced by both countries.
Badeh pointed out that in the interest of mutual national security of both nations, their Armed Forces needed to forge ahead together in order to harness available areas of cooperation for the protection of their people. He also called for regular joint military training exercises, which he emphasized, would be beneficial to both countries as it would avail them the opportunity to learn from each other, thereby improving their capabilities and relationship.
For his part Gen. Rene Claude called for collaboration between both nations’ military, stating that this collaborative effort should be a continuous process, since both countries have many areas in common. He pledged Cameroon’s support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in the war against terrorism.
At the meeting, the Ministers agreed that member states could conduct operations around their common borders even as the draft resolution for the legal framework is being worked out. In addition, the Ministers agreed to operationalize the Multinational Task Force which is to be headed by a Chief of Staff by 20 November 2014.
Veteran diplomat Michel Kafando, just sworn in as Burkina Faso's interim president to oversee a year-long transition to civilian rule, will on Wednesday appoint Army strongman Lt.Col. Isaac Zida as prime minister. The deal has been agreed between politicians and Army leaders. Zida was put in power in the immediate aftermath of the uprising against longtime-leader Blaise Compaore last month. Kafando was sworn in on Tuesday and pledged he would not let the country become a "banana republic." Poised to formally take over Friday from an interim military ruler, the 72-year-old emphasised his "humility" as a leader aware that he temporarily held "power that belongs to the people." Kafando, who served as Burkina Faso's UN envoy from 1998-2011 and as foreign minister in 1982-83, was chosen to head the transition after tortuous negotiations between the military, political parties and civil society groups. He is barred from standing in elections scheduled to be held in November next year under the transitional deal.
Mass unrest erupted in late October over Compaore's bid to change the constitution, which would have allowed him to extend his 27-year rule of the former French colony. Compaore was 36 when he seized power in a 1987 coup in which his former friend and one of Africa's most loved leaders, Thomas Sankara, was ousted and assassinated. He held on to power in the following decades, being re-elected president four times since 1991. His foiled attempt to extend his rule was closely watched across Africa, where at least four heads of state are considering similar tactics to stay in power, from Burundi to Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Compaore has taken refuge in neighbouring Ivory Coast, where he is living in a luxury villa owned by the state.
One of Nigeria's most powerful Muslim leaders, the emir of Kano, has voiced support for vigilantes fighting Boko Haram, urging others to form civilian militias and questioning the competence of the military. The comments were made by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who became emir earlier this year after being sacked from his post as the central bank governor, where he was one of the government's most high-profile critics. It is extremely rare for Nigeria's clerics to speak explicitly about political and military affairs, but many expected Sanusi to defy convention and inject himself into public debate after assuming the highly influential post. He was sacked from his post and the subject of a government investigation, fuelled by allegations of misconduct, after he went public with charges that hundreds of millions of dollars had gone missing from the central oil fund and refused to back down in the face of threats from the president and the federal government. He called on people to be alert to the security situation and prepare to defend themselves. While Sanusi did not mention Boko Haram by name, it was clear he was discussing efforts to resist the Islamist rebels. He pointed out that those with special skills and tasks, such as hunters and vigilantes, should utilise it well in the fight. Sanussi stated that the people should not wait for the military to come to their aid, as the military usually only arrives after the innocents have been slaughtered or they flee from the battle.
Nigeria's military has been cooperating with various vigilante forces in the northeast for more than a year, often relying on civilians to do the bulk of the fighting against the insurgents. Witnesses said it was vigilantes who recaptured the symbolically important northeast town of Chibok from Boko Haram at the weekend, with troops staying clear of the heavy fighting. The military has repeatedly been accused of leaving civilians defenceless against Boko Haram attacks and failing to respond to distress calls made in advance of raids.
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| Islamic State threatens Algeria. |
The latest operation 8 November netted al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) figure Ouhli Abdurrahman, alias Abou Alqama al-Nidjiri. During the action in Bordj Badji Mokhtar, ANP troops killed several terrorists. Dozens more have been eliminated in recent months.
The security measures implemented on the borders came in the wake of warnings about the possible infiltration of pro-IS elements into Algeria. Several recent arrests indicate that the threat may come from anywhere. Algerian authorities recently dismantled a 15-member cell engaged in recruiting fighters for terrorist groups operating inside and outside Algeria. Interpol warned Algeria to be on the lookout for suspected ISIS fighters that may cross international borders. Unofficial estimates indicate that 200 Algerians have joined ISIS. Official figures put the number at 80.
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| Minister of State for National Security Sydney Sekeramayi |
Training programmes, especially in military technology would preserve the legacy of the founding fathers of the ZDF. Training is one of the pillars of success for our Defence Forces as it improves their efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining peace and tranquillity in our beloved Zimbabwe, SADC, Africa and beyond. I urge you to remain vigilant and patriotic as some elements bent on reversing the gains of our independence are always looking for the slightest opportunity to exploit. The defence of our sovereignty is not negotiable and it will never be bought or sold."
***
Troubled by the current wave of insecurity in the nation, especially in the North-east region, the Nigerian Navy (NN) on 15 November said it had begun continuous training for personnel to be better positioned in tackling such challenges. Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, made this disclosure at the closing ceremony of the Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC), held in Lokoja, Kogi State. Themed ‘Transforming for Enhanced Nigerian Navy Operational Efficiency’, the conference’s objective was to adapt and appropriately respond to current and emerging security challenges facing the nation. He said: “Modern trends require an adequately trained force and it is in this regards that we will continue to develop our manpower to meet the ever changing security challenges."
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| "Training would continue to adapt to ensure that the NN contributes more to the development of the country by ensuring Nigeria’s maritime environment and other troubled spots around the country in line with my mission and vision statement," Chief of Nigerian Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin said. "Efforts at ensuring an environment of peace and security will continue to be our focus and will be pursued with greater zeal." |
At the end of the conference, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, R.Adm. Ameen Ikioda, however said the single most influential challenge to the smooth implementation of the NN transformation plan is funding.
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Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh met with his Cameroonian counterpart Lt.Gen. Meka Rene Claude at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on 12 November in a bid to work out modalities on areas of cooperation between the two Armed Forces to tackle the terrorism challenge faced by both countries.
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| Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh Wednesday met with his Cameroonian counterpart Lt.Gen. Meka Rene Claude. |
For his part Gen. Rene Claude called for collaboration between both nations’ military, stating that this collaborative effort should be a continuous process, since both countries have many areas in common. He pledged Cameroon’s support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in the war against terrorism.
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| Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh commended Cameroon Defence Forces for their support and commitment to the fight against Boko Haram and other criminalities. “This is clearly attested to by the recent success our two countries have recorded against Boko Haram in the past few weeks,” he added. While acknowledging and appreciating all that Cameroon and Nigeria have achieved so far, the Nigerian Defence Chief said “it is crucial that we consolidate on the gains made and enhance the level of co-operation that currently exists between our two militaries.” |
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Veteran diplomat Michel Kafando, just sworn in as Burkina Faso's interim president to oversee a year-long transition to civilian rule, will on Wednesday appoint Army strongman Lt.Col. Isaac Zida as prime minister. The deal has been agreed between politicians and Army leaders. Zida was put in power in the immediate aftermath of the uprising against longtime-leader Blaise Compaore last month. Kafando was sworn in on Tuesday and pledged he would not let the country become a "banana republic." Poised to formally take over Friday from an interim military ruler, the 72-year-old emphasised his "humility" as a leader aware that he temporarily held "power that belongs to the people." Kafando, who served as Burkina Faso's UN envoy from 1998-2011 and as foreign minister in 1982-83, was chosen to head the transition after tortuous negotiations between the military, political parties and civil society groups. He is barred from standing in elections scheduled to be held in November next year under the transitional deal.
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| Burkina Faso Army Leader Lt.Col. Zida to be appointed as prime minister. |
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One of Nigeria's most powerful Muslim leaders, the emir of Kano, has voiced support for vigilantes fighting Boko Haram, urging others to form civilian militias and questioning the competence of the military. The comments were made by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who became emir earlier this year after being sacked from his post as the central bank governor, where he was one of the government's most high-profile critics. It is extremely rare for Nigeria's clerics to speak explicitly about political and military affairs, but many expected Sanusi to defy convention and inject himself into public debate after assuming the highly influential post. He was sacked from his post and the subject of a government investigation, fuelled by allegations of misconduct, after he went public with charges that hundreds of millions of dollars had gone missing from the central oil fund and refused to back down in the face of threats from the president and the federal government. He called on people to be alert to the security situation and prepare to defend themselves. While Sanusi did not mention Boko Haram by name, it was clear he was discussing efforts to resist the Islamist rebels. He pointed out that those with special skills and tasks, such as hunters and vigilantes, should utilise it well in the fight. Sanussi stated that the people should not wait for the military to come to their aid, as the military usually only arrives after the innocents have been slaughtered or they flee from the battle.
Nigeria's military has been cooperating with various vigilante forces in the northeast for more than a year, often relying on civilians to do the bulk of the fighting against the insurgents. Witnesses said it was vigilantes who recaptured the symbolically important northeast town of Chibok from Boko Haram at the weekend, with troops staying clear of the heavy fighting. The military has repeatedly been accused of leaving civilians defenceless against Boko Haram attacks and failing to respond to distress calls made in advance of raids.