Regional Security Overview: February 2025 in Africa

The Regional Overview for February 2025 highlights escalations of violence in several African nations, including deadly ethnic conflicts in the Central African Republic, increased civilian targeting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, violence from Bawku disputes in Ghana, an offensive by the Islamic State in Niger, intensified airstrikes in Somalia, and advances by the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum. These developments reveal significant regional instability and the urgent need for responsive measures.

In the Regional Overview for February 2025, significant violence and conflict developments across various African countries are highlighted. In the Central African Republic, deadly attacks against ethnic Fulani have surged, exacerbated by a robbery that triggered retaliatory violence between Anti-balaka militia and Fulani pastoralists. This conflict resulted in over 130 fatalities, predominantly among the Fulani community, marking February as the deadliest month since March 2022.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo witnessed an escalation in civilian targeting as the March 23 Movement (M23) advanced in South Kivu. Following the capture of Bukavu by M23 and the Rwandan Defense Force, clashes erupted between the Congolese army and allied militias, resulting in significant civilian casualties and looting by FARDC soldiers. The instability fostered mob violence as locals attempted to enact justice against perceived criminals.

In Ghana, the violent chieftaincy dispute from Bawku has spilled over into the North East region, leading to increased attacks on civilians by unidentified armed groups. This conflict stems from longstanding acrimony between the Mamprusia and Kusasi groups over authority and land ownership, with recent violence involving gunmen attacking transportation routes.

Niger has also experienced a notable rise in fatalities as the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) launched an offensive in border areas, clashing with military forces and attacking villages. This offensive reflects a broader strategy of collective punishment against perceived state supporters, coinciding with competing jihadist expansion in the region.

In Somalia, intensified US and UAE airstrikes targeted bases linked to the Islamic State Somalia Province, marking a significant escalation in counter-terrorism efforts. Joint operations resulted in significant militant casualties, while IS Somalia has intensified its drone strike capabilities.

Sudan’s ongoing conflict saw the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) gain control of critical locations in Khartoum and surrounding areas, despite continued resistance from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The SAF has undertaken offensive actions, regaining over 100 strategic sites, which includes crucial supply routes that could bolster their operations against RSF and allied militias.

The events in February 2025 revealed significant escalations in violence across several African nations. The Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan all experienced dramatic security challenges, characterized by ethnic strife, military offensives, and terrorist activities. The trends observed underscore the complex interplay of local disputes and broader geopolitical dynamics, necessitating a comprehensive response to restore stability and security in these regions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int