ACLED Regional Overview: Rising Violence in Africa – February 2025
This ACLED Regional Overview provides insights into escalating violence in Africa as of February 2025. The Central African Republic witnesses increased attacks on Fulani groups, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo sees intensified civilian targeting amid M23 advances. Ghana experiences violence from a Bawku dispute, Niger faces jihadist-related fatalities, Somalia escalates airstrikes against IS, and Sudan’s Armed Forces capture strategic locations in Khartoum.
The ACLED Regional Overview for early 2025 reports escalating violence across several African nations. In the Central African Republic (CAR), violence against ethnic Fulani has sharply increased, attributed to a robbery that triggered retaliatory actions between Anti-balaka militias and Fulani pastoralists. The conflict resulted in over 130 civilian deaths, with Fulani pastoralists suffering the majority of fatalities, marking a significant uptick in violence for the region since early 2022.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the M23 armed group, in alliance with Rwandan forces, captured the regional capital of Bukavu. This advance prompted the Congolese army’s retreat and increased clashes with local militias. Civilian targeting surged, with the Congolese army often implicated in violence against civilians, compounding the challenges posed by the M23’s control of key areas.
Ghana is experiencing turmoil as conflicts related to the Bawku chieftaincy dispute overflowed into the North East region. This long-standing conflict between the Mamprusia and Kusasi groups has intensified, resulting in civilian attacks and military reprisals against those linked to the violence. This instability poses risks, providing opportunities for Islamist groups to exploit divisions further.
Niger witnessed a significant rise in fatalities due to an offensive by the Islamic State Sahel Province, which targeted military forces and villages near the border with Nigeria. This campaign appears aimed at asserting control over strategic resources, contributing to a dramatic increase in violence in the region, reflective of ongoing jihadist expansion efforts by various groups.
In Somalia, US and UAE-backed airstrikes against the Islamic State’s Somalia branch escalated. The intensified strikes in Puntland targeted key militants and training camps, with evidence emerging of IS’s growing threat in the region. Meanwhile, IS Somalia has responded with increased drone attacks, highlighting the evolving nature of the conflict.
Finally, Sudan’s Armed Forces made substantial territorial gains in Khartoum, capturing several strategic locations amid continued clashes with the Rapid Support Forces. The SAF’s advances reflect a broader offensive that has seen regaining control of numerous areas in the country, critical for future military operations against opposing militias. This surge marks an important phase in the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023.
In summary, the ACLED Regional Overview highlights a concerning rise in violence across multiple African nations in early 2025. The Central African Republic is witnessing deadly ethnic conflicts, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo deals with escalating civilian targeting amidst military conflicts. Ghana grapples with chieftaincy disputes leading to insecurity, and Niger faces increasing fatalities from jihadist offensives. Somalia’s airstrikes against IS militants have intensified, and Sudan sees significant military advancements by government forces, marking critical developments in these regions’ security dynamics.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
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