[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Mali, South Sudan, Somalia, Mauritania, Djibouti, and Comoros Islands and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the On the Margins Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each month's roundup to info@jadaliyya.com.]
Comoros
K.L. Gangu Patron to Indo Comoros Cultural Forum Indian Honorary Consul K.L. Ganju has been selected as Patron of the Indo Comoros Cultural Forum, coinciding with the local cell phone film festival.
Comoros leader denies persecuting opponents ahead of vote - Saudi Gazette Comoros President Azali Assoumani insisted that the recent arrests of opposition figures ahead of March presidential elections are coincidental.
Comoros leader stirs anger by questioning outcry over Khashoggi killing Comoran President Azali Assoumani argued that the killing of Jamal Khashoggi did not merit international outrage. Assoumani said it took place at the Saudi consulate and was an internal Saudi matter.
The Comoros Archipelago and An Aged Tradition of Public Spaces During the last 1500 years, the Bangwe public spaces unique to Comoros have played a key role in shaping the national character. This article describes one such Bangwe in the town of Ikoni.
Djibouti
Death toll up to 28 after migrant boats sink off Djibouti: IOM Twenty-eight people died after boats carrying migrants from Djibouti to Yemen capsized. Two survivors were reportedly found.
The lowest point in Africa is this salty lake in Djibouti A photo essay on Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa and the world's saltiest lake. The lake is located in Djibouti.
U.S. Developing Supply Route Along Dangerous Stretch From Djibouti to Somalia The United States is attempting to connect its base in Djibouti with other installations located throughout the continent of Africa.
Djibouti president Ismail Omer Guelleh conferred with Padma Vibhushan India's president conferred a prestigious award on Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh as part of an attempt to strengthen relations.
Ethiopia capital suffers fuel shortage as import route is blocked A crucial shipment route between Djibouti's ports and the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa was blocked by protestors demanding an end to alleged attacks by militants of Somali origin.
Djibouti bases at Red Sea strait show outsize value This article discusses how Djibouti came to have such a large foreign military presence.
Mali
2 peacekeepers killed in attack in central Mali Two UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh were killed by an explosive device in the Douentza area in central Mali.
Mali-Niger: Climate change and conflict make an explosive mix in the Sahel Climate change is intensifying the armed conflict in the Sahel regions of Mali.
Sex traffickers hold 20,000 Nigerian women, girls in Mali - agency Sex traffickers have lured twenty thousand Nigerian women into prostitution in Mali. They recruited women with promises of work in hospitality in Malaysia.
The ‘Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women’ (MDD-W) Indicator is related to household food insecurity and farm production diversity: Evidence from rural Mali A team of researchers has found the "Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women" (MDD-W) to be an effective measure of food security in Mali.
Mauritania
Mauritania leader backs defense minister for presidency Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz has announced his support for Defense Minister Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in the upcoming presidential election.
Mauritania president: 'No problem shutting down social media' Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz claimed to supporters that social media networks are a security threat. He said he would not hesitate to block or shut them down.
Michela Occhipinti travels to Mauritania in her debut feature, Flesh Out Italian director Michela Occipinti visited Mauritania to film her latest film "Flesh Out." The film depicts a Mauritanian woman forced to gain weight ahead of marriage to comply with local customs.
Mauritania: Repressive Laws Restrict Peaceful Speech Human Rights Watch's annual report describes how Mauritania's government uses repressive tactics to curb free speech. This includes silencing anti-slavery activists.
Mauritania Minister of Defence runs for president According to a spokesman, Mauritanian Defense Minister Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is "our candidate, as a regime" in the upcoming presidential elections.
Mauritania pushes Great Turtle forward Mauritania's National Assembly ratified a cooperation agreement with Senegal to begin producing at the Great Turtle Ahmeyim gas field straddling the two countries.
FID taken for Phase 1 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project Greater Tortue Ahmeyim partners Kosmos Energy, BP, Petrosen, and SMHPM announced their final investment decision on the project. Offshore natural gas will be produced and converted to liquid natural gas (LNG) at an offshore platform off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal.
Somalia
Al-Shabaab suspects arrested on Kenya-Somalia border — Shabelle Several suspected members of al-Shabaab were arrested attempting to enter Kenya from Somalia with false documentation.
Somalia without 'organized authority:' online fury trails Museveni's remarks Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni caused controversy by describing Somalia as a country without an effective authority.
Somaliland: Russian Sovereignty Recognition for a Military Base in Sayla Port Russia is negotiating with Somaliland to recognize its sovereignty in return for a military base at the Sayla port.
Somalia is the most corrupt country in the world- Transparency International Transparency International rates Somalia the most corrupt country in the world, with Denmark the least corrupt.
Al-Shabab Brags Over Captured Somalia Army APC Al-Shabaab has displayed photographs of an armored personnel carrier (APC) it claims to have captured. It appears the APC belongs to Somali security forces.
Somaliland was mother country of ex-Somali Republic despite UN's legal errors The Somaliland Sun argues Somaliland has the legal right to separation from Somalia. The paper accuses the government of Somalia in Mogadishu of attempting to destabilize de facto autonomous Somaliland.
Kenya asks UN to fund war against Al-Shabaab - Daily Nation Indian Honorary Consul K.L. Ganju has been selected as Patron of the Indo Comoros Cultural Forum. Filmmaker Dr. Sandeep Marwah became chairman.
Ugandan police contingent deployed to Somalia under AMISOM Uganda is deploying a contingent of thirteen police officers to assist AMISOM in Somalia with security, VIP protection, hostage rescue, and other duties.
South Sudan
National ceasefire monitors not deployed due to budget constraints South Sudan's ceasefire commission has yet to deploy ceasefire monitors. Chairperson Desta Abiche Ageno cited funding concerns, as well as issues with monitors' freedom of movement.
Donors decline to fund South Sudan ceasefire monitors - South Sudan South Sudan has had difficulty securing international funding for implementing its ceasefire. South Sudan President Salva Kiir has called on international donors to fund the peace agreement so far without success.
South Sudan's Kiir reiterates his support to al-Bashir South Sudanese President Salva Kiir restated his support for his northern counterpart Omar al-Bashir. Meanwhile, al-Bashir faces protests in which South Sudanese have reportedly been killed.
It’s a hope. It’s a dream. But also a painful reminder of what has been lost The ICRC profiles Saidi, Nyabiel, and Nyakong, three refugees of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.
East Africa - Seasonal Monitor: Tue, 2019-01-29 South Sudan is at heightened risk of food shortages due to drier than usual weather beginning in the month of January. This followed seasonal rains that were heavier than usual.
South Sudan Information minister accuses international community of dividedness Information Minister Makuei Leuth argues his country South Sudan suffers from international efforts to divide the country. He cites the recent peace agreement, which requires assistance to implement, but assistance has not been forthcoming.
Try Dong Samuel Luak or release him now - Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan Nhail Tutlam calls for the release of his cousin, human rights attorney Mr. Dong Samuel Luak, as well as a colleague Aggrey Idri. The two were abducted in Nairobi by South Sudanese agents in January 2017.
Alarm over troops build-up in South Sudan - The East African The South Sudanese ceasefire commission expressed concern over build ups by both the government and a rebel faction in the Yei River State.
South Sudan editor flees after receiving gag order Al-Watan editor Michael Christopher fled from South Sudan to Cairo after being warned not to cover protests in Sudan. A letter from the media authority warned him not to cover protests in a "friendly nation."
Sudan
Sudan protest hub: Intelligence chief orders release of all detainees The chief of Sudanese intelligence has ordered that all detainees from ongoing protests be released. Suppression of independent media remains.
Sudanese hold sit-ins to express rejection of al-Bashir's regime Hundreds of members of the Sudanese Professionals Association held sit-ins at designated public squares to protest the regime of President Omar al-Bashir.
Sudanese Govt detains daughter of opposition leader – Punch Newspapers Sudanese security forces detained Miriam Sadiq al-Mahdi, deputy leader of the Umma Party. Her father, party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi was the last prime minister before Bashir seized power in a coup in 1989. Protests in Sudan began on 19 December.
Sudan professors hold sit-in against Bashir - The East African In an escalation of protests that began on 19 December, over three hundred Sudanese university professors held a sit-in against the Bashir regime.
Omar Al-Bashir: Sudan's embattled long-serving president [Profile] Africanews profiles Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is facing protests against his rule that began on 19 December. The article cites the loyalty of the security forces as a key factor underpinning the survival of the regime.