ACLED

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟱𝟬 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘅 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 The #ACLED Conflict Index indicates that 50 countries are now categorized under extreme, high, or turbulent conflict levels, with a 15% increase in political violence recorded over the past year. Palestine, Myanmar, Syria, and Mexico hold the highest positions, reflecting the severe and complex challenges these nations face. Alarmingly, more than half of the countries at the top of the ranking are experiencing sustained or escalating conflict. With one in seven people worldwide exposed to violence in 2024, the global conflict landscape continues to deteriorate. Explore: https://lnkd.in/di6dsRCs

A current campaign against Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) in Macomia district is the sustained use of helicopters in combat. Since 29 July, ACLED data show the deployment of helicopters at least seven times in battles with ISM or in airstrikes against their positions. Helicopters were involved in five events in the final three days of July alone. Cabo Ligado understands that these are Rwanda Defence Force helicopters, a number of which have been only recently deployed in the province. The use of air power is a significant shift in Rwandan tactics in Cabo Delgado. It comes with risks that thus far Rwanda seems to be avoiding. For this and more, see our latest Cabo Ligado Update: https://lnkd.in/ezX7ddEq

𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽'𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 The Wagner Group's rebranding as "Africa Corps" marks a significant shift in Russian mercenary operations across Africa. Since the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner's influence in the Sahel has only intensified, with increased military activity and a closer alignment with the Russian Ministry of Defense. Our latest #ACLED Q&A sheds light on potential military engagements in Niger and Burkina Faso as the Africa Corps positions itself for a deeper role in regional conflicts. With deployments already in place, these operations may soon escalate to direct violence, signaling a new chapter in Africa's security landscape. Explore the full report for insights into how these developments could shape the future of conflict in the region: https://lnkd.in/ezETg7ki

𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 Drone warfare is reshaping the conflict landscape in #Sudan, reaching deep into territories once considered safe. As RSF troops deploy drones to target SAF-controlled areas, away from conflict zones, the threat has expanded far beyond the frontlines. The use of drones has introduced a new, unpredictable dynamic, as evidenced by the assassination attempt on SAF Commander Burhan. Explore how this development is intensifying the conflict and endangering civilians far from the battlefield: https://lnkd.in/eZNVKTek

The evolution of Russian mercenary activity in Africa has been significant since the death of Wagner Group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin one year ago today. The latest ACLED Q&A highlights the increased military operations under the rebranded Africa Corps, Moscow’s direct involvement, and the expanding footprint of Russian mercenaries across the Sahel and beyond. Explore: https://lnkd.in/dMgkrEfJ

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶: 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗼𝘇𝗵𝗶𝗻'𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵, 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 On the one-year anniversary of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death, the situation in #Mali continues to deteriorate as Russian mercenaries, particularly those linked to the Wagner Group/Africa Corps, play an increasingly prominent role. The offensive by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Russian mercenaries has escalated, particularly in northern Mali, with tactics becoming more brutal and reports of widespread violence targeting civilians. Key developments on the ground: ▪ Increased violence: #ACLED records an 81% rise in violence involving Russian mercenaries since Prigozhin’s death. ▪ Civilian targeting: 60% of violent events involving Wagner forces have targeted civilians, with tactics that include decapitation and burning of victims. ▪ Regional escalation: With Wagner/Africa Corps deployments made to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, violence in the region is likely to escalate. Explore the full Q&A for a detailed analysis of these shifts and their broader implications: https://lnkd.in/ezETg7ki

What’s next for Russian mercenaries in #Africa after Prigozhin? The latest ACLED Q&A discusses the transformation of the Wagner Group into Africa Corps, Moscow's tighter control over operations, and the implications for conflict zones across the continent. Key questions answered include: ▪ How has violence involving Russian mercenaries escalated since 2023? ▪ What are the new operational strategies under Africa Corps? ▪ What impact is this having on civilian populations? Explore the full Q&A: https://lnkd.in/eHre5TUP

𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝟭𝟬 - 𝟭𝟲 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 The conflict in #Ukraine continues to take a devastating toll on civilians. Russian shelling, missiles, airstrikes, and drone attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 27 civilians and left over 200 wounded across regions including Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Kyiv. Additionally, Ukrainian strikes on occupied areas also contributed to civilian casualties, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Explore the full report for more on the impact of the conflict on civilians: https://lnkd.in/dMw7xYHe 

𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 Zitamar News 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗙𝗮𝘅: 𝟱 - 𝟭𝟴 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 The Rwandan offensive against Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) launched at the end of July has continued into August, with aerial bombing concentrated on the coastal administrative post of Mucojo. Rwanda’s newly deployed air assets may have been deployed in response to the continued use of IEDs by ISM, which may hinder ground operations. Learn more in our latest report: https://lnkd.in/ezX7ddEq 

𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Despite increased government reporting on insurgent casualties, July 2024 saw 191 civilians killed in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions, with little mention of these incidents in official narratives. The focus remains on military successes, leaving the full impact on civilians underreported. Gain a deeper understanding in our latest EPO monthly report: https://lnkd.in/e29T3Fey