Olivia Russell’s Post

Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)'s just-released 2023 Annual Report on Violence Targeting Local Officials reveals alarming trends across the globe. ▪ Asia-Pacific: With 891 attacks, this region remains the most dangerous. India and Myanmar lead with the highest number of incidents. Fatalities are a significant concern, reflecting the severe threat to local governance. ▪ Latin America & the Caribbean: The only region where violence increased, recording 580 attacks. Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil are hotspots, with criminal groups and election-related violence posing major risks. The high fatality rate underscores the urgent need for action. ▪ Africa: At least 636 attacks were recorded, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Somalia leading the count. Despite a decrease from 2022, the upward trend since 2019 is concerning. Fatalities remain high, particularly in conflict zones like Somalia and Nigeria. As 2024 sees elections in at least 64 countries, understanding the risks faced by local officials is essential. Download and explore the full report and register for our 23 May webinar on the topic: bit.ly/acled-vtlo-webinar

The planned withdrawal of SAMIM forces from #CaboDelgado in a couple of months and the increasing number of attacks on civilians should be an urgent reminder to ensure your personnel working in remote areas are well protected and emergencies are planned for. #Africa #Mozambique #Emergencyplanning #Evacuation #Protection #82Risk

For those of you interested in war & organized violence, I'm struck by some statistics from the ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data) 2024 mid-year update: 👉 1 in 7 people worldwide are estimated to have been exposed to armed conflict so far in 2024. 👉 87% of the Palestinian population across Gaza and the West Bank were exposed to extreme violence from 1 July 2023-30 June 2024. 👉 Myanmar hosts over 1,500 distinct armed groups. https://lnkd.in/epP42qkD

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office has seen the continued activities of armed non-state actors despite adopting kinetic and non-kinetic measures to combat insecurity. In his first year (May 29, 2023, to May 29, 2024), Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database recorded 3,959 casualties (3,444 deaths and 515 injured persons) and 2,691 kidnap victims from 1,095 violent incidents across the country. From the data, his first year records an average of three violent incidents, resulting in ten casualties and seven kidnap victims daily. Compared to previous years, the Tinubu administration recorded the second-lowest violent conflict incidents (1,095) but with the second-highest kidnap count (2,691). Regardless, the toll of the violence continues to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, leading to a vicious cycle of humanitarian tragedies and unending terror. This report captures the trend of violent conflicts in Nigeria to help security stakeholders make sense of the security challenges in President Tinubu’s first twelve months in office. As Nigeria navigates its complex security landscape, President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to securing the nation. Click here - https://bit.ly/45b5mhY to download the report.

The intensification and ongoing spread of gang violence to new areas in #Haiti highlights the government’s inability to address the country’s security crisis. The diffused nature of violence has pushed Haiti to the number eight ranking in the ACLED Conflict Index, a significant jump compared to the past year. More here: https://lnkd.in/eM7V47cU

In February, #CaboDelgado witnessed a significant level of political violence, with #ACLED data recording a total of 24 political violence events. These incidents led to a tragic outcome of at least 44 reported fatalities, underscoring the grave situation in the area. A closer look at the nature of these events reveals a distressing pattern of violence against civilians, with 17 out of the 24 incidents specifically targeting non-combatants. The majority of these attacks against civilians were attributed to ISM, marking a concerning trend in the conflict dynamics. Explore further: https://bit.ly/3Tid8kM #Mozambique #PoliticalViolence

Trends in Cabo Delgado: - Monthly fatalities for December were the highest since August 2023 - All ISM incidents occurred in either Macomia or Muidumbe districts - Violence against state officials, related to the response to the cholera epidemic, re-emerges in the south of Cabo Delgado

What is Happening in Haiti? Our latest RileySENTINEL report from our Geopolitical and Security Special Advisor Treston Wheat, PhD, and our Director of Operations Dominic Stam offers a sobering analysis of the escalating violence and political turmoil in Haiti. It highlights the control of over 80% of Port-au-Prince by gangs, the challenges facing a multinational force led by Kenya, and the bleak outlook for political and economic stability. The report evaluates systemic issues, including law enforcement inadequacies and economic crises, contributing to the complex security landscape. It also explores the rise of vigilante groups and the potential for civil war, comparing Haiti’s situation with counter-gang strategies elsewhere. For businesses operating in high-risk regions, understanding these dynamics is crucial. Riley Risk's comprehensive analysis and advisory services are designed to inform and support your strategic decision-making. #HaitiCrisis #StrategicAssessment #RiskManagement #RileyRisk #GlobalOperations

New Post: #Breaking: Statement on #UNRWA Allegations - https://lnkd.in/dkAwFVCn Statement on UNRWA Allegations 01/26/2024 10:09 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson The United States is extremely troubled by the allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.  The Department of State has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on January 25 to emphasize the necessity of a thorough and swift investigation of this matter.  We welcome the decision to conduct such an investigation and Secretary General Guterres’ pledge to take decisive action to respond, should the allegations prove accurate.  We also welcome the UN’s announcement of a “comprehensive and independent” review of UNRWA.  There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7. UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support.  Their work has saved lives, and it is important that UNRWA address these allegations and take any appropriate corrective measures, including reviewing its existing policies and procedures. The United States has reached out to the Government of Israel to seek more information about these allegations, and we have briefed Members of Congress.  We will remain in close contact with the United Nations and Government of Israel regarding this matter. Robert Williams#News247WorldPress

New Post: #Breaking: Statement on #UNRWA Allegations - https://lnkd.in/dkAwFVCn Statement on UNRWA Allegations 01/26/2024 10:09 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson The United States is extremely troubled by the allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.  The Department of State has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on January 25 to emphasize the necessity of a thorough and swift investigation of this matter.  We welcome the decision to conduct such an investigation and Secretary General Guterres’ pledge to take decisive action to respond, should the allegations prove accurate.  We also welcome the UN’s announcement of a “comprehensive and independent” review of UNRWA.  There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7. UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support.  Their work has saved lives, and it is important that UNRWA address these allegations and take any appropriate corrective measures, including reviewing its existing policies and procedures. The United States has reached out to the Government of Israel to seek more information about these allegations, and we have briefed Members of Congress.  We will remain in close contact with the United Nations and Government of Israel regarding this matter. Robert Williams#News247WorldPress