| Description |
Two actual or potential conflict situations around the world deteriorated and two improved in January 2010, according to the new issue of the International Crisis Group’s monthly bulletin CrisisWatch, released today.
In Haiti, up to 200,000 people are feared dead and several hundred thousand displaced after a devastating earthquake struck the country on 12 January. The earthquake inflicted major damage on infrastructure in and around Port-au-Prince and has reversed much of the recent progress in strengthening the country’s institutions. International troops were deployed, including some 13,500 from the U.S. and additional UN forces, although the security situation appeared to stabilise towards the end of the month.
The situation also deteriorated in Nigeria, where a fresh outbreak of violence between Muslims and Christians in the northern city of Jos claimed at least 320 lives, possibly many more, and sparked fears of reprisal attacks. In the fragile Niger Delta, dominant militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta announced an end to their three-month ceasefire amidst continuing delays in promised reintegration and regional development.
Events in Nigeria come in the context of a deepening political crisis at the centre, grounded in President Yar’Adua’s continued hospitalisation abroad, accusations of a rising governance deficit, and fierce debate over his fitness to remain in office. CrisisWatch identifies risks of a serious deterioration in security in the Niger Delta region over February.
Prospects for an end to extended military rule in Guinea improved... |
