South Kivu situation extremely fragile, though tension eased after government forces retook Kamanyola 22 June from Colonel Jules Mutebutsi, officer in former Rwandan-backed RCD rebel movement. Forces loyal to Mutebutsi and General Laurent Nkunda captured and held Bukavu 2-9 June, leaving over 100 dead, causing waves of refugees before withdrawing. Mutebutsi withdrew to neighbouring Rwanda with several hundred men - disarmed by Rwandan authorities. Nkunda pulled back to north as Congolese president Joseph Kabila deployed 10,000 troops to eastern Congo. Aid agencies began slow return to region. U.S. and British diplomats shuttled between Kinshasa and Kigali to diffuse crisis. Kabila and Rwandan president Paul Kagame met 25 June in Nigerian capital, Abuja, agreeing to set up joint monitoring mechanism to deal with security concerns. Meeting with Uganda planned early July. Clashes in North Kivu between Congolese army and Rwandan Hutu Interahamwe rebels continued. Major Eric Lenge, senior officer in Kabila’s presidential guard, reportedly attempted coup in Kinshasa night of 10-11 June. Government said some participants arrested, but Lenge and alleged accomplices escaped. Two rival militia leaders arrested by MONUC in Ituri province. International Criminal Court (ICC) decided 23 June to open investigation into possible war crimes in Congo..

Eritrean presidential spokesman Yemane Gebremeskel said 18 June government envoy would hold talks with UN envoy Lloyd Axworthy on UN efforts to resolve border dispute with Ethiopia. Eritrea had initially characterised Axworthy’s appointment 6 months ago as bid to appease Ethiopia and refused him access.

Ethnic violence in Nzerekore killed at least 2 in sensitive triangle of land between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire 14 June.

UN peacekeeping mission (UNMIL) said 42,755 ex-combatants now disarmed, though reintegration and gun-smuggling remain problematic. Power dispute within LURD rebel group led to suspension of Sekou Conneh as leader 7 June. Chayee Doe named acting head, but died 2 days later from cerebral illness. 160 of eventual 460 UN Senegalese troops deployed Maryland county southeast of Monrovia 22 June to secure border. Setback for interim leader Gyude Bryant as UN Security Council left Liberian sanctions unchanged 17 June, claiming progress in monitoring diamond origins and timber revenues insufficient. Reassessment planned 10 December.

Growing discontent with economic situation; disgruntled former army reservists clashed with police 15 June, angry at insufficient compensation. Forty injured in separate grenade attacks during independence celebrations 25-26 June.

Situation calmed somewhat since May, though tensions remain high. Seven killed in communal Muslim/Christian violence in Numan, Ademawa state 9 June. Limited success of disarmament initiative central Plateau state despite strong financial incentive. Soldiers shot 2 villagers 24 June. Deal brokered in southern Nigerian Delta province between Ijaw and Itsekiri groups 23 June, though some internal Ijaw dissent led to doubts over viability of deal.

Rwandan border with DR Congo remained closed following outbreak of fighting in South Kivu province. Congo accused Rwanda of supporting dissident military officers, charge Rwanda denied. Tensions eased with talks 25 June in Nigeria and planned border monitoring (see Democratic Republic of Congo, above). Rwanda launched system of traditional tribunals to help judge thousands suspected of complicity in 1994 genocide.

UN-backed war crimes tribunal under way 3 June with trial of Sam Hinga Norman, former head of pro- government Civil Defence Forces (CDF) and 2 members of Kamajor militia. Norman, first of 13 indicted to appear after 1991-2001 civil war, refusing to recognise jurisdiction of mixed international and Sierra Leonean court. Rebel RUF suspects face trial July.

Against background of ongoing militia violence, delegates meeting at IGAD Somalia reconciliation process in Nairobi agreed on Arbitration Committee to receive and arbitrate disputes relating to appointment of 275 members of new national parliament. Each of 4 major clans to have 5 members, and minor clans total of 5 members, in committee of 25. 12 appointed 22 June, remainder unclear due to absences from meeting and debate within Dir group. Clans will select MPs in next phase.

Crisis deepened in Darfur as rainy season making aid delivery increasingly difficult. UNHCR claimed budget one third of that required to care for 200,000 expected in UN camps. UNSG Kofi Annan and U.S. Sec. State Colin Powell separately visited Khartoum and Darfur 29-30 June, as U.S. considered sponsoring Security Council resolution threatening sanctions. Little credence given to Sudanese president al-Bashir’s 19 June pledge to disarm Janjaweed militia, who continue to operate, effectively confining 75-80,000 to Murnei, attacking humanitarian convoy near Kabkabiya 15 June and refugee camps. Annan appointed Jan Pronk special representative for Sudan ahead of possible peace-support operation in south following signing of Naivasha accords. Uganda claimed lack of Sudanese cooperation against rebel Lord’s Resistance Army bases in southern Sudan.