Police in Tangier searched home of Jamal Zougam, prime suspect in 11 March Madrid bombings. Zougam currently in Spanish custody.

Authorities arrested 13 well-known liberal intellectuals after they signed petition calling for reform. Group had been at forefront of growing movement for political and economic liberalisation in kingdom. Seven of 13 were subsequently released.

Anti-government protests by Kurdish minority rocked several cities in northern Syria in country’s worst spate of violence in years. Violence broke out after 11 March football match between Kurdish and Arab teams. Security services opened fire on protesters, killing at least 25, and arrested hundreds. U.S. reportedly set to impose economic and possibly diplomatic sanctions on Syria in near future.

UN launched program to reunite families long separated by conflict in Western Sahara.

Police recaptured 2 militants accused of masterminding 2000 bombing of USS Cole; 2 had escaped custody in May 2003 prison break. Authorities also said several other militants arrested in remote mountain region.

Government official said national elections may not be held for 2 years. Main opposition party, UNITA, accused government of deliberately delaying electoral process. Government set up new body to regulate loosely controlled diamond industry.

Hutu rebel group FNL continued sporadic attacks on capital Bujumbura and surrounding areas, despite January peace talks – 1 civilian killed in mortar attack 6 February and thousands displaced after fighting 23 February. Former rebels continued returning from DR Congo under disarmament and reintegration program. Amnesty International issued report 24 February on increasing incidence of rape throughout country.

UN Security Council agreed 27 February to deployment of 6,240 UN troops and up to 350 police. UN force will replace 1,000 West African troops. 4,000 French troops will remain, not part of UN force. Government announced disarmament and reintegration process to start 8 March but rebels later claimed would not disarm until after national elections scheduled late 2005. Visiting UN rapporteur claimed "dynamic of xenophobia" in country. Rebel leader Ibrahim “Adams” Coulibaly shot dead 8 February – possibly by rival leader’s supporters.

Rebel militias continued attacks on UN peacekeeping mission (MONUC) in Ituri and Kivus regions – one UN peacekeeper killed 12 February. Violence by Mai-Mai militias in southwest has killed some 100 this year, and displaced 15,000. Former ex-militia group, Rwandan backed RCD Goma, threatened to leave power sharing government after one of its regional commanders arrested 23 February. But President Joseph Kabila claimed security situation improving so fast that UN peacekeepers could leave later this year.

State of emergency declared 18 February in response to AIDS crisis and widespread food shortages. UN agencies estimate 25% of population need food assistance, and 40% of adults HIV positive.