UN Special Envoy Lloyd Axworthy met Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa 20 February to discuss boundary dispute. Eritrea criticised appointment of special envoy as vehicle to reopen April 2002 ruling of Independent Boundary Commission – a ruling rejected by Ethiopia – and declined to meet him.

UN mission heads in West Africa warned 20 February that growing instability in Guinea was threat to region. Unrest growing since ailing President Conte re-elected to 7 year term in December – some 14,000 students went on strike 11 February.

Parliamentary elections due 28 March, following September 2003 coup by armed forces. Five soldiers killed and 14 injured February in clashes with armed groups in region bordering Senegal.

Donors conference in NY raised $520 million in pledges for reconstruction, exceeding expectations. Disarmament and reintegration program unlikely to start until mid- March at earliest. Refugees returning from neighbouring countries as peacekeepers restore security to border towns. Human Rights Watch issued report on plight of child soldiers.

At least 150 killed in 2 weeks of sectarian violence. Some 40 Muslims killed 26 February by Christians in Plateau state, central Nigeria, in retaliation for slayings of about 90 Christians by Islamic fighters 24 February. Sudanese man arrested 19 February for allegedly channelling Saudi funds to extremist Muslim group which launched abortive December uprising in northern Nigeria. Commission implementing decision of International Court of Justice to award disputed Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon delayed visit to region at request of Nigeria, which disputes ruling.

Disarmament and reintegration program proceeding slowly – estimated 37,000 former fighters yet to be reintegrated, and some 42,000 small arms still in circulation.

Government may release tens of thousands of alleged perpetrators of genocide if they confess by 15 March 2004 – some 90,000 currently in custody awaiting trial. International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), based in Tanzania, considering holding some trials in Rwanda to speed up trial process. Government denounced ICTR acquittal of genocide of 2 former senior government officials. President Kagame declared his and family’s wealth to state ombudsman in effort to promote transparency.

UN warned too rapid withdrawal of peacekeepers from Sierra Leone – due to leave by end of 2004 – could contribute to regional instability. Five year disarmament and reintegration program completed 3 February, having disarmed over 71,000 fighters.

UN and Kenya warned disaffected parties against obstructing 29 January peace agreement, saying anyone doing so would be held accountable. Warning followed criticism of agreement by some faction leaders. Agreement approved by Transitional National Assembly in Mogadishu 8 February. Peace talks now in third and final phase in Nairobi – involving selection of parliamentarians and formation of interim government.

Peace talks between government and southern rebels resumed in Kenya 17 February, though little progress made. Truce between parties extended one month 28 February to enable talks to continue during March. Issues to be resolved are administration of 3 disputed central regions and representation in transitional government. Conflict in western Sudan may be expanding – rebels claim to have opened new front in neighbouring Northern Kordofan state. Government said it had gained control of whole Darfur region – claim denied by western rebels. UN said 110,000 refugees have fled Darfur fighting into Chad, 25,000 since government claimed control of region.