Democratically elected president of CAR overthrown in coup on 15 March 2003 by General Francois Bozize, who has promised to hold presidential elections by end of 2004. CAR closed its border with DR Congo on 21 August. CAR issued international warrant for arrest of former president, Ange-Felix Patasse, on charges of murder and theft of more than $100 million.

Power-sharing government under threat after 11 men arrested in France on 23 August, accused of plot to assassinate President Gbagbo. Government and former rebels deadlocked over who should control defence and security ministries. 2 French soldiers killed in clashes with rebels on 25 August. Security Council voted on 4 August to extend mandate of French and ECOWAS peacekeeping forces to 4 February 2004. Parliament granted amnesty on 6 August to former rebels holding north of country.

President Joseph Kabila and former rebel leaders agreed on senior officers for new army, removing another stumbling block to peace. This completes installation of new transition government. Transition parliament had opening session on 22 August. Militias in war-devastated province of Ituri agreed to work with new government to restore security to the province. French-led peace-keeping force in Ituri handed over posts to beefed-up UN mission (MONUC) on 31 August, which formally takes over on 1 September.

Outstanding border issues causing increased anxiety. UN mission (UNMEE) accused Ethiopian soldiers of making incursions into border security zone. International Boundary Commission will soon attempt to demarcate the border, although elements in Ethiopian Government have signalled reluctance to cooperate.

In July U.S. warned Guinea against providing supplies to LURD rebels in Liberia. Liberia in past has led incursions in Guinea with support of Guinean dissidents based in Liberia - Guinea now returning favour in Liberia. Guinea’s presidential elections scheduled for December 2003. Lansana Conté, Guinea’s 69 year old president, has declared candidacy, but believed to be critically ill. EU expressed concern over democracy in Guinea.

President Charles Taylor resigned on 11 August and took up offer of asylum in Nigeria. Almost 2,000 Nigerian peacekeepers deployed in Monrovia, with 2,300 U.S. marines positioned on ships offshore. Government signed peace agreement with LURD and MODEL rebels in Accra on 18 August, with interim government to take power on 14 October until elections in 2005. Businessman Gyude Bryant chosen to head interim government. Fighting continues in countryside. Humanitarian corridors still do not exist. Relief aid limited to Monrovia and Buchanan corridor.

Ethnic conflict between Ijaw and Itsekiri groups and within Ijaw groups in Niger delta claimed almost 100 lives and left more than 1,000 injured. Ceasefire declared on 20 August after 5 days fighting, though there has been sporadic fighting since. Nigeria’s President Obasanjo provided asylum to Liberia’s ousted President Taylor.

Held first presidential election since the 1994 genocide on 25 August 2003. Incumbent President Paul Kagame, a Tutsi, received 95% of the vote, with about 80% turnout. Opposition says will challenge result in court. Election monitors criticised government for not allowing opposition parties to compete on equal footing. UN Security Council voted to replace Carla Del Ponte as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda with UN Secretary-General nominating Gambian judge, Hassan Jallow.

Government overthrown in military coup on 16 July 2003 while President out of country. Coup short-lived. Following strong international condemnation led by ECOWAS, and Nigeria’s President Obasanjo in particular, President returned on 23 July after signing accord with coup leaders. No further upheavals in August.

International confidence growing that Sierra Leone may have finally emerged from decade-long civil war, though concerns UN may be moving to withdraw mission (UNAMSIL) too rapidly. Special Court has called for international community to ensure Charles Taylor arrested and handed to Court.