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.

President Hassan said Transitional National Government will remain in power until a new government is formed, despite expiry of its mandate on 13 August. TNG controls small area of Mogadishu. Peace talks continue in Kenya, though some key parties, including TNG and Somaliland, refusing to attend. UN Security Council expressed concern over "persistent flow of weapons and ammunitions" to Somalia.

Peace talks in Kenya between Sudanese Government and rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army at critical stage. Postponed to 10 September, as Government initially refused to negotiate on basis of draft framework agreement prepared by mediators, while SPLA demanded that framework document be sole basis for discussion. Deal making behind scenes may produce agreement. Uganda claims Sudan is arming Lord’s Resistance Army rebels in Uganda.

Fighting continues between Ugandan armed forces and Lord’s Resistance Army rebels in the north.

President Levy Mwanawasa defeated parliamentary move to impeach him. 120,000 civil servants went on strike over unpaid allowances. Former President Chiluba charged with theft of U.S.$49 million.

Economy continues to deteriorate. Inflation hit 399% in July. Severe currency shortage. On 16 August law passed prohibiting hoarding of cash. Government has also moved to take control of food aid distribution, directing UN and international charities to hand food over to local officials for distribution. 3.5m currently receiving food aid, expected to increase to 5.5m by December. Opposition accused Government of rigging 30 August council elections.

Armed attacks by extremist groups against U.S. forces, government troops and aid workers continued in southeast border regions. More than 60 people killed on 13 August (including two Red Crescent workers, 15 Afghan civilians and six government soldiers), bloodiest day in over a year. Battles between local commanders in the north continue to cause displacement and civilian casualties. NATO took command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on 11 August. Continuing need to expand international security umbrella outside Kabul. Subject to parliamentary approval, 250 German troops will be deployed to northern city of Kunduz. UN approval sought to send troops under ISAF umbrella; otherwise troops will operate under “Enduring Freedom” U.S. command. U.S. and Afghan soldiers began week-long campaign of bombing and intense ground battles on 25 August, hitting Taliban camps and killing dozens; 2 U.S. soldiers killed.