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Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 12:02pm On Apr 24, 2023
Lurker4Long:
SANDF working to evacuate 77 South Africans in Sudan



The SABC said it has reliably learnt that a team from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was on its way to Sudan to evacuate South Africans on Sunday.
BREAKING NEWS: Evacuation successful and all on their way out!

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 11:51am On Apr 24, 2023
Baller254:
DCI Kenya Police Unit
Motorbike training course
The write-up on this:

ATPU DETECTIVES SHARPEN THEIR COUNTER-TERROR RESPONSE SKILLS
Detectives drawn from the DCI Anti-Terrorism Police Unit’s Emergency Response team (ERT) have today successfully completed a rigorous advanced combat riding course held at Kedong training camp in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The highly specialized course that was facilitated by DCI partners including the US Embassy’s office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance under the Diplomatic Security Services, TripleTap Academy, Kibo and BMW Mistorrad, was tailored towards enhancing provision of immediate response capability to emergent and high-risk incidents requiring specialized skills and tactics.
The training included obstacle crossing skills, speedy maneuvers with an armed pillion passenger, target shooting while in motion among other skills.
Anti-Terrorism Assistance Regional Programs Manager Mr. Mike Solis noted that the Emergency Response Team is now equipped to better manage incidents and respond to the ever dynamic security situations expeditiously, specifically in response to terror threats.
Triple Tap Academy Instructor Mr. Sammy Onyango, an exceptionally experienced shooting coach, noted that the course participants received world-class training that exposed them to different scenarios, that would come in handy while responding to priority operations.
The coach who has been instrumental in training the team noted that similar trainings would continue to be offered, to ensure that ERT operates professionally, efficiently, safely, and effectively in guaranteeing public safety and security.
The Emergency Response Team is a highly skilled tactical unit in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue and close-quarter combat operations, that has received training locally and internationally.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 11:35am On Apr 24, 2023
SANDF working to evacuate 77 South Africans in Sudan

As the situation in Sudan continues to be volatile, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, says the latest number of verified South African nationals stuck in the country is 77.

“They’re all in a WhatsApp group with embassy staff who are also still stuck there,” Monyela said on Sunday.

This comes after conflict broke out last week in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“Complaints of inconsistent, little or no communication from the team is noted. However, they’ve run out of diesel. There’s no electricity and therefore poor network coverage.”

Clayson announced that the team have since found a way to recharge batteries and will update the South African nationals regarding evacuation plans.

“Our security agencies are far advanced with the evacuation plan. Fighting has not stopped, so it remains a dangerous operation. The airport is closed and all routes are not risk-free.”

Government, according to Clayson, is doing everything possible to get South African nationals out of Sudan.

“Without revealing security plans, an option is being implemented and updates will be provided.”

The SABC said it has reliably learnt that a team from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was on its way to Sudan to evacuate South Africans on Sunday.

At the heart of the clashes are Sudan’s military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the commander of the paramilitary, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

According to reports, tensions erupted during negotiations to integrate the RSF into the country’s military as part of plans to restore civilian rule.

The United Nations (UN) said more than 400 people have been killed and more than 3 500 injured in the fighting.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Presidency, said South Africa reiterated its appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to heed international calls for an immediate ceasefire as unarmed civilians, including visitors from many parts of the world, remain stranded and fast running out of supplies.

The government expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation in Sudan, where violence erupted last week following a breakdown in negotiations on political and security sector reforms.

“We will engage directly with the leaders of the armed forces in Sudan as part of our endeavours for peace in Sudan,” the Presidency added.

The Presidency said the conflict in Sudan marks a setback in Africa’s efforts to silence the guns and usher in a sustained period of peace, stability and development.

South Africa is currently serving as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). In this role, the country has been seized with the situation in Sudan, working with other African countries towards peace and stability in Sudan.

South Africa supports the role played by the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) IGAD and the East African Community (EAC) in their mediation roles in Sudan.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/human-security/sandf-working-to-evacuate-77-south-africans-in-sudan/

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 2:01pm On Apr 22, 2023
Faithful007:
Never mind. I see it now cheesy
cheesy
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 12:57pm On Apr 22, 2023
grin grin grin
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 10:02pm On Apr 21, 2023
...last.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 10:01pm On Apr 21, 2023
Various South African vehicles in use with the Ivorian Gendarmerie.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 9:54pm On Apr 21, 2023
The IVEMA Gila in use with the Senegalese Police.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 9:43pm On Apr 21, 2023
Senegalese Gendarmerie with Truvelo 12.7mm CMS rifles.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 9:35pm On Apr 21, 2023
...last.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 9:35pm On Apr 21, 2023
Meanwhile, in Mozambique...

Lesotho Defence Force
PLENTY OF WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION CONFISCATED IN NENGADE MOZAMBIQUE
The residents fled their homes following the insurgents’ attacks at their villages in 2017 whereby innocent people were brutally killed and their houses were set on fire. As a result, the residents were initially displaced and most of them had to live in the bushes fearing for their lives.
After the mentioned brutality the insurgents captured the general area mentioned and turned it into their base until 16th September 2022, when the SAMIM Forces launched an offensive attack on them whereby they lost the fight and abandoned the area.

To ensure their safety and protection at the mentioned general area, the LDF Contingent together with their Tanzanian Defence Force counterparts inspected the area and cleared it on 18th April 2023.
During the inspection and clearance the contingent discovered plenty of insurgents’ weapons, ammunition and other equipment abandoned when the (insurgents) fled after losing the fight to the SAMIM Forces.
LDF PAO Editorial
Photos by LDF Contingent in Mozambique

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 12:13pm On Apr 21, 2023
jl115:
lol grin grin you more European than white Boertjies like me grin grin
grin grin grin
My 3 African grandparents (SA, Lesotho, Swaziland) vs my 1 UK grandparent!
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 10:49pm On Apr 20, 2023
...last.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 10:49pm On Apr 20, 2023
...2...

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long:
C130BZ from 28 Squadron, SAAF busy with ocean search and rescue training in Cape Town today, 20 April...

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 10:48am On Apr 20, 2023
GreenandGold:
Dual Citizenship?
Yebo. I also qualify for Lesotho and Swaziland, but haven't bothered.
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 9:41am On Apr 20, 2023
You know Brexit is real when your expired burgundy passport with European Union on the cover, gets replaced with the old blue!

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 5:35pm On Apr 17, 2023
We have every right to practise an independent foreign policy. And there are consequences.
The fvcking idiots in the ANC are still fighting 1980s ideological battles, and crafting policy at odds with the national interest.

https://www.news24.com/news24/newsletters/icymi/featured/japan-invites-african-union-to-g7-excludes-south-africa-20230417-3
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 5:11pm On Apr 17, 2023
grin grin grin
Foreign AffairsRe: Technical Discussions On International Military Equipments Doctrines Tactics Etc by Lurker4Long: 8:34am On Apr 17, 2023
Nemesis4you, did you write this? grin grin grin

https://eurasiantimes.com/new-vikrant-arjun-tejas-why-indias-indigenous-weapons-are-failing-falling/

PS: yes I know, you would never be found in Modi's arse like this guy!
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long:
Lurker4Long:
Meanwhile, in the DRC.
Before becoming an SAAF pilot where he's now an instructor, this Lt Col was a SAN submariner!
cheesy

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 4:59pm On Apr 15, 2023
Flanker:
RSF taking kharthoum airpory with 05 egyptian Mig29 M and arresting egyptian personnel
UAE, Russia/Wagner, China, Iran, Egypt, Chad, Saudi all have a horse in this mess. This has potential to be a spectacular balls-up!
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 4:55pm On Apr 15, 2023
Meanwhile, in Mozambique.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 4:32pm On Apr 15, 2023
Meanwhile, in the DRC.

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 3:19pm On Apr 15, 2023
Faithful007:
Additional info. The guy in charge of RSF, Hamdan Dagalo brokered a deal with Russia to build a Naval Base in Sudan this year.

His boss however has been pressuring the US state Dept to suspend calls for elections, using the base plan as a pawn. Unfortunately, Hamedti was not on that page. He's too sold to Russia.

About last year, US intelligence warned that RSF was cooperating with Wagner to spread disinformation within Sudan. I don't know how seriously that was taken. But eventually the command and control of the RSF was overrun by Russian elements.

Now the results are taking shape. Someone please blame NATO for this as usual grin
Of course, before the re-branding, Hemeti's RSF was known in Darfur as Janjawīd. So the tie-up with Wagner is no surprise:
"Arseholes of the world unite, for an authoritarian hell-scape!"
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long:
How prescient was this op-ed in Thursday's Maverick:
Revolving door of resources
The UAE and Wagner are both allied with the Darfur warlord Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (aka Hemeti) whose fighters were deployed in Yemen and then Libya.
Hemeti is now the number two man in the interim military regime in Sudan and the fate of his private army, the Rapid Support Forces, could determine whether the country moves toward a democratic transition in the next few weeks or disintegrates into civil war.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-13-where-everything-has-a-price-russia-and-the-uae-are-closest-partners-in-africa/
Happening now:
Heavy gunfire amid military clash causes panic in capital of Sudan
Heavy gunfire was heard in the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, on Saturday as clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/15/heavy-gunfire-amid-military-clash-causes-panic-in-capital-of-sudan
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 9:38am On Apr 15, 2023
GreenandGold:
To think that when the SAN bought the MEKO A200 in the 90s it did not even exist, it was nothing more than a low-resolution 90s computer render (attached)... now they can simply pull out pictures of the SAN and Algerian Navy Mekos at the sales pitch.
So was submarine AIP. The SAN said, "yes please"; the bureaucrats and politicians said, "only exists on paper, we're not going to be Guinea pigs". angry
Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 5:58pm On Apr 13, 2023
Algeria could return to playing pivotal role in Sahel security

Stuck in a holding pattern since Mali’s 2022 withdrawal, the G5 Sahel gathered the foreign ministers of its four remaining member nations in the Chadian capital of N’Djamena on 18 January to discuss how to fortify and sustain the joint counterterrorism force.

The group, made up of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger, indicated after the summit that it has a “burning desire for the sister Republic of Mali to rejoin the natural family that is the G5 Sahel.”

Security experts say the G5 Sahel should also look to Algeria.

“Even with Mali, the G5 Sahel cannot validly deal with terrorism without Algeria,” independent Niger-based analyst Abdoul Mooumouni Abass told Deutsche Welle.

“[Algeria] is another fairly significant weight that must be integrated today into the dynamics of the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.”

Political scientist Kamissa Camara touted the potential benefits of Algerian involvement in the Sahel. She believes the country offers valuable insights and lessons learned from countering terrorist organizations.

During its 10-year civil war that ended in 2002, Algeria defeated militant Islamist groups, including one that later resurfaced in Mali as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

Camara, who was chief of staff to former Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, is an expert on sub-Saharan African policy who founded the Sahel Strategy Forum.

“Algeria’s regional diplomatic clout, military might, and experience in fighting terrorism could help Sahelian states ward off an imminent political and security collapse,” she wrote for the Middle East Institute in December 2022.

With its porous and sparsely populated border regions, the Sahel would benefit from involving all of its neighboring countries to effectively combat the aggressive expansion of terror groups.

Algeria shares borders spanning nearly 3,000 kilometers with Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

Camara believes a collaboration between Algeria and the Sahel nations would be mutually beneficial, as Algeria’s security is tied to that of the Sahel — politically, demographically and geographically.

“Algeria’s southern border is at risk,” she wrote. “The country should act soon.”

In any security interaction with Sahel nations, Algeria comes with a track record and reputation as a regional leader in conflict resolution.

It facilitated negotiations that led to the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord between Mali and secessionist rebel groups that had grown violent over the preceding three years.

It created an intelligence data exchange called the UFL in which Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria share information.

Algerian Ambassador to Burkina Faso Mohamed Ainseur said the UFL guarantees “independent analysis of security intelligence in the Sahel.”

The Sahel’s largest neighbor to the north also has succeeded in countering extremist ideology in its mosques, schools and media. More recently, Algeria exported its knowledge of the de-radicalization process to the Sahel.

It created the League of Ulemas, Preachers and Imams of the Sahel (LOPIS), which is described in the region as a sort of traveling university that supports the training of imams and preachers and seeks to calm ideological discourse.

“The rejection of the other is a cause of very great problems in the history of the Umma [religious community],” Algeria’s LOPIS representative Dr. Lakhmissi Bezzaz said during a workshop.

“The dialogue will yield tangible results, which will contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in our countries.”

Rather than entice Algeria to join the G5 Sahel, another possibility would see the G5 replaced with an existing coalition in the Algeria-led joint military operations center called CEMOC, which also includes Mauritania, Mali and Niger.

Envisioning the CEMOC as a way to consolidate the concerns of the Sahel and the Maghreb nations, Camara argued that it “could generate the type of broader global response that Sahelian states have been waiting for.”

“CEMOC’s unique advantage had always been institutionalized security cooperation between Algeria and the Sahel,” she wrote.

“This integrated security cooperation now has to become a reality.”

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplomacy-a-peace/algeria-could-return-to-playing-pivotal-role-in-sahel-security/

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 5:49pm On Apr 13, 2023
Cabo Delgado: two years since the Palma invasion

The attack prompted nations and security companies to help fight one of Africa’s most rapidly evolving terrorist hotspots.

For nearly two years, Mozambique resisted the call for foreign military intervention in Cabo Delgado to help fight the insurgency that started in 2017. But when militants stormed the town of Palma in March 2021, forcing construction on the US$20 billion liquefied natural gas project to stop, Maputo had to accept foreign boots on the ground.

President Filipe Nyusi said in December 2020 that offers of help had been received from many countries, highlighting the need to carefully manage this mix of interventions. But two years on, domestic and international security forces in Mozambique are still fragmented.

Rwanda has the largest military and police contingent in Cabo Delgado – about 2 800 personnel. The Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) has about 1 900. These forces technically ‘support’ Mozambique’s security forces. Local militia and several private military companies have helped restore stability, mainly around gas exploration and liquefaction projects.

The relative calm in Palma and neighbouring Mocímboa da Praia districts has enabled global investors to return to Cabo Delgado, particularly to the natural gas project. TotalEnergies, which suspended operations at its billion-dollar plant in April 2021, is preparing to restart. Some construction work is already underway.

Major international players, including the World Bank, are committed to supporting the province’s gas exploration. Its importance for future global energy supply options has increased since Russia invaded Ukraine. ‘We are seeing that already most of Mozambique’s gas is being exported to Europe, so Europe is benefitting from Mozambique’s gas and this keeps Europe also from reverting to less clean energy sources,’ said Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Regional Vice-President for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Despite these developments, the insurgency has not been defeated. Stability in the province’s north-east contrasts with a volatile situation in the north, central and southern districts. Insurgents displaced from Palma, Mocímboa da Praia and their bases on the Messalo River have split into smaller cells. They have adapted to new conditions, carrying out coordinated attacks in several districts.

Troops deployed in Cabo Delgado haven’t shown effective operational coordination, at times even competing with each other. In Palma district, where most are concentrated, there have been several friendly fire incidents, anonymous sources told ISS Today. Rwandan forces recently shot down two drones belonging to True North, one of several companies collecting intelligence and providing security to TotalEnergies. True North flew the drones without informing Rwanda’s forces, who shot them down. The resulting crisis required Mozambique government intervention.

Two years on, domestic and international security forces in Cabo Delgado are still fragmented


Rwandan forces prefer to act unilaterally rather than coordinate with Mozambique’s military and police. Mozambique complains that Rwanda doesn’t share intelligence and operational information, often taking unilateral decisions. SAMIM sources have shared similar concerns about Rwanda. These sources also say that Mozambique has failed to actively lead the coordination effort as the host country.

Like many multilateral deployments, there are tensions within SAMIM, which has nationality-based geographical operational areas of responsibility. The recent deployment of 300 more Tanzanian security personnel outside the SAMIM framework as part of a bilateral agreement may further complicate matters.

Rwandan forces use Mozambique Air Force helicopters flown by Mozambican pilots in their counter-terrorism operations. But according to a Mozambique defence force source, ‘only when [the] pilots are in the air, are they informed about the mission.’ This atypical approach reflects the lack of trust among forces on the ground. Mozambican troops are long suspected of leaking operational information. Mistrust, poor coordination and even competition undermine the joint effort and benefit the insurgents.

The European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM) expects to finish training 1 500 Mozambican soldiers from the Naval Forces and Special Forces in September 2024. However, they won’t be able to replace the international forces currently deployed.

Mistrust, poor coordination and even competition undermine the joint effort and benefit the insurgents


The Mozambican Defence Armed Forces will remain dependent on foreign troops until it has adequate security capacity. This raises the challenge of sustaining the presence of SAMIM and the Rwanda Defence Force, both of which received US$35 million in 2022 from the European Peace Facility fund. With EUTM support, Mozambique is the EU’s biggest Peace Facility fund spend outside Ukraine.

The humanitarian situation also remains critical. Although over 850 000 of Cabo Delgado’s population remain displaced, about 350 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) had returned home by the end of March. However IDPs returning to resume their lives face a lack of basic public services and state help to allow decent human resettlement. Almost 100 humanitarian organisations in the province are trying to assist, but the situation remains dire.

Food insecurity is highest in the three northern provinces – Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula – where over 900 000 people face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. These provinces are directly targeted by insurgents and are reportedly key recruitment hotbeds for terrorists. As long as the humanitarian situation remains unaddressed, efforts to tackle the insurgency will be undermined.

Unless the humanitarian situation is addressed, any efforts to tackle the insurgency will be undermined


The fragmented response extends beyond the realm of hard security, with a stovepipe approach preventing links between humanitarian, development and peacebuilding priorities. For example, organisations helping victims of gender-based violence haven’t been able to aid women and girls rescued by the military from insurgent bases.

While funds for emergency help to IDPs remain scarce, some development partners are holding back their project finance until the war ends. Better coordination between humanitarian and development initiatives could help allocate some of these funds to emergency humanitarian relief.

The current hard security resources in Cabo Delgado do not match the type and size of terrain the insurgents are operating in. Lack of air assets, fire-force and hot-pursuit assets are major factors. SAMIM contributes to containment but does not maximise the military options. The unhealthy reliance on local forces (militia) to provide security for many communities is also a problem.

As the Institute for Security Studies has suggested, the African Union (AU) and its Peace and Security Council could help develop a regional force and stabilisation strategy that goes beyond military approaches.

SADC should approach the AU to help coordinate Mozambique, SAMIM and Rwanda’s security forces. SAMIM’s nascent peacebuilding efforts piloted in 2022 could also be supported with EU funds channelled through the AU. This would tackle the fragmented nature of current interventions and help stabilise Cabo Delgado.

Borges Nhamirre, Consultant, ISS Pretoria

https://issafrica.org/iss-today/cabo-delgado-two-years-since-the-palma-invasion

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 5:40pm On Apr 13, 2023
ISWAP’s use of tech could prolong Lake Chad Basin violence

Deploying drones and other technology might change the conflict dynamics, giving violent extremists the upper hand.

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) could be close to using delivery drones for attacks in the Lake Chad Basin. Weaponising and adapting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a new trend in the group’s operational strategy, and could worsen the conflict.

Institute for Security Studies (ISS) research shows that ISWAP is already trialling delivery drones to carry improvised explosive devices. This includes assessing the weight that can be carried, how far they can go and how long they stay in the air. The threat goes beyond military targets and may impact humanitarian service delivery.

Ongoing operations by Nigeria’s military and clashes with Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), have inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP and significantly reduced its space to operate. And successful intelligence-driven strikes resulting in arrests of ISWAP members outside the north-east are preventing the group from expanding. These setbacks may be forcing ISWAP to adapt its strategy, as it has done before.

So far, ISWAP’s use of drones has been limited to propaganda, surveillance and communication. ISS research, including analysis of publicly available propaganda materials and interviews with former combatants and associates, reveals an elaborate use of communication technology (see Chart 1). This includes satellite and android phones, drones, social media (Telegram and WhatsApp), high-speed printers, laptops, high-definition digital cameras, Wi-Fi, clip-on microphones, walkie-talkies, and data compression and archiving software.

ISS research shows that ISWAP is already trialling delivery drones to carry improvised explosive devices


All these tools are used by the media team headed by Abba Yusuf (Abu Rumaisa), son of late Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf. The team’s primary function is to showcase ISWAP as a successful jihadist group. That propaganda will encourage recruitment and present a positive image that cements its position as the top Islamic State affiliate globally. The media department also handles relations with other violent extremist groups, including Islamic State.

Former ISWAP members, including from the media unit, told ISS how the department functions. Staff are recruited from within the group and taught the basics of operating the equipment, mostly cameras. They accompany fighters, and wait at a distance to be invited to take photos and videos, usually when things go ISWAP’s way.

The raw footage and pictures are sent to Islamic State, which produces the propaganda material. The group shares the content with ISWAP’s media team, which distributes it through a private and members-only Telegram account, Nashir News Agency (see Chart 2).

ISWAP relies heavily on high-speed satellite internet to communicate with Islamic State and other groups. Sources told ISS that ISWAP used Thuraya Wi-Fi and spent about US$6 000 monthly on data. They said Lagos was the main supply source but that ISWAP encountered a problem with the supply, forcing it to switch to Chad. Although Thuraya satellite phones and internet services are illegal in Chad, they are used in secret.

A particular Thuraya model stands out as a possible device used by ISWAP. It is available in Nigeria but mainly in Lagos. The Thuraya XT-Hotspot is marketed as the ‘world’s fastest Wi-Fi via satellite for communication needs beyond GSM coverage … for quick and secure Internet connectivity in the remotest of locations.’

The sources claim ISWAP has dedicated vehicles fitted with internet services to facilitate communication and data sharing on the go.

The media team uses one of these vehicles when it accompanies fighters, enabling them to immediately share material from the battlefield. This explains how ISWAP can release information quickly, including images and videos, sometimes within hours of attacks.

ISWAP relies on high-speed satellite internet to communicate with Islamic State and other groups


ISWAP’s public communication also suggests it can easily share data with Islamic State using data compression and archiving software. In addition to speed and encryption, the software reduces bandwidth costs. There is no single way to deal with the problem of ISWAP’s use of technology. The solution lies in various measures working together.

ISS research has detailed how ISWAP exploited Lake Chad Basin trade routes to get vital supplies. The group’s remote location should be an advantage for security forces who could disrupt its supply lines. Checkpoint searches have proved successful and can be used again. Those bringing in equipment and accessories should explain their destinations, which security agents should verify. Collaboration among security forces in the four affected Lake Chad Basin countries can help.

The ISS report also showed how civilian and military collaborators helped ISWAP get supplies. Security force leaders in the region must hold their personnel to the highest standards and use an independent ombudsman to deter corruption. To prevent civilians from collaborating with terror groups, authorities should work with communities and trade unions to identify and disrupt networks helping ISWAP. The criminal justice system can also play a deterrent role.

Collaboration with tech companies can prevent their products or services falling into ISWAP’s hands


A future concern is that violent extremist groups like ISWAP become involved in cybercrime. Given Nigeria’s enormous financial powers and growing tech industry, authorities should prepare for this. Investing in technology and collaborating with tech companies to prevent their products, platforms or services from falling into ISWAP’s hands is a start.

Going after ISWAP’s money is vital. The group should be forced out of its current location using targeted and joint military operations. This would cut ISWAP’s access to its major revenue base. In using these tactics, care should be taken to avoid adversely affecting civilians, either by destroying their livelihoods or inflicting human rights violations.

Curtailing ISWAP’s access to technology will prevent it from using tech to plan and execute attacks, spread propaganda and recruit. That will reduce the damage the group inflicts on civilians and aid workers in the Lake Chad Basin.

Malik Samuel, Researcher, ISS Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin

https://issafrica.org/iss-today/iswaps-use-of-tech-could-prolong-lake-chad-basin-violence

Foreign AffairsRe: African Militaries/ Security Services Strictly Photos Only And Videos Thread by Lurker4Long: 4:55pm On Apr 13, 2023
EACRF Ugandan contingent forces M23 from DR Congo’s Rutshuru

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) contingent in the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) dislodged M23 rebel group elements from strategic positions in Kiwanja, part of Rutshuru territory in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Sequential deployment of Uganda contingent troops and M23 withdrawal is in compliance with an extraordinary summit decision of the East African Community (EAC) heads of state in February and the East African Chief of Defence Forces meeting the same month. The summit directed serial withdrawal and deployment of the EACRF and immediate positioning of troops in areas vacated by the M23.

UPDF contingent commander Colonel Michael Hyeroba is reported in a statement as saying the arrival and subsequent occupation by Ugandan troops “yielded confidence in civilians who initially fled after being told of an imminent war between the UPDF and the M23”. He told locals to return home and continue with “normal life” as the EACRF was “a neutral force intent on securing a peaceful and stable environment for future stability”.

The UPDF statement notes in closing: “All positions occupied by the UPDF in Bunagana- [a town in Rutshuru territory of North Kivu] are secured and the situation is calm with no violence as the civil populace is already enjoying the dividends of peace brought by the Uganda contingent”.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplomacy-a-peace/eacrf-ugandan-contingent-forces-m23-from-dr-congos-rutshuru/

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