United States Africa Command Public Affairs Office 10 February 2012

Please find attached news clips for February 10, 2012, along with upcoming events of interest and UN News Service briefs. Of interest in todays clips: In Mali: UN calls on rebels in northern Mali to seize their offensive and forced government troops to withdraw into Algeria. Washington Times article describes AFRICOM as a small force for a big continent. The article explains AFRICOM's need for special forces to defeat emerging threats while dealing with budget constraints. In Djibouti: The Djiboutian and US militaries have signed an extended agreement that allows both nations to continue working together in support of lasting stability for the Horn of Africa. South Sudan signs a new oil deal with Ethiopia and Djibouti in order to reduce its dependence on Sudan despite its deepening oil crisis.

U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Please send questions or comments to: publicaffairs@usafricom.mil 421-2687 (+49-711-729-2687) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Top News related to U.S. Africa Command and Africa UN calls on Mali's Tuareg rebels to halt advance (France 24) http://www.france24.com/en/20120209-united-nations-mali-tuareg-rebels-halt-advanceicrc-bank-ki-moon February 9, 2012 By News Wires REUTERS - The United Nations called on rebels in northern Mali on Wednesday to halt their offensive, shortly after they seized the strategic border town of Tinzawatene and forced government troops to withdraw into Algeria.
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Al-Shabab 'join ranks' with al-Qaeda (Al Jazeera) http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/201221054649118317.html February 10, 2012 By an unattributed author Somalia's armed Islamist movement al-Shabab have joined ranks with al-Qaeda, the latter's chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has announced in a video message posted on online forums. U.S. has not yet seen charges against Americans held in Egypt (CNN) http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/09/world/africa/egypt-us-flap/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2 February 9, 2012 By Jill Dougherty (CNN) -- The State Department said Thursday it has not received the official document from an Egyptian magistrate laying out charges against the staff of U.S. and international democracy-building groups. US, Djiboutian military officials sign service agreement (defenceWeb) http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23317: us-djiboutian-military-officials-sign-service-agreement&catid=56:diplomacy-apeace&Itemid=111 February 8, 2012 By defenceWeb The Djiboutian and US militaries have signed an extended agreement that allows both nations to continue working together in support of lasting stability for the Horn of Africa. Uganda anti-gay bill 'not backed by government' (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16963339 February 9, 2012 By A Non Attributed Author Uganda's government has defended its right to debate an anti-gay bill but says the draft legislation does not have official backing. Morocco opens North Africa's biggest car plant (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16967027 February 9, 2012 By a Non Attributed Author The biggest car factory in North Africa has been officially opened in Morocco by the French firm Renault. South Sudan in Ethiopia-Djibouti oil pipeline deal (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16969483 February 9, 2012 By A Non Attributed Author Landlocked South Sudan has signed a second oil pipeline deal in a bid to reduce its dependence on Sudan - amid a deepening oil crisis.
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Nigeria's Nuhu Ribadu welcomes oil watchdog post (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16961451 February 9, 2012 By A Non Attributed Author Nigeria's ex-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu said he viewed his appointment as chair of a new task force to police the oil sector as a national calling. Nigeria: JTF Discovers Boko Haram Arms Cache (allAfrica) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202091105.html February 9, 2012 By Senator Iroegbu The Security Joint Task Force (JTF) has discovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Kano State, bolstering recent progress in its bid to halt the terrorist activities of Boko Haram Islamic sect and some aggrieved members of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta (MEND). S.Africa's Zuma promises "competitive" mining sector (Reuters) http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180CP20120209 February 9, 2012 By Jon Herskovitz JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday promised to keep the country's powerful mining sector "globally competitive", the latest comment from a senior government official to knock down the prospects of nationalising the mines. Legion of Doom: Somali Militants Join al-Qaida (Somalia Danger Room) http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/02/shebab-qaida/#more-72350 February 9, 2012 By Spencer Ackerman al-Qaida was supposed to be a spent force after Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden. But it may just have replenished its forces and strengthened its brand. Appiah We were unlucky (Confederation of African Football) http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/news/13077-appiaho-we-were-unluckyo.html February 8, 2012 By an unattributed author Ghana Assistant coach Kwesi Appiah blames ill-luck for their lone goal loss to Zambia in the semi final clash of the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday in Bata.

### ------------------------------------------------------------------------------UN News Service Africa Briefs

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http://www.un.org/apps/news/region.asp?Region=AFRICA (Full Articles on UN Website) In South Sudan, work begins on UN-backed training centre for ex-soldiers 9 February The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has helped to launch the construction of a training centre in the west of the country that is aimed at helping former soldiers disarm, demobilize and return to civilian life. Rap artist 50 Cent visits Horn of Africa with UN food relief agency 9 February The rap star Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent, was able to see first-hand the food crisis in the Horn of Africa region during a field visit to Somalia and Kenya this week that was hosted by the United Nations food relief agency. Libya: UN welcomes adoption of electoral laws 9 February The United Nations political mission in Libya today welcomed the North African countrys adoption of new electoral laws, calling the move an important step in Libyas transition to democracy. ### ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Events of Interest: February 10, 2012 WHEN: 12:00 1:00 p.m. WHAT: Middle East Institute (MEI) Discussion on Egypt's Unfinished Revolution: One Year Later. Speaker: Egyptian journalist Ashraf Khalil, who will discuss his new book, Liberation Square: Inside the Egyptian Revolution and the Rebirth of a Nation, and the political landscape in Egypt on the first anniversary of the revolution. WHERE: MEI, 1761 N Street, NW CONTACT: 202-785-1141; web site: www.mei.edu SOURCE: MEI event announcement at: http://www.mei.edu/events/egypts-unfinishedrevolution-one-year-later ### -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------New on www.africom.mil Tanzania, U.S. Personnel Work to Restore Sight http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=7613&lang=0 February 9, 2012 By Sergeant Terysa M. King
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U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, In support of U.S. Army Africa's first Medical Readiness and Training Exercise of the year (MEDRETE), U.S. medical personnel traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania, January 30 through February 10, 2012 to perform a sutureless cataract surgical technique to provide medical treatment to local citizens and improve military relationships with host medical providers. ### -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------FULLTEXT UN calls on Mali's Tuareg rebels to halt advance (France 24) http://www.france24.com/en/20120209-united-nations-mali-tuareg-rebels-halt-advanceicrc-bank-ki-moon February 9, 2012 By News Wires REUTERS - The United Nations called on rebels in northern Mali on Wednesday to halt their offensive, shortly after they seized the strategic border town of Tinzawatene and forced government troops to withdraw into Algeria. The fighting in the remote northeastern town followed a three-week desert advance by a Tuareg-led rebel force, helped by Malians returning from the Libyan conflict, which has forced nearly 60,000 civilians to flee their homes. The Secretary-General condemns the use of violence as a means to achieve political objectives, a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement. He therefore calls on the rebel groups to immediately cease their attacks and to engage in dialogue with the Government of Mali to resolve their grievances, the statement added. The seizure of Tinzawatene by the Tuareg-led MNLA rebels, who say they are fighting to create an independent state in north Mali, is a significant gain as it gives them control of a key transit and smuggling point in the desert. The rebels have said they are open to talks, but only over the question of independence for north Mali. The government in Bamako has rejected any idea of a breakaway and said talks could only take place after the rebel push had been halted. The government issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that its soldiers had withdrawn from Tinzawatene into neighbouring Algeria after several days of rebel attacks.

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It said the troops carried out a "tactical withdrawal" from their military base near the Algerian border. One soldier had been killed and two wounded in the fighting, it added. Hama Ag SidAhmed, a rebel spokesman, said the rebels were in control of the towns two military camps and had seized several armoured and other military vehicles. One rebel had been killed and one wounded the fighting, Ag SidAhmed said. The rebels have pushed south on three fronts since fighting erupted in mid-January. The International Committee for the Red Cross said the number of Malians displaced within the country had risen to 30,000, and a further 15,000 had crossed into Niger. Mauritanian aid officials have said at least 5,000 Malians have crossed westwards over the shared border. Burkina Faso, Malis southern neighbour, said it had welcomed over 8,000 refugees from the conflict. The fighting has dispersed civilians in search of food and shelter across a region that the U.N. has warned is on the brink of yet another round of food shortages of its own. Before the rebellion started, northern Mali was already awash with smugglers and home to a small but powerful group of fighters linked to al Qaeda. ### Al-Shabab 'join ranks' with al-Qaeda (Al Jazeera) http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/201221054649118317.html February 10, 2012 By an unattributed author Somalia's armed Islamist movement al-Shabab have joined ranks with al-Qaeda, the latter's chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has announced in a video message posted on online forums. "I will break the good news to our Islamic nation, which will... annoy the crusaders, and it is that the Shabab movement in Somalia has joined al-Qaeda," Zawahiri said in the video published on Thursday. "The jihadist movement is with the grace of Allah, growing and spreading within its Muslim nation despite facing the fiercest crusade campaign in history by the West." In the first part of the video, al-Shabab's leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubair, addressed Zawahiri, saying: "We will move along with you as faithful soldiers." Al-Shabab controls much of southern and central Somalia and has claimed responsibility for numerous kidnappings and bombings in the country.
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The group said it was behind an attack on Wednesday that killed at least 11 people and wounded 34 others in the Somali capital. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri, reporting from Nairobi in neighbouring Kenya, said that Mogadishu "is trying to rebuild itself after the al-Shabab withdrawal ... but the attack shows al-Shabab is able to get into the city and carry out attacks of this kind". Al-Shabab, who are fighting to overthrow a fragile Western-backed transitional government in the war-torn Horn of Africa country, first proclaimed their allegiance to Osama bin Laden in a video distributed in 2009. While counter-terrorism experts say al-Shabab has received advice and training from some members of al Qaeda, it has tended to see itself more as an ally or affiliate than a direct outpost of the core organisation. Al-Shabab are facing increasing pressure from government forces and regional armies. Armies from neighbouring countries are converging on them - Kenyan forces in the south, Ethiopian soldiers in the west, and an African Union force in Mogadishu made up of 10,000 troops from Uganda, Burundi and Djibouti. A one-day conference in London to tackle the instability in Somalia and piracy off its shores is due to be held in two weeks time. ### U.S. has not yet seen charges against Americans held in Egypt (CNN) http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/09/world/africa/egypt-us-flap/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2 February 9, 2012 By Jill Dougherty (CNN) -- The State Department said Thursday it has not received the official document from an Egyptian magistrate laying out charges against the staff of U.S. and international democracy-building groups. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland had said Wednesday the document had been delivered, but on Thursday she called that a "miscommunication." "We were yesterday expecting to see the charging document," she told reporters. "In fact, the situation is -- I talked with our lawyers on the ground there about an hour ago -- the investigative magistrate has forwarded the charging document to the public prosecutor, at least that's what he understands, but we have not seen it. "The embassy has not seen it and, in fact, the attorneys working with the affected Americans and their organizations have not seen it. So we are asking for it and we are still waiting for it.
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"So we haven't been able to get off square one in terms of evaluating it." Wednesday Nuland said the department had received an approximately 175-page document that was being translated from the Arabic and studied by the Department's lawyers. She said Thursday there was a "miscommunication between us here and our folks in Cairo. They were expecting to see it and they did not." Egyptian authorities announced this week that 43 foreigners working for civil society organizations will face prosecution. That includes 16 Americans, according to the State Department. Among them is Sam LaHood, the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Egyptian officials have blamed ongoing unrest in their country on foreign interference. Authorities carried out 17 raids on the offices of 10 organizations, including the U.S.based Freedom House, National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute. ### US, Djiboutian military officials sign service agreement (defence Web) http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23317: us-djiboutian-military-officials-sign-service-agreement&catid=56:diplomacy-apeace&Itemid=111 February 8, 2012 By Defence web The Djiboutian and US militaries have signed an extended agreement that allows both nations to continue working together in support of lasting stability for the Horn of Africa. The agreement, signed on February 1 in Djibouti, is an extension of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement. This pact is a mutual accord between the Djiboutian Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence and allows both nations to request a variety of services from one another. "A cross-service agreement with Djibouti provides another avenue to share capabilities during our mutual engagements," said Rear Admiral Michael Franken, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander. "It will improve the manner in which the US can obtain Djibouti's assistance in operations as well as providing my staff options to support Djibouti in security matters." Both Djibouti and the US benefit from this agreement, said Terrence Bender, US Africa Command Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement manager. "What (the nations) can do is exchange logistics, support, supplies and services from each other," he said.
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Bender said that there can be a cash exchange upon request between the militaries. There can also be an equal value exchange; as long as an equal value can be reached, the trade can happen. For example, one military may decide to provide the use of a building for the use of the other military's vehicles. Both sides are involved in making the agreement work. "We can sit down, negotiate an exchange where we can receive something of equal value for the services providedwhich helps us to increase capabilities through exchanges. I think (this agreement) is beneficial for both nations," said Bender. "It builds our partnerships. That's the part I enjoy." In light of recent budget constraints, the arrangement can ease the burden on taxpayers. The ability to explain the benefits to Djiboutian and American leadership will increase the visibility of the programme, and once utilised, can save both nations money, said Bender. This agreement will be a positive influence on the training and mutual aid between the US and Djiboutian militaries, said US Air Force Major General Barbara Faulkenberry, US Africa Command Logistics director. "I am really honoured to conclude this very important acquisition agreement that allows military to military collaboration," said Faulkenberry. "This is an important day for us." US military personnel have been active in Djibouti of late between January 24 and 30, Djiboutian Armed Forces and US service members exchanged communications best practices. The FAD invited the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa tactical communications team to the FAD headquarter's deck. There, the US team met with Djiboutian radio communications specialists from around the country to share expertise in new American-made radio operating systems. On January 31 US Army soldiers with Civil Affairs Team 4902, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, partnered with the US Agency for International Development, the Djiboutian Ministry of Education and the US Embassy to deliver school supply kits to the Balho Primary School in Balho, Djibouti. The delivery included about 150 kits, each containing a notebook, a pencil and a pen. The soldiers realised the school's need for supplies after delivering backpacks to the students during a previous visit. During the visit it became obvious that though the students now had new backpacks, they had little or no supplies to put in them. ### Uganda anti-gay bill 'not backed by government' (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16963339 February 9, 2012
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By A Non Attributed Author Uganda's government has defended its right to debate an anti-gay bill but says the draft legislation does not have official backing. MP David Bahati this week retabled his bill after it was shelved following an international outcry. The bill calls for life in prison for homosexual offences but Mr Bahati says the death penalty will be dropped. The government urged foreign leaders to realise that cultural attitudes in Africa were "very different". Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda - a largely conservative society, where many condemn homosexuality. The proposed legislation was first introduced in 2009 but never debated. The original bill said those found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" - defined as when one of the participants is a minor, HIV-positive, disabled or a "serial offender" - would face the death penalty. It was condemned by Western leaders, including US President Barack Obama who described it as "odious". Both the US and UK have recently urged developing countries to respect gay rights or risk losing aid. "Contrary to reports, the bill before parliament even if it were to pass, would not sanction the death penalty for homosexual behaviour in Uganda," a government statement released by the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) said. Mr Bahati told the BBC that for procedural reasons, the original text had been resubmitted but that it had been agreed that the section calling for the death penalty would be removed when it was discussed by a committee of MPs. The UMC said the bill proposed by Mr Bahati, who leads the ruling party's caucus in parliament, did not enjoy the support of the prime minister or cabinet. "The facilitation of this debate should not be confused for the government's support for this bill," the statement said. It questioned why Uganda was the subject of "mass international criticism" when the international community remained "mute in the face of far graver and far more draconian legislation relating to homosexuality in other countries", naming Saudi Arabia.
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"Unlike many other countries, no-one in Uganda has ever been charged with the criminal offence of homosexuality," it said. "Moreover the main provisions of this bill were designed to stem the issue of defilement and rape which in the minds of Ugandans is a more pressing and urgent matter that needs to be addressed." Pepe Julian Onziema, an openly gay Ugandan from the campaign group Sexual Minorities Uganda, said the bill, even without the death penalty clause, was still a cause for concern and was inflaming homophobic attitudes. The draft legislation proposes that anyone failing to report to the authorities a person they knew to be homosexual would also be liable to prosecution. Since the bill was retabled on Tuesday there have already been reports of increased harassment against homosexuals, Ms Onziema told the BBC's World Today programme. "Being in jail in Uganda is as good as the death penalty," she said. "What I'm worried about most is not even the police coming to arrest me, it's my neighbour attacking me - it's the motorbike cyclist [taxi] refusing to take me to a destination. I'll be killed before I reached my destination." In January 2011, gay rights activist David Kato was killed in what some said was a hate crime - the police said it was linked to a robbery. At his funeral, the priest condemned gay people. ### Morocco opens North Africa's biggest car plant (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16967027 February 9, 2012 By a Non Attributed Author The biggest car factory in North Africa has been officially opened in Morocco by the French firm Renault. The plant is in Melloussa, a small town on the Mediterranean near Tangiers, in an area close to Europe which offers tax benefits to manufacturers. Low-cost cars will be produced under the Dacia brand for emerging markets and Renault executives say up to 10% of the production could be sold locally. It employs about 2,000 local staff and intends to triple production by 2015.

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The BBC's Nora Fakim in Tangiers says this could boost staff numbers to 6,000 and create up to 35,000 jobs indirectly. In recent years, Morocco's economy has been expanding thanks to free trade deals with international partners, but unemployment remains an issue - especially for graduates, who hold weekly protests outside parliament. Morocco's King Mohammed VI attended the inauguration in Melloussa, along with the country's trade minister and the head of Renault. Our reporter says like many foreign companies investing in Tangiers - in an area known as the Tangiers Free Zone - Renault says it wants to help develop northern Morocco, which was neglected by past governments. Renault has invested $1.5bn (946m) in the factory, which currently has the capacity to produce 147,000 cars annually. But some, including economist Fouad Abdelmoumi, are sceptical about the project. "We know that Renault was about to abandon this investment and the Moroccan state gave it huge advantages to convince Renault to continue, including tax incentives," he told the BBC. These incentives mean the real value to the economy is minimal, he said. Our correspondent says a number of other foreign car companies aim to open up near the Renault plant, such as Ford and Chinese and Indian manufacturers. ### South Sudan in Ethiopia-Djibouti oil pipeline deal (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16969483 February 9, 2012 By A Non Attributed Author Landlocked South Sudan has signed a second oil pipeline deal in a bid to reduce its dependence on Sudan - amid a deepening oil crisis. The only export route for southern oil - which makes up 98% of its budget - is via its northern neighbour. The latest plan is to build a pipeline to the port of Djibouti on the Red Sea via neighbouring Ethiopia. South Sudan last month stopped production in a transit fees row and accused Khartoum of stealing its oil.
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A memorandum of understanding was signed during talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, earlier this month, South Sudan's Minister for Information Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the AFP news agency. Chinese, US and European companies have shown interest in carrying out feasibility studies, Mr Benjamin said. Djibouti - on the Gulf of Aden at the entrance to the Red Sea - is at least 1,000km (625 miles)away from South Sudan's oil fields, and crosses remote, difficult terrain where South Sudanese and other militia groups operate. Last month, South Sudan's government signed a deal with Kenya to link its oil fields to the port of Lamu. Continue reading the main story Can Sudan's oil feed north and south? Industry analysts say such a pipeline would usually take at least three years to build and cost up to $4bn (2.6bn). South Sudan and Sudan - who fought a bitter civil war for decades and split in July remain at loggerheads, especially over oil on which both countries depend almost entirely for their revenues. The south has the bulk of the oil - but the north has the pipeline, refinery and the export terminal at Port Sudan on the Red Sea. They have never agreed on the transit fees that the south should pay Khartoum for pumping oil through its pipelines and using Sudan's oil export infrastructure. President Salva Kiir of South Sudan recently accused Sudan of stealing crude oil worth $815m (518m). Khartoum has admitted to confiscating some for unpaid fees - prompting South Sudan to halt all production. President Kiir said his nation would rather struggle for a bit than continue to hand over its oil revenues to the old enemies in Khartoum. Fresh talks over the oil crisis are scheduled for Friday in Addis Ababa. ### Nigeria's Nuhu Ribadu welcomes oil watchdog post (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16961451 February 9, 2012
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By A Non Attributed Author Nigeria's ex-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu said he viewed his appointment as chair of a new task force to police the oil sector as a national calling. His 21-member team will track revenues paid to the government, and monitor crude oil production and exports. Last year, Mr Ribadu stood for president, losing to Jonathan Goodluck, who appointed him to the new post. He said despite political affiliations, there was a "national consensus" on the "deadly impact of corruption". Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer but the sector has been tainted by accusations of corruption, which many say is a major reason why most of the population remain in poverty. The BBC's Chris Ewokor in the capital, Abuja, said it is the first time a task force has been appointed to track corruption in oil industry. He says it comes at a time the sector - including the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation - has come in for criticism for alleged corruption and people have decried the lack of transparency. Last month, there was a nationwide strike when the government tried to remove the subsidy on fuel, angering many Nigerians who see it as the only benefit they received from the country's vast oil wealth. Oil accounts for some 80% of Nigeria's state revenues but it has hardly any capacity to refine crude oil into fuel, which has to be imported. The subsidy has meant fuel is much cheaper in Nigeria than in neighbouring countries, so large amounts end up being smuggled abroad. The government says that the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy, which has been partly restored, have been the owners of fuel-importing companies - among the richest people in the country. In a statement entitled "When the Nation Calls", Mr Ribadu said the fuel protests had shown Nigerians were angered by corruption in the sector. "If we cast an honest look to the recent protests in the wake of the oil subsidy removal, it will be clear to all that the biggest single victory Nigerians scored was to put the question of corruption squarely back on the top of our national policy agenda," he said.

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"Regardless of our affiliations, our differences, and our engagements, it is at least safe to say that we have a national consensus on the deadly impact of corruption on our march to greatness, and on the capacity of our people, particularly the youth, to earn a decent, promising, life. Mr Ribadu's tenure as the head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission bought him to public notice. While his work was applauded by many Nigerians, he was also accused of allowing himself to be used as a political tool, pursuing only enemies of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was sacked by Mr Obasanjo's successor and went into exile, saying his life had been threatened, only returning after ex-President Umaru Yar'Adua's death. He ran for president on the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) ticket. The ACN has disassociated itself from his new appointment, saying Mr Ribadu was taking it in his "personal capacity". ### Nigeria: JTF Discovers Boko Haram Arms Cache (allAfrica) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202091105.html February 9, 2012 By Senator Iroegbu The Security Joint Task Force (JTF) has discovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Kano State, bolstering recent progress in its bid to halt the terrorist activities of Boko Haram Islamic sect and some aggrieved members of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta (MEND). This was disclosed Wednesday at the Defence Headquarters during a briefing by the Joint Security Information Managers Committee on the security development in the country. Speaking on behalf of the information managers, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Col. Mohammed Yerima, said the arms cache was uncovered through a tip-off by well-meaning Nigerians. "Acting on a tip-off by well-meaning Nigerians, the joint team of Police and Army in Kano State discovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in one of the residential areas of Kano", Yerima said. The arms and ammunition discovered at the place include 10 AK47 rifles, one tear gas gun, 26 magazines, 107 rounds of 7.22mm special ammunition, 27 assault rifles and ammo (29 rounds), five wallets, one Nigerian international passport, two Police identity cards, one brief case and three GSM handsets.
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In a related development, he said that the JTF Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger-Delta has uncovered and named the suspects behind the recent attacks in the region, including the one on an Agip pipeline. Yerima called on the suspects - Friday Burutu, Lord Onipa, Robinson Agagudu, Eyala Karo, Stanley Uduorie, Para Ekiyes and Rasmus Omukoro to peacefully hand themselves over to the JTF or appropriate authorities, adding that the amnesty programme was not infinite. He said: "The Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, has noted with concern the statement purportedly issued by MEND on the attack on AGIP pipeline on February 4, 2012. The JTF condemns the attack in view of all that it portends in the region and wishes to observe that not too long ago, the Niger Delta region was almost plunged into the abyss by agitation for the development of the region. "The JTF observes further that the Federal Government reacted to this genuine aspiration by embarking on prgrammes that were aimed at addressing the human development and infrastructural deficits that existed. These programmes are ongoing and verifiable. Unfortunately, people who were never part of the agitation have emerged and want to claim amnesty and its benefits by force. "It should be noted that it is not possible to run an infinite amnesty programme. The names of suspects in that attack are: Friday Burutu, Lord Onipa, Robinson Agagudu, Eyala Karo, Stanley Uduorie, Para Ekiyes and Rasmus Omukoro." The DDI urged Niger Deltans to expose the perpetrators of the recent act and warned that there could be collateral damages if individuals and communities decide to provide sanctuary to them. "The JTF advises Niger Deltans to be mindful of people who are out to swindle them by wrongfully appropriating the identity of the erstwhile leadership of MEND to curry sympathy for their selfish and criminal interest. Therefore, the JTF calls on the good people of the Niger Delta region to rise up and join security agencies to defeat the evil that is rearing its head by giving timely and accurate information on these charlatans through the usual channels," he said. The Joint Security Information Managers also disclosed that the newly acquired NNS THUNDER has made immediate impact in less than a month of being commissioned to operate in the country. They said that the state of the art Navy ship was responsible for the successful arrest of a cargo ship, MT Takordi, laden with one million litres of AGO on the night of January 26. ### S.Africa's Zuma promises "competitive" mining sector (Reuters)
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http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE8180CP20120209 February 9, 2012 By Jon Herskovitz JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday promised to keep the country's powerful mining sector "globally competitive", the latest comment from a senior government official to knock down the prospects of nationalising the mines. In his annual State of the Nation address, Zuma also pledged a 300 billion rand, sevenyear investment plan for state rail and ports firm Transnet to increase the shipping of iron ore and coal, whose exports have been hampered by logistical bottlenecks. Unlike previous years, he gave no projections for the budget deficit or growth in Africa's largest economy. Prior to the speech, editorials and comments on social media sites had called for bold plans to cure chronic unemployment and a broken education system, as well as act against growing corruption. However, the speech lacked any major policy initiatives. This week the Zuma administration has worked to squash the idea - pushed by radical elements in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) - of mine nationalisation in the world's largest platinum producer, with two cabinet members telling a global mining conference in Cape Town that it would not work. A mining sector study submitted to the ANC leadership this month rejected nationalisation as an "unmitigated disaster". It proposed a 50 percent tax on mining profits as a way to help the poor better benefit from South Africa's mineral riches. In last year's speech, Zuma laid out plans to spend billions of dollars to create jobs, but there has been little to show for the money, and official unemployment has refused to budge much below 25 percent. Economists say reform of rigid labour laws and the cutting red tape strangling small businesses is crucial to invigorate growth that is likely to come in below 3 percent this year. "We are tinkering in decimal points, whereas the substance of unemployment is not really being resolved at all," said Chris Hart, chief economist at Investment Solutions. "This economy is not geared to creating jobs because the environment is too hostile for small business." ###
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Legion of Doom: Somali Militants Join al-Qaida (Somalia Danger Room) http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/02/shebab-qaida/#more-72350 February 9, 2012 By Spencer Ackerman al-Qaida was supposed to be a spent force after Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden. But it may just have replenished its forces and strengthened its brand. In one bold move, al-Qaida incorporated al-Shabab, one of the worlds most assertive extremist groups, thereby expanding its reach out of tribal Pakistan and bolstering its dwindling ranks. Expect the growing U.S. shadow war in Somalia to heat up in response and U.S. citizens whove joined Shabab are likely to be first in the crosshairs. An audiotape circulating across the Internet on Thursday from Shabab leader Mukhtar Abu al-Zubayr and Ayman Zawahiri announce that jihadi unity has motivated the merger the first major move for Zawahiri since inheriting al-Qaida. Its good news for the jihadi agglomeration, Zawahiri tells supporters, in the face of the crusader Zionist campaign and its agents of rulers and traitors who allowed invading crusader forces access into their countries, entering mounted on tanks into government palaces in Kabul, Baghdad, Mogadishu and Grozny.

Perhaps, but those crusaders have also been building their counterterrorism forces in east Africa for years. The U.S. is establishing three new drone bases in the region. Special Operations Forces have detained Shebab supporters in the waters off of Somalia and launched raids into the interior of the country to free captive humanitarian aid workers. When elite U.S. troops have hunted al-Qaida suspects in Somalia missions that typically go unreported for years theyve been able to call on serious military hardware, from Navy Destroyers to AC-130 gunships. Oh, and the CIAs set up shop in Somalia, too. Zawahiri and al-Zubayr surely didnt mean it this way, but the merger will have serious and potentially lethal consequences for al-Shababs cohort of U.S. members, affiliates and supporters. One of its members, Omar Hammami who doubles as the groups lead emcee was born in Arkansas Alabama. If a drone strike could kill the U.S. citizen and al-Qaida propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen, then a formal Shabab/Qaida merger probably puts Hammami squarely on the U.S. kill/capture list, if he wasnt already. Other Americans have gotten involved with Shabab, including one who became a suicide bomber in Mogadishu last October. The Justice Department has charged a number of Americans and U.S. residents with supporting Shabab, and the federal attention is sure to increase with the al-Qaida merger.

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Still, the union might be more an act of desperation than strength. Shababs been trying for years to show al-Qaida how much it hearts the OG jihadis, with little reciprocal love. The groups even been driven out of Mogadishu by U.S. proxies. Australian terror analyst Leah Farrall wrote shortly after the bin Laden raid that the the benefits of a merger at a time when al-Qaida needs to project power and influence [might] outweigh any lingering concerns about al-Shababs suitability. Which provides some context to Zawahiris first major decision as al-Qaidas leader. Shabab has been allegedly losing ground, [so the merger provides] a boost to the movement and legitimacy, says Aaron Zelin, a terrorism researcher at Brandeis University who translated the video for Danger Room, and it gives some press to alQaida, a failing brand, by associating it with Shabab, which has a nice safe haven. Except the merger might soon make that haven less safe. ### Appiah We were unlucky (Confederation of African Football) http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/news/13077-appiaho-we-were-unluckyo.html February 8, 2012 By an unattributed author Ghana Assistant coach Kwesi Appiah blames ill-luck for their lone goal loss to Zambia in the semi final clash of the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday in Bata. The Black Stars paid the price for missing a first half penalty with Emmanuel Mayuka curling home the winner on 77 minutes. We dominated possession throughout the game. It was unfortunate they scored from the two chances that came their way. Personally, I dont think something went wrong with the team. We were unlucky. Appiah discount concerns that over confidence might have influenced their failure to reach the final and shattering their hopes of winning the title for the first time since 1982. Zambia is a big football nation. They have played well and we expected a tough game. We came here to get a win. I dont think we deserved to lose. On the penalty, he added that the team bears no grudge against Asamoah Gyan for failing to score from the spot yet again. Gyan it would be recalled missed the decisive penalty during the 2010 World Cup, which cost Ghana a place at the last four. That is the issue with penalty kicks. He (Gyan) is the best penalty taker in the team and its unfortunate he failed to score. We have to encourage him rather than bring him down.
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Appiah, a member of the Black Stars squad that lost to Cote dIvoire in the final 20-years ago said the technical team will work on the psyche of the players ahead of the third place match. At the moment, all (the players) are down. We have to do a lot to restore their morale for the third place match. Ghana will face Mali in the third-place match on Saturday in Malabo whilst Zambia squares Cote dIvoire in the final 24-hours later in Libreville. ### END REPORT

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