February 2025 Regional Overview: Rising Violence Across Africa

In February 2025, Africa experienced rising violence, notably in the Central African Republic, where clashes between Anti-balaka and Fulani groups resulted in significant civilian fatalities. The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw intensified civilian targeting due to the advancement of M23 militants. In Ghana, disputes escalated into violence, with insecurity growing in the North East region. Meanwhile, Niger faced an uptick in fatalities from an ISSP offensive, and Somalia experienced intensified airstrikes against ISIS, while Sudan’s SAF captured strategic locations amid ongoing conflict.

This overview outlines the critical events and violence in Africa during February 2025, highlighting significant developments in various nations. In the Central African Republic, deadly clashes between the Anti-balaka militia and ethnic Fulani pastoralists resulted in around 130 civilian deaths. The violence escalated following a robbery incident, marking February as the deadliest month since March 2022 for the region.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, escalating hostilities occurred as the M23 and the Rwandan Defense Force captured the regional capital of Bukavu. As the Congolese army retreated, civilian targeting surged, predominantly from FARDC troops, amidst ongoing conflict. The situation evolved into mob violence as local populations reacted to instability and threats from armed groups.

In Ghana, ongoing disputes over the Bawku chieftaincy intensified violence in the North East region, leading to sporadic clashes and attacks on civilians. The conflict, historically centered around property and authority between the Mamprusia and Kusasi groups, escalated following the return of chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile, creating opportunities for Islamist groups amid increased insecurity.

Niger experienced a spike in fatalities due to an offensive launched by the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), targeting military and civilian areas. This offensive is linked to a broader jihadist expansion initiative gripping the region, with ISSP employing mass violence to assert territorial control and influence the local population.

In Somalia, joint airstrikes conducted by Puntland state security, the United States, and the UAE targeted Islamic State affiliates, resulting in significant militant casualties. The scale of airstrikes during February was unprecedented, reflecting an intensified effort to combat IS Somalia amid reports of growing threats in the region.

In Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) made substantial gains in Khartoum, capturing various strategic locations while engaging the Rapid Support Forces. This offensive saw SAF regain control of over 100 areas in February, marking a notable shift in power dynamics within the conflict involving RSF and allied militias.

The month of February 2025 has witnessed significant turmoil across Africa, with violent clashes leading to substantial civilian casualties. Ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan, illustrate the complex interplay of local grievances, ethnic tensions, and regional instability. As violence escalates, the implications for civilian safety and regional security remain concerning and warrant increased attention from both local and international stakeholders.

Original Source: reliefweb.int