This Regional Overview of Africa examines key conflicts and rising violence in March 2025, focusing on the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan. The article highlights ethnic tensions, military offensives, and civilian casualties, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these crises and promote stability.
This Regional Overview of Africa for March 2025 highlights the continuing volatility across multiple nations, mainly focusing on the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan, where ethnic tensions, military offensives, and insurgent attacks have escalated. Each country’s situation requires detailed analysis due to the rising fatalities and civil unrest.
In the Central African Republic, violence surged in February as a robbery initiated a fierce confrontation between the Anti-balaka militia and Fulani pastoralists. The conflict stemmed from a longstanding struggle for power, leading to civilian targeting and resulting in at least 130 reported deaths, with the Fulani community suffering the most, accounting for 85% of fatalities. This escalation marked February as the deadliest month since March 2022.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo witnessed heightened civilian targeting amidst the advance of the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF), who captured significant positions in South Kivu, including the regional capital Bukavu. In this chaotic environment, FARDC soldiers engaged in attacks against civilians, contributing to rampant lawlessness and further destabilizing the region.
In Ghana, the spillover of violence from the Bawku chieftaincy dispute into the North East region has sparked significant civilian attacks. The longstanding conflict between the Mamprusia and Kusasi over authority has led to new rounds of clashes and attacks on innocent civilians, escalating tensions and creating opportunities for Islamist groups to exploit local divisions.
Following a coordinated offensive by the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) on the Nigeria-Niger border, fatalities surged dramatically within Niger. This violence reflects a broader strategy by ISSP to exert control over local populations and resources, contributing to a troubling rise in mortality in the region.
In Somalia, intensified airstrikes led by the U.S. and UAE aimed at dismantling the Islamic State in Somalia resulted in the deaths of high-ranking militants. This marked a pivotal escalation in combat against IS forces, which have been adapting their tactics, including increasing drone strikes against law enforcement.
Lastly, in Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have made notable territorial gains in Khartoum. The campaigns, which began in September 2024, are pivotal as they involve reclaiming key locations in an ongoing struggle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), thus reshaping the battle for control over northern Sudan.
In summary, the March 2025 Regional Overview highlights significant regional unrest in Africa, characterized by systemic violence and military engagements. The Central African Republic faces deadly ethnic conflicts, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo contends with a surge in civilian assaults amid territorial advances by armed groups. Ghana and Niger grapple with escalating violence linked to historical disputes and jihadist offensives, respectively. Concurrently, intensified military operations in Somalia aim to mitigate the threat posed by insurgents. Finally, Sudan’s conflict dynamics shift as the SAF captures vital territories from rival forces. These interconnected crises necessitate ongoing vigilance and strategic intervention to promote stability across the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
