Southeast and South Asia
Massive flooding and landslides in Indonesia, Thailand (south),
Malaysia (north) and Sri Lanka (completely devastated by Cyclone
Ditwah): at least 1,338 dead, several hundred missing and millions of
inhabitants affected. Indonesia (Sumatra) and Sri Lanka were the worst
affected, with infrastructure destroyed, power and water cuts, and
population displacement due to the heaviest monsoon rains since 2012,
particularly in Sri Lanka.
Guinea-Bissau
Military coup in Bissau (26 November) amid political tension over the
23 November general election: publication of results suspended, borders
temporarily closed, national curfew imposed and members of the
opposition arrested, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló (who
has since gone into exile), but without widespread violence. General
Horta N’Tam appointed to lead a one-year transition period, formation of
a new government (28 November). Country suspended from the African
Union and ECOWAS.
Nigeria
Security emergency declared 26 November after more than 350 people
were kidnapped in ten days in the centre and northwest of the
country, amid renewed attacks on places of worship, schools and the
security forces. Redeployment and reinforcement of the security
apparatus (north and centre). For the first time, JNIM claimed
responsibility for an attack in Nigeria, targeting an army checkpoint in
Kaiama-Nuku (Kwara State, on the border with Benin), signalling a
possible expansion of its area of action.
Mali
Ongoing sharp deterioration in security amid fuel blockade imposed
by JNIM since September, stepped up 19 October. Extremely fragile
improvement in fuel supply in Bamako made possible by arrival of
escorted convoys, while electricity remains heavily rationed in the capital.
At least 22 foreigners kidnapped in the south between May and
October, mainly at industrial and mining sites, with some being released
in exchange for ransoms. Several deadly attacks targeting civilians,
particularly in the Timbuktu region (Léré) and around Ségou. French
diplomatic authorities advised their nationals to make arrangements
to leave Mali temporarily as soon as possible on available commercial
flights (7 November).