Latest international risk updates, courtesy of AKE Group

September 15, 2011

Egypt – Israel

Israel’s ambassador to Egypt and other senior staff were evacuated from the country after protesters broke into a building housing the Israeli embassy in Cairo on 9 September. Some of the demonstrators managed to break into the building before Egyptian military personnel gained control of the situation, arresting scores of protestors. Egypt’s military rulers stated that peace with Israel still stands, despite Israeli President Binyamin Netanyahu’s claims that the incident inflicted “severe injury to the fabric of peace with Israel”. With parliamentary elections on the horizon Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel, which is unpopular among many Egyptians, is likely to become a major talking point over the coming months. Although the ruling military council has demonstrated its commitment to the treaty, any new elected government may seek to gain political capital by raising the issue of possible renegotiation of the treaty.

Indonesia

Two hundred paramilitary police officers were sent to Ambon in Indonesia's eastern Maluku province after rioting between Muslims and Christians left three dead and up to 60 injured. The rioting was sparked by the death of a Muslim taxi driver who was reported to have been killed in a hate crime. Maluku was the scene of a sectarian conflict that killed approximately 5,000 Christians and Muslims between 1999 and 2002.

Kenya

At least 76 people were killed and over 100 injured after an explosion and subsequent fire at a fuel pipeline in Nairobi. Crowds of people gathered around the leaking pipeline in Mukuru to gather spilled fuel when the explosion occurred on the morning of 12 September. The fire was extinguished, and the pipeline’s operator, Kenya Pipeline, has repaired the damage and the pipeline is back on stream. The Kenyan Red Cross is providing food and shelter for those displaced by the incident. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue to search for bodies.

Libya

Fighters loyal to Muammar Gaddafi attacked an oil refinery in the town of Ras Lanuf, to the east of the city of Sirte, which is one of the last cities held by pro-Gaddafi forces. At least 15 guards at the refinery were killed in the attack, which served as a reminder of the potential security threat posed by remaining pro-Gaddafi elements. Meanwhile, seven rebel fighters were killed and 10 others were wounded in fighting around the town of Bani Walid. Rebel fighters are attempting to regain control of the town, but have faced fierce resistance from Gaddafi loyalists. Sporadic fighting is expected to continue and could intensify if rebel forces attempt another push aimed at taking control of the town.

Nigeria

Armed men attacked a police station in Misau on 12 September, killing four policemen and freeing a number of detainees who were being held at the station. Two bombs were detonated inside the police station after the men stormed the building with automatic weapons. Unconfirmed reports suggest one or more civilians may have been killed or injured during the attack. Bauchi state has seen recurrent violence blamed on Boko Haram, who have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks around Nigeria, including the UN bombing which killed 23 people on 26 August.

Yemen

President Ali Abdullah Saleh has empowered his Vice President Abbd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to sign a power transition plan after a dialogue with the opposition. However, opposition figures have expressed scepticism over the latest announcement, particularly given Saleh’s repeated refusal to sign a Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) sponsored deal. The fact that the latest decree calls for more talks before a deal is concluded has raised concerns that agreement over the terms of a deal will remain elusive. Saleh’s announcement is unlikely to prevent further demonstrations against his rule from taking place in cities throughout the country, meaning the potential for violent clashes in urban areas remains.

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