The Manic Monday News Brief

• Somalia: Soldiers in Mogadishu killed 2 after opening fire on a crowd (according to witnesses) rioting against the rapidly increasing cost of basic food items—a problem created by, among other things, the increasing cost of fuel and increasing demand by India and China. In addition to creating conditions for potential widespread famine, the skyrocketing cost of food is adding fuel to the fire of existing conflicts across the developing world. In Somalia, hyperinflation of the currency, attributed to counterfeiting and the extended absence of a functioning central government, is also contributing to the crisis.
• Kosovo/Albania: Human Rights Watch compiled additional documentation to support allegations that an estimated 400 Serbs were abducted and transferred from Kosovo to Albania after the war. Some evidence suggests that the abductions may have been part of an organ trafficking ring.
• Uganda: The leadership of the Lord’s Resistance Army is reportedly growing tired of commander Joseph Kony’s waffling over the peace process, and have told him either to sign or gather forces for a coup. I’d be careful, if I were one of these officers—the last time people expressed internal dissent, Kony had them all killed.
• Rwanda: The Rwandan government accused the DRC of not complying with an agreement to begin disarming the FDLR militia. The FDLR—comprised largely of Rwandan militants responsible for the 1994 genocide, many of whom have expressed their desire to return to Rwanda and renew their campaign of ethnic cleansing—recently resumed attacks on Congolese civilians.
• Last, but certainly not least—Zimbabwe: Teachers are threatening to strike in protest of assaults at the hands of government and ZANU-PF militants. Many teachers worked as polling officers during the disputed March 29 elections, had have been targets for violence ever since. The East African Law Society and the Law Society of the South Africa Development Community (SADC) are preparing to pursue legal action through the ICC against China for armament deals with Zimbabwe. The Chairman of the ZEC accused the MDC of “playing games” with the vote verification process. (Pot, meet Kettle.) Some analysts say that even if Mugabe is able to pull of a run-off victory, he will be severely weakened in his sixth term in office and his rule will be decidedly different. That may be so, but it’s hard to find solace in such an idea when you consider the tactics he is likely to use to continue is grip on the country…