Azawad Liberation Movement Confirms Release of Spanish Hostage
Update on the release of Spanish citizen Navarro Gianni Gilbert, who was abducted from the Algerian state of Tamanrasset. According to reports, the Azawad Liberation Front successfully located his kidnappers near the Malian city of Menaka, detaining him for several hours before transferring him to the Islamic State organization in exchange for 100 million CFA francs.
In a statement issued by the movement’s official spokesman, Mohamed El Mawloud Ramadan, it was revealed that the hostage was freed through a coordinated operation involving the movement's security units and negotiations facilitated by influential intermediaries.
The movement confirmed that Mr. Gilbert is in excellent health and was able to contact his family prior to being formally handed over to the Algerian authorities. The handover process was carried out in close coordination with Algerian officials, with whom the movement maintained continuous communication throughout the operation.
The statement further emphasized that this handover took place as the kidnappers crossed into Azawad from the Algerian border. The Azawad Liberation Front reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding people and their property, striving to bolster security and peace in the region despite the numerous challenges posed by the current volatile situation. These challenges are exacerbated by the presence of various armed groups that emerged in the wake of the instability created by Malian security forces and mercenaries associated with the Africa Corps (formerly known as Wagner group).
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A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
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