Kidnapping of Three Italians in the Gourma Region: Uncertainty and Contradictions
Three Italian nationals were reportedly abducted on March 19, 2025, in the Gourma region, an area under the strong influence of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), near the borders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The details remain unclear, and many questions remain unanswered.
Unclear Location and Conflicting Reports
There is conflicting information regarding the exact location of the abduction. Some sources contacted by African Security Analysis (ASA) indicate Tillabéri in Niger, while others mention Leletan in Burkina Faso. Additionally, another village with the same name exists near Ansongo, on the Mali-Niger border, adding to the confusion. However, an official source contacted by African Security Analysis from Niger has denied that any kidnapping occurred on its territory, ruling out this possibility.
Who Are the Hostages?
The identities of the abducted individuals remain uncertain. Two main hypotheses have emerged:
• They might be Italian military personnel, though this seems unlikely. The Italian contingent is officially based in Niger, and any movement beyond this zone would require official authorization.• Other sources suggest the victims could be an Italian family of three. However, their presence in a region where foreign travel is strictly controlled raises significant concerns.
A Highly Volatile Region
The tri-border area is a highly unstable region where multiple armed terrorist groups operate. Among them, ISGS, which is active in northern Burkina Faso, is a prime suspect. The Katiba of Boubacar, alias Noumonguel, is mentioned as a possible perpetrator, although no group has claimed responsibility yet. The presence of Europeans in this region is extremely rare due to security risks and strict travel restrictions. This raises a critical question: How did these Italians end up in such a high-risk area without protection or official authorization?
ASA is actively investigating and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
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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.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Navigating Sahelian Integration Challenges
On 23 April, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) will convene its fourth session under the theme “The Imperative of a Combined Maritime Task Force in Addressing Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.” Over the last decade, Gulf of Guinea states have deepened regional cooperation and harnessed digital technologies to bolster Maritime Domain Awareness, driving piracy incidents down from 84 in 2020 to just 18 in 2024. Yet much of this capability rests on platforms developed, financed, and controlled by external partners, leaving coastal states exposed to shifting geopolitical winds.
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