SimonRynn

Snr Research Fellow covering International Security Studies/Africa, RUSI. Views expressed my own, RTs, follows etc. are not endorsements.

[Cameron Hudson @_hudsonc]

The heads of the major international aid organizations all call out the failing international response to the war in #Sudan and call on the UN Security Council and African institutions to at least get the parties to uphold international humanitarian law. https://t.co/A4nSVGR5fv

[Anette Hoffmann @anette_hoffmann]

From Catastrophe to Famine: Immediate action needed in Sudan to contain mass starvation https://t.co/rHX5vHJRtC
Since the start of the war, #Sudan's generals have shown total disregard for the humanitarian catastrophe they are causing. a🧵 1/5

[René Lefort @rene_renelefort]

At a time when the mortal dangers the region is facing continue to worsen, the Tigrayan leadership has been mobilised for 41 days’ debate to conclude with an interminable, waffle press release. In light of it, the obvious conclusion is that... 1/7

[Toby Green @toby00green]

Written this for @RUSI_org on the immense rise in poverty in the Global South since 2020, and their its relationship to Covid lockdowns:
https://t.co/uffhZoUrMf

Grateful to RUSI stepping in & mainstreaming the logical view which has somehow been taboo for 4 years.

Never again.

[SimonRynn @RynnSimon]

OK I was surprised by the RSF-pro-democracy agreement (await details and recrimination). But more surprised by the Ethiopia sea access deal with Somaliland. Will it avert an Eritrea conflict? (Maybe not) UAE & Egypt? Somalia's options (IGAD, proxies...)? AU reception? Questions!

[Nada. @NadaWanni]

Today is going to mark a landmark in Sudan’s conflict at different levels - particularly in the war of Narrative Spinning

#Sudan
#SudanConflict

[Martin Plaut @martinplaut]

An appeal to the British Government from the Tigrayan community to avert famine https://t.co/Yrn5Brbeax

[SimonRynn @RynnSimon]

Shocking pace of events. Did Wad Madani (Sudan) fall so quickly due to RSF payoffs? Likely an element but pursuasion, infiltration and threats alongside no doubt. Or does anyone think SAF are playing 4D chess and have a grand strategy. https://t.co/I1Q7tHSXhn

[Rashid Abdi @RAbdiAnalyst]

#KenyaAt60
There are many things to bemoan about Kenya, sure, but on this day I am reminded of how lucky Kenya is and what makes this wonderful nation unique:

Open society, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, culture of inclusivity, democratic aspirations.

Happy Jamhuri Day

[Cameron Hudson @_hudsonc]

"I have never, in all my years, seen such a horrific mega-catastrophe with so little attention or resources to reach people in their hour of greatest need," said @NRC_Egeland. That's saying something. https://t.co/EyTFZLVQoM

[david_mcnair @David_McNair]

Here are the 5 stages of grief to every UN conference:

At #COP28 we are currently in stage 4️⃣

1⃣: Everyone manages expectations. Rich countries boast, NGOs fret, poor people suffer.
2⃣: Drama about agenda yields to virtue signalling speeches.
3⃣: Journalists focus on the areas of tension. The drama builds.
4⃣: Negotiations around ‘bracketed text’ (where there isn’t agreement) run into the night. Hotel bookings get extended.
5⃣: An agreement is announced: the host says it’s ‘historic’. Oxfam calls it a missed opportunity, poor countries reluctantly accept and wait for next year.

[SimonRynn @RynnSimon]

US and others but yes and maybe worse to come unless attention is paid towards this and the related tensions in and around Ethiopia.

[Martin Plaut @martinplaut]

Twenty-three years ago today, Ethiopia and Eritrea, with the support of the international community, signed the Algiers Agreement and committed to demarcate a common border. Yes. But the US allowed Ethiopia to ignore its ruling with tragic consequences https://t.co/8JC3jii8bP

[SimonRynn @RynnSimon]

Great piece on coups in Africa by Ero and Mutiga below. I would just add a) Externals really need to study elite, and military dynamics, b) Offer better forms of security cooperation, and c) On Covid, most economic damage came from imposed restrictions: https://t.co/jf7CIUTLNa

[Comfort Ero @EroComfort]

Seven African leaders were toppled by their militaries in the last three years.

In this @ForeignAffairs essay with @mutigam, we outline the deeper context in which these coups are emerging and why they have stirred so much anxiety.

Thread 1/11
https://t.co/UBDIYX9fBL.

[Patrick Heinisch @PatrickHeinisc1]

The ten-year #defence cooperation treaty that provides the framework for the presence of the 1,500-strong French Forces in #Djibouti is about to be renewed. #France's minister of foreign affairs and minister of the armed forces are expected in Djibouti. https://t.co/rCBjUMcU6j

[SimonRynn @RynnSimon]

#Sudan tells UN Sec Gen it will "terminate" the
@UNITAMS mandate. This will be a political football for the conflict parties and region. Hope we can get a revamped mandate in time. Right now we need urgency on negotiations, civilian protection & relief.

[Dr Andrew E. Poku-Yaw Tchie @DrATchie]

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso establish Sahel security alliance https://t.co/HQAkZVqs80

[Cameron Hudson @_hudsonc]

Excellent 🧵 that should get people thinking now about what comes next for the UN in #Sudan. Hopefully @UKUN_NewYork is already getting input. Sadly, I have no confidence that a PoC mandate is in the cards and nothing approaching a Chapter 7 mandate. A few thoughts:

[SimonRynn @RynnSimon]

Sudan: Hard to muster any regrets at Volker Perthes' resignation however difficult it must have been. Not a great day for anyone and certainly not for the UN's legacy. Wrong turns all the way, from the mandate to the execution. Hopefully it creates an opening for fresh thinking.