Russia moves to fill the void in the Sahel
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for April 5, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Friday, we collected 54 events,
including interesting developments
in the Democratic Republic of Congo
and Niger, so let's get started.
"Democratic Republic of Congo
Joseph Stéphane Mukumadi, who is
the former governor of Sankuru
province, publicly announced on April
3 that he had joined the Alliance
Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebellion.
Mukumadi urged Congolese people to join
him ""to put an end to the dictatorship
of the Kinshasa regime and allow the
total liberation of our country.â
He stated that the AFC embodies
the hope of the Congolese people.
Mukumadi also denounced the nation being
held hostage by a political minority."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
M23 rebels have withdrawn from the
strategic town of Walikale in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a
goodwill gesture ahead of planned peace
talks with the government on April 9.
The move comes after the rebels seized
eastern DRC's two largest cities in a
swift advance since January, resulting
in thousands of deaths and displacing
hundreds of thousands of people.
The DRC government and M23 plan to hold
their first direct talks in Doha, Qatar."
"Niger
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have
agreed to create a joint armed force to
combat terrorist groups in the region.
The three countries aim to form a
united Sahelian confederation force,
with defense, security, diplomacy,
and development as its cornerstones.
Russia has expressed its readiness
to contribute to the formation
of this combined military force
and has offered assistance in
designing a scheme for equipping
the forces with specific weaponry."
"Niger
Russia is increasing its influence in
the Sahel region by providing weapons
and training to the joint forces
of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov stated that Russia is ready
to contribute to the joint forces,
emphasizing the need to equip them
with specific weapons and equipment.
This move is seen as an attempt by
Russia to capitalize on the instability
in the region, which was previously
dominated by French military presence."
"Philippines
On Thursday, a member of the New People's
Army (NPA) surrendered to government
troops in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del
Norte, citing extreme hunger and hardship.
The individual turned over an M-16
rifle, an AK-47 rifle, and ammunition."
"South Korea
South Korea's Constitutional Court
has ruled to remove President Yoon
Suk-yeol from office following
Parliament's impeachment decision.
The impeachment stems from Yoon's
declaration of martial law in
December 2024, which the court found
violated fundamental human rights
and damaged the country's stability.
A presidential election will be
held within two months, with Prime
Minister Han Duck-soo serving
as acting president until then."
"South Sudan
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement
in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has submitted
a formal document to the African
Union, calling for the immediate
withdrawal of Ugandan troops and
Sudanese rebel Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) from South Sudanese territory.
The SPLM-IO accuses the government
of undermining the 2018 revitalized
peace agreement and cites the
presence of foreign forces as a
direct violation of the agreement.
The SPLM-IO also demanded the
unconditional release of their
leader, Riek Machar, and other
detained individuals, and urged the
AU to condemn ceasefire violations
and initiate an investigation into
atrocities committed against civilians."
"Syria
A deal between the Syrian government
and the PKK/YPG terrorist organization
resulted in the release of nearly
100 detained people in Aleppo.
In exchange, the Syrian regime
released 97 PKK/YPG members.
This exchange is part of a larger
agreement aimed at resolving the fate
of those detained by the PKK/YPG after
the Baath regime's collapse in Syria."
"Bangladesh
On Thursday, Police arrested an
illegal arms dealer and another
notorious terrorist in Khulna.
Police arrested the terrorists at the
Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH)
after being admitted to the hospital
after a gunfight with another rival group.
During a search of the arms dealer's
home, police seized two foreign-made
handguns, a shotgun, seven ammunition
cartridges, eight pistol rounds, one
spent cartridge, and a large machete."
"India
During the past 24 hours, the Manipur
Police arrested 11 militants belonging
to various banned outfits and recovered
a large cache of arms, ammunition, IEDs,
grenades, and other war-like materials.
Police arrested four militants in
the Imphal East district, five in the
Imphal West district, and one each
from Bishnupur and Thoubal districts.
The arrested militants belong to PREPAK,
Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Kangleipak
Communist Party (KCP), United Peopleâs
Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), and Kanglei
Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), all of which
are Manipurâs valley-based outfits."
"Iraq
Iraqi security forces have arrested
a senior leader of the Al-Yamani
Movement in Najaf province, a
high-value target believed to be the
chief strategist behind the group.
Ahmed bin Hasan al-Yamani, a Shiite
religious figure, claims to be the
messianic ""Al-Yamani"" and has
been evading capture for years.
The movement, launched in 2002, seeks
to destabilize Iraq's religious and
security landscape by calling for
attacks on top religious figures."
"Israel
Israeli air defenses intercepted a drone
launched from the east, likely from Yemen,
in the Aravah area of southern Israel.
The drone was successfully
shot down without triggering
any sirens in nearby towns."
"Kenya
Land Dispute in Trans Nzoia A group of
youths attacked residents in Chepchoina
Phase 3 settlement scheme, injuring seven
people and setting several houses ablaze.
The dispute centers around land
ownership, which was distributed by the
government in 2023 to poor, landless
people from various communities.
However, a group from neighboring
West Pokot County claims ownership,
allegedly incited by a senior politician.
The situation remains tense,
with police deployed to quell the
conflict and beneficiaries unable
to settle due to insecurity."
"Nigeria
A 28-member syndicate involved in
kidnapping, human trafficking, and
cattle rustling has been arrested
by the Ondo State Security Network
Agency (Amotekun) in Nigeria.
The syndicate lured unsuspecting
individuals, particularly Ghanaians,
with false promises of securing U.S.
visas.
Victims were forced to pay between
$1,500 and $2,000 before being
kidnapped and held for ransom.
Thanks to intelligence efforts, over
70 victims have been rescued, and
the perpetrators are now in custody."
"Nigeria
On Friday, an Israeli national, Mr.
Gil Itamar, was rescued from kidnappers
in Takum, Taraba State, Nigeria,
after a clash with the abductors.
The rescue operation, led by the
Taraba State Police Command, involved
a joint team of police officers,
military personnel, and local hunters.
According to reports, Mr.
Itamar was abducted by armed criminals
while being escorted by military
personnel in the Atim Community
along the Takum-Chanchangi road."
"Nigeria
On Thursday, a fully loaded bus was
hijacked by gunmen in Otukpo, Benue
State, resulting in the death of
the driver and the kidnapping of
all passengers except a toddler."
"Nigeria
Recent security incidents in Nigeria
have been reported, including troops
successfully repelling militia
attacks in Plateau State, where
they recovered arms and ammunition.
In Borno State, Boko Haram insurgents
ambushed security personnel, killing a
police inspector and seizing his rifle.
Tragically, a 21-year-old man was
accidentally shot and killed during a
joint security operation in Adamawa State.
These incidents underscore the
ongoing security challenges in
Nigeria and the risks faced by
security personnel and civilians."
"Nigeria
Thursday morning, suspected Boko
Haram terrorists ambushed and killed
a police inspector at the Police
Mobile Force Training College (PMFTC)
Camp Limankara in Gwoza, Borno State.
The militants took the police
inspector's AK-47 rifle."
"Pakistan
A man, Rajesh Usendi, was killed and
another injured by an improvised explosive
device (IED) planted by Naxalites in
Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district.
The victims, both 25, were gathering
sticks when the pressure IED exploded."
"Philippines
On Wednesday, gunmen ambushed and
killed a preschool boy and injured
three adults in Guindulungan town,
Maguindanao del Sur province.
The victims were traveling in a
minivan when they were attacked by
gunmen positioned along a stretch
of the Cotabato-Isulan Highway."
"Philippines
The New People's Army (NPA) has
claimed responsibility for the
killing of a farmer, identified as
""Jonhee,"" in Gawahon, Victorias
City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.
According to the NPA, Jonhee was
executed for allegedly killing his
sibling in December 2024 and attempting
to harm his mother and other siblings."
"Russia
A 49-year-old Russian soldier was
arrested on Wednesday for allegedly
planning a suicide bomb attack
on a military academy in Moscow.
According to the FSB, the soldier was
recruited online by Ukraine's Main
Directorate of Intelligence in March and
was promised help bringing his children
to the West if he carried out the attack.
The soldier has been charged with
terrorism and possession of explosives."
"South Sudan
Clashes between armed groups from
Mayom County and Abiemnhom County
in South Sudan have resulted in at
least 29 deaths and 17 injuries.
The conflict began when Mayom
youths attacked cattle-grazing
areas in Abiemnhom, killing
four people and wounding six.
The situation escalated when
Mayom youths returned and
seized the county headquarters,
leading to further violence."
"South Sudan
In northern South Sudan's Ruweng
Administrative Area, an armed youth
group briefly overran the town of
Abiemnom, resulting in at least 30
confirmed deaths and over 40 wounded.
The attack occurred despite security
forces' efforts to defend the town.
This incident comes amid rising tensions
in the fragile political situation,
with forces allied to President Salva
Kiir and First Vice President Riek
Machar clashing across the country."
"Syria
A child was killed, and four members
of a family (a man, his wife, and
their two children) were injured when
a grenade was thrown at them by a
person on a motorcycle in Homs city.
The injured civilians were
taken to the hospital."
"Syria
A military police officer was killed, and
two others were injured in an attack by
unidentified gunmen while on an inspection
mission between Manbij and Jarablus
areas in eastern Aleppo countryside.
This incident highlights the ongoing
security chaos in areas controlled
by Turkish forces and their proxies."
"Syria
In the SDF-controlled town of Al-Tayyanah
in eastern Deir Ezzor, an ISIS cell
opened fire on the owner of a money
exchange office using light weapons.
However, no casualties were
reported in the attack."
"Syria
Unidentified gunmen stormed a house
in Homs city, kidnapping five members
of the same family, including a child.
The circumstances of the incident and the
identities of the kidnappers are unknown.
A car, believed to be a ""Peugeot"" with
front-end damage, was seen in connection
with the kidnapping, and security forces
are searching for the perpetrators."
"Ukraine
A local government official and his
wife were injured in a car explosion
in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region.
The incident occurred at 07:40
and authorities are currently
investigating the circumstances
surrounding the explosion."
"West Bank
IDF soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian
who was throwing stones at an Israeli
highway in the central West Bank.
The incident occurred near the village of
Husan, with no Israeli soldiers injured.
A second Palestinian was also
wounded during the incident."
"Gaza Strip
A recent drone strike in the northern
Gaza Strip, directed by the 401st Armored
Brigade, resulted in the death of a deputy
commander of a Hamas Nukhba force company.
The strike also killed several more
Hamas operatives and destroyed rocket
launchers and other infrastructure."
"Gaza Strip
Israel's military has killed Muhammad
Hassan Muhammad Awad, a senior member
of the Mujahideen Brigades, responsible
for the abduction and likely murder
of a family and several others during
the October 7 Hamas-led onslaught."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli military (IDF) has
expanded its ground operations in the
northern Gaza Strip, focusing on the
Shejaiya neighborhood in Gaza City.
The goal is to expand Israel's buffer
zone along the Gaza border, resulting in
the killing of several terror operatives
and the destruction of infrastructure,
including a Hamas command center.
The IDF has also enabled civilians to
evacuate the area for their safety."
"Lebanon
A senior Hamas commander, Hassan
Farhat, was killed in an Israeli
airstrike in Sidon, Lebanon.
Farhat was responsible for numerous
attacks on Israeli civilians and
troops, including a rocket attack on
the Northern Command base in Safed that
killed one soldier and wounded others.
The Israeli military considers Farhat a
threat to the state and its citizens."
"Myanmar
On Thursday, junta forces conducted
airstrikes on several towns
despite a declared ceasefire for
earthquake relief operations.
On Thursday morning, a junta Y12
plane dropped 30 bombs on Bhamo town,
which is mainly held by the Kachin
Independent Army (KIA) insurgents.
Another Y12 dropped 45 bombs on
Indaw town in Sagaing Region,
which the KIA and its allies have.
Furthermore, a junta helicopter
reportedly dropped 30 bombs on two
villages in resistance territory in
Homalin Township, Sagaing Region.
Clashes were reported with resistance
groups in Salingyi Township, Sagaing
Region, on Wednesday and Thursday as
regime forces raided rebel territory.
Several regime airstrikes have
targeted civilians and resistance
groups in quake-hit areas."
"Sudan
In El Fasher, the Sixth Infantry
Division of the SAF (Sudanese Armed
Forces) reported that five airstrikes
had destroyed three tractor-trailers,
five Toyota Land Cruisers, and a
vehicle transporting weapons and
supplies towards the town of Mellit.
Additionally, dozens of RSF (Rapid
Support Forces) fighters were said to have
been killed or injured in the attacks."
"Sudan
On Monday, the Rapid Support Forces
(RSF), along with fighters from the
Sudan Peopleâs Liberation Movement-North
(SPLM-N), attacked Khor al-Dalib in
South Kordofan, killing at least 12
civilians and displacing hundreds.
The attack, which involved
heavy weaponry, was carried out
in residential neighborhoods,
causing widespread destruction."
"Sudan
On Thursday, the Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) claimed to have shot down a Sudanese
Air Force (SAF) Antonov aircraft over El
Fasher in North Darfur, resulting in the
reported deaths of seven crew members.
The SAF has not responded to the claim,
but sources close to the SAF have
confirmed the deaths of the crew."
"Syria
The Naval Academy in Jabblah fired
two artillery shells, one of which
hit Al-Buwyat village, and the other
fell near Al-Qutaylibiyah town.
However, no casualties
have been reported yet."
"Ukraine
A drone strike occurred in the Brovary
district of Kyiv region, injuring
a civilian and causing a fire in
a car dealership and parking lot.
The injured person was hospitalized
with leg and neck injuries.
Four trucks and a car caught fire in
the parking lot, and a building in the
car dealership caught fire due to drone
debris, resulting in five damaged cars."
"Ukraine
A Russian attack on Kostiantynivka,
Donetsk region, resulted in one
death and three injuries on April 3.
The victims, including a 24-year-old
local resident, suffered blast
injuries and shrapnel wounds.
The attack also damaged 14 private
homes, an apartment building,
and other infrastructure."
"Ukraine
A Russian ballistic missile has
struck the city of Kryvyi Rih,
killing 12 people, including three
children, and injuring over 50.
Residential apartment buildings
were damaged, and fires broke out.
Emergency services are on the scene.
This incident comes after Ukraine's
Air Force warned of potential
Russian ballistic missile use."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack damaged
the building of the Dnipro
Regional Council in Ukraine.
According to the head of the council,
Mykola Lukashuk, there were no casualties,
but the building will need to be restored.
The relevant services are working
to minimize the impact of the
attack and ensure the council's
operations continue uninterrupted."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack on Kharkiv's
Novobavarskyi district killed five people.
The attack occurred on the night of April
3-4, and over 30 people were injured."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attacked a Nissan
Navara pickup truck carrying Ukrainian
military personnel and a journalist
from the Ukrainian Witness project.
The drone, a Molniya UAV, caused an
explosion, injuring two servicemen and a
press officer, Ihor Lavrov, more severely.
The vehicle suffered significant damage,
and the individuals involved took shelter
before receiving medical attention."
"Ukraine
Russia launched a wave of 78 attack
drones at Ukraine, but Ukrainian air
defense forces intercepted 42 of them.
22 decoy drones disappeared from
radar without causing any damage.
The attack targeted multiple regions
in Ukraine, including Kharkiv,
Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked a civilian vehicle
in Kherson's Korabelnyi district, injuring
a 53-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man.
Both victims suffered concussions, blast
injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
They were taken to the hospital
with a moderate condition."
"Ukraine
Russian forces have attacked Kherson's
Dniprovskyi district, damaging a
hospital and several apartment buildings.
The attack occurred on Friday, with
approximately 10 shells fired, resulting
in injuries to a 76-year-old man.
The hospital's facade and one of
its departments suffered damage,
including shattered windows."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,380 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 220 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Yemen
Iran has ordered its military personnel
to leave Yemen and abandon its Houthi
allies, citing a desire to avoid direct
confrontation with the US in case
of an Iranian soldier being killed.
This move is reportedly aimed at
scaling back Iran's strategy of
supporting regional proxies and
focusing on direct threats from the US.
The decision comes as the US
escalates its air strike campaign
against the Houthi rebel group."
"Australia
Several major Australian pension funds,
including AustralianSuper and Rest, have
been targeted in a coordinated cyber
attack that potentially compromised the
personal data of thousands of members.
Cybercriminals stole $500,000 from
four AustralianSuper accounts and
may have used up to 600 members'
stolen passwords to commit fraud."
"Nepal
Pro-monarchists affiliated with the
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) are
holding protests in Kathmandu, demanding
the release of arrested leaders Rabindra
Mishra and Dhawal Shamsher Rana.
The protesters are also calling for the
restoration of a monarchy, the scrapping
of federalism and republicanism, and
the reinstatement of a multiparty
system with a ceremonial monarchy."
"Slovakia
Thousands of people marched
through Bratislava, the capital of
Slovakia, to condemn a draft law
that critics say is detrimental to
non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The law, approved by the coalition
government led by Prime Minister Robert
Fico, would classify NGOs as lobbyists
without a clear definition of lobbying.
Protests are planned in about three
dozen locations across Slovakia
and abroad, fueled by Fico's recent
trip to Moscow and his remarks about
potentially leaving the EU and NATO."
"India
A goods train derailed near Lalru
railway station, but a major accident
was prevented as the wagons were
carrying inflammable materials.
Fire tenders were deployed
as a precautionary measure.
Railway officials, including the
Ambala Divisional Railway Manager,
are overseeing the restoration work."
Thanks for joining us for the April
5, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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