On January 20, the Government of Turkey (GoT) officially launched Operation Olive Branch, a GoT military offensive against Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units in Aleppo Governorate’s Kurdish-controlled Afrin District. As of February 8, the offensive had killed at least 130 civilians and displaced more than 16,000 people, international media and the UN report. In response, humanitarian agencies are delivering emergency assistance, including relief commodities and shelter supplies, to affected populations.

Press freedom is under threat in the Balkans. Political-economic interests have captured much of the mainstream media sector through opaque ownership structures, direct state support, and consolidated advertising markets, substantially limiting competition in the media marketplace and the public’s access to objective, balanced reporting.

Boko Haram-related insecurity continues to pose grave risk for civilians in the Lake Chad Basin region, according to the UN. Following a decrease in reported attacks during the first half of 2017, the number of attacks increased during the latter half of the year, with monthly civilian casualties peaking at more than 140 in November. In Niger’s Diffa Region, Boko Haram-related civilian casualties declined from 2016; however, the number of suspected Boko Haram attacks increased from approximately 80 attacks in 2016 to more than 100 attacks in 2017.

On December 21, parties to South Sudan’s conflict signed a COH, agreeing to cease all military action and to disengage forces across the country by December 24. The 11 signatories also committed to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian access; the parties are expected to address longer-term security arrangements and governance issues during the High-Level Revitalization Forum scheduled for early 2018.