Africa

Washington’s active role is tied by analysts to the influx of foreign mercenaries in Libya and wariness about Russia’s growing role.

Egypt’s involvement in efforts led by the US State Department, represented by its embassy in Tripoli and the acting UN envoy to Libya, US diplomat Stephanie Williams, has surprised observers of Libyan political affairs, given that the US State Department is known for its support of Islamists in western Libya who are opposed to Egyptian authorities and Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Cairo’s ally in the east of the country.

Morocco on Monday arrested four suspects allegedly linked to the Islamic State (IS) group who were plotting “dangerous and imminent terrorist” attacks, the judicial police said.

A transition government tasked with leading Mali back to civilian rule was appointed on Monday, with numerous members of the military junta that seized power in a coup occupying key posts.

Following the bloodless August 18 coup that toppled president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the junta vowed to relinquish control and hold fresh elections.

The Mediterranean Sea is still the principal corridor for migrants trying to enter the European Union, and Italy is in effect its front door.

The Libyan people continue to suffer as the country’s politics are fractured and regional powers seek to advance their own interests.

Nearly a decade into Libya’s byzantine conflict, a sustainable solution appears as distant as ever, even though negotiations are ongoing. As global and regional players jockey for influence, international efforts to resolve the conflict remain stymied and ineffective.

A November 2019 agreement between Turkey and Libya determines a portion of Turkey’s maritime rights in the region.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper highlighted Washington’s focus on containing Chinese and Russian influence in Africa as he arrived in Tunisia Wednesday.