Sudan prepares to withdraw mercenaries from Libya
Large-scale counts of foreign fighters in Libya have begun, most of them Sudanese, in preparation for their withdrawal from the north African country.
Africa
Tunisian Islamist leader arrested in crackdown on opposition
Tunisian authorities arrested the leader of the Ennahda opposition Islamist movement in a crackdown on rival politicians and critics of the North African country’s increasingly authoritarian president Kais Saied, lawyers said Tuesday.
Islamic State Terror Threat Still High, Increasing In Conflict Zones
Despite leadership losses and diminished cash reserves, the extremist group ISIL, or Da’esh, continues to pose a threat to international peace and security, the UN counter-terrorism chief warned last week in New York.
Burkina Faso, Guinea And Mali Republics Propose Joint Development Partnership – OpEd
Russia has consistently been assisting Republics of Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali in West African region to root out French domination. Burkina Faso and Mali are part of the Sahel-5. Russia has embarked on fighting “neo-colonialism” which it considers a barrier on its way to regain part of Soviet-era influence in and consolidate its relations with Africa.
Burkina : près de 40 tués dans des violences djihadistes en une semaine
Une quarantaine de personnes ont été tuées en une semaine au Burkina Faso dans des attaques visant civils et militaires, un nouvel épisode sanglant dans ce pays confronté à une multiplication des violences djihadistes depuis plusieurs mois.
Les décès provoqués par la violence des islamistes militants d’Afrique augmentent de près de 50 %
Continuant une tendance à la hausse sur la dernière décennie, les évènements violents impliquant les groupes islamistes en Afrique ont augmenté de 22 % cette année, alors même que les décès ont augmenté de 48 %.
What role for Europe in the Middle East and North Africa?
Now that Europe is desperate to find new energy suppliers, the resource-rich countries of the Middle East and North Africa are hoping to boost their economy and influence.
- Europe is unlikely to turn back to Russia for energy even after the war
- MENA countries have suddenly become much more valuable allies
- World powers’ competition for influence in the region will intensify
Burkina Faso: Another Russia-West hotspot?
A weak central government, a fragmented military and Islamic terrorism threaten to turn the Sahel nation into a geopolitical confrontation zone.
- Two military coups in 2022 highlight political instability, horrendous violence
- The nation may become the next battleground between Russia and the West
- Strict military rule is seen as a bulwark against Islamic jihadist groups
Another Foreign Policy Mistake: Current view towards Africa
Why the Reactionary US Policy in Africa is a Mistake
The December 2022 African Leaders Summit in Washington, which brought together leaders and senior officials from 49 African states, and CEOs and leaders of over 300 private American and African companies to discuss US-Africa relations and to catalyze investment into critical sectors was supposed to be a turning point for the US policy in the continent. Indeed, consequent statements from the White House indicated a shift away from the traditional security-oriented approach to the 54 African states, and a refocus on a more cooperative approach, as well as a comprehensive policy on anti-corruption measures, democracy building, strengthening of the civil society, and economic development. Indeed, the Biden administration, unveiling a new policy, promised engagement with the various African state, rather than a limited focus on a few select partnerships, and seemed interested in diplomatic, political, and investment-based focus on a range of topics from peacebuilding to health to education. Indeed, on the surface, some of the dynamic leading up to these promised changes appeared to be positive. The appointment of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa showed apparent interest in mediating prolonged conflicts, playing a role in addressing or preventing refugee crises, and otherwise delving into the strategic issues proliferating in the region. President Biden announced an Africa tour scheduled for later in 2023.
Saudi-Egypt tension rises
Speculation is growing about a crisis between Saudi Arabia and Egypt manifested in relations between senior figures in both countries. Tension has come to the surface during the serious economic crisis in Egypt since Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago.