Archive for September, 2016
UN Calls on Member States to Support Libya’s Unity Government
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on UN Calls on Member States to Support Libya’s Unity GovernmentMartin Kobler, the UN envoy to Libya, called on the international community to support the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and to do what is necessary to prevent illegal arms trade to Libya. Kobler addressed the UN’s Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday and said there are “positive signs” regarding the management of […]
US to extend air campaign in Libya for one month
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on US to extend air campaign in Libya for one monthUnited States President Barack Obama will extend the US air campaign in Libya against Daesh militants for a third consecutive month. Initially supposed to last a few weeks, AFRICOM, the US’ Africa command, has initiated 175 airstrikes against Daesh since last week as part of its aerial campaign.
5 militants killed in Algeria amid ongoing counter-terror operation
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on 5 militants killed in Algeria amid ongoing counter-terror operationAlgerian counterterrorism forces on Thursday killed five armed militants in Tazoult of Batna province, 480 km southeast Algiers, Defense Ministry said in a statement. The operation is still underway. Troops have managed to retrieve machine guns and large quantity of ammunition, the source added.
Algerian army seizes weapons near south-eastern border
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on Algerian army seizes weapons near south-eastern borderA quantity of arms and munitions have been found Friday in Debdeb, Illizi (1850-km southeast of Algiers), near the country’s south-eastern border, by People’s National Army units, the ministry of National Defence said in a statement.
UN report says Sudan violates Darfur sanctions
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on UN report says Sudan violates Darfur sanctionsThe Sudanese government continues to violate sanctions imposed by the Security Council over their actions in Darfur, according to a UN report. The report, written by a panel of experts found violations of the arms embargo, the use of cluster bombs by the Sudanese government and the illegal transfer of intrusion software with electronic intelligence […]
UN: 75 000 could starve to death in Nigeria after Boko Haram
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on UN: 75 000 could starve to death in Nigeria after Boko HaramAs many as 75 000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors don’t respond quickly, the UN Children’s Fund is warning. That’s far more than the 20 000 people killed in the seven-year Islamic uprising. The severity of malnutrition levels and high number of children facing […]
South Sudan says rebel leader’s call to arms ‘unacceptable’
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on South Sudan says rebel leader’s call to arms ‘unacceptable’South Sudan’s government is making its first public response to a rebel leader’s call for a return to armed conflict, saying Riek Machar is placing his own ambition above peace. In the statement released Wednesday, Machar’s replacement as vice president, Taban Deng, says the call to arms is “unacceptable.”
UN: Boko Haram region could become world’s worst crisis
Friday, September 30, 2016 Comments Off on UN: Boko Haram region could become world’s worst crisisWithout more donor support the emergency caused by Boko Haram will become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, a top UN official said on Friday, as a massive appeal remained just a quarter funded. The United Nations assistant secretary general Toby Lanzer said the suffering in northeast Nigeria and surrounding areas was the worst he had […]
Tunisia, Germany sign security co-operation agreement
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on Tunisia, Germany sign security co-operation agreementA security co-operation agreement was signed between Tunisia and Germany at the end of a working session held Monday in Berlin, under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Hedi Majdoub and his German counterpart Thomas de Maizière. According to a statement from the Interior Department, the agreement provides for the diversification of areas of bilateral co-operation, […]
Syria, Libya crises top Hollande’s security council agenda
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on Syria, Libya crises top Hollande’s security council agendaAt France’s defense and security council meeting on Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande expressed concerns over the escalating violence in the Syrian city of Aleppo and also discussed ways to help promote a lasting peace accord in Libya.
US military kills 4 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on US military kills 4 al-Shabaab fighters in SomaliaThe US military says it has killed four al-Shabaab extremists in Somalia in what it calls airstrikes in self-defence. A US Africa Command statement on Tuesday says the extremists launched attacks on Somali troops and their US advisers on Monday in a village near the port city of Kismayo.
France gives full support to UN-backed Libyan govt
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on France gives full support to UN-backed Libyan govtFrance’s president says his country will provide its full support to Libya’s UN-backed government in the fight against militants. “There are still some terrorist groups in Libya which must be hunted down and neutralised,” Francois Hollande said following a meeting on Tuesday in Paris with the head of Libya’s fragile unity government, Fayez Serraj.
Libyan general in east rejects UN-backed government
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on Libyan general in east rejects UN-backed governmentA powerful Libyan general whose forces recently captured several key oil facilities has rejected a UN-brokered government and said the country would be better served by a leader with “high-level military experience.” In a series of written responses to questions from The Associated Press this week, Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter said his army only recognizes […]
South Sudan’s ‘Cobra’ rebels to break ceasefire
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on South Sudan’s ‘Cobra’ rebels to break ceasefireRebels from the Cobra faction of South Sudan’s armed forces have joined opposition forces to fight against the administration of President Salva Kiir, breaking a ceasefire and accusing him of a lack of commitment to peace in the country. According to the Sudan Tribune, the top leadership of the Cobra faction announced their defection from […]
UN Libya envoy warns against descent into chaos
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on UN Libya envoy warns against descent into chaosLibya is facing “political impasse” and “hazardous military developments”, the UN envoy to the North African country Martin Kobler warned on Tuesday, highlighting the impact of violence on civilians. The country has been ravaged by unrest since the fall and death in 2011 of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and has also seen the jihadist Islamic State […]
UN report says Sudan violates Darfur sanctions
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Comments Off on UN report says Sudan violates Darfur sanctionsThe Sudanese government continues to violate sanctions imposed by the Security Council over their actions in Darfur, according to a UN report. The report, written by a panel of experts found violations of the arms embargo, the use of cluster bombs by the Sudanese government and the illegal transfer of intrusion software with electronic intelligence […]
Libya: 19 dead after clashes in Sirte
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on Libya: 19 dead after clashes in SirteTen jihadists and nine pro-government fighters died in clashes Thursday around the last positions of the Islamic State group in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte, medical and military sources said. “Our forces are advancing on the last holdouts of Daesh” in the only district of Sirte still held by IS, said the media office […]
US to provide 6mln USD aid to Libya
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on US to provide 6mln USD aid to LibyaThe Obama Administration on Thursday announced a pledge of USD six million in humanitarian aid for those displayed from Sirte, north Libya, following the takeover by the so-called Islamic State (IS). US Secretary of State John Kerry made the announcement which brings the total US contribution to Libya to USD 121 million since 2012.
Intl community reaffirm support to Libyan political agreement
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on Intl community reaffirm support to Libyan political agreementThe US, Morocco and several Arab, African and European countries reaffirmed, Thursday, their support to the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) signed in Skhirat, Morocco, on December 17, 2015. “We reiterate our support for the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) of Skhirat, Morocco signed on December 17, 2015 and its fulfillment, and for the […]
UN condemns deadly clashes in DRC, CAR
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on UN condemns deadly clashes in DRC, CARUnited Nations Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the violent clashes between protestors and security forces in Kinshasa, and several other locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “He condemns the violence that has already led to the death of at least 17 people, including three police officers in the capital,” according to a statement […]
Algeria reiterates support for political solution to Libyan crisis
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on Algeria reiterates support for political solution to Libyan crisisMinister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League Abdelkader Messahel underlined, Thursday in New York, that the political solution, based on the inclusive inter-Libyan dialogue and national reconciliation, “is the only means likely to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the unity of Libya, as well as the cohesion of its people away from […]
UN holds ministerial meeting on implementation of Mali Peace Agreement
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on UN holds ministerial meeting on implementation of Mali Peace AgreementA ministerial meeting on Mali took place Friday in New York to speed up the implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali, resulting from Algiers process. This high-level meeting, in which partook Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra, was co-chaired by Algeria, Mali, and UN.
Somalia stages anti-Kenya protest in maritime border row
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on Somalia stages anti-Kenya protest in maritime border rowHundreds of Somalis took to the streets of Mogadishu on Wednesday in protest at Kenya’s territorial claim to a disputed portion of potentially lucrative Indian Ocean waters. A long-running dispute between the two Horn of Africa neighbours went before the UN’s top court in The Hague this week, which is yet to decide whether it […]
UN rights chief: DRC faces ‘large-scale crisis’
Friday, September 23, 2016 Comments Off on UN rights chief: DRC faces ‘large-scale crisis’The United Nations human rights chief is warning that a “large-scale crisis could be just around the corner” in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of people have been killed this week in protests against a delayed presidential election.
Egypt calls for new negotiations in Syria during UNSC meeting
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on Egypt calls for new negotiations in Syria during UNSC meetingPresident Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said that Egypt urges for an immediate resumption of talks to reach a political resolution in Syria. Al-Sisi said in a speech at the United Nations security council meeting on the Middle East on Wednesday that the outlines for any political resolution in Syria are accepted, but in order to implement […]
Tunisian President, John Kerry discuss Libya situation and counter-terrorism
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on Tunisian President, John Kerry discuss Libya situation and counter-terrorismTunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi welcomed the level of the Tunisian-US relations, saying they “are and will remain strategic.” Mr. Caid Essebsi, who received Monday in New York, US Secretary of State John Kerry, spoke, in particular, of terrorism and said the end of 2016 will see the installation of electronic control on the Tunisian […]
Libyan prime minister to visit Sudan
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on Libyan prime minister to visit SudanPrime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Sarraj will visit Khartoum within the next few days, said Sudan’s foreign ministry. In a press release released on Wednesday, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour has welcomed the upcoming visit of al-Sarraj, stressing his country’s support to the Libyan GNA. He added that Sudan […]
20 people killed in Central African Republic clashes
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on 20 people killed in Central African Republic clashesThe new clashes in Central African Republic (CAR) have left at least 20 people killed, said an official source. An official from CAR Public Security Ministry who declined to be named told Xinhua Sunday that the clashes took place in Kaga-Bandoro, a town in central CAR from Friday night to Saturday.
Over 50 dead in clashes in DRC capital – opposition
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on Over 50 dead in clashes in DRC capital – oppositionMore than 50 people were killed on Monday in clashes between protesters and security forces in the Congolese capital Kinshasa, opposition groups said, calling for further anti-government demonstrations. The government earlier said that at least 17 had died in the violence in Kinshasa ahead of a planned opposition rally, but had warned that the death […]
Islamic extremists claim 40 troops killed in Nigeria
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on Islamic extremists claim 40 troops killed in NigeriaIslamic extremists said on Tuesday they killed more than 40 troops from a multinational force in an attack on a convoy in northeast Nigeria — the fourth attack in three days following a lull as Nigeria’s home-grown insurgency confronts a leadership struggle. Analysts are warning that the struggle could lead to more violent attacks that […]
Sudan says it is hosting 400 000 S Sudan refugees
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on Sudan says it is hosting 400 000 S Sudan refugeesSudan said on Wednesday it is hosting at least 400 000 South Sudanese refugees who fled a brutal civil war that erupted in the world’s youngest country after it broke away in 2011. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than 2.5 million driven from their homes since a new conflict gripped […]
UN fears Mali clashes could hurt peace process
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Comments Off on UN fears Mali clashes could hurt peace processThe UN voiced concerns over Mali’s shaky peace deal on Wednesday following deadly clashes between groups that have signed up to the agreement. The clashes last week – between pro-government group GATIA [the Imghad and Allies Tuareg Self – Defence Group] and ex-rebels from the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) – left around a dozen […]
Russia to sell helicopters to Nigeria, Mali, Sudan
Friday, September 16, 2016 Comments Off on Russia to sell helicopters to Nigeria, Mali, SudanRussia had said it would export helicopters, Mil Mi-8/17 and Mi-24/35 helicopters to Nigeria, Angola, Mali and Sudan between this year and 2017. The head of the delegation for Russia’s arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, Mr Yury Demchenko yesterday, said that Russia wished to maintain exporting to the four countries.
Leaks confirm that UAE military operations support Haftar’s in eastern Libya
Friday, September 16, 2016 Comments Off on Leaks confirm that UAE military operations support Haftar’s in eastern LibyaLeaked air traffic control recordings obtained by Middle East Eye have unveiled the sinister role Emirati military has been playing in eastern Libya as the leaks show UAE’s fighter pilots are involved in carrying out airstrikes in support of rogue General, Kahlifa Haftar, and his Dignity Operation forces against rival armed groups in eastern Libya.
Egypt to present its vision to solve regional crisis during UN summit
Friday, September 16, 2016 Comments Off on Egypt to present its vision to solve regional crisis during UN summitEgyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is set to present Egypt’s vision on efforts being made to settle regional crises in front of the UN’s General Assembly, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has said. In an interview with MENA agency, Shoukry said that El-Sisi is also going to present current political and economic developments in Egypt in front […]