Archive for February, 2017
Merkel to visit Egypt on March 2
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on Merkel to visit Egypt on March 2Egypt Presidential spokesperson Alaa Youssef has welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s scheduled visit for March 2, saying the visit will tackle the development of bilateral ties in all fields, which makes German the most important EU partner to Egypt. Youssef highlighted Egypt’s interests in pushing cooperation with Germany forward in all fields, especially economic and […]
Egypt, US discuss military relations
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on Egypt, US discuss military relationsEgyptian president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met today with General Jospeh L. Votel, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) to discuss bilateral relations, especially military cooperation, according to a press release by Egyptian presidency. The commander of the US Central Command is visiting Cairo to hold meetings with senior Egyptian officials to discuss a number […]
US pledges support for Egypt counter-terrorism efforts
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on US pledges support for Egypt counter-terrorism effortsUS Secretary of State Rex Tillerson promised more aid for Cairo’s counter-terrorism efforts and economic development plan during a meeting with Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Washington on Monday, adding that the Washington considers Cairo a real partner in the Middle East. The two officials stressed during their meeting the special and strategic ties that […]
3 policemen injured in suicide bomb attack in eastern Algeria
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on 3 policemen injured in suicide bomb attack in eastern AlgeriaThree police officers were injured late on Sunday as a suicide bomber blew himself out near a police station in the eastern province of Constantine, local media reported. The terrorist attack occurred in the locality of Bab el Kantara in downtown Constantine, the bomber tried to blow himself out inside the police station, but was […]
France condemns attack against Algerian police
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on France condemns attack against Algerian policeFrance on Monday condemned an attack against an Algerian police station in the eastern city of Constantine a day earlier, an official statement said. Reports said police shot a suicide bomber and exploded his explosives belt as he approached the police post for an attack.
UN voices concerns over MINURSO personnel expelled by Morocco
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on UN voices concerns over MINURSO personnel expelled by MoroccoThe UN peacekeeping operation department has expressed concerns over the MINURSO (UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) personnel expelled by Morocco, noting that such an obstruction will affect the work of the UN mission.
France sends backup to Niger after 16 troops killed
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on France sends backup to Niger after 16 troops killedFrance is to send a contingent of counterterror forces to help the army in Niger after militants ambushed a military patrol killing 16, the defence ministry said. The decision, announced late on Saturday, was taken following a request from President Mahamadou Issoufou after Wednesday’s attack near the border with Mali.
UN: Attack helicopters halt CAR rebels
Monday, February 27, 2017 Comments Off on UN: Attack helicopters halt CAR rebelsThe United Nations says its forces used attack helicopters to subdue rebels in Central African Republic. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that about 40 heavily armed rebels were just a few kilometers away from the town of Bambari.
Tunisia says stability in Libya is imperative
Thursday, February 23, 2017 Comments Off on Tunisia says stability in Libya is imperativeTunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has affirmed that stability in Libya and Tunisia are intertwined urging for intensive go-between efforts to reconcile the warring parties in the troubled nation. Tunisian Presidency said, in a statement released on Thursday, that the president made the affirmation during a meeting with the head of the supreme council in […]
Algerian army destroys arms in Skikda
Thursday, February 23, 2017 Comments Off on Algerian army destroys arms in SkikdaOne homemade cannon and seven mines were destroyed Wednesday, in Skikda, by Algeria People’s National army, said Thursday the National Defence Ministry in a communiqué. “As part of the fight against terrorism, a detachment of the Algerian Army destroyed on 22 February 2017, in Skikda (5th Military Region), one homemade cannon and seven mines,” said […]
UNSC concerned about deadlock in Western Sahara peace process
Thursday, February 23, 2017 Comments Off on UNSC concerned about deadlock in Western Sahara peace processThe Security Council, which gathered Wednesday, expressed its concern about the deadlock in Western Sahara peace process and the security risk in El Guergarat buffer zone. “Several members of the Security Council, including permanent members, expressed their preoccupation concerning the lack of negotiations between the two parties to the conflict,” the Polisario Front representative to […]
16 rebels killed in fighting with army in DRC’s east
Thursday, February 23, 2017 Comments Off on 16 rebels killed in fighting with army in DRC’s eastThe Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has killed at least 16 former members of a rebel group after they re-entered the country’s east, the military’s spokesperson said Thursday. Fighting near Rutshuru began on Wednesday and by Thursday the army had captured 68 former M23 rebels and 39 others surrendered, said Major Ndjike Kaiko.
2 extremists killed by army in midwest of Tunisia
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on 2 extremists killed by army in midwest of TunisiaTwo extremist jihadists have been killed by a military patrol in Semmama mountain located in midwestern Kasserine province, the Tunisian Defense Ministry said on Friday. After clashes with a group of armed jihadists in Semama mountain, a unit of the Tunisian army killed two jihadists.
Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt agree to terms for peace in Libya
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt agree to terms for peace in LibyaThe Algerian, Egyptian and Tunisian foreign ministries today agreed on the terms for resolving the crisis in neighbouring Libya. Foreign ministers Khemaies Jhinaoui of Tunisia, Egyptian Sameh Shoukry, and Algerian Minister for Maghreb, African and Arab League Affairs, Abdelkader Messahel, met in the Tunisia capital Tunis for two days of talks starting yesterday.
France renews support to Political Accord and GNA in Libya
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on France renews support to Political Accord and GNA in LibyaThe ambassador of France to Libya, Brigitte Curmi has reaffirmed the stance of the French government supporting the political accord and the GNA. This came during her meeting with the delegated Minister of Interior, Dr Al Araf Al Khuja in Tunis. The meeting covered security situation in Libya generally, and the capital in particular. They […]
Morocco King postpones Mali visit
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on Morocco King postpones Mali visitMorocco King Mohammed VI’s visit to Mali has been postponed to a later date, according to a tweet posted by the Malian presidency on Tuesday. The presidency said that the postponement of the visit was “due to a decision on the part of Morocco.” Mali was thought to be one of the King’s destinations for […]
Algeria, Germany discuss security cooperation
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on Algeria, Germany discuss security cooperationThe leaders of Algeria and Germany talked about economic and security cooperation over the phone on Tuesday. Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism and illegal migration, citing a statement from the Algerian prime minister’s office.
North African diplomats seek solutions for chaotic Libya
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on North African diplomats seek solutions for chaotic LibyaThe presidents of Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia will hold a summit soon to try to find ways to reconcile neighbouring Libya’s rival political factions and stem the country’s chaos, diplomats said on Monday. The summit was announced in Tunis after a new round of diplomatic efforts for Libya, where two rival administrations are jockeying for […]
Libya: security official wounded in car bomb attack
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Comments Off on Libya: security official wounded in car bomb attackA Libyan spokesperson says a top security official in the eastern city of Benghazi has survived an assassination attempt by a car bomb. The spokespersn, Walid Urfi, told The Associated Press that Col. Salah al-Hewidi – who refused to leave his post as a security chief of Benghazi after being sacked – was wounded in […]
THE MOJAHEDINE E-KHALQ (MKO) (CASE STUDY)
Sunday, February 19, 2017 Comments Off on THE MOJAHEDINE E-KHALQ (MKO) (CASE STUDY)Several events in the last few months, especially in the context of the process of re-examining some major topics of Washington’s foreign policy – including the relationship with Iran – brought to the attention the Mojahedine e-Khalq (MKO)[1], a controversial anti-Tehran regime group with a complex history dating from the ‘970s. Recent developments The annual […]
Tunisia strongly condemns recent terrorist attacks in Iraq
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on Tunisia strongly condemns recent terrorist attacks in IraqTunisia strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iraq that killed and wounded several people. In a statement issued Friday, the Foreign Ministry condemns the heinous terrorist acts in Iraq over the last two days that killed and wounded several innocent victims.
Northern Mali: Presidents of interim authorities to be installed
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on Northern Mali: Presidents of interim authorities to be installedPresidents of interim authorities in Northern Mali, whose appointment is provided by the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement sealed in 2015, have been appointed and will be installed as from Saturday in Kidal, announced the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation. “On a proposal from the Malian government, Hassan Ag Fagaga from the Coordination of Azawad […]
3 soldiers killed in Egypt’s Sinai blast
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on 3 soldiers killed in Egypt’s Sinai blastAt least three Egyptian soldiers were killed on Friday as a roadside bomb targeted their armored vehicle in restive North Sinai province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, a security said. “An explosive device was remotely detonated by militants some 80 km from North Sinai’s Arish city, which killed three soldiers and injured four […]
UN mission in CAR increases presence in Bambart to protect people
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on UN mission in CAR increases presence in Bambart to protect peopleThe UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) said Friday that it has reinforced its presence in Bambari with the arrival of additional forces, including a quick reaction unit and special forces, a UN spokesman told reporters here. “This allows the mission to better protect the town and its population,” the deputy UN […]
Meeting between Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia on Libyan crisis moved forward
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on Meeting between Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia on Libyan crisis moved forwardA tripartite meeting between Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria to discuss resolving the Libyan crisis will be held on Sunday instead of 1 March, the Tunisian foreign ministry announced on Friday. In an official statement, the Tunisian ministry said that upon consultation with the Egyptian and Algerian foreign ministers, it was decided that the meeting, hosted […]
11 dead as Nigerian troops repel Boko Haram suicide bombers
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on 11 dead as Nigerian troops repel Boko Haram suicide bombersWitnesses and soldiers say 11 people have been killed as Nigerian troops battled Boko Haram suicide bombers and fighters to repel an attack on the outskirts of northeastern Maiduguri city. They say nine suicide bombers and two civilians died early on Friday.
DRC urged to break crisis ‘impasse’ by UN, AU, EU
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on DRC urged to break crisis ‘impasse’ by UN, AU, EUThe international community on Thursday urged government and opposition parties in Democratic Republic of Congo to restart deadlocked talks to set up a transition regime ahead of elections due late this year. The United Nations, African Union, European Union and the International Organisation of the Francophonie “are increasingly concerned by the continuing impasse in the […]
14 killed in Algerian army anti-extremist operation
Saturday, February 18, 2017 Comments Off on 14 killed in Algerian army anti-extremist operationAlgeria’s government says military forces have killed 14 suspected extremists in an ongoing operation in one of the country’s last Islamic militant holdouts. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that nine were killed on Friday and five others on Wednesday around Bouira, 100km east of the capital, Algiers.
NATO chief confirms Libya request for security training
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on NATO chief confirms Libya request for security trainingNATO’s chief said on Thursday that he had received a formal request from Libya to help strengthen its security institutions and that the alliance is looking into exactly what can be done. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that the 28 allies could help build up the Libyan defense ministry and military command structure.
CAR: armed group executes 32 people
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on CAR: armed group executes 32 peopleAn armed group executed at least 32 civilians and captured fighters in the lawless heart of Central African Republic in December, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. “In the town of Bakala, rebels from the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) on Dec. 12, executed 25 people after calling them to a school […]
Algerian army discovers large quantity of arms near southern border
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on Algerian army discovers large quantity of arms near southern borderA large quantity of arms and ammunition has been discovered Thursday by a detachment of the Algerian People’s National Army in the border region of Taoundert, west of Tin Zaouatine, in the province of Tamanrasset (1970-km south of Algiers), said the Ministry of National Defence in a statement.
Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt to discuss Libyan crisis on March 1
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt to discuss Libyan crisis on March 1Tunisia will host, on Monday, March 1, a meeting of foreign ministers of Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt to take stock of the outcome of contacts established by the three countries with the Libyan stakeholders ahead of a comprehensive political settlement of the Libyan crisis, Foreign Minister, Khemaies Jhinaoui announced on Wednesday. He added that the […]
Algeria identified the five terrorists killed in Bouira
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on Algeria identified the five terrorists killed in BouiraThe five terrorists killed Wednesday in a combing operation conducted by combined detachment of the People’s National Army (ANP) near the commune of El-Adjiba, sub-prefecture of Bechloul, in the province of Bouira, were identified, announced the National Defence Ministry in a communiqué.
Tunisia extends 2015 state of emergency
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on Tunisia extends 2015 state of emergencyTunisia has extended for another three months a state of emergency in place since a 2015 jihadist attack, the president’s office announced on Thursday. President Beji Caid Essebsi has decided “to extend the state of emergency for three months from 16 February”, his office said.
UN demands armed groups stop fighting in CAR
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Comments Off on UN demands armed groups stop fighting in CARThe UN Security Council on Wednesday demanded armed groups in the Central African Republic immediately halt fighting and join peace talks after the UN airstrikes targeted rebel fighters. The UN attack helicopters opened fire over the weekend on gunmen advancing on the central city of Bambari.