Africa

Egypt condemns Boko Haram killings in Central African countries

Egypt has condemned the latest “heinous act” committed by Boko Haram in Cameroon and Niger, which left over 100 dead, according to a statement Saturday by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The ministry spokesman stressed Egypt’s stance in solidarity with Niger and Cameroon in their fight against terrorism. Islamist Boko Haram …

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Nigeria presidential elections delayed over security situation

Nigeria’s electoral commission has postponed the Feb 14 presidential election by six weeks over concerns about the security situation in the country, a media report said Sunday. Commission chief Attahiru Jega said he has been informed that the troops would not be available to help patrol the ballot because they …

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New Tunisian President vows for country's reconciliation

Tunisia’s new president pledged a rule of reconciliation and consensus as he took his oath Wednesday before the newly elected parliament to complete the country’s democratic transition. The inauguration of Beji Caid Essebsi, an 88-year-old political veteran, comes in a year in which Tunisians wrote a new constitution and elected …

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Heavy clashes in Benghazi as army tries to take control of port

Seven soldiers have been killed as clashes erupted in the centre of Libya’s main eastern city Benghazi on Thursday, with pro-government forces pushing to take the port district from Islamist militants. The fighting mirrors a wider struggle in the oil-producing North African state where two governments and parliaments, allied to …

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Tunisian President receives Algerian PM

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi received Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal Thursday, at the Residence of State in Zeralda, Algiers. The audience was attended by Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Energy Youcef Yousfi and Minister for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel. The Tunisian president started a two-day state …

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Morsi trial postponed to Thursday

The Wednesday trial of ousted former president Mohamed Morsi for escaping Wadi El-Natrun Prison in January 2011 was postponed to 5 February, state media reported. The defence repeated its request to the Cairo Criminal Court for the introduction of new defendants and questioned the possibility that “Israeli elements” committed these …

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EU could apply sanctions on South Sudan if violence continues

The EU Wednesday warned South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and former vice president turned rebel leader Riek Machar that if they continue to violate the ceasefire mechanism or fail to finalise a political agreement, appropriate sanctions will need to be adopted by the international community. EU High Representative Federica Mogherini …

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Tunisia announces new cabinet

Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Habib Essid on Monday (February 2nd) announced the formation of a coalition government. The new cabinet is dominated by Nidaa Tounes but includes its rival Ennahda, as well as smaller parties. The announcement came after modifications were made to its initial formation after the main parliamentary blocs …

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Egypt, US discuss security in the region

Egyptian Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi discussed regional security and “terrorism” with United States Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel over the phone on Tuesday evening. A readout of the phone call provided by the US Department of Defense said the top defence officials spoke to “exchange information about the security environment” …

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