Africa

‘Stability’ Without Democratic Values Has Failed in West Africa

For the past decade and more, the U.S. and other international actors have prioritized a narrowly defined form of stability over democratic accountability in their diplomatic, development and security engagement in West Africa. The only problem is that this approach is not working. West African countries enjoy neither the stability …

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African Migration to Europe Is a Lifeline, not a Threat

As it has unfolded over the past several years, the migration crisis linking Europe and Africa has revealed many facets. At its simplest, it is one of the worst ongoing human tragedies in the world today, but one that only commands the attention of a broad public under specific circumstances. …

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Across the Maghreb, support for all outside actors, including China and Russia, remains low

In recent years, China and Russia have gradually increased their influence in the Maghreb. The two powers, relative newcomers to the regional scene compared to Europe and the U.S., have been building stronger commercial, security, and diplomatic ties to the Maghreb countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. However, these ties …

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In surveys, Tunisians tell of continuous economic grievances

The latest round of public opinion surveys conducted by Arab Barometer confirms that the deterioration of the economy — or more specifically a continuing collapse in living standards — has been at the forefront of people’s minds in Tunisia. Examining this economic backstory may help explain how and why there …

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Divided UN extends its mission in Libya till after elections

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to extend the U.N. political mission in Libya until after the country’s critical presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for late December. However, the U.N.’s most powerfule body remained divided over the withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign forces from the oil-rich North …

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Egyptian authorities say they blocked Brotherhood financing scheme

Egyptian authorities said on Thursday they had blocked a scheme aimed at financing the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and alleged a link to the imprisoned founder and former chairman of dairy and juice firm Juhayna (JUFO.CA), Safwan Thabet. The scheme aimed to funnel funds using Thabet’s companies into “terrorist activities”, the …

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Conflict Trends Update

KOSOVO-SERBIA NATO peacekeepers stepped up patrols along the Kosovo-Serbia border amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Belgrade, which does not recognise Kosovo’s independence, is angered at Pristina’s new requirement that Serbian drivers travelling into Kosovo buy temporary licence plates. Pristina calls the regulation “reciprocity”, as cars with Kosovo registrations …

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EXCLUSIVE Flouting U.N. sanctions in Africa? No one is watching after Russia move

Russia is delaying the appointment of panels of independent experts to monitor violations of U.N. sanctions on South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic (CAR)and Mali, diplomats said on Wednesday, leaving their work in limbo. Russia is unhappy with the number of experts appointed from Western countries, …

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Sudan confiscates Hamas assets

Sudanese authorities have seized what they say are Hamas assets in the country, which for years has been considered its main backer. The Palestinian Hamas movement was dealt another heavy blow when Sudanese authorities announced the seizure of assets that provided support for the movement. Less than two months ago, …

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Tunisian parties announce coalition to counter President Saied

Four parties announce coalition to oppose Saied’s move to seize governing powers. Four political parties in Tunisia have announced a coalition to oppose President Kais Saied’s move to seize governing powers. The Democratic Current party, Ettakatol (FDTL), the Republican Party and Afek Tounes announced the formation of the coalition in …

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