Eurasia

A former South Sudanese general has announced the formation of a new rebel group aimed at overthrowing the government after more than three years of civil war. Lieutenant-General Thomas Cirillo Swaka quit last month issuing a stinging indictment of President Salva Kiir’s regime, which he accused of carrying out a …

Morocco is “more determined than ever” to develop the Western Sahara, Interior Minister Mohamed Hassad said on Wednesday on a two-day visit to the disputed territory. Rabat insists the former Spanish colony is an integral part of its kingdom, but the Algeria-based Polisario Front demands a referendum on self-determination there.

The risk of genocide in South Sudan has “considerably diminished” though much fighting there continues, the United Nations secretary-general said on Wednesday. Antonio Guterres made the comment in response to a reporter’s question about a new UN report saying warning signs for genocide are in place in South Sudan.

East Libyan forces carried out a fifth day of air strikes on Tuesday against a rival faction that overran the major oil ports of Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, officials and residents said. The eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) have been battling for control …

Libya’s eastern parliament voted Tuesday to withdraw its support for a United Nations peace deal and Government of National Accord, stoking concerns that recent violence in the fractured country could escalate. Abdullah Ablaihig, spokesman for the Tobruk-based, internationally recognized House of Representatives, said the body voted to annul its previous …

The Egyptian foreign minister’s visit to Brussels has launched a new phase of strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, paving the way for an EU-Egypt association agreement in the upcoming period, the ministry said on Tuesday. The agreement — which has been under negotiation since February 2016 — …

Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League Abdelkader Messahel has held talks with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry. “We have discussed Arab issues as well as challenges facing the Arab nation and means to strengthen cooperation to support Arab League mechanisms,” said Shoukry following his discussions …

Algeria on Monday inaugurated a new air base in the southernmost province of Tamenrasset, as part of the North African nation’s efforts to secure its border. The deployment of Hassi Tiririne air base was officially inaugurated by Deputy Defense Minister, Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, a …

Algerian counter-terrorism troops on Monday killed two terrorists and captured two others in the locality of Dellys, in the province of Boumerdes, 70 km eastern Algiers, said Defense Ministry in a statement.

Algeria will work, during its term as chair of the Arab Foreign Ministers Council, for the reform of the Arab League and the peaceful settlement of Arab crises, through inclusive dialogue, the relaunch of political process and national reconciliation, said Tuesday in Cairo Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and …