Maghreb Edition

Libya: Despite calls for ceasefire, Haftar continues to attack TripoliF

Posted On 22 January 2020

Number of times this article was read : 632

There is little to no hope that warlord Khalifa Haftar and his supporters will listen to calls for reason and endorse a ceasefire.  The UN Security Council called Tuesday on the warring parties in Libya to quickly reach a ceasefire. AFP quotes the security council as saying “The members of the Security Council urged the Libyan parties to engage constructively in the five + five military commission in order to conclude a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible.” That was on Tuesday. But today (Wednesday), there was a rocket attack from the Haftar clan that forced the suspension of all flights into and out of Mitiga airport, Tripoli’s only functioning airport. Mitiga has been a key target of the Haftar forces so as to prevent air traffic over Tripoli and isolate the leaders of the Government of National Accord, which Haftar wants to destroy.  Mitiga airport was hit by six rockets, according to AFP.

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Security: Hackers Publish Names Tied to Morocco’s Police and Intelligence Services$

Hackers operating as Jabaroot published four spreadsheets naming more than 70,000 alleged members of Morocco’s police and intelligence directorates, branding the release around the July 30 Ceuta border breach. European services reviewing the files consider the names genuine but dated, and accounts of their origin conflict sharply. Rabat has not responded, leaving the hackers’ framing to circulate unchallenged in Madrid and Brussels.

Algeria-France Trade Drops 23% with Import and Energy Curbs$

Trade between Algeria and France fell by roughly 23% in the year ending June 2026, dropping below €9 billion as import controls and political tensions reshape the relationship. Algeria’s tighter oversight of foreign purchases has sharply reduced French exports—particularly in food, automotive equipment, and industrial goods—while energy-driven exports to France also declined. The figures point to a broader shift as Algeria diversifies suppliers and reduces reliance on its former primary trading partner.

Morocco Faces Balancing Test Over Potential Gaza Security Role$

A reported plan for a Moroccan military outpost in Gaza is raising questions about Rabat’s regional strategy. While participation in a multinational stabilization force could be framed as humanitarian and security support, a visible troop presence inside an Israeli-controlled area risks political backlash at home and abroad. The proposal highlights the tension between Morocco’s ties to Israel and its longstanding positioning as a supporter of Palestinian interests.

Written by Arezki Daoud

Arezki Daoud is The North Africa Journal Editor and MEA Risk LLC’s Chief Executive and Lead Analyst. At the North Africa Journal Arezki oversees content development and sets the editorial policies and guidelines. Arezki is an expert on African affairs, with primary focus on the Maghreb, Sahel and Egypt. His coverage of the region spans from security and defense to industrial and economic issues. His expertise includes the energy sector and doing business in the region. At MEA Risk, Arezki oversees all aspects of the company’s development, from the research agenda to growth strategy and day-to-day business activity. Arezki brings a wealth of skills. After college, he worked for oil company Sonatrach's Naftal unit, then held research, forecasting and consulting positions for the likes of Harvard University, IDG and IDC. Arezki can be reached at daoud@north-africa.com, at US+508-981-6937 or via Skype at arezki.daoud