North Africa’s Security
Security | Defense | Terrorism
Sahel: Foreign Workers Targeted in New Mali Kidnappings
A string of recent kidnappings in western and northern Mali—including the abduction of five Indian technicians and an Emirati businessman—highlights the increasing risks for foreign workers engaged in energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. The evolving tactics of armed groups and complex negotiation processes have led companies to overhaul security protocols and adjust operations to cope with persistent threats.
SECURITY & DEFENSE
Sahel: Attack on army unit in Deou, Burkina Faso claims two troops and Jihadists
Two soldiers died and a dozen "terrorists" were killed on Monday during an attack against a military detachment in Burkina Faso's jihadist-hit north, the army said. The landlocked African state is in the grip of a seven-year-old insurgency that has claimed more than...
Sahel: Three UN peacekeepers hurt in blast near Timbuktu, Mali
Three United Nations peacekeepers were hurt Sunday when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in northern Mali, the UN mission said on Twitter. The incident happened on a road between Ber and Timbuktu, MINUSMA said late Sunday, without identifying...
Western Sahara: Polisario warns car race against crossing in the disputed territory
Western Sahara independence movement the Polisario Front has warned organisers of the Africa Eco Race not to pass through the territory disputed with Morocco, describing it as a "war zone". The organisers had announced the October 15-30 auto rally would cross through...
Sahel: Growing tensions between Senegal and Mali over soldiers held in Mali against their will
Ivory Coast has accused Bamako of "hostage taking" after its neighbour laid out conditions for the release of 46 Ivorian soldiers held in Mali for two months. "It's a hostage-taking that will not remain without consequences," a source close to the Ivorian presidency...
Western Sahara conflict worsens regional diplomatic relations, amplifies instability
By Paul Raymond A bitter showdown between Morocco and its arch-rival Algeria over the disputed Western Sahara territory is causing diplomatic rifts with other nations and even risks sparking a full-blown conflict, analysts say. "We're seeing a diplomatic war, where...
Sahel: Islamic State attackers kill dozens of civilians in northern Mali
Dozens of people died after jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State group mounted an attack on a village in northern Mali, a local elected official and the leader of an armed told AFP Friday. The raid was followed by intense fighting between them and other armed...
Beyond the Sahel: Togo extends state of emergency in the Jihadist-torn north
Togo on Tuesday extended a state of emergency for six months in its northern Savanes region, officials said, citing the need for a "return of peace" in an area where several jihadist attacks have taken place. The country has recorded at least five attacks since...
Mali: As France pulls its forces out of Mali, Algeria seeks to fill the void in a complex environment ($)
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Algeria: Hundred Algerian troops take part to Russia’s Vostok 2022 military drills ($)
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Sahel: German soldiers resume reconnaissance patrols in Mali
Germany has resumed reconnaissance patrols in eastern Mali as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, the military said Wednesday, after suspending the operations last month when the Malian government denied flyover rights. "Reconnaissance operations outside the city of...
INSURGENCIES & TERRORISM
Libya: Despite UN call for lasting ceasefire, warlord Harftar continues to wage war in Tripoli
Tripoli, Feb 13, 2020 - Rival forces clashed in the Libyan capital Thursday, witnesses and pro-Government of National Accord (GNA) forces said, a day after a UN Security Council resolution called for a "lasting ceasefire". Flights were again suspended at Mitiga,...
Sahel: With failure of foreign forces in Mali, president forced to seek negotiations with insurgents
Bamako, Mali, Feb 11, 2020 (By Amaury Hauchard) - Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has opened the door to talks with jihadists to defuse mounting violence in the West African country, in a break with long-held tradition. Despite the presence of foreign troops,...
Libya: Unusual consensus in the UN Security Council, but no solution in sight
United Nations, United States, Feb 13, 2020 - The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for a "lasting ceasefire" in war-torn Libya, where a fragile truce has been in place since January. The text, drafted by Britain, was approved by 14 votes...
Egypt: More violence in north Sinai
Feb 11, 2020 - Egyptian police have killed 17 militants in a shootout in the restive northern Sinai, the interior ministry said Tuesday. Security forces are battling a long-running insurgency in the peninsula, spearheaded by the Islamic State group.The shootout flared...
Libya: Haftar’s forces obstruct humanitarian flights into Libya
Tripoli, Feb 12, 2020 - The United Nations condemned Wednesday the obstruction of its flights into conflict-hit Libya by forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar, warning of "severe consequences" to its humanitarian efforts. The UN "regrets that its regular flights,...
Egypt: Scores killed during insurgent attempt to raid military site in Sinai
Cairo, Feb 9, 2020 - Militants killed and wounded seven Egyptian soldiers in restive North Sinai on Sunday, Egypt's military said. The army said it "foiled" an attack on security facilities, "killing 10 terrorists and destroying a four-wheel drive used by the...
Libya: African Union gets in the game after complaining of isolation
Addis Ababa, Feb 10, 2020 - The African Union vowed Monday to boost efforts to end the crisis in Libya and support a faltering UN-led peace process, the AU's Peace and Security Council chief said. "It's (the) UN itself which needs us now," Smail Chergui told...
Algeria: Insurgent targets military outpost near Timiaouine, kills guard during suicide attack
An Algerian soldier was killed Sunday in a suicide car bomb attack near the Mali border, the Algerian defence ministry said in a statement. "Today at 1050 (0950 GMT) in the border area of Timiaouine, a detachment of the ANP (army) was the target... of a suicide...
Sahel: More violence in Niger
Niamey, Feb 8, 2020 - At least 11 civilians had been killed in two separate attacks in Niger, which is struggling to contain a wave of jihadist violence, officials said Saturday. In one attack on Friday, members of the Islamist group Boko Haram killed six civilians in...
Sahel: War rages in Mali, France’s air force neutralizes scores on insurgents
Paris, Feb 7, 2020 - French forces have put 30 jihadists "out of action" during Mali operations in a zone bordering Burkina Faso and Niger, a military spokesman said Friday. Colonel Frederic Barbry said an armed drone, a Mirage 2000 jet and two helicopters had...