North Africa and the Sahel

The Council of the European Union on Monday (19 April) approved conclusions affirming the EU's determination to renew and strengthen its strategic partnership with its Southern Neighbourhood in the Mediterranean and the Sahel.

Tensions between the government of Chad and rebel forces increased in recent days. According to the Reuters news agency rebel fighters appear to be moving towards the capital N’Djamena. Non-essential staff from major foreign embassies were told to leave ahead of expected violence in the capital.  

The UN Security Council voted unanimously to send international ceasefire monitors to Libya. The UNSC called on the new unity government to plan for free and inclusive elections at the end of the year. The monitoring mechanism, which is estimated to be composed of 60 personnel, will join the existing UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and work along with the Joint Commission 5+5, which had agreed to the ceasefire. 

A high-level delegation led by the Libyan prime minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, visited Turkey on Monday (12 April) to participate in the joint high-level Strategic Cooperation Council. The two sides signed several new Memoranda of Understanding and renewed a commitment to the 2019 maritime boundaries agreement between the two countries. 

European Council President Charles Michel offered the EU's support to Libya during a visit on Sunday to Tripoli. Michel met with officials from the interim government and discussed various political and developmental issues.

The new United States Administration has finally clarified its position on the conflict in Western Sahara between Morocco and the Sahrawi movement, the Polisario Front. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week emphasised US support for political negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario over the future of the territory.

President Kais Saied said he is willing to oversee a national dialogue, with an active youth participation, to address a wide range of economic and political issues.  The initiative for the dialogue was brought forward by the influential Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT). It has also been something that has been discussed and advocated by activists and civil society members.

The eastern-based government of Libya officially recognised the new Government of National Unity (GNU). A delegation of the GNU, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Al-Gatrani, arrived in Benghazi, and received the office location from the now-former eastern government. The handover processes will occur on Wednesday and Thursday.