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North Africa and the Sahel

Stories under this heading cover North Africa and the Sahel. North Africa is a region encompassing the northern portion of the African continent. It stretches from the Atlantic shores of Mauritania to Egypt's Suez Canal and the Red Sea. The Sahel spans from the eastern shores of the African continent, starting from Sudan and continuing up to the Atlantic shores of Mauritania and Senegal.

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Report speaks of resurgence of Al Qaida and ISIS in Sahel and Syria
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Report speaks of resurgence of Al Qaida and ISIS in Sahel and Syria

1 August 2025
A new UN expert report to the Security Council released Wednesday (30 July) highlights the escalating threat posed by Islamic State (ISIS) and al‑Qaida affiliates across Africa, with risks also rising in Syria. The report claims that Africa has now become the centre of extremist activity as groups exploit weakened governance and regional instability. In Syria, the post‑Assad transition remains volatile. The report warns that both ISIS and al‑Qaida perceive Syria as a strategic base for international operations. Over 5,000 foreign fighters are believed to have participated in the December 2024 offensive in Damascus, raising fears of ideological spread and extremist infiltration across borders. The report also notes the dangers of online radicalisation. Groups such as ISIS continue to radicalise individuals and orchestrate attacks in Europe, America and beyond via secure messaging networks.

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France hosts conference in a final push for Libya's elections
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France hosts conference in a final push for Libya's elections

12 November 2021
France is hosting a conference of leaders and diplomats today (12 November) in Paris to support and ensure that Libya can hold its planned elections in December. Countries previously at odds on the Libyan file will be represented. A final communique is likely to issue sanctions on any parties who spoil the process. All fingers are crossed as the international community hopes Libya can get out of a decade long chaos. There are, however, fears that certain Libyan factions may not accept the result of the elections and could possibly plunge Libya back to crisis. 
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UN Security Council extends MINURSO mission
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UN Security Council extends MINURSO mission

31 October 2021
The UN Security Council called on Friday (29 October), in a resolution, on all parties involved in the Western Sahara dispute to resume negotiations “without preconditions and in good faith” in search of a “just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”. The resolution also extended the mandate for the UN Mission for the Referendum on Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year until 31 October 2022.
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International partners pledge support to Libya ahead of December presidential elections
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International partners pledge support to Libya ahead of December presidential elections

22 October 2021
On Thursday (21 October), Libya's transitional government hosted various foreign officials in Tripoli to garner support for the transition process.  Around 30 delegations participated in the Libya Stabilization Conference including those representing the United Nations, European Union, African Union and the Arab League.
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