Maghreb Insider Newsletter

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A recent archaeological find in Sudan's Atbai Desert, revealing rock art depicting boats and cattle dating back approximately 5,000 years. Situated over 60 miles from Lake Nubia, the closest water source, the discovery challenges previous understandings of the region's history and climate. The detailed carvings suggest a once-grassland environment capable of supporting both cattle and nomadic lifestyles, indicating possible historical shifts in climate. Researchers, including Julien Cooper from Macquarie University, note the rarity of such prehistoric evidence and speculate that the artists may have stayed at the site for an extended period, implying ancient interactions between Egyptians or Nubians and the desert landscape.

Egypt to support South Africa ICJ case against Israel

Egypt has announced its intention to formally support South Africa's case at the International Court of Justiceagainst Israel, alleging genocide in its war against Hamas in Gaza.
   Pretoria brought its case to the ICJ in December, calling on the UN court
to order Israel to suspend its military operations in Gaza.
   In its most recent appeal to the ICJ on Friday, South Africa again accused
Israel of "continuing violations of the Genocide Convention" and of being
"contemptuous" of international law.
   Egypt on Sunday said its move to back the case comes "in light of the
worsening severity and scope of Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians
in the Gaza Strip", according to a foreign ministry statement.

EU to end its military training mission in Mali

The European Union has decided to end its military training mission in Mali, according to a statement from the bloc’s diplomatic service cited by Reuters. The move reflects worsening relations between the bloc and the West African country's military junta. The mission’s objective was to train Malian military as well as members of a multinational counter-terrorism force, the G5 Sahel. 

The termination comes a few years after the EU suspended the mission in 2022 in response to the ruling military junta withdrawal from the G5 Sahel.

After a strategic review and consultations with Malian authorities, the EU opted not to extend the mission beyond its current mandate, which expires on May 18. 

Mali has been ruled by a military junta since a coup August 2020- the first of eight coups which convulsed West and Central Africa over four years, including Mali’s neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso.

Mali’s current regime seized power 2021, promising to restore civilian rule within 24 months. However last September the junta said it was postponing elections set for February this year, prompting protests from political opposition groups.

Morocco dismantles a terrorist cell in Tiznit and Sidi Slimane

Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) has arrested four extremist members aged between 22 and 44 who were operating for the Daesh terrorist group in the cities of Tiznit and Sidi Slimane. Searches of the suspects' homes led to the seizure of paramilitary items, including tactical waistcoats, helmets, telescopic goggles, masks and a variety of electronic devices, as well as extremist manuscripts. This brings the number of arrests for those involved in terrorist organizations in Morocco to 50 in 2024. 

Libya, Tunisia discuss reviving African Investment Bank

Acting Libyan Foreign Minister Taher Al-Ba'our led a delegation to Tunisia to discuss common issues, with a focus on Tripoli's efforts to activate the African Investment Bank. 

The meeting, which took place in the Tunisian capital, grouped officials from both countries, including Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar and Central Bank Governor Fathi Al-Nouri.

Libya's efforts to activate the African Investment Bank and finance development projects in Africa were also on the agenda. 

Al-Ba'our expressed confidence that the African Investment Bank would play a crucial role in driving development on the continent, contributing to sustainable development, combating migration, and addressing climate change challenges. 

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