Photo : UN Photo/Mark Garten
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : UN Photo/Mark Garten
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Mali: UN chief expresses shock over mass killings
On 22 June, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement over reports of mass killings one 18 and 19 June by armed groups in central Mali. At the same time, similar attacks took place in Mali’s northeast. Totally, over 100 people were killed in the attacks and thousands displaced. Guterres called on Mali’s military government to “redouble” efforts in establishing peace and stability. (“Mali: Guterres ‘shocked and outraged’ by reports of civilian massacres,” UN News, 22 June 2022)
Libya: PM says government wants to expel foreign fighters
On 22 June, prime minister Fathi Bashagha said his government would like to remove foreign mercenaries and forces from Libya. The remark comes after several oil facilities have been closed by rebels since April. Therefore, he said it was important to implement the 5+5 ceasefire involving five officers from each side of the conflict. Bashagha acknowledged the presence of the Russian private military contractor, the Wagner Group, and said all foreign fighters should be expelled. (“Libya's Bashagha says he supports removal of foreign fighters,” Reuters, 22 June 2022)