Photo : Reuters/Arab News
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters/Arab News
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
13 killed in clashes involving forces loyal to Presidency Council
On 22 July, 13 people were killed and 27 injured in capital Tripoli during clashes between rival factions in areas housing diplomatic missions, international and government agencies. An interior ministry spokesperson said the fighters involved were affiliated to the Presidency Council, the body acting as the transitional head of state. In response to the fighting, the prime minister’s office said the interior minister was replaced. (“Fighting rips through Libyan capital, killing 13,” Reuters, 22 July 2022)
Africa: Leaders welcome Russia-Ukraine deal on grains export
On 22 July, African Union chairman Macky Sall welcomed the deal between Russia and Ukraine to allow the export of wheat and maize from Ukraine's ports. South Africa's president echoed the same and said that the ongoing war in Ukraine was a wake up call. The president said: "Our continued reliance on massive amounts of grains from that part of the world should be seen as a risk and a real danger to African countries' 1.3 billion people." Similarly, the Ivory Coast president insisted that Africa should be given priority during the grain export "because of the fragility of its economies and the social situation in many countries." (“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes signing of Russia/Ukraine agreement to resume grain exports under auspices of Turkiye and United Nations,” African Union, 22 July 2022; “African leaders welcome Ukraine wheat deal,” BBC, 22 July 2022)