Photo : Al Jazeera/Ramzi Boudina/Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Al Jazeera/Ramzi Boudina/Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar and Anu Maria Joseph
Algeria: Arab League commences amid uncertainties regarding Palestine
On 1 November, Algeria commenced the first Arab League since several Arab countries normalised ties with Israel in 2020. The last Arab League was held in 2019. Algeria is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and had also mediated a reconciliation process between the Fatah and Hamas factions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for unity among the Arab countries and said: “Division opens the door to foreign, non-Arab, interference, to terrorism, to manipulation, and sectarian strife. But united, your leadership can shape a region that makes the most of its enormous potential and contributes to global peace and security.” Guterres also stressed on the necessity to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative amid the war between Russia and Ukraine, and called on rich countries to lead the fight against climate change. (“In speech to Arab League, UN chief appeals for greater regional unity,” UN News, 1 November 2022)
Mali: At least 13 killed in military raid
On 1 November, BBC reported, at least 13 people were killed during a raid by the Malian army and a group which locals identified as Russia’s Wagner mercenary group on 30 October. Residents said the army and mercenaries targeted ethnic Fulanis, where a woman and child were among those killed during the attack in Guelledje village in the Mopti region. (“Raid by Mali army and 'mercenaries' kills 13,” BBC, 1 November 2022)