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📰 U.S. deploys forces to Mediterranean

📰 U.S. deploys forces to Mediterranean

and Libya-Egypt Tensions Rise

Ross Crabtree
August 13, 2024

Hello!

In today's updates, we cover a range of critical global issues: famine in Sudan's Zamzam camp amid ongoing conflict, a crackdown on opposition in Venezuela, diplomatic tensions between Libya and Egypt, and a crackdown on opposition in Tanzania.

Additionally, France’s stance on Western Sahara sparks regional reactions, while the U.S. enhances its military presence in the Middle East.

More details below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇪🇭 🇲🇦 🇫🇷 🇩🇿 France recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara angers Polisario, Algeria: President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that France supports a plan for Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the only viable solution to the long-standing dispute. The conflict, which began in 1975, involves Morocco's claim over Western Sahara and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front's push for independence. As the former colonial power, France has carefully balanced relations between Morocco and Algeria. With many Western allies backing Morocco's plan, Algeria has responded by recalling its ambassador to France, with the chargé d'affaires now representing Algerian interests. Despite this, France remains committed to strengthening its ties with Algeria. A French diplomatic source said, "We are looking to the future with a strong ambition to benefit both our peoples." Algeria recognizes the Polisario's Sahrawi republic and supports a 1991 UN plan for a referendum that included independence. However, the referendum was never held due to procedural disagreements, and recent UN resolutions have called for a compromise-based solution without mentioning the referendum.

2️⃣ 🇻🇪 Post-election crackdown in Venezuela: Authorities have intensified their crackdown on citizens protesting the results of the July 28 presidential election, which the government claims was won by incumbent Nicolás Maduro by nearly 10 percent. Official vote counts have yet to be released, while the opposition and foreign media report that main challenger Edmundo González actually won, supported by exit polls. Clashes with police have resulted in at least 24 deaths and over 1,100 arrests, including opposition figures and independent journalists. This large-scale arrest campaign has led Maduro to pledge the construction of new jails for "another thousand" detainees. According to International Crisis Group, the standoff between the government and protesters is expected to continue, while external parties, led by Brazil, seek a negotiated resolution.

3️⃣ 🇸🇴 🇺🇳 UN Security Council to negotiate a longer-term authorisation for African Union security mission to Somalia: The Security Council is poised to vote on a draft resolution regarding the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), drafted by the UK, which oversees matters related to Somalia. This draft resolution extends the authorization for the AU member states to deploy personnel in Somalia for ATMIS' mandated tasks by three days, until August 15. The brief draft is a technical extension of the measures from resolution 2741, passed on June 28, which last extended ATMIS' mandate until August 12, aiming to avoid a security vacuum in Somalia's delicate situation. On July 26, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Bankole Adeoye met with EU, UK, and US representatives, where they agreed to enhance cooperation in supporting Somalia's Security Sector Development Plan. Currently, Council members are negotiating a longer-term resolution to extend ATMIS' authorization, which is expected to be voted on by August 15. The UK circulated the initial draft of this resolution to Council members yesterday, initiating the first round of negotiations today.

4️⃣ 🇱🇾 🇪🇬 Libya and Egypt entangled in diplomatic crisis: The expulsion of two Egyptian diplomats from Tripoli has ignited a new diplomatic crisis between Libya and Egypt, highlighting existing tensions between the country's rival administrations. The Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, gave 72 hours for embassy counsellor Adel Mohamed Hosni and second secretary Mohamed Mamdouh Mustafa at Sherbiny to leave the country. They are accused of conducting intelligence activities detrimental to Libya's interests. This decision follows the visit of Osama Hamad, head of the unrecognised Libyan Government of National Stability (GSN) based in Benghazi, to Cairo, where he met with Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly. The meeting, also attended by Belgassem Haftar, a key figure and son of General Khalifa Haftar, prompted strong protests from the GNU, as Hamad's government lacks international recognition.

5️⃣ 🇹🇿 Hundreds detained amidst crackdown targeting Tanzania’s opposition: Tanzanian police have arrested leaders of the main opposition party, Chadema, along with hundreds of its supporters in a weekend crackdown. Vice-chair Tundu Lissu and Secretary General John Mnyika were detained in Mbeya before a planned conference to mark International Youth Day, according to Chadema's communications director, John Mrema. The event, organised by Chadema’s youth wing, Bavicha, was expected to draw around 10,000 attendees. In addition to Lissu and Mnyika, police arrested approximately 400 supporters en route to the gathering. The Guardian reported that Tanzanian police banned the conference on Sunday, alleging the party was planning violent protests.

Major Story

🇮🇱 🇵🇸 WHISTLEBLOWERS EXPOSE ISRAEL’S USE OF THE ‘HANNIBAL DIRECTIVE’:

The Israeli army deployed its Hannibal Directive during the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, leading to civilian and military casualties, according to an investigation by Haaretz. The directive, kept under wraps by military censorship for nearly two decades, allows the use of any force necessary to prevent soldiers from being captured, even if it results in their deaths. The policy was established in 1986 after three soldiers were captured by Hizbollah in Lebanon.

The directive's implementation aims to prevent enemies from gaining strategic advantages through the capture of Israeli soldiers. The fate of captives remains a critical issue in Israel, influencing public opinion and political pressure on the government. Historical instances, such as the capture and exchange of Gilad Shalit in 2006—leading to the 2006 war with Lebanon—highlight the directive's impact on national morale and policy.

The Hannibal Directive's name origin is disputed, with some attributing it to a Carthaginian general who chose death over capture, while military officials claim it was randomly generated. In 2016, reports indicated that Israeli military chief Lieutenant-General Gadi Eisenkot cancelled the directive due to confusion over its interpretation. Despite the directive being under military censorship until 2003, its use and details have not been officially commented on by the military.

When approached by Haaretz, an Israeli military spokesperson confirmed ongoing internal investigations into the events of October 7, with plans to transparently present the findings to the public.

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Other News

1️⃣ 🇸🇩 Famine compounds Sudan’s political instability & humanitarian crisis: UNICEF and the World Food Programme have reported that famine has struck Zamzam, a camp sheltering around 500,000 displaced people near El Fasher in North Darfur. This region has been severely impacted by fierce battles between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Ongoing conflict has hindered humanitarian efforts, with both sides blocking crucial aid deliveries. While Zamzam is the hardest hit, the World Food Programme also warned on Thursday that thirteen other areas, including the capital Khartoum, face a significant risk of severe hunger. Ceasefire talks are expected to occur in Switzerland later this month, but hopes are minimal. Global leaders have yet to forcefully demand that both factions allow immediate food aid access and put an end to the war.

2️⃣ 🇾🇪 Houthi movement allegedly behind latest Red Sea attack: The strike occurred approximately 115 kilometres (70 miles) south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that an explosive device was detonated near the vessel, followed by a suspicious small craft flashing a light and approaching the ship before a second explosion. The Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility, though they sometimes delay or inaccurately claim attacks. Since the Gaza conflict began in October, the Houthis have targeted over 70 ships with missiles and drones, leading to the capture of one vessel, the sinking of two, and four sailor fatalities. Many attacks have been intercepted or failed to reach their targets. The ongoing assaults have disrupted the vital $1 trillion annual flow of goods through the Red Sea, heightening concerns about broader regional conflict, particularly as Iran considers retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸 Washington deploys guided missile submarine & USS Abraham Lincoln to the Eastern Mediterranean: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has sent U.S. military units to the Middle East due to worsening security conditions. This deployment comes amid fears of increased conflict following the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hizbollah figure in Beirut. Iran has promised retaliation for Haniyeh's death, which Israel has not acknowledged responsibility for, leading to expectations of Iranian counterattacks. In response, President Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued a joint statement last week calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. They also urged for peace talks to resume in Doha or Cairo starting August 15 and offered to propose a final plan to resolve outstanding issues and meet all parties' expectations.