THE EARLY PHOENIX
★ EGYPT 09-09-2024
Cairo May Approve Temporary Israeli Presence With Guarantees
Cairo may allow a temporary Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor if the U.S. provides specific guarantees. Egypt insists on Israel’s withdrawal during the first phase but may accept a temporary presence. The deal requires U.S. assurances that Israel’s presence will not be permanent. Egypt also demands guarantees preventing Israeli operations in the corridor or Rafah, even if talks fail.
Egypt and China Launch $300 Million Tech Fund
Egypt and China have signed five memorandums to boost cooperation in ICT. A $300 million tech fund will be established. This fund includes setting up a data center, four training centers, and labs. Over 3,250 specialists will receive training and capacity-building. Additionally, three fiber optic cable manufacturing plants and three outsourcing centers will be created. These projects will generate 800 jobs in electronic circuit design and related fields.
Egypt To Purchase 20 LNG Shipments For Winter Energy
Egypt plans to purchase 20 liquefied natural gas shipments to meet increased winter energy demands amid reduced domestic gas production. This is the first time since 2018 that Egypt is sourcing LNG for winter needs. The country has recently shifted from being a gas exporter to a net importer. Egypt bought over 30 LNG shipments this summer to handle rising demand.
Egypt, Cyprus Explore Pipeline Linking Aphrodite Gas Field
Egypt and Cyprus are considering a 90-kilometer undersea pipeline to connect the Aphrodite field with Egypt’s Zohr facilities. This project aims to integrate Cypriot gas into Egypt’s national network. The pipeline would leverage the available capacity of the Zohr field’s infrastructure. This comes as Zohr’s output has decreased from 3.2 billion cubic feet daily in 2020 to 1.6 billion cubic feet now.
NORTH AFRICA 09-09-2024
★ Sudan
Burhan Rejects WHO Peacekeeping, No End in Sight for Sudan War
Sudan’s war has damaged over 70% of its healthcare infrastructure, leading to outbreaks of cholera, measles, and other diseases. Ten states lack epidemic monitoring, and floods in northern Sudan have worsened conditions. The WHO Director-General visited to assess healthcare needs and coordinate support. WHO also recommended deploying peacekeeping forces to protect civilians from alleged war crimes. However, Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected this, viewing it as interference, despite WHO’s emphasis on the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Sudanese Leader Secures Key Economic, Defense Agreements with China
Sudanese Sovereignty Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan pursued support from China during his meeting with President Xi Jinping, resulting in agreements on economic, energy, and defense cooperation. Sudan also signed a strategic deal with China’s Poly Group during the China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
Darfur Governor Accuses Rapid Support Forces of Looting in El Fasher
Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minawi accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of looting citizens’ property in El Fasher, Dar Al Salam market. He claimed the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, terrorized civilians with gunfire and committed crimes on an ethnic basis. Minawi warned of further RSF attacks but assured local forces are preparing to defend the region. Since the conflict between Sudan’s army and RSF began in April, over ten million people have been displaced, with extensive destruction reported across the country.
★ ALEGRIA
Abdelmadjid Tebboune Wins Election, Follows Bouteflika’s Leadership Path
Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected for a second term after receiving 94.65% of the votes, securing over 5.6 million votes. This represents approximately 22.9% of Algeria’s total population of 46.28 million, highlighting low voter participation. His closest opponent, Hassan Sharif Abdelali, garnered 3.17%, while Youssef Ouchich received 2.16%. Tebboune’s re-election follows a term focused on economic challenges, and he aims to continue his New Algeria initiative. His government faces inflation concerns, border tensions with Mali and Libya, and strained relations with Morocco and France.
★ Libya
Turkey’s Intelligence Chief Meets Libyan Officials to Discuss Stability
Turkey’s National Intelligence Chief, Ibrahim Kalin, met with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and other officials on Thursday. Kalin expressed hope for Ankara’s role in resolving conflicts in Libya through national agreements and de-escalation efforts. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to Libya’s unity and stability. Kalin also met with Vice Presidents of the Presidential Council, Abdullah Al-Lafi and Musa Al-Koni, along with his deputy Jamaleddin Celik, to discuss recent political developments in Libya and ways to enhance stability and move the political process forward.
Militia Clashes in Libya Threaten Stability
Libyan authorities have issued arrest warrants for Mohammed Bahroun, leader of the Al-Far militia, and his aide following the assassination of UN-sanctioned trafficker Abdul Rahman Milad, also known as “Al-Bidja.” Milad, notorious for migrant abuse and oil smuggling, was killed in Tripoli’s Al-Sayad area on September 1. Bahroun’s involvement has raised tensions, with fears of clashes between his militia and Al-Bidja’s supporters. Libya continues to face significant challenges with human trafficking, impacting both regional stability and migration flows to Europe.
★ Morocco
Morocco Thwarts 45,000 Illegal Immigration Attempts in 2024
Morocco has successfully thwarted 45,015 illegal immigration attempts since the beginning of 2024, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior. In August alone, 11,323 attempts were blocked in the M’diq-Fnideq region near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Morocco also dismantled 177 smuggling networks and rescued 10,589 migrants at sea, providing humanitarian assistance. Rabat attributed the increasing migration pressure to instability in the Sahel region and called for coordinated international efforts to combat illegal immigration, particularly with Spain and West African countries.
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Turkiye Pushes for Islamic Bloc with Egypt and Assad Against Israel
Turkiye Announces Killing of PKK Leader in Iran in Targeted Operation
Turkiye Unveils Medium-Term Economic Program to Combat Inflation
