North Korea fires a ballistic missile into the sea as South Korea and US step up deterrence plans
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Sunday fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, South Korea said, in a possible display of defiance against the latest steps by Washington and Seoul to tighten their nuclear deterrence plans against North Korean threats. The South Korean military said it was sharing the launch information with the United States and Japan to further analyze the details while maintaining readiness against the possibility of additional North Korean military activities. It criticized the launch as a “clear violation” of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from using ballistic technologies. Last month, North Korea also launched its first military reconnaissance satellite, which Kim described as a crucial for monitoring U.S. and South Korean military activities and enhancing the threat of his nuclear-capable missiles. Washington and its allies have also expressed concerns about a potential arms alignment between North Korea and Russia.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 18, 2023 04:08 UTC
BRICS-led dedollarization should alarm the US as new members could be most aggressive against the greenback, former State Dept. official says
Getty ImagesUS policymakers should be concerned about a BRICS-led dedollarization, Thomas Hill wrote for the Atlantic Council. "Collectively, the expanded BRICS network via these trade organization connections now eclipses 90 countries." "By including Egypt, BRICS can influence Algerian and Tunisian de-dollarization through Egyptian leadership inside existing trade regimes. "Collectively, the expanded BRICS network via these trade organization connections now eclipses 90 countries." "For US policymakers, the BRICS de-dollarization effort should cause concern," he said, adding that the federal government needs an interagency process with backing from lawmakers.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 18, 2023 04:06 UTC
Letter: Africa is not a tool for global north’s diversions
Cookies on FT SitesWe use cookies and other data for a number of reasons, such as keeping FT Sites reliable and secure, personalising content and ads, providing social media features and to analyse how our Sites are used.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 18, 2023 02:34 UTC
November 2023 was Earth’s warmest in recorded history
The year-to-date (January–November) global surface temperature ranked as the warmest such period on record. Parts of northern North America, northern and central South America, Africa and eastern and southern Asia experienced record-warm temperatures this month. Seasonal Global TemperatureThe September–November 2023 global surface temperature was 2.54°F (1.41°C) above the 20th-century average of 57.1°F (14.0°C). The September–November 2023 global surface temperature departure from average also marks the highest seasonal temperature anomaly on record. For a more complete summary of climate conditions and events, see the NOAA November 2023 Global Climate Report or explore our Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 18, 2023 00:33 UTC
Abu Dhabi nears deal to buy stake in Turkish port -sources By Reuters
Russian-flagged bulk carrier SV Nikolay is unloaded at Izmir port in Turkey June 25, 2022. REUTERS/Yoruk Isik/File PhotoBy Ebru Tuncay and Alexander CornwellISTANBUL (Reuters) -Abu Dhabi is set to buy a stake in a key Turkish port, according to four sources aware of the deal, in a further sign of a rapprochement between the once bitter geopolitical rivals. The port, owned by Turkey's sovereign wealth fund, is an important gateway that is in need of new investment.An official for the Turkey Wealth Fund declined to comment. AD Ports didn't immediately respond to a request for comment while ADQ, the emirate's sovereign wealth fund and majority owner of the ports group, wasn't available for comment. The Dubai state-owned port operating giant DP World bought a majority stake in a Turkish port earlier this year.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 23:04 UTC
South Korea military says North fires ballistic missile
Seoul (AFP) – North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile on Sunday, Seoul's military said, as the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack would lead to the end of Pyongyang's regime. The missile flew around 570 kilometres (354 miles) before landing in the East Sea, it said, adding that Seoul, Washington and Tokyo have "closely shared information regarding North Korea's ballistic missile." Japan's defence ministry also said North Korea launched "what appears to be a ballistic missile", with its coastguard adding that it seemed to have already fallen. The missile launch also comes as Pyongyang marks the anniversary of the death of leader Kim Jong Un's father and predecessor Kim Jong Il who died on December 17, 2011. The UN Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since it first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 22:25 UTC
U.S. reaffirms its unchanged position on Sahara, reiterates support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan – The North Africa Post
“The United States fully supports UN Personal Envoy de Mistura in facilitating the negotiations process to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution for the Sahara,” the statement points out. The visit to Rabat of Deputy Assistant Secretary Joshua Harris will also focus on the means to further strengthen the U.S.-Morocco partnership in addition to a range of regional security priorities, the statement stresses. In choosing Algeria as an interlocutor on the Sahara issue, the US sends a clear message that Algiers is the real party to the conflict, vindicating Morocco’s position that no political solution is fathomable without the active involvement of Algeria, the paymaster, protector and donor of the Polisario militias. “We are serious about using our influence to enable a successful UN political process,” said Harris in his interview. The US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara territory in 2020 and backed the autonomy plan.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 20:51 UTC
Bergen comes up big as Montana beats North Dakota State 31-29 in 2 OTs to make FCS Championship game
“First of all, congratulations to North Dakota State,” Hauck said. It was also the second overtime this postseason for North Dakota State. The Bison beat Montana State 35-34 in the second round by blocking an extra point. North Dakota State answered that with Crosa’s 35-yard field goal on the last play of the half to trail 10-6. The Bison reached the title game 10 of the previous 12 seasons, winning nine before losing 45-21 to South Dakota State last year.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 14:12 UTC
Kerala’s Shaikh Hassan Khan now scales Mount Vinson in Antarctica
December 17, 2023 05:21 pm | Updated 06:39 pm IST - New DelhiScaling yet another peak in his ambitious journey, Kerala government employee Shaikh Hassan Khan has climbed Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. This is the fifth highest peak that has been scaled by the 36-year-old Khan. Apart from Mount Vinson, Mr. Khan has climbed four other highest peaks -- Mount Everest (Asia), Mount Denali (North America), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), and Mount Elbrus (Europe). Mr. Khan has sustained frost bite on both hands and is now receiving treatment at the Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica. Mr. Khan, who is currently on leave from his government job, takes the help of his close friends for planning the trips.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 14:05 UTC
Traditional Chinese Medicine Center unveiled in Tunis
People pose for a group photo in front of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center at Mongi Slim Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia, on Dec 15, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]TUNIS -- A Traditional Chinese Medicine Center was unveiled on Friday in the Tunisian capital Tunis. A ceremony was held to mark the establishment of the center, which is located in Mongi Slim Hospital. Ben Nasr said "the traditional Chinese acupuncture has been welcomed here in Tunisia, and I hope the center will operate under better conditions and become a model for the promotion of traditional Chinese medicine in Tunis and other places." For years, Chinese doctors have provided acupuncture services at Mongi Slim Hospital to local people.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 14:02 UTC
Colombian Senators highlight prosperity in Moroccan Sahara, criticize their Government’s Stance – The North Africa Post
Colombian senators underlined the “great socio-economic development” and the security and tranquility prevailing in the southern provinces, and criticized the recognition by the current government in Bogota of the so-called SADR, an entity that “does not exist”. This came in a statement signed by three senators, “legitimate representatives of the Colombian people”, who have just visited the southern provinces. The three signatories of the statement, which was published on the Senate’s official website, are German Blanco Alvarez, President of the Colombia-Morocco Friendship Group in the Colombian Senate, and Paola Holguin Moreno and José Luis Pérez Oyuela, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Similarly, “almost 40% of African countries have opened consulates there, expressing their firm support for Morocco’s sovereignty and unity,” they said. The Colombian senators added: “This visit has further confirmed what we have been expressing to all our country’s authorities.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 13:32 UTC
HSBC projects further devaluation of EGP in Q1 2024
The UK-based bank HSBC expected a further devaluation of the Egyptian pound during the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, which could range between EGP 40 and EGP 45 against the US dollar, Ahram Online reported, citing a report by the bank. The bank’s previous forecasts for the exchange rate in for Q1 2024 were between EGP 35 and EGP 40 per $1. This devaluation is expected to facilitate the completion of the International Monetary Fund's loan program, the report read. The bank highlighted that adjusting the Egyptian pound exchange rate is part of a shift toward a more flexible exchange rate regime. Copyright © 2022 Arab Finance Brokerage Company All rights reserved.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 12:08 UTC
The Overlooked Crisis in Congo: ‘We Live in War’
Artillery boomed, shaking the ground, as a couple scurried through the streets of Saké, their possessions balanced on their heads, in the embattled east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At a crossroads, they passed a giant poster of Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, who is standing for re-election on Wednesday. “Our children were born in war. We live in war,” Jean Bahati, his face beaded with sweat, said as he paused for breath. It was the fifth time that he and his wife had been forced to flee, he said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 11:36 UTC
At least 61 migrants drown after shipwreck off Libya
Sixty-one migrants, including women and children, drowned following a shipwreck off Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya said. Migrants from Eritrea, Libya and Sudan sail a wooden boat before being assisted by aid workers of the Spanish NGO Open Arms, in the Mediterranean sea, about 30 miles north of Libya, June 17, 2023. "The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world's most dangerous migration routes," IOM said. Deadly incidents this year included one in June, when a fishing boat packed with hundreds of migrants sank off Greece after departing from Tobruk, Libya. 🚨 61 migrants including women and children drowned following a tragic shipwreck off Libya.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 10:56 UTC
More than 60 people, including women and children, drown in shipwreck off Libya, says IOM
More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The United Nations agency citing survivors said that the boat carrying around 86 people departed the Libyan city of Zwara. What we knowAccording to the IOM, at least 61 people, including women and children, are missing and presumed dead. More than 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN refugee agency. ALSO READ | Migrant boat with 400 on board slowly sinking between Libya and MaltaIn June, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people which departed from Libya and was en route to Italy, sank in international waters off southwest Greece.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 17, 2023 09:33 UTC