2 The Situation in the North Africa Region (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania)
The Maghreb is at the crossroads to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and has shared history, culture, and language in common. Recently it has attracted attention because of the potential as a region. On the other hand, there is the issue of the return to the region from Iraq and Syria of foreign fighters, as well as the issues of refugees and illegal migrants entering Europe, etc. Stabilization of the political system and security situation is a crucial issue.
In Libya, confrontation rooted in tribal society and the worsening of security since the collapse of the Gadhafi administration continues to be serious. There are three parallel political forces in the country─one in the west (Tripoli) and one in the east (Tobruk) as well as a national unity government that was formed based on mediation from the UN and other parties. In 2017, efforts by the international community (including the efforts listed below) achieved a certain degree of progress toward resolving the Libya issue. In July, talks mediated by France were held between Prime Minister Sarraj of the Government of National Accord, and Field Marshal Haftar of the Libyan National Army. In September, a roadmap was announced by a Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) Salamé. Meetings with neighboring countries (Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia) were also held in September. On the other hand, there have been reports that some ISIL fighters from Iran and Syria are now shifting the focus of their activities to Libya, and the security situation remains unstable. It is hoped that, for the sake of stability within Libya and in neighboring countries, progress will be made with comprehensive political dialogue in Libya with backing from the international community, and that a legitimate national unity government can be established.
Tunisia, which has achieved a transition to democracy, is facing the issues of economic reform such as eliminating the economic disparity between regions. The security situation has been calm since the attack on security forces in the region near the Libyan border in March 2016, but the Libyan situation also has an influence and ensuring security remains an important issue.
The Governments of Algeria and Morocco have remained stable. Both countries are also contributing to peace and stability in the region and are working hard to mediate for peace in neighboring countries such as Libya and Mali. Morocco joined the African Union in January 2017 and has also expressed its intention to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The future actions of both countries are the subject of much interest.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sato, during his visit to Algeria (December 23, Algiers)
Although Mauritania shares a long border with the politically unstable Mali, the country is relatively stable compared to other countries in the Sahel Region, and has experienced no terrorist attacks since 2012. In January 2017, Mauritania mediated in a peaceful change of government in Gambia and has contributed to regional stability.
Located in sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritania is the westernmost Arabic country. With regards to the country’s relations with Japan, it participated, together with the other north African nations, in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August and also participated in the First Japan-Arab Political Dialogue in September.
Source link : https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2018/html/chapter2/c020602.html
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Publish date : 2018-10-02 10:48:56
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