Europe could see record numbers trying to reach its borders this year, agency says

WARSAW (Reuters) – The European Union could see another record number of people seeking to reach its borders this year via irregular crossings, with more migrants driven by poverty and climate change rather than conflict, the EU’s Frontex border agency said on Friday. Frontex reported some 330,000 unauthorised arrivals via all routes last year, the…

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Sudan’s rival forces agree to protect civilians but no ceasefire

KHARTOUM (Reuters) -Sudan’s warring factions early on Friday committed to protect civilians and the movement of humanitarian aid, but did not agree to a ceasefire and remain far apart, U.S. officials said. After a week of talks in the Saudi port of Jeddah, Sudan’s army and rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a declaration…

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U.N. urges halt to Sudan conflict as fighting rumbles on despite talks

KHARTOUM (Reuters) – The U.N. on Thursday urged countries with influence in Africa to help end the conflict in Sudan after reported progress in ceasefire talks between the army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Clashes rocked Halfaya, an entry point to the capital, early on Thursday as residents heard warplanes circling over…

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Analysis-North Africa backslides toward swirling debt troubles

By Marc Jones LONDON (Reuters) -Tunisia and Egypt are edging closer to major debt crises that could suck in a volatile North Africa region and pose tough choices to wealthy Gulf Arab neighbours, investors and analysts warn.  The countries are already being challenged by shortages of essential goods and financial market dysfunction and in Tunisia’s…

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Western motion to monitor Sudan abuses ekes past at UN rights body

By Emma Farge and Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. Human Rights Council on Thursday narrowly passed a motion to increase monitoring of human rights abuses in Sudan where hundreds of civilians have been killed since a conflict erupted last month. The Western-led motion, which passed with 18 in favour and 15 against, had been…

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