1. UK sanctions Wagner-linked officials in Mali, Sudan and CAR (Sahel & Lake Chad Basin )
The British government announced sanctions of 13 individuals and businesses in Central African Republic (CAR), Mali and Sudan with links to Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group, including one it described as the “right-hand man” of the group’s founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Al Jazeera: “ UK sanctions Wagner-linked officials in Mali, Sudan and CAR”, Accessed: 21st July, 2023.
2. Reps seek reform for two African seats on UN Security Council (Nigeria)
The House of Representatives is seeking a reform of the United Nations Security Council to include at least two seats for Africa. It called for efforts to establish a systematic framework as a matter of justice and human rights, and galvanize the African Union to reach a collective decision and come up with reform proposals that include at least two seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council.
The Nation Newspaper: “Reps seek reform for two African seats on UN Security Council”, Accessed: 21st July, 2023.
3. Strong winds reignite fire near Athens as heatwave sears Greece (Climate Change and Environment security)
Firefighters in Greece are battling a reignited wildfire that has triggered a series of new evacuations, as authorities braced for more of the extreme weather that has brought searing temperatures across southern Europe.
Al Jazeera: “Strong winds reignite fire near Athens as heatwave sears Greece” Accessed: 21st July, 2023.
4. Yellen visits Vietnam seeking to build US ties (International Economics)
The U.S. considers building strong economic and security ties with Vietnam a priority, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said as she met with Vietnamese officials in a visit aimed at fortifying America’s relations across Asia. Yellen arrived in Vietnam after visits to Beijing and to India, where she attended financial meetings of the Group of 20 major industrial economies.
The Associated Press: “Yellen visits Vietnam seeking to build US ties”, Accessed: 21st July, 2023
5. Petroecuador confirms crude oil spill (Latin America)
Some 1,200 barrels of crude oil spilled on Ecuador’s northern coast, after a tank of state-owned Petroecuador surpassed its maximum capacity, contaminating a four-kilometer-long stretch of beach, authorities said.
Reuters: “Petroecuador confirms crude oil spill”, Accessed: 21st July, 2023.
