Africa·22 April 2026
A UN panel has found Italy in violation of the Libya arms embargo for providing military training. Meanwhile, Sudan's leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is visiting Saudi Arabia and Oman to bolster regional diplomatic ties.
North Africa: Diplomatic Moves and Sanctions Breach
In Libya, a UN Panel of Experts has concluded that Italy violated the international arms embargo on the country. The panel's report, submitted to the Security Council, found that an Italian bilateral support mission conducted a military combat training course for Libyan armed actors, which concluded in late December 2024. The Italian government reportedly provided no response to formal UN inquiries, leading the panel to determine the assistance constituted a definitive breach of sanctions established by Resolution 1970.
Separately, Sudan's de facto leader, Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is conducting a diplomatic tour of Gulf states. He met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah before traveling to Oman for a meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. These visits are part of Sudan's efforts to strengthen regional ties as its internal conflict continues.