News Highlights: Mediterranean route forecasts, UN urges Libya to close detention centres, AU debate on ICC

In this week’s news highlights, a leaked report from Germany foresees 6.6 mln arrivals from Africa; the “Vigil Protest” against the arrest of Christians in Eritrea took place in London; and the UN urge Libya to close the detention centers due to the appalling conditions to which migrants are subject. Furthermore, co-chair for Sudanese National Dialogue aims at a more inclusive, multi-level and constituency-based system than the one adopted by President Kiir.

News Highlights: EU-AU partnership, attack on Afar people in Eritrea, Yemen situation deteriorating

In this week’s news highlights, the European Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee discusses partnership with the African Union; Italy and Germany demand a border patrol mission at the Niger-Libya border; the Eritrean Information Office continues to collect diaspora tax in Norway; 10 Christians were reported arrested in Eritrea; and a fishing boat was reportedly attacked by a United Arab Emirates (UAE) helicopter. Furthermore, although UNHCR succeeded in bringing emergency aid to Yemen’s Taizz governorate, the agency warns about worsening conditions.

Afar fishermen attacked by UAE helicopter in Eritrea’s Dankalia region

On Sunday 7 May 2017, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) helicopter reportedly attacked an Afar fishing boat, killing one person instantly while injuring nine others. According to the Eritrean Afar State in Exile (EASE), a second person succumbed to his injuries last weekend, bringing the total death count to two. The eight remaining victims are reportedly being treated at Duhtum Hospital in Assab.