Turkey elections, Tripoli, Algeria

Turkey’s local elections

Turkey held local elections on March 31, which ended in numerous disputed regions, leading the Commission to recount the votes. Particularly controversial was the battle for Istanbul, where the candidate from the ruling party, ex-speaker of parliament Binali Yıldırım and opposition member Ekrem İmamoğlu faced off.

The US State Department had previously called on the parties to “recognize the legitimate election results.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged the West not to interfere in the internal affairs of his country and not try to manipulate the topic of the municipal elections.

Tripoli

On Thursday, April 4, Field Marshal Haftar gave the order to attack Tripoli with the ostensible aim of “liberation from terrorists.”

The National Army occupied several areas in the south-west of Tripoli without a fight, including Janzur and Al-Swani, the international airport and the Al-Yarmouk military camp.

On 7 April, the Libyan Government launched air strikes against the base of the attacking Libyan National Army near the old airport of Tripoli.

Algeria

Longtime Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned, according to state media.

Reportedly, he officially notified the President of the Constitutional Council of his decision to step down as head of state.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Chief of the General Staff of the Algerian Army announced the beginning of procedures for the constitutional release of the president from office.

Bouteflika almost completely changed cabinet members before resigning.