Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has unanimously rejected the request of the prosecutor to proceed with an investigation for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Afghanistan since May 1, 2003, as well as similar crimes related to the armed conflict allegedly committed in the territory of other states party to the Rome Statute since July 1, 2002.

The United States has temporarily withdrawn some of its forces from Libya due to “security conditions on the ground,” as the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, has launched a surprise offensive against the capital Tripoli, clashing with rival militias. A small contingent of American troops has been in Libya in recent years, helping local forces combat Islamic State and al-Qaida militants, as well as protecting diplomatic facilities.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has resigned under pressure from the army following weeks of mass protests, closing out the reign of North Africa’s longest-serving leader but not ending a political impasse in a country where protesters are demanding revolutionary change.

His departure followed quickly after a statement from Army Chief of Staff, General Ahmed Gaid Salah, the traditional arbiter of political life in the country, calling for an “immediate” declaration from the constitutional council that Mr. Bouteflika was unfit for office.

A report by the Instance Verité et Dignité (IVD), or Truth and Dignity Commission, details President Beji Caid Essebsi’s alleged responsibility for crimes committed while serving as a minister in the regime of Habib Bourguiba. It also alleges extensive corruption by the former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, his extended family, and wider network, including the misuse of public funds, enforced disappearances, and torture committed under his rule.