North Africa Weekly: November 12, 2025

From Morocco’s mounting diplomatic wins and Tunisia’s tightening repression to Egypt’s Gulf-backed recovery push

By  Hafed Al Ghwell  •  Lana Bleik  •  Yusuf Can  •  Alexander Farley

From Morocco’s mounting diplomatic wins and Tunisia’s tightening repression to Egypt’s Gulf-backed recovery push — explore the latest developments shaping North Africa and the Sahel’s political, economic, and security landscapes.

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On Our Radar

The headlines you need to follow across North Africa.

AL JAZEERA

Europe’s search-and-rescue bodies suspend contacts with Libyan counterpart 

A new coalition of European civilian rescue groups says it will cease operational contact with Libya’s JRCC, citing safety risks and alleged abuses by Libya’s coastguard; the break may complicate coordination in the central Mediterranean.

REUTERS

Qatari Diar to invest $29.7bn in Egypt coastal megaproject

Doha’s state developer agreed a multi-billion real-estate deal on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, signaling renewed Gulf capital flows that could ease Cairo’s external financing strain.

OILPRICE.COM

Libya announces new onshore oil discovery

The NOC reported a fresh onshore find near the Algerian border (Ghadames basin), underscoring Libya’s effort to lift output despite political fragmentation and security risks.

AL JAZEERA

UN Security Council supports Morocco’s plan for Western Sahara

The Council endorsed language praising Morocco’s autonomy initiative as “serious and credible,” intensifying diplomatic pressure on the Polisario and reshaping the talks framework.

BLOOMBERG

Saharan rebels claim attack on Moroccan troops

A separatist faction claimed an assault against Moroccan forces, casting itself as rejecting UN-led diplomacy and testing Rabat’s deterrence posture.

REUTERS

Tunisia suspends independent media group amid broader crackdown

Authorities froze operations at a prominent media conglomerate, heightening concerns over the climate for free expression under President Saied.

THE NORTH AFRICA POST

Libya welcomes release of Hannibal Gaddafi after diplomatic talks

Tripoli hailed a resolution with Lebanon that it says can open space for wider cooperation across political, economic, and security tracks.

REUTERS

Egypt’s economy seen growing 4.6% in FY25/26 as inflation eases

A Reuters poll points to gradual disinflation and a modest growth pickup, though external financing needs and reform execution remain key risks.

AFRICA24 TV

Niger and Chad strengthen security cooperation against terrorism 

Niamey and N’Djamena announced tighter coordination and joint action against cross-border militant threats in the Sahel.

AL JAZEERA

Is Mali about to fall to al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM?

Analysts warn the junta faces mounting battlefield pressure and potential urban attacks as JNIM exploits overstretched security forces.

AL-MONITOR

Turkey seeks to bolster Eastern Med foothold in new Libya energy talks

Ankara is exploring fresh hydrocarbons cooperation with Libyan counterparts, part of a broader bid to entrench influence in the East Med.

AL-MONITOR

Egypt courts investors, signs new gas deals at ADIPEC

Cairo used the Abu Dhabi summit to advance upstream and midstream partnerships, tying energy diplomacy to broader macro-stabilization goals.

AL-MONITOR

From Hollywood set to heritage hub: Morocco’s $75m bet on Ouarzazate

Morocco is doubling down on creative industries and cultural tourism, upgrading studios and heritage assets to attract international production.

AL-MONITOR

Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid 

US political actors are testing whether Western Sahara diplomacy can catalyze a wider regional thaw, though breakthroughs remain uncertain.

MOROCCO WORLD NEWS

King Mohammed VI invites Algerian president to ‘fraternal dialogue’

The royal message frames reconciliation as a strategic priority and urges neighborly engagement to defuse tensions.

THE AFRICA REPORT

El-Fasher falls: Is Sudan’s partition now inevitable?

RSF’s seizure of El-Fasher could harden frontlines and make political reunification significantly harder.

BLOOMBERG

Qatar to transfer $3.5bn this year for Egypt’s Mediterranean tourism site

The cash component of the Ras El-Hekma plan would provide near-term FX relief while the broader project unfolds over years.

REUTERS

Tunisia suspends independent media group

Media freedom watchers warn of escalating repression as legal and administrative tools are used against critical outlets.

Reports & Analysis on the Region

Deeper dives from experts across the region.

COMMENTARY

Is AI truly a game-changer for Africa?

Stimson Center North Africa Program Director Hafed Al-Ghwell writes on AI in Africa, arguing that powerful algorithms alone won’t rewrite the continent’s development story. Transformation will occur with the right infrastructure, policy, and talent.

COMMENTARY

Inside Mauritania’s mass deportation campaign targeting African migrants

Al Jazeera documents detentions and expulsions of West and Central African migrants, raising rights concerns amid Europe–Mauritania migration arrangements.

REPORT

Two years of war: from the Middle East to Africa, between crises and fragile stability

Report surveying how conflicts radiating from the Middle East interact with African fault lines, tracing spillovers in security, energy, and migration, and arguing for more resilient regional diplomacy.

COMMENTARY

Morocco–Algeria: the case for ambitious reconciliation

This MEI piece makes the strategic case for a comprehensive détente, linking border reopening, economic integration, and a reframed Western Sahara track to unlock growth and reduce security risks.

COMMENTARY

Jihadis encircle Mali’s capital as they close in on power

A Financial Times commentary on Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists tightening blockade around Bamako as military regime reels.

COMMENTARY

Africa takes lead in emerging market rally as ‘real’ assets attract investors


A Financial Times article highlighting how investors are shifting towards Africa’s “real assets” as commodity and banking stocks deliver exceptional returns amid fading defaults and improving inflation.

REPORT

Commodity Markets Outlook (Oct 2025)


The World Bank projects commodity prices to hit a six-year low in 2026 on an expanding oil glut, with metals divergent and food prices sensitive to El Niño and conflict-related disruptions. 

REPORT

Africa’s Pulse (Oct 2025)


The World Bank flagship update sees Sub-Saharan Africa growth edging up to 3.8% in 2025 as inflation eases, but stresses jobs and productivity as binding constraints amid tighter global financing.

REPORT

IDA in Africa


A World Bank narrative casebook emphasizes job creation and human-capital investments, showcasing IDA-backed programs that aim to scale youth employment across multiple African economies. 

POLICY ANALYSIS

Debt Vulnerabilities in Low-Income Countries


The IMF warns debt risks remain elevated, with a growing share of domestic debt and tighter global rates complicating restructurings and concessional flows.

REPORT

Human Security Emergency: El-Fasher


Yale report indicates mass killings and systematic abuses under RSF control in El-Fasher, underscoring the need for urgent protection and accountability mechanisms. 

COMMENTARY

UAE’s push for strategic investments


Business Insider Africa commentary documents Abu Dhabi’s acceleration into African logistics, energy and critical minerals, positioning UAE capital as a key competitor to US, EU and China. 

Upcoming Events

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Tune In

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Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces agree to humanitarian truce

Al Jazeera video news on Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces saying they have agreed to a humanitarian pause in the war with the country’s army.

The $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum opens to the public

Euronews explainer on Egypt opening the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, featuring more than 50,000 artifacts including the full collection of Tutankhamen.

Job Opportunities

Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.

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