From Algeria’s political shifts and Mali’s mounting turmoil to Morocco’s diplomatic assertiveness and Egypt’s economic recalibration — 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 shaping politics, security, and economics across North Africa and the Sahel.
LE POINT
Europe and Morocco weigh a trans-Mediterranean tunnel
Rabat and Madrid revisit long-standing plans for a Gibraltar–Tangier tunnel, signaling renewed interest in grand connectivity projects amid shifting regional power balances.
LE POINT
Algeria doubles down on “empty-chair” regional diplomacy
Algiers’ continued absence from key summits is raising questions over its strategic calculus as neighbours pursue diplomatic openings without it.
BLOOMBERG
Egypt inflation quickens after surprise jump in rent prices
A sharp increase in fuel costs pushed headline inflation back up, complicating Cairo’s stabilization efforts despite Gulf inflows and IMF-linked reforms.
NEWSWEEK
Egypt unveils its first high-speed rail train
The debut of the country’s first high-speed train marks a milestone in Egypt’s vast infrastructure modernization push, backed by major foreign partnerships.
YAHOO NEWS
The diplomatic gamble that freed French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal
A high-stakes maneuver by France and Algeria saw the release of a French-Algerian national held in Algeria.
REUTERS
Delayed payments and broken deals put Egypt’s state grains buyer under scrutiny
Delayed payments and disputes over past deals are fueling concerns about governance and liquidity at the authority responsible for the world’s biggest wheat imports.
UN-HABITAT
Five cities win 2025 Shanghai Award
Urban projects in the region were recognized for innovations in sustainability, resilience, and community-centred planning, including Algiers, Algeria.
GULF TODAY
UAE and Chad advance cooperation agenda
Abu Dhabi and N’Djamena agreed to deepen collaboration on security, development, and investment.
AL JAZEERA
RSF accepts mediated ceasefire proposal in Sudan
The paramilitary faction’s move comes amid stark warnings of mass atrocities and deepening humanitarian collapse.
AL JAZEERA
Mali military chief granted renewable five-year presidential term
Colonel Assimi Goïta formalized a long-anticipated extension of military rule, signaling tighter executive control and dimming prospects for a rapid democratic transition.
THE GUARDIAN
State-sanctioned fuel smuggling cost Libya $20bn over three years
A major investigation estimates Libya has lost $20bn to state-sanctioned fuel smuggling, underscoring entrenched corruption networks.
REUTERS
UN urges Libya to shut migrant detention centres
Officials cite systematic abuse and deaths in facilities run by both state and militia actors.
DAILY NEWS EGYPT
Cairo ramps up diplomacy on Sudan crisis
Egypt intensifies mediation efforts as global alarm mounts over atrocities in El-Fasher.
ARAB NEWS
Gulf-Egypt trade and investment forum kicks off in Cairo
Cairo’s strategic ties with Gulf partners deepen through new channels for economic coordination and investment planning.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Tensions grow in Tunisia as protests and crackdowns escalate
Demonstrators rally against President Saied while legal restrictions severely curtail civil society under Law 88.
ECFR
Western Sahara shuffle: Trump’s foray could make or break peace
Competing proposals, US political maneuvering, and Polisario criticism complicate a fragile negotiations track.
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
King Mohammed VI Invites Political Parties to Contribute to Morocco’s Update of Autonomy Plan
King Mohammed VI invites political parties to contribute to an updated autonomy blueprint as the country marks a national holiday celebrating the UN resolution.
BIOENERGY TIMES
Mauritania, Italy explore €2.5 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project to boost clean energy exports to Europe
Mauritania and Italy have strengthened their renewable energy partnership with discussions centered on Italian investment in a €2.5 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project, designed to supply clean energy from West Africa to Europe.
AL JAZEERA
Is Mali about to fall to al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM?
Al-Qaeda-linked militants exploit overstretched forces to expand territorial control, with analysts warning of possible urban assaults if current trends persist.
AL-MONITOR
Morocco bets $75m to transform Ouarzazate into a heritage and film hub
Rabat is upgrading studios and cultural infrastructure to attract global production and boost creative-industry tourism.
AL-MONITOR
Sudan bans Sky News Arabia after reporting on El-Fasher atrocities
Khartoum accused the UAE-owned outlet of “distorting facts” as scrutiny intensifies over alleged mass killings in North Darfur.
AL-MONITOR
Spain and Morocco dismantle cross-border hashish drone network
Security forces uncovered a sophisticated smuggling route using modified drones to transport narcotics across the Strait of Gibraltar.
AL-MONITOR
Morocco’s UN-backed Western Sahara plan offers investors renewed confidence
The autonomy proposal’s diplomatic momentum is seen helping de-risk energy and logistics projects in contested areas.
FINANCIAL TIMES
US rebukes backers of Sudanese paramilitary force behind ‘horrific’ atrocities
Without naming the UAE, Marco Rubio issues Washington’s strongest condemnation yet of RSF’s alleged supporters
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts, think tanks, and research institutes.
COMMENTARY
Africa in China’s future energy security
Stimson Center North Africa Program Director Hafed Al-Ghwell analyzes how African energy assets shape Beijing’s long-term strategic planning.
COMMENTARY
Morocco–Algeria: the case for ambitious reconciliation
MEI analysis on a strategic reset linking border reopening, economic integration, and a refreshed Western Sahara track.
COMMENTARY
Mali’s Return to Democracy Suffers New Blow
A Human Rights Watch analysis on new decrees effectively banning political parties and civic organizing to deepen authoritarian retrenchment as insecurity mounts across the country.
REPORT
Human smuggling and trafficking in North Africa and the Sahel
A Global Initiative assessment shows criminal economies evolving rapidly throughout North Africa and the region’s major migration routes.
REPORT
North African countries have much to learn from each other on domestic resource mobilisation
A UN Economic Comission for Africa report urges governments to strengthen taxation, governance, and technology to expand domestic financing space.
COMMENTARY
Mali on the Brink of Collapse as Jihadists Threaten to Overrun the Country
Soufan Center analysis warns of potential domino effects as militant groups exploit fractured security environments.
REPORT
Libya’s constitution: between conflict and compromise
A European University Institute report analyzing some of these questions by analysing the main challenges that shaped the drawing up of Libya’s draft constitution,
COMMENTARY
Libya’s Oil Corruption Is Bad for Business
A Foreign Policy analysis exploring how illicit fuel economies and fragmented authority empower Haftar-aligned actors.
COMMENTARY
From Congo to Sudan, time is running out for Trump’s Africa dealmaker Massad Boulos
A profile of Massad Boulos as regional crises from Congo to Sudan narrow his diplomatic room for maneuver.
COMMENTARY
Western Sahara shuffle: Trump’s foray could make or break peace
European Council on Foreign Relation analysis of how President Donald Trump’s quest for a peace prize has led him to Western Sahara, where American diplomacy risks either sparking more violence or seizing a rare chance to end a half-century-old war.
ANAYLSIS
Tunisia: Escalating crackdown on human rights organizations reaches critical levels
A comprehensive review documenting escalating repression, restrictions on associations, and criminalization of dissent.
Upcoming Events
Key briefings and conferences to watch.
A Conversation with H.E. Sabri Boukadoum, Ambassador of Algeria to the United States
Join the North Africa Program for a conversation with Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum on Algeria’s reforms, regional security, and U.S.–Algeria relations.
Turkey’s evolving role in Libya
A Chatham House expert panel examined Ankara’s strategic posture, energy interests, and military footprint.
Armed Conflict Survey 2025 – Book Launch
An International Institute for Strategic Studies overview of conflict trends, with new data and forecasts relevant to North Africa and the Sahel.
Tune In
Hear the latest insights from regional experts.
Mahmoud Mohieldin on Egypt’s post-IMF trajectory
A deep dive into Cairo’s reform agenda, governance priorities, and investment strategy.
Anger Across the World
The podcast highlights Algeria’s presidential pardon of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal, who was arrested in 2024 and sentenced to five years for “undermining national unity.”
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
