North Africa Weekly: October 8, 2025

From youth-led protests rocking Morocco to a tribunal halting Niger’s uranium trade

By  Hafed Al Ghwell  •  Lana Bleik  •  Yusuf Can

From youth-led protests rocking Morocco to a tribunal halting Niger’s uranium trade — 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-MONITOR

Two killed as Morocco’s anti-government protests enter day 5

Two killed and hundreds arrested as Gen Z-led protests over poor services spread across Morocco, marking the largest demonstrations in years.

REUTERS

Tunisian sentenced to death for Facebook posts

Tunisian court sentences man to death for insulting President Saied on Facebook, the first such punishment for online speech in decades.

AFRICA BRIEFING

Tribunal halts Niger uranium sales from seized mine

World Bank tribunal bars Niger from selling uranium from a seized French mine, ordering release of Orano’s detained local director.

REUTERS

Egypt’s central bank cuts rates as inflation cools

Egypt cuts interest rates by 100 basis points, citing cooling inflation at 12% and stronger GDP growth.

AL-MONITOR

Egypt, Somalia strengthen military ties with AU troop deployment

At the UN General Assembly, Libya’s Mohamed al-Menfi urged support for a Libyan-led roadmap to elections and called for an end to foreign interference.

SUDAN TRIBUNE

Nile floods surround seven areas of Sudan’s capital

Seasonal Nile flooding engulfs seven districts of Khartoum, worsened by war-damaged infrastructure and climate impacts.

AL-MONITOR

Egypt and Rwanda discuss water security after Ethiopia’s dam debut

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame discussed water security after Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam began full operations, stressing the need for regional coordination to avoid destabilization.

GULF TODAY

Morocco launches $19 billion rail overhaul

Morocco unveiled a $19 billion railway overhaul plan to expand connectivity, modernise its national network, and strengthen trade links across North Africa.

BUSINESS INSIDER

Morocco becomes Africa’s only investment-grade Eurobond issuer after S&P upgrade

S&P upgraded Morocco, making it the only African country with investment-grade Eurobonds, reflecting stronger fiscal stability and investor confidence.

LE POINT

13 French hostages held in Sahel and Maghreb

French officials confirmed that at least 13 French nationals remain held hostage in the Sahel and Maghreb, as jihadist groups leverage kidnappings for ransom and influence.

FRANCE 24

Algeria accuses Mali of exporting terrorism at UN

Algeria accused Mali at the UN of exporting terrorism, heightening diplomatic tensions amid regional security disputes.

NORTH AFRICA POST

Algeria drafts harsher NGO law despite criticism

Rights groups slammed Algeria’s draft NGO law as even more restrictive than before, warning it will crush civic space.

NORTH AFRICA REPORT

Mauritania announces national nanosatellite program

Mauritania launched a nanosatellite program to develop sovereign space capabilities for communications and monitoring.

DEFENSE POST

Chad signs peace deal with Tibesti rebels

Chad’s junta struck a peace deal with the last active rebel militia in Tibesti, integrating fighters into security forces.

Reports & Analysis on the Region

Deeper dives from experts across the region.

COMMENTARY

Unity at any cost? AES states jointly leave the ICC

ISS examines the coordinated ICC exit, warning of accountability gaps as Sahel juntas form their own tribunal.

REPORT / ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Ten African countries with lowest IMF debt in Sept 2025

Business Insider Africa ranks the 10 African countries with the lowest IMF debt burdens as of September 2025, highlighting financial resilience across select economies.

POLICY ANALYSIS

The political fallout of European migration policy in Libya

SWP Berlin explores how European migration policies have reshaped Libya’s domestic politics, fueling conflict dynamics and militia entrenchment.

COMMENTARY

The EU’s dead-on-arrival pact for the Mediterranean

Carnegie critiques the EU’s Mediterranean migration pact as unworkable, warning it risks worsening humanitarian crises in North Africa.

COMMENTARY

Wagner in Africa: Slaughter for hire

The New York Review of Books investigates the Wagner Group’s role in Africa, describing its mercenary model as “slaughter for hire” with destabilising consequences.

REPORT/DATA TOOL

World Bank launches new poverty data dashboard

World Bank introduces a new poverty data dashboard, allowing regional and income-group comparisons across Africa and the Middle East.

REPORT

The Future of Electricity in the Middle East & North Africa

IEA long-form shows cooling as the single largest driver of MENA electricity growth through 2035, with desalination load rising—key for planners in Maghreb and Sahel-adjacent grids.

REPORT

Türkiye as an Emerging Middle Power in Africa

This Policy Center paper explores Türkiye’s evolving engagement in Africa, framing it as an “emerging middle power.” It highlights Ankara’s growing diplomatic, security, and economic footprint, and assesses implications for African and global governance.

REPORT

Generations Z & Alpha and the Psychopolitical Divide

This analysis examines how Generations Z and Alpha respond to “psychopolitical” manipulation, warning of a widening intergenerational fracture in North Africa and beyond.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar for upcoming conversations and briefings across the region and beyond.

Egypt Energy 2025 Expo

Oct 14–16 in Cairo, the region’s largest annual energy expo with 200+ exhibitors and forums on renewables.

Security Expo North Africa 2025

Oct 15–19 in Tunis, showcasing defense, surveillance, and cybersecurity technologies.

Africa Investment Forum 2025 Market Days

Nov 26–28 in Rabat, connecting investors with major African infrastructure projects.

African Futures Conference 2025

ISS Africa event, Oct 21–22 in Pretoria/online: launch of Africa 2043 Futures Report with foresight labs and panels.

Berlin Climate & Security Conference – Sahel Resilience Side Event

Oct 22 in Berlin (with virtual participation): BCSC 2025 side event on building climate resilience in the Sahel and bridging climate-security policies for peace.

Tune In

Hear directly from experts, regional voices, and thought leaders shaping North Africa’s future.

Mapping Russia’s growing influence in Africa

Crisis Group video explains Russia’s growing influence in Africa via mercenaries, arms, and propaganda.

Discord and Discontent: Morocco’s Digital Protest Wave

BBC Africa explainer highlights how Moroccan youth used Discord to organize mass protests, detailing digital organizing strategies and voices from the streets.

Job Opportunities

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

DANISH RED CROSS

Migration & Protection Advisor (North Africa/Sahel)

IAI

Energy, Climate & Resources Program Intern (Rome)

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