Dear Friends & Colleagues,
From the accelerating consolidation of power in eastern Libya to Egypt becoming Russia’s top African partner on nuclear power and Morocco nearly outpacing Italy as a major auto exporter—explore the latest developments shaping North Africa’s political, economic, and security landscape.
Hafed Al Ghwell
Senior Fellow and Director
North Africa Program
Read the North Africa Weekly on LinkedIn or join the conversation on X: @StimsonNAfrica
On Our Radar
The headlines you need to follow across North Africa.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Clan Haftar Reshuffles
Khalifa Haftar appoints his son Saddam as LNA deputy commander, tightening the clan’s grip on eastern Libya. The move reinforces a mafia-like system built on coercion, illicit finance, and foreign backing. This dynastic consolidation is a criminal enterprise masquerading as governance and directly hinders national peace.
ARAB NEWS
How the Sahel Became the Center of Militant Extremism
The Sahel now accounts for over half of global terrorism deaths, with nearly 4,000 killed in 2024 and 20,000 since 2019. Extremist factions have entrenched control as foreign forces retreat, fueling territorial expansion, governance collapse, and southward spread of violence into coastal West Africa.
BUSINESS INSIDER
Egypt Rises as Russia’s Top African Partner with Nuclear Power at the Core
Russia has named Egypt its top African partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $9 billion. The alliance is anchored by Russia’s construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant at El-Dabaa. This deepens Moscow’s strategic inroads on the continent through energy and economic ties.
THE EAST AFRICAN
Ethiopia On Alert as Egyptian Forces Plan Entry into Aussom
Ethiopia says it hopes to avoid confrontation with Egyptian troops, who are preparing to join Somalia’s AU-backed foreign mission against Al-Shabaab, even as it warned it will be uncomfortable with any overreach.
DABANGA
Report: ‘Civilians Pay the Ultimate Price’ In Sudan’s War
A new report confirms famine in Sudan as warring elites entrench divisions. The RSF’s siege of El Fasher includes attacks on civilian camps, killing dozens. The humanitarian collapse is total, with aid systems broken and cholera spreading across 17 states.
YENI SAFAK
Turkish, Libyan Military Delegations Meet at Benghazi Port
Turkish military officials met with Libyan National Army deputy commander Saddam Haftar in Benghazi. The talks centered on potential joint efforts to achieve a unified Libyan army. The meeting occurred during a port visit by the Turkish naval ship TCG Kinaliada.
SHAFAQ
U.S. and Egypt to Host Bright Star 2025 Military Exercise with 43 Nations
The U.S. will join Egypt and 42 other nations for the Bright Star 2025 military exercise in late August. In the19th iteration of this multinational drill, participating countries aim to enhance interoperability and joint readiness for counterterrorism and regional stability.
ECONOMIC TIMES
India to Send Over 700 Soldiers to Participate in ‘Exercise Bright Star 2025’
Egypt hosts the multilateral ‘Bright Star’ military exercise with over 700 Indian personnel participating. The biennial drill enhances joint operational planning and interoperability across all service branches. India’s involvement signals a commitment to deepening defense ties and security cooperation.
EURONEWS
Israel Set to Approve ‘Largest’ Gas Supply Deal in Its History to Egypt
Israel will finalize a $35 billion deal to supply Egypt with 130 billion cubic meters of natural gas. This agreement, the largest in Israel’s history, will triple its gas exports by 2028. It secures a stable energy supply for Egypt and opens Asian and European markets for Israel.
GLOBES
Morocco Completes Trial of Israeli Extra Guided Missile
Morocco successfully tested a long-range Israeli-made missile in a major shift of its defense procurement from traditional French suppliers to Israeli partners. The move deepens military ties under the Abraham Accords and contributes to shifting regional arms dynamics.
RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONALE
EU Urged to Uphold Human Rights, As Mauritania Accused of Abuse of Migrants
A new report details extensive human rights abuses by Mauritanian forces against migrants, including torture. The violations are linked to migration control efforts outsourced by the EU and Spain. A record number of migrants attempted the Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands in 2024.
ZAWYA
PM To Japanese Business Operators: Tunisia’s Strategic Geographic Position Made of It a Trade and Investment Hub
Tunisia pitches itself to Japanese investors as a strategic Mediterranean hub with preferential African market access. The Prime Minister highlights its skilled workforce and modern infrastructure to attract foreign investment.
HESPRESS
Morocco Poised to Overtake Italy as Auto Output Nears One Million Vehicles
Morocco’s auto production is set to surpass Italy’s in 2025, with output nearing 560,000 vehicles. This growth is fueled by investments from Renault and Stellantis, buoyed by a competitive workforce and strategic proximity to Europe.
BLOOMBERG
China Pours Exports into Africa Faster Than Anywhere Else
China’s exports to Africa surged 25% to $122 billion this year, outpacing all other markets and set to top $200 billion for the first time. Machinery, cars, and steel led gains, boosted by Belt and Road contracts. Beijing is also expanding imports, lifting levies on African goods.
REUTERS
Egyptian Petroleum Ministry: Work Underway in Three New Wells in Zohr Gas Field
Egypt is developing three new wells at the massive Zohr gas field to boost output. The recent Zohr-6 well alone has added 65 million cubic feet per day. Operator Eni resumed drilling this year after a period of reduced production due to payment arrears.
ENERGY CAPITAL POWER
Libya, Algeria NOCs Sign 4 Cooperation Agreements
Libya’s National Oil Corporation and Algeria’s Sonatrach signed four agreements to expand cooperation in exploration, production, training and infrastructure. The deals aim to boost joint projects and strengthen cross-border energy ties.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts across the region.
COMMENTARY
Boulos’s North Africa Trip Reinforces US ‘Deals, Not Aid’ Strategy
US envoy Boulos’s North Africa tour advanced a transactional foreign policy, securing an $8B Libyan energy deal. The visit avoided sensitive topics in Tunisia like migration and IMF talks. Algeria offered a warm welcome despite enduring US support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.
COMMENTARY
A U.S. Sahel Strategy Anchored in Morocco and Mauritania
As U.S. influence in the Sahel collapses, Morocco and Mauritania emerge as stable anchors. They offer strategic depth for monitoring extremism, securing mineral supply chains, and checking Russian and Chinese advances without costly U.S. military entanglements. This perimeter strategy provides crucial access and preserves regional influence.
COMMENTARY
A Quest for Predominance
Morocco acquires $1 billion Israeli spy satellites, significantly boosting its surveillance capabilities over Western Sahara. The deal deepens military ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords and intensifies a regional arms race with rival Algeria, which is acquiring advanced Russian fighter jets.
RESEARCH
Security, Governance and Conflict Prevention
Severe governance and security crises plague the Sahel, with instability spreading from Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger. An EU-funded project regularly surveys 1800 households in central Mali to monitor public perceptions of safety and development. Research indicates persistent insecurity despite ongoing international efforts.
BOOK
Captives and Companions
Islamic slavery persisted for 14 centuries, sanctioned by religious texts and targeting Africa for millions of captives. This extensive trade network spanned continents and oceans, outlasting its Atlantic counterpart. Hereditary slavery endures in parts of Africa today.
BOOK
International Political Economy and the Global South — Perspectives from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East
A new textbook challenges orthodox International Political Economy by centering on perspectives from the Global South. It questions norms set by the Global North and explores concepts like sovereignty through a post-colonial lens. The work aims to de-Westernize knowledge production in the field.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for upcoming conversations and briefings across the region and beyond.
11th Edition of the MED – Mediterranean Dialogues
The 11th Edition of the MED – Mediterranean Dialogues will take place in Naples on October 15–17, 2025, bringing together government, business, civil society, media and academic leaders to address regional challenges and opportunities.
Morocco Talent Day
The World Bank Group will host Morocco Talent Day in Rabat on September 17 for professionals seeking global development careers. The event offers networking and career opportunities for postgraduates with relevant experience. Interested candidates must express their interest online by September 5.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
THE AFRICA CENTER
Director, Global Africa Gateway and Diaspora Strategy
Location: The Africa Center, New York City (Hybrid)
THE WORLD BANK GROUP
Consultants for (New) Territorial Health Groups (GST) Internal Communication Platforms
Location: Rabat, Morocco
