Dear Friends & Colleagues,
From Egypt declaring Israel an imminent threat to frustrated quake survivors in Morocco, Libyan security forces engaging in migrant smuggling to Sahelian states’ new ‘Court’ —explore the latest developments shaping North Africa and the wider continent’s political, economic, and security landscapes.
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
Demographic Decline Amid Authoritarian Decay in Tunisia
Tunisia faces a severe demographic crisis as its population rapidly ages amid economic stagnation. A shrinking workforce, mass skilled emigration, and collapsing pension systems are creating unsustainable pressure. Challenges are further intensified by political repression and institutional failure, leaving the state unable to manage growing fiscal and social burdens.
FITCH RATINGS
Fitch Upgrades Tunisia to ‘B–’, Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings upgraded Tunisia’s sovereign rating to B– with a stable outlook, citing improved external finances, narrower current-account deficits, and donor backing. Risks remain high given the absence of an IMF deal and continued subsidy pressures.
REUTERS
Algerian President Appoints New Prime Minister and Energy Minister
President Tebboune appointed Sifi Ghrieb as PM and Mourad Adjal as energy minister, signaling continuity in hydrocarbon policy and attempts at economic reform.
REUTERS
UN: Boat With Sudanese Migrants Sank Off Libya and Killed At Least 50
At least 50 Sudanese migrants died after their boat caught fire and sank off Tobruk. The tragedy highlights worsening migration pressures on Libya’s eastern shores.
REUTERS
Morocco’s Quake Survivors Frustrated Amid World Cup Spending
Two years after the Atlas earthquake, many survivors remain in makeshift shelters, frustrated by government priorities on stadium construction for AFCON and World Cup.
ALL AFRICA
Egypt Signs Protocol to Expand Transport, Social Support for Retirees
Egypt announced subsidized transport and expanded services for retirees under a new inter-ministerial protocol, reflecting a push to improve social safety nets.
ALL AFRICA
Egypt Issues 3 Presidential Decrees Approving Key International Agreements
Egypt ratified agreements with France, Korea, and the UAE covering taxation, energy infrastructure, and military training, strengthening external partnerships.
ALL AFRICA
Egypt: EBRD Backs Fresh $74 Million Wind Farm
The EBRD will finance a 200 MW wind farm in Ras Ghareb, expected to cut emissions by nearly 400,000 tons annually.
ALL AFRICA
Sudan: Joint Statement on Restoring Peace and Security in Sudan
A summit in Jeddah called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, protection of civilians, and an inclusive transition, with Egypt playing a mediating role.
REUTERS
Chad Votes to Allow President to Run Unlimited Times
Chad’s parliament passed constitutional amendments extending presidential terms and removing limits, cementing the power of Mahamat Déby’s junta.
ALL AFRICA
Mali: France Suspends Anti-Terrorism Cooperation with Mali After Diplomat’s Arrest
France froze cooperation with Mali after the junta arrested a French diplomat, escalating tensions as Bamako deepens ties with Russia.
THE DEFENSE REPORT
Greece, Libya to Hold Talks on Maritime Zones Dispute
Greece and Libya’s UN-recognized government have agreed to hold talks to resolve a long-running dispute over their respective exclusive economic zones in the Mediterranean Sea.
THE GUARDIAN
Videos Appear to Show People Smuggling by State-linked Libyan Militia in Mediterranean
Libyan militias tied to the state are engaged in people smuggling across the Mediterranean, raising questions about EU cooperation with Libya on migration control.
THE AFRICA REPORT
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to Dole Out ‘Sahel justice’ After Withdrawal from ICC
Following their withdrawal from the ICC, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced plans to establish a regional court to prosecute crimes committed in the Sahel, a move critics fear could shield leaders from accountability.
AL-MONITOR
Turkey, Egypt Join Forces for First EastMed Drills in 13 Years
Turkish and Egyptian naval forces launched joint East Mediterranean drills for the first time since 2012, signaling a thaw in relations amid regional energy and security disputes.
AL-MONITOR
Turkey’s FM Heads to Italy Amid Rising Tensions with Greece Over EastMed, Libya
Turkey’s foreign minister travelled to Rome for consultations as tensions mount with Greece over East Mediterranean gas and Libya’s political divisions.
AL-MONITOR
Why Morocco Matters to Beijing
Analysis highlights Morocco’s growing importance for China, from critical minerals and Belt and Road projects to Rabat’s strategic Atlantic positioning.
LE MONDE
France Expels Malian Diplomats, Freezes Counter-terrorism Ties
Paris escalated tensions with Bamako, expelling Malian diplomats and freezing counterterrorism cooperation after the detention of a French diplomat in Mali.
LE MONDE
Tunisian Authorities Worried After Attack on Pro-Gaza Aid Flotilla
Tunisian officials faced criticism after security forces attacked a pro-Gaza aid flotilla in Tunis, raising concerns over freedom of expression and foreign policy positioning.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts across the region.
POLICY BRIEF/TECHNOLOGY
Understanding Africa’s AI Governance Landscape: Insights from Policy Practice and Dialogue
Carnegie highlights the “Africa Declaration on AI” and creation of a $60 billion fund to build infrastructure, talent, and policy frameworks.
BOOK
Changing the Rules: Constitutional Amendments in Democracies
Explores shifting global governance norms, with chapters relevant to Africa’s place in the international system.
BOOK
Migration and Displacement in a Changing Climate
Examines climate-driven displacement across Africa and the Mediterranean, stressing urgent policy action.
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
From Past to Present: Tracking Gender Performance in Moroccan Education across PIRLS and TIMSS Iterations
Analysis shows Moroccan girls outperform boys in reading, while remaining largely equal in math, pointing to needed early childhood and teacher reforms.
COMMENTARY
Egypt Now Sees Israel as an Imminent Threat
At an emergency summit in Doha, President Sisi escalated his rhetoric on Israel – and may now seek to revive Cairo’s vision of an Arab military alliance.
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
The Politics of Security and Identity in Libya’s State Failure Discourse
Libya’s state‐failure narrative is incomplete without understanding identity politics and tribalism. It suggests sustainable stability requires moving beyond rigid state models toward hybrid governance frameworks that reflect Libya’s identity pluralism.
REPORT
Electricity Demand is Surging Across the Middle East and North Africa, Driven by Cooling and Desalination Needs
IEA report shows MENA electricity demand is rising faster than anywhere else globally, driven by cooling, desalination, and population growth. It warns of power system stress without renewables expansion.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for upcoming conversations and briefings across the region and beyond.
Egypt’s Response to Regional Conflicts and Competition
A September 25, 2025, Panel on Egypt’s approach to crises in Sudan, Libya, and Gaza, and its evolving diplomatic posture.
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.
International Conference: “Water, Water: A Vector of Peace in the Sahel”
High-level conference in Geneva (Sept 23–25, 2025) will bring together policymakers and researchers to examine water’s role in promoting peace and cooperation in the Sahel.
Tune In
Hear directly from experts, regional voices, and thought leaders shaping North Africa’s future.
Google’s Managing Director for Africa on Digital Transformation
Google announced four new African hubs to connect subsea cables and expand internet access, part of its $1 billion Africa digital program.
