Dear Friends & Colleagues,
From Morocco opening a military factory with India and Algeria deepening cultural ties with China, to Libya’s persisting crisis and Burkina Faso’s lessons in fighting jihadists—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.
THE ARAB WEEKLY
Civilians Bear Brunt of Sudan’s War as Country Advances Towards Partition
UN report finds 3,384 civilians killed in Sudan in first half of 2025, mostly from ethnic violence in Darfur and brutal fighting in Khartoum. The UN warns the war has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
AGENZIA NOVA
Italy-Tunisia, Von Der Leyen: “ELMED Interconnector First Direct Current Link”
Von der Leyen described the ELMED interconnector between Italy and Tunisia as the first direct current link between Europe and Africa. The project—approximately 600 MW over 220 kilometers—will connect Partanna (Sicily) and Mlaabi (Cap Bon) by 2028, enhancing green energy trade and grid resilience.
AL 24 NEWS
Algerian Minister Outlines Economic Reform Vision at UN Summit
Speaking at the first Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, Saihi presented Algeria’s approach to reforming the international financial system and reinforcing the foundations of sustainable development.
REUTERS
U.S. Encourages Investments in Morocco-ruled Western Sahara
The U.S. reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara and pledged to back American investment there.
UN NEWS
Libya’s Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty ‘Are Non-negotiable’
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.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Local Aid Groups: Bodies of Five Migrants Recovered in Libyan Desert
Remains of 5 migrants were found near Tobruk after traffickers abandoned them. This follows a separate shipwreck that killed 50. Humanitarian groups warn of worsening migrant deaths in Libya.
AL JAZEERA
Military-run Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Announce Joint ICC Withdrawal
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a new “Alliance of Sahel States” mutual defense pact after leaving the ICC. Critics fear authoritarian entrenchment.
RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONALE
Chad’s Move to Drop Presidential Term Limits Slammed As ‘Burial of Democracy’
Chad’s parliament abolished presidential term limits, allowing Mahamat Déby to rule indefinitely. Opposition called it the “burial of democracy.”
LE POINT
Tunisia Sets Its Course Toward Tehran
Tunisia is strengthening ties with Tehran, signaling a possible reorientation in its foreign policy and raising concerns among Western allies.
THE AFRICA REPORT
Africa CDC Recruits U.S. Official to Weather Policy Changes
Africa CDC has hired senior U.S. official John Fitrell to safeguard funding and partnerships amid Washington’s shifting global health policies.
WORLD BANK
World Bank Establishes New MENA Regional Hub in Riyadh
The World Bank launched a new MENA regional hub in Riyadh, designed to coordinate projects across North Africa, the Sahel, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
AL-MONITOR
Algeria, China Deepen Cultural Ties with New Confucius Institute
Algeria and China have deepened cultural ties by opening a new Confucius Institute in Algiers. The move is part of a broader strategy to expand educational and soft-power relations.
AL-MONITOR
India and Morocco Open New Military Factory Near Casablanca
India and Morocco inaugurated a military manufacturing facility near Casablanca, aimed at joint defense production and leveraging Morocco’s role as a security hub.
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.
COMMENTARY
Between the Sahel and the Maghreb
Carnegie explores overlapping security and governance challenges that link the Sahel and Maghreb, calling for integrated regional approaches.
COMMENTARY
From Tripoli to Benghazi: Turkey’s Expanding Footprint in Libya’s Fragmented Landscape
ISPI tracks Turkey’s growing influence across Libya, noting Ankara’s military and political footprint from Tripoli to Benghazi.
COMMENTARY
What Haftar Wants in Libya
Italian commentary explores Haftar’s ambitions in Libya, from consolidation of eastern power to negotiations with rivals.
COMMENTARY
North Africa’s Experiment with Tactical Diplomacy
The Middle East Institute explores how North African states are deploying “tactical diplomacy” to navigate shifting global power balances.
COMMENTARY
History Repeating in the Maghreb
NATO Foundation notes repeating patterns of instability in the Maghreb and the challenges of addressing root causes of unrest.
ANALYSIS
Lessons from Burkina Faso’s Fight Against Jihadists
Eurasia Review highlights Burkina Faso’s evolving counterterrorism lessons in its struggle against Al-Qaeda and IS affiliates.
REPORT
Morocco’s Counterterrorism Strategy 2030
ADF reports on a new strategy paper proposing enhanced tools for Morocco’s counterterrorism framework leading up to 2030.
ANALYSIS
As the Renaissance Dam Comes Online, the U.S. Mediation Role Needs Clarity
Washington Institute discusses Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam going online and the uncertain U.S. role in Nile water mediation.
ANALYSIS
Jihadist Awakenings in North Africa
Mediterraneo Globale explores new jihadist awakenings in North Africa, linking local grievances with global Islamist networks.
ANALYSIS
Libya’s Crisis Persists Amid Tripoli Tensions
ISPI warns Libya’s crisis persists with rising Tripoli tensions and a renewed scramble of international actors vying for influence.
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.
Tune In
Hear directly from experts, regional voices, and thought leaders shaping North Africa’s future.
Libya at the Crossroads: Voices, Youth, and the Path to Unity with Virginie Collombier
Al-Attiyah Foundation podcast, discussing a Dialogue Platform established by the Luiss School of Government in Libya, including key lessons and best practices that the GCC could implement to support Libya’s development, as well as how the energy sector is contributing, or potentially hindering Libya’s long-term stability.
Book Talk: Belt and Road in the Arab World
Past AGSI event: A book talk on China’s Belt and Road in the Arab world, analyzing strategic math behind Beijing’s regional outreach.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
