North Africa

A prominent rights organization has urged the Tunisian government to halt prosecutions rooted in political motives and ensure the upcoming elections uphold principles of fairness and integrity. This organization has disclosed that authorities have "prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned" a minimum of eight potential candidates ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 6. Notably, the electoral commission has sanctioned only three candidates, one of whom is the current President, Kais Saied. "By incarcerating…

But for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing both the local and international audience, has led him to firmly articulate Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access, insist on cultivating regional peace, and navigate the tricky waters of having an adversary-turned-friend in Somalia. This week, Ethiopia celebrated its New Year and National Sovereignty Day. In a televised speech, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that any nation contemplating an invasion should think not once, but ten times. Although he refrained from naming…

Algerians living overseas have started to exercise their right to vote as they prepare for the presidential elections happening this Saturday. Despite the enthusiasm of expatriates, there's a prevailing expectation of a dismal voter turnout within Algeria itself, coupled with predictions leaning towards the probable re-election of the current president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. On another front, the situation in Algeria remains tense. Authorities have ramped up their efforts to clamp down on civil liberties, targeting…

Ethiopia has officially replied to the Egyptian Foreign Minister’s correspondence, characterizing the contents as a "series of unfounded claims." Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie of Ethiopia addressed the Council on September 6, 2024, regarding Egypt's correspondence, which firmly rejected Ethiopia's fifth and latest effort to fill the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia's rebuttal stems from Egypt's allegations of breaching international regulations by proceeding with the dam's filling without the…

Last weekend, a meeting took place in Asmara between Egypt's chief spy and Foreign Minister, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. They carried a direct message from President Al Sisi, emphasizing "enhancing and expanding bilateral ties across all sectors." Egypt's active diplomatic endeavors in the Horn of Africa are ongoing. Following a recently inked military pact with Somalia, which included sending 10 Egyptian soldiers to Mogadishu, irking neighboring Ethiopia, Cairo is now eyeing a similar deal with Eritrea. This…

One year has passed since a cataclysmic earthquake ravaged the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and the people on the ground express a sense of frustration over the sluggish pace of rebuilding efforts. Many remain in temporary tents, while others have been compelled to relocate entirely. Lisa Bryant reports for VOA on the ongoing struggle for recovery. This seismic event, registering a staggering 6.8 on the Richter scale, was the most powerful earthquake to strike Morocco in over a century. It hit on September 8, 2023,…

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has officially begun his second term in office after an impressive electoral victory, clinching a remarkable 84% of the votes. Despite this resounding win, the election was shadowed by a notable sense of voter disinterest and persistent worries regarding the fairness of the vote counting process. In his inaugural address, Tebboune thanked the Algerian populace for their trust and support. He emphasized his commitment to engaging in comprehensive consultations with a variety of political…

Plans are brewing to safeguard Red Sea shipping routes disrupted by attacks from Iran-backed insurgents in Yemen. In a significant moment, Ethiopia's Premier Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki shared an emotional embrace after signing a historic truce in 2018. Reuters Egypt and Eritrea are contemplating a military partnership and intelligence exchange to reinforce their already strong bond, insiders say. According to sources, the agreement would detail measures to protect Red Sea shipping, disturbed by…

On a sunny Sunday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt touched down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for an official visit. Tagging along with him were Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk and Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El-Khatib. Mohamed El-Homsani, the spokesperson for the Cabinet, remarked that the visit exemplifies the strong bond and mutual interests between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. As both nations navigate a time of heightened collaboration, they look to bolster their strategic alliance and tackle regional…

Sudan’s military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, eyes September with optimism, aiming to solidify his image as the nation's rightful leader on the international stage. This endeavor unfolds against the backdrop of a brutal war that has unleashed a massive humanitarian crisis. Just recently, Burhan flew to Beijing, engaging in talks with President Xi Jinping. The occasion was the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac), a gathering of numerous African leaders, notably Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Kenya’s…