North Africa

The Struggles of Six Moroccan Nationals in Somali Detention: A Call for Urgent Action For families, few scenarios are as harrowing as having a loved one languish behind bars, especially in a foreign land where the very essence of justice may seem elusive. Such is the poignant reality for six young Moroccan men currently imprisoned in Garowe, Northeastern State, Somalia. Their tale is one woven with hope, despair, and an urgent plea for intervention. Initially, these men embarked on what they believed would be a journey…

In a tragic incident that shook the local community, a truck collided with a minibus transporting workers on a roadway in Egypt, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of 19 lives—most of whom were teenage girls. This unfortunate event unfolded early on a Friday morning in Ashmoun, a city nestled within the Nile Delta province of Menoufia, to the north of Cairo. As detailed by local officials and reported by the state-run publication Akhbar al-Youm, the workers were making their daily commute from their home village of Kafr…

In an ambitious endeavor with the potential to reshape the energy landscape, the British clean energy company Xlinks sought to connect Morocco's abundant renewable resources with the energy needs of the UK. Picture a network of high-voltage subsea cables stretching more than 3,800 kilometers from the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of Morocco all the way to Devon, in southwest England. This project was designed to generate enough electricity to power over 7 million UK homes—representing up to 8% of the nation’s energy…

In a striking case that highlights the complexities of the asylum process in the UK, an African asylum seeker has secured the opportunity to stay after an immigration judge made a bewildering series of mistakes, including mistakenly equating his Somali clan with the island of Hawaii. This mix-up, while amusing at first glance, sheds light on serious lapses in the judicial decision-making that can have life-altering consequences for individuals seeking refuge. This recent ruling is a stark reminder of the human errors that…

The Uncertain Fate of Death Row Inmates in Saudi Arabia Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim, a man whose life hangs by a thread, can be seen on the right with his family before his unfortunate arrest—a moment captured long before the shadows of legal turmoil descended upon him. Recent reports reveal that dozens of individuals from the Horn of Africa, currently on death row in Saudi Arabia, are facing an agonizing uncertainty. Inmates and their worried families have disclosed to Middle East Eye that their executions could transpire…

Dangote's Vision for Nigeria's Future In a notable move that promises to reshape the Nigerian economy, Aliko Dangote has recently announced plans to list his extensive oil refinery on the stock exchange by the end of 2026. This ambitious initiative is not merely about financial gain; it represents a broader vision—a commitment to catalyzing growth within the country's industrial landscape. The refinery, a monumental installation poised to produce a significant share of Nigeria's oil needs, serves as a beacon of hope for…

When we look at the oil sector, one crucial indicator captures the pulse of the industry: the rig count. At a glance, a high rig count generally signifies a flourishing oil economy. This number reflects the vibrancy of exploration and production (E&P) activities, which in turn attract significant investments, create job opportunities, and ultimately enhance revenue streams. In a way, it’s like a heartbeat—the stronger it is, the healthier the industry appears. In numerous African nations, where oil and gas…

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform Africa's agricultural landscape. Recently, he announced plans to significantly expand the $2.5 billion Dangote Fertilizer Plant, a move that aligns with a broader vision to foster industrial transformation across the continent. This initiative is not merely business; it’s a strategic step toward self-sufficiency for African farmers, who have long faced challenges stemming from dependency on imported fertilizers. The forthcoming…

In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance, certain currencies can often surprise us—sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed a notable decline in the value of several currencies, particularly the Egyptian pound and the Nigerian naira. This downturn can be attributed to various factors, including policy missteps, rampant inflation, and an over-reliance on imports. What’s striking is how these economic forces coalesce, often leaving citizens grappling with the real…

Insights from the Latest OPEC Report: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Oil Prices The latest report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) unveiled some intriguing insights into the dynamics of global oil markets. In May, the OPEC Reference Basket (ORB) saw a notable decline, falling by $5.36—or 7.8%—to settle at $63.62 per barrel. The fluctuation in oil prices invariably affects economies and consumers alike, leaving one to ponder: what does this mean for the average individual and the…