North Africa

Egypt’s campaign against online creators exposes a new front in the fight over free expression In the last weeks Egyptian authorities have detained and charged dozens of people who make videos, run social accounts or otherwise produce content for the internet, according to Human Rights Watch. The accusations are striking not for their specificity but for their vagueness — a range of crimes from “public morals” violations to “undermining family values” — and for whom they appear to be aimed at: a generation that came of age…

Rising Tensions: The Battle Over the Nile In the heart of East Africa, the waves of a centuries-old conflict ripple through the waters of the Nile, igniting fears of instability and regional tension. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), touted as a beacon of progress for Ethiopia, has become a battleground for Egypt and Sudan, who insist on keeping discussions limited to the three nations directly flanking this vital resource. Their recent assertions highlight the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the dam's operation…

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: An Inspiring Kickoff in Rabat The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off on a cool evening in Rabat at the Stade Olympique, where anticipation hung in the air like the prelude to a great symphony. The hosts, Morocco, faced off against Zambia in a match that was as much about grit and determination as it was about skill. Despite being outpaced by Zambian zeal, Morocco showcased their resilience by fighting back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw. A Game of Resilience The…

Justice or Political Vendetta? The Case of Rached Ghannouchi In a courtroom shadowed by controversies, Tunisia's opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi finds himself ensnared in a legal battle that many observers argue extends beyond the realm of justice. This latest ruling, tacking on additional years to his existing sentences—over 20 years from previous convictions—has triggered a stir among advocates of political freedom and human rights, both domestically and internationally. The Latest Sentencing This week, Ghannouchi,…

The Diplomatic Dance: Zuma’s Controversial Endorsement of Morocco’s Claim Over Western Sahara Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to Rabat has ignited fresh debate over the sensitive and long-standing issue of Western Sahara's status. By endorsing Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the region—as an autonomous area—Zuma has taken a surprising turn from his previous position, raising questions about motives and the implications for broader African unity. A Shifting Paradigm Once a staunch advocate for…

The head of Ethiopia Electric Power, Asheber Balcha, recently expressed concerns over Egypt's actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric project in Africa. Balcha accused Egypt of "scrambling to create hurdles" just as the dam nears its operational launch—a project deeply tied to the Nile River, a vital water source for Egypt and its neighbors. This statement comes at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions in the region. While visiting Uganda, the Egyptian foreign minister…

At the 12th World Urban Forum held in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt, an important step towards a fairer transportation future was unveiled. During this event, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). In crafting this action plan, over 1,300 diverse stakeholders from across Africa provided invaluable insights. This strategic framework emphasizes the urgent need to invest in alternatives to…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has bestowed Egypt with the distinguished title of malaria-free, a momentous achievement that signifies a remarkable triumph in public health. This accomplishment is the culmination of nearly a century-long commitment by this North African nation to eradicate a disease that has shadowed its history since the dawn of civilization. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Malaria has been intertwined with Egyptian civilization for millennia.…

President Bola Tinubu has joyfully received the national soccer team's, the Super Eagles, safe return to Nigeria after they endured a distressing situation at a Libyan airport. The team was poised to compete in another qualifying match against Libya, vying for a spot in the upcoming African Cup of Nations. Upon arrival, the Super Eagles found themselves allegedly "abandoned" at the airport. They faced a dire situation lacking basic necessities such as food, water, and even phone service following an unexpected diversion of…

Across the African continent, a multitude of national squads are engaged in a thrilling round of qualifying matches, all vying for a coveted spot at the continent's premier soccer showcase, the African Cup of Nations, set to unfold in vibrant Morocco. This Tuesday promises a crucial clash as Nigeria's renowned Super Eagles aim for early qualification from Group D, facing off against the formidable Mediterranean Knights, Libya. Yet, not all’s smooth for the Nigerian team; certain officials have hinted at a potential boycott…