Algerian court upholds prison sentence against Algerian-French Boualem Sansal

An Algerian appeals court has upheld a five-year prison sentence against renowned French Algerian author Boualem Sansal, intensifying concerns over freedom of expression in the North African country. The ruling also includes a fine of 500,000 Algerian dinars (approximately $3,850). Sansal, 80, was convicted of “undermining national unity” under Article 87 bis of the Algerian […]

Moroccan king invites Spanish PM to visit the country

King Mohammed VI invited Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to visit Morocco after relations improved between the two countries following Madrid’s open support to the autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara. In a phone call Thursday, King Mohammed VI expressed appreciation for the letter in which Sanchez said Spain supports the autonomy plan as “the […]

Ethiopian PM’s call for Red Sea port access sends jitters across Horn of Africa

Horn of Africa is concerned about a new war in the battle-scarred region after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call for a direct port access on the Red Sea, asserting that access to the sea is an existential question. Ethiopia is abuzz with rumors of a looming war in the region after Abiy reportedly told […]