First Independent Mena Newspaper
Airbus Helicopters will provide Morocco ten H225M Caracal multi-role tactical transport helicopters, according to press reports, saying the deal has been finally sealed after marathon negotiations. Morocco’s interest in the H225M dates back to December 2021 as the country seeks to modernize its helicopter fleet and replace its SA330 Puma helicopters. But the negotiations were […]
The Royal Navy and the American Navy conducted lately joint exercises focusing on hydrographic surveys, technical diving and security operations for installations at the port of Casablanca. The joint naval exercises, held from August 17 to 31, seek to enhance interoperability and maritime security and protect ports facilities against terrorist threats targeting global maritime trade. […]
Olympique de Marseille has officially signed Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd from West Ham United in a €23 million transfer, marking the defender’s return to Ligue 1 and a significant step in his career. Aguerd, 28, brings a wealth of experience to the French club, having previously played in Ligue 1 with Dijon and Rennes before […]
African students pursuing education abroad are facing heightened scrutiny as the United States and United Kingdom ramp up enforcement of immigration compliance, raising concerns about travel equity and academic opportunity. In the U.K., the Home Office has launched a campaign warning tens of thousands of international students — many from Africa — about overstaying visas. […]
West Africa is becoming a central node in global cocaine trafficking, as powerful criminal groups from the Western Balkans expand their footprint across the region, a new report has revealed. Once operating largely behind the scenes, Albanian- and Slavic-speaking networks have now entrenched themselves in countries like Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde. These […]
A new report by war crimes watchdog The Sentry exposes the Wagner Group’s deeply destabilizing three-year presence in Mali, revealing a record of military failure, civilian massacres, and political fractures rather than security gains. Deployed in 2022 under a $10 million/month deal with Mali’s junta, the Russian paramilitary force claimed its “mission was accomplished” upon […]
Zambia is grappling with the aftermath of one of its worst environmental disasters, as outrage mounts over a massive toxic spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine that polluted the Kafue River and devastated communities. The February incident occurred when a dam at Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of China’s state-owned China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, […]
Moroccan mining group Managem said it has officially commenced gold production at its Boto mine in southeastern Senegal, in an investment that totalled 350 million euros. Located in the Kédougou region, the Boto mine is expected to produce an average of 160,000 ounces of gold annually over its first three years, with total reserves estimated […]
As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Australian mining companies are ramping up their presence across Africa, positioning the country as a key player in the global energy transition. With Africa holding an estimated 30% of the world’s known mineral resources, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed companies are seizing the opportunity, specialized Australian website mining.com.au said […]
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Haytham Eissa Head of the Bank’s Office in Morocco, in replacement Antoine Sallé de Chou. Mr Eissa said: “Building on the EBRD’s strong track record in Morocco, I am committed to driving even greater impact in the years ahead. We will continue to invest in […]