First Independent Mena Newspaper
Nigeria has introduced a comprehensive ban on the export of wood and allied products as part of a renewed strategy to curb illegal logging and deforestation, local media reported on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The policy, anchored in a presidential executive order, will see all previously issued export licences and permits revoked. The announcement was […]
Morocco’s House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation Monday modernizing civil status administration procedures, marking a significant step toward streamlining bureaucratic processes for citizens seeking name changes and other civil registry services. The chamber approved Bill No. 16.25, which amends Law No. 36.21 governing civil status records. The unanimous vote in both the Interior Committee and […]
Morocco’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has allocated 105 million dirhams ($11 million) to support 18 associations managing Islamic centers in Europe and Canada, strengthening religious guidance for Moroccan diaspora communities. Minister Ahmed Toufiq announced the funding Monday while addressing the House of Representatives regarding support for Islamic centers serving Moroccans residing abroad and […]
The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) and Canadian airline Air Transat have announced the launch of a historic direct flight connecting Montreal and Agadir, set to begin operations on June 12, 2026. This weekly service will be the first direct air link between North America and tourist hub Agadir, marking a significant milestone in Morocco’s […]
The 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor will be held in Morocco from 11 to 13 February 2026 to discuss solutions and agree on urgent, concrete actions to eliminate child labor globally. The announcement was made Thursday by the International Labour Organization. The Conference will bring together governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, […]
A delegation of diplomats from U.S. embassy in Rabat arrived in Dakhla to prepare the opening of an American consulate, confirming the recognition of the United States of Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory. The American delegation, which also includes diplomats from U.S. Consulate in Casablanca, held a series of meetings with Ali […]
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged that the Security Council is struggling with issues of legitimacy and effectiveness, arguing that its current structure no longer mirrors the geopolitical realities of the modern world. Speaking at a news conference in Malaysia during a summit of Southeast Asian nations, Guterres noted that the Council’s composition—three European permanent […]
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire will not halt his country’s pursuit of justice at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Israel faces allegations of genocide. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (14 Oct), Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the case it filed in December 2023, stating: […]
Rwanda’s ambitions to become Africa’s health and biotech hub received a major endorsement this week, as the European Union announced a €95 million ($103 million) investment to bolster the country’s vaccine manufacturing, biotechnology, and economic inclusion efforts. Unveiled in Brussels during the Global Gateway Forum, the funding marks a deepening partnership between the EU and […]
President Andry Rajoelina’s call for national dialogue fell flat on Wednesday (8 Oct) as thousands of protesters, led by Madagascar’s Gen Z movement, boycotted the talks and vowed to escalate demonstrations unless demands are met. More than 1,500 representatives from civil society — including church leaders, academics, unions, and entrepreneurs — attended the presidential palace […]