First Independent Mena Newspaper
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is making one of its largest military hardware acquisitions in recent years, securing over 160 armored vehicles from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to reinforce its fight against armed groups in the troubled eastern provinces. The vehicles, including the Kasser II mine-resistant ambush-protected units, are designed to withstand […]
The United Nations has confirmed that at least 319 civilians — including 48 women and 19 children — were brutally killed by M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between 9 and 21 July, marking one of the deadliest episodes since the group’s resurgence in 2022. According to UN Human Rights Chief Volker […]
Sudan’s government has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of recruiting and financing foreign mercenaries — including Colombians and fighters from unnamed African countries — to support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its ongoing civil war against the Sudanese Armed Forces. In a statement Monday (4 August), Sudan’s foreign ministry said it possesses […]
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to take decisive action to strengthen the continent’s aviation sector, describing it as a vital engine for economic growth, connectivity, and job creation. Currently contributing $75 billion to Africa’s GDP and supporting 8.1 million jobs, the aviation industry is projected to grow at 4.1% annually, […]
Morocco’s unemployment rate declined marginally to 12.8% in the second quarter of 2025, down 0.3 percentage points from 13.1% in the same period last year, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP). While the improvement breaks recent upward trends, it masks deepening structural vulnerabilities in the labor market, particularly affecting youth, women, and rural […]
Tanzania’s decision to bar foreign nationals from operating small businesses has ignited sharp backlash across East Africa, particularly from neighboring Kenya, with fears that it could fracture regional economic ties. The new directive, announced by Trade Minister Selemani Jafo, prohibits foreigners from engaging in 15 grassroots sectors such as salons, eateries, mobile money kiosks, and […]
Senegal has opened a long-awaited investigation into the political violence that rocked the country between 2021 and 2024, leaving over 80 people dead and many more injured or imprisoned. Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne formally requested the probe, assigning Public Prosecutor Ibrahima Ndoye to lead efforts to identify those responsible — whether civilians, police, or political […]
The Sahel region, long a hub for trade between sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb, has now become a hotspot for illicit activities, with organized criminal gangs exploiting the instability caused by political unrest. Smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trade have flourished amid weak governance, fueling violence and displacement. In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the […]
Russia has officially transitioned its military operations in the Sahel from the shadowy Wagner Group to a state-controlled force known as Africa Corps, according to a new report by the Dakar-based Timbuktu Institute. Following Wagner’s formal withdrawal from Mali on 6 June 2025, Africa Corps was deployed the next day by Russia’s Ministry of Defense. […]
Morocco’s healthcare sector has undergone remarkable transformation over five years, evolving from a marginal player to one of the most promising segments on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, driven by regulatory reforms and unprecedented public investment. The “Health 2025” plan, backed by 24 billion dirhams with 14 billion allocated to hospitals alone, marks a decisive break […]