First Independent Mena Newspaper
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 […]
Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has given priority to women rights and empowerment. Building on previous reforms, Morocco has adopted a draft family code, spurred by King Mohammed VI that is permeated by justice, equality, solidarity, and harmony with the precepts of Islam and universal values. The draft code was presented […]
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced former Central African Republic (CAR) football chief Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona to 12 years in prison for 28 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country’s 2013–2014 civil war. His co-accused, former MP and militia commander Alfred “Rambo” Yekatom, received a 15-year sentence for 20 counts, […]
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 […]
A sweeping shift in the European Union’s migration policy is drawing fierce criticism across Africa, as the EU proposes linking development aid to countries’ cooperation on border control and deportations. Under the revised Global Europe instrument, nations that fail to prevent irregular migration or refuse to accept deportees could see vital funds slashed. Critics say […]
Chanting “enough is enough,” hundreds of Liberians took to the streets of Monrovia on Thursday (17 July) in the largest protest since President Joseph Boakai took office last year. Led by opposition figure Mulbah Morlu, demonstrators voiced growing anger over unfulfilled promises, job losses, and the government’s failure to establish a war crimes court. The […]
The cities of Casablanca and Toulouse have officially renewed their cooperation agreement, marking a significant milestone in Moroccan-French relations as both nations deepen bilateral ties across multiple sectors including sustainable development, education, and climate action. The partnership renewal was formalized on July 7, 2025, during a high-level meeting between Casablanca Mayor Nabila Rmili and Toulouse […]
Equatorial Guinea has filed an urgent appeal at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), demanding France halt the sale of a luxury mansion in Paris seized from Vice President Teodorin Obiang, son of the African nation’s long‑serving president. The property was confiscated following Teodorin’s conviction for embezzlement in a French court. Representing Equatorial Guinea, Minister […]
Greece has passed a new law allowing authorities to reject asylum applications from migrants arriving via Libya, designating the North African country as a “safe third country.” The move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, who argue that Libya remains unsafe for migrants and asylum seekers. The legislation, approved by the Greek parliament […]