First Independent Mena Newspaper
On August 22, 2024, a Cairo criminal appeal court acquitted an Uber driver of attempting to kidnap 24-year-old Habiba Al-Shamaa, who tragically died after jumping from his moving vehicle. However, the driver was sentenced to five years in prison for drug possession and use. This decision can be appealed, with the Court of Cassation holding […]
King Mohammed VI proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary of his accession to the throne. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to God for the political, institutional, economic, and social achievements of his reign. The King highlighted efforts to consolidate Moroccan identity, ensure social cohesion, and strengthen Morocco’s position on the international stage. The King […]
A new credit rating agency designed to address the needs of sovereign borrowers in Africa, and led by an African Union (AU) Commissioner, is on track to be launched in 2025, according to a senior AU official. Speaking with reporters in Accra, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Albert Muchanga, […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can accelerate energy access in Africa, which is critical to reduce poverty, enhance productivity, and build resilience against climate change on the continent, says a recent report published by the London School of Economics (LSE). AI has the potential to significantly transform energy access in Africa by improving equitable energy access, fostering […]
From Nigeria to Uganda, leaders from across Africa are watching closely the youth-led anti-government protests in Kenya that, according to experts, could inspire youth across the continent. Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday (19 July) appointed the first 11 members of his new cabinet, but he has yet to appoint a finance minister, under whose […]
Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday (11 July) fired almost all the ministers in his cabinet, including the attorney general, with immediate effect and promised to form a new government as the current one has struggled with discontent over a cost-of-living crisis and the East African country’s debt. In a televised address, Ruto promised that […]
Currently a minor player in the rare earth market, African mines have the potential to supply almost 10% of the world’s rare earth elements by 2029, thereby introducing alternative suppliers into a market currently dominated by China, according to a latest forecast by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. China’s current domination of the global market for rare […]
The Nigerian military imposed a curfew in Borno state after suspected female suicide bombers targeted a wedding, a funeral and a hospital in the restive Borno region, killing at least 18 and injured 30 others. Coordinated suicide attacks reportedly orchestrated by Boko Haram claimed the lives of at least 18 people, injuring 42, targeting selected […]
Niger is considering routing its oil through neighboring Chad and Cameroon, instead of using a China-backed pipeline running from Niger to Benin’s coast, after protracted diplomatic disputes with the latter and a recent rebel attack that damaged the vital pipeline. The China-backed pipeline, which the junta in Niamey hoped would turn Niger into an oil-exporting […]
With the United States in the process of withdrawing its 1,000 troops from Niger and also about 75 from neighboring Chad, Western military officials and experts are concerned that violent extremist groups are growing in size and influence across Africa, posing a threat to the US and Western allies. A recent UN Security Council “Arria-formula” […]