First Independent Mena Newspaper
Algeria could be on the verge of reviewing its gas export policy to Europe due to the rising domestic demand. Sonatrach, a state owned company, could be orienting more of its exportations to Asia rather than neighboring Europe where it faces “stiff price competition.” Algeria’s gas production has been on the decline thereby affecting the […]
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to run for a fourth term was not received well by the opposition who argue that his ailing health condition and 15-year rule are reasons enough for him to step down. 76-year-old Bouteflika suffered a mini-stroke last year after which he has made rare public appearances. Some opposition leaders declare […]
Questions have been raised among presidential candidates and former government officials on whether Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s ailing condition would permit him to run a fourth term in office. Among those who raised concern is presidential candidate and retired Algerian Navy commander Mohamed Al-Taher .In his criticism against the election process he said “preparations for […]
In a unique moment of unity, a group of Algerian and Moroccan artists gathered on the set of Moubachara Maakom (Live with You) broadcast last week to discuss national, social, political and cultural issues. On the Moroccan side, the lively discussion was attended by young rapper Taoufiq Hazeb, nicknamed “Bigg”, actor Driss Roukhe, and actress […]
As the deadline to offer his candidacy is fast approaching, Algeria’s 76 year old president Abdelaziz Bouteflika is yet to announce whether he’ll contest in the next election. There are worries if the president is fit to stand for elections due to his age and unstable health especially after he suffered a mini-stroke last year. […]
After last year’s attack on the ‘’In Amenas’’ gas plant by Islamist militants, which left 39 foreigners and one Algerian dead during a four-day siege, it has been reported that the gas plant will be fully functional within weeks. The plant used to produce about 11,5% of Algeria’s natural gas output before the attack. The […]
The oasis town of Ghardia located 600 kilometers south of the capital and dubbed to be a major drug trafficking point is entangled in sectarian violence between the Chaamba community of Arab origin and the Mozabites, a Berber minority group which adheres to the Ibadi faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Recent clashes have left […]
Algeria is to reopen the major gas plant Tiguentourine after foreign investors and firms operating at the plant negotiated a deal with the Algerian government to resume work. British Petroleum and Statoil workers are about to return to their previous workplace, which they left after the terrorist attack on January 13 last year. The attack […]
Former Algerian billionaire tycoon, Rafik Khalifa, has been extradited to his homeland after living in Britain for more than a decade. Once considered the “golden boy” of Algeria, the 47-year-old Khalifa rose from obscurity to build an empire including a bank, an airline and television stations, at one point employing an estimated 20,000 people in […]
Because of the mounting security situation in the region of Sahel, closer cooperation and integration in Maghreb is needed. According to the final concluding remarks of the 11th Morocco-EU Association Council, the EU28 stressed the salience of tight cooperation between the MENA and Sahel-Sahara region. The effort of closer collaboration between Sahel and Maghreb was […]