First Independent Mena Newspaper
Hundreds of the Algeria-backed Polisario militias have fled to Lebanon following the collapse of the brutal Assad regime, while several other members of the Polisario are now detained by the new Syrian security forces, according to the findings of an investigative report launched by Dutch journalist Rena Netjes. Titled: “The Polisario in Syria: How Foreign […]
TotalEnergies has decided to transfer its French-speaking customer service operations from Belgium to Morocco by end of 2025 within the frame of its delocalisation strategy to keep up with growing global business competition. The giant energy company has also informed the Liège-based call centre Ikanbi, Belgium, that it will not renew its contract set to […]
Morocco’s cereal imports declined by 11 percent during the first seven months of 2025, dropping to 5.847 million tons from 6.57 million tons in the corresponding period of 2024, according to data released by the National Federation of Cereal and Legume Traders. The reduction reflects strategic inventory management amid abundant global supplies, though structural dependency […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have resumed negotiations in Qatar, aiming to revive a faltering truce signed in July. Despite the Qatari-brokered agreement, fighting has intensified in eastern Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu, displacing over two million people this year alone. Talks in Doha focus on a […]
In the late 1970s, Algeria geared the Polisario towards separatism as it was orchestrating a far more complex and calculated strategy that extended well beyond the borders of the Sahara territory. Through its support for the Polisario militias, Algeria not only advanced its position in the Sahara dispute but also laid the groundwork for a […]
Russia has offered to build a nuclear power plant in Niger, signaling a bold move to displace France’s decades-long dominance in the uranium-rich West African nation. The proposal, announced in July, comes amid escalating tensions between Niger’s military government and Paris, and as Niamey seeks greater control over its natural resources. Despite producing 4% of […]
Women and girls across the Sahel region are facing unprecedented and systemic threats as political instability, environmental degradation, and dwindling international support converge to erode their rights and safety, senior UN officials told the Security Council. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, painted a grim picture of life for women in countries such as […]
Morocco’s centuries-old rotating savings system, known locally as “daret” or tontine, is undergoing a digital transformation aimed at addressing the financial exclusion affecting 53 percent of the country’s adult population. The new mobile application, developed by former French banking executives Nabil Chakir and Mourad Chokeir, seeks to modernize this informal financial practice while preserving its […]
With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) set to expire in September, Kenya has launched last-minute negotiations with the United States to secure a bilateral trade agreement that could reshape its economic future. A high-level Kenyan delegation, led by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, held talks in Washington with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson […]
Libya’s Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, met on August 26 with winners of the second round of municipal elections, which saw strong youth representation and notable participation by women, according to preliminary results. He congratulated the new leaders, reminding them that their victory carries a weight of responsibility in serving citizens and managing local affairs. […]