First Independent Mena Newspaper
Despite “significant efforts” by Qatari mediators, peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels have missed key deadlines, as violence intensifies across eastern regions. A draft peace agreement — based on a Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on 19 July — was shared with both sides, according to a […]
Morocco’s handicraft sector posted a 14% year-on-year increase in exports during the first seven months of 2025, driven by surging demand for traditional garments and a sharp rise in shipments to Turkey and the United States, according to government data. Total exports reached 737 million dirhams ($72 million) between January and July, up from 648 […]
The Sahel has experienced a sustained high level of lethality tied to militant Islamist groups in recent years. The nearly 10,500 average annual deaths over the past 3 years are more than double the 4,900 annual fatalities experienced between 2020 and 2023, according to a recent study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. This […]
Tunisia was flagged among four other African nations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for prolonged delays in completing their mandatory Article IV consultations. The other African nations are: Sudan, Eritrea, Liberia, and Senegal, among 13 member states globally. Article IV consultations are annual economic assessments conducted by IMF staff to evaluate a country’s macroeconomic […]
A U.S. delegation composed of diplomats and military officials from the American Embassy in Rabat reportedly arrived on Monday in the Moroccan Saharan city of Laayoune for talks with MINURSO leadership, including Head of UN Mission Alexander Ivanko and Commander of MINURSO Force, Major Gen. Fakhrul Ahsan. According to press reports, talks are expected to […]
A joint counterterrorism operation between Spain and Morocco has led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of jihadist activity in Catalonia, underscoring the role of Morocco’s security services in pre-emptive action against terrorist cells. On Thursday, Spanish National Police, with critical support from Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), detained two men aged […]
In a landmark move to boost its influence in Africa, Russia last week hosted its first official military consultations with the defense chiefs of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — members of the recently formalized Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The high-level talks in Moscow, led by Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, concluded with the […]
The African Union (AU) is calling for a global map correction, challenging the centuries-old Mercator projection that drastically shrinks Africa’s size and influence in global perception. Backed by advocacy groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa, the ‘Correct The Map campaign urges the adoption of the 2018 Equal Earth projection to accurately reflect the […]
Morocco is the only Arab and African country to participate in “UNITAS 2025”, the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise, to be organized in the United States from September 15 to October 6, 2025. The year’s exercise features approximately 8,000 personnel from 26 allied and partner nations, including multiple ships, submarines, and aircraft (fixed wing and […]
Morocco’s National Tourist Office (ONMT) has picked the London-based Rooster agency to promote the country’s tourist destination in the UK and Ireland. Rooster’s mission includes managing media, collaborating with influencers, engaging travel industry professionals, organizing events, and enhancing Morocco’s Nation Brand. The British Communications agency has been chosen after successful marketing campaigns from late 2024 […]