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 […]
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Tripoli for a new national football stadium at the western edge of Libya’s capital city as part of preparations geared towards hosting the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ali Zeidan who laid the foundation stone and 68-year-old German football legend Franz Beckenbauer […]
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 […]
Eleven people, including doctors and patients, were killed in a Libyan military crash which occurred Friday a field near Grombalia, about 40km south of the Tunisian capital. The crash of Russian-made Antonov aircraft is due apparently to engine failure. The whole plane was completely burnt out, said Tunisian emergency services. According to Libyan media, Sheikh […]
It’s been barely a couple of weeks and Tunisia’s apolitical government, composed of a team of young technocrats, has already started showing high level of competence. The government came with a new approach in dealing with state affairs and the past two weeks have been enough to mark its broad guidelines. The new team unlike […]
Three years down the road from the wave of Arab Spring revolutions that affected the Middle East and North Africa region, MENA economies remain depressed. Egypt’s gross domestic product contracted by about 3 percent in the second quarter of 2013 while the growth rate amounted to only 2 percent last year, when compared to 2.3 […]
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 […]
France on Monday made an announcement refusing Niger’s appeal, last week, for western military action against Islamist fighters who have established bases in Southern Libya since the 2011 overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Niger’s call for help is a desperate one as Islamist attacks and kidnappings on its mineral-rich soil have posed a threat to […]
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. […]