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France considers freezing assets of Algerian oligarchs amid escalating diplomatic rift

The diplomatic standoff between France and Algeria has escalated into a retaliatory spiral, with Paris now reportedly preparing to freeze the assets of 20 senior Algerian regime figures, according to French media outlets including L’Express. The measure, currently under review by the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, would mirror the sanctions imposed on […]

Columns Europe Headlines International Maghreb Morocco

French center for visa applications processing opens in Laayoune, a materialization of France’s support to Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara

French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, inaugurated this Tuesday a visa-applications processing center, “TLS Contact”, in Laayoune, translating France’s commitment to supporting the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty for the Sahara. The inauguration of this center, affirming the strengthening of French consular presence in the Southern Provinces, bears political and symbolic dimensions beyond mere service […]

Business Emerging Markets Europe Headlines International Maghreb Morocco

Moroccan H&S Invest Holding partners with French Casino Group to open over 210 convenience stores in Morocco

French retailer Casino group has partnered with Moroccan H&S Invest Holding to open more than 210 convenience stores under the Franprix and Monoprix brands across Morocco over the next ten years. The partnership agreement was signed Monday in Rabat by Moncef Belkhayat, President of H&S Invest Holding, and Philippe Palazzi, CEO of Groupe Casino. The […]

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France reciprocates by expelling Algerian diplomats amid worsening tension

France has responded to Algeria’s decision to sack more French diplomats, ordering the departure of a similar number in a tit for tat amid worsening diplomatic, political, and economic ties. Algeria has declared more French diplomats persona non grata on Sunday, following a similar decision it had taken in mid-April. France summoned the Algerian chargé […]

Emerging Markets Europe Finance Headlines International Morocco

France lends €350 mln to Morocco’s OCP to back decarbonization efforts

French development agency (AFD) offered a financing of 350 million euros in support of decarbonization efforts led by Morocco’s phosphates and derivatives giant OCP. A deal was signed between the two institutions on May 12, as OCP seeks more funding for its 13 billion-dollar decarbonization plan. OCP had announced a plan to use100% clean energy […]

Algeria Europe Headlines International

France threatens ‘firm response’ as Algeria expels diplomats

France said it will take a “firm” and “proportionate” response, after Algeria asked more French diplomats to leave the country. Algeria has declared 15 French diplomats persona non grata and asked them to immediately leave the country, in a new episode of an escalating tension between the two countries. The Algerian decision is part of […]

Africa Features Headlines International

Burkina Faso military gov’t accuses Ivory Coast of foiled coup plot against junta leader

Burkina Faso’s military government claims it has thwarted a coup plot aimed at toppling junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, alleging foreign involvement and links to terrorism. Security minister Mahamadou Sana said the plan, uncovered by intelligence services, involved current and former soldiers collaborating with terrorist groups. The coup attempt was scheduled for 16 April and […]

Features Headlines International Morocco

Morocco’s Crown Prince Inaugurates 17th SIAM with Climate Focus

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan chaired, on Monday at Mechouar Stinia–Sahrij Souani in Meknes, the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the Moroccan International Agricultural Show (SIAM), held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, from April 21 to 27, under the theme “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of […]

Europe Headlines International Morocco

France to open visa application center in largest city in Sahara

France plans to open a visa application center in Laayoune, the largest city in the Sahara territory, which Paris has recognized as part of Morocco, French ambassador to Rabat said. “We are truly committed to implementing all measures to allow Moroccan citizens residing in Laâyoune, Dakhla, or any other city to access the visa procedure […]

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Paris expels 12 Algerian officials positioned in France, recalls ambassador to Algiers

French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said 12 Algerian diplomatic and consular officials were expelled on Tuesday in a tit-for-tat move amid diplomatic tensions, after Algeria on Sunday ordered 12 French officials from the interior ministry to leave the North African country within 48 hours. France’s President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday, April 15, decided to expel 12 […]