First Independent Mena Newspaper
A series of diplomatic signals and official statements suggest that Russia may be recalibrating its stance on the Sahara conflict, in a way that serves Morocco’s autonomy plan. The clearest sign came during the 80th UN General Assembly, where Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita was seen smiling alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The meeting […]
Morocco and Russia have discussed ways of strengthening maritime, aerial, and terrestrial connectivity between the two countries, at a meeting on the sidelines of the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, held in Montreal September 23-October 3. The meeting between Moroccan Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and Russian Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin reviewed […]
The Kenyan government has launched a formal investigation into reports that several of its citizens were trafficked to Russia and forced to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where they are now held as prisoners of war (POWs). Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed on Saturday (20 September) that authorities are closely monitoring […]
Ethiopia is set to break ground on a mega nuclear power plant, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced Tuesday (9 September), unveiling a sweeping $30 billion infrastructure agenda aimed at transforming the country’s energy, transport, and industrial sectors. Speaking at the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) — Africa’s largest hydropower project — Ahmed […]
Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita held on Tuesday a telephone conversation with his Russian peer Sergei Lavrov, focusing on bilateral relationship and political dialogue based on mutual respect and commitment to stability. The Moroccan-Russian relations are gaining momentum under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin, said the two ministers. They recalled […]
In a renewed show of diplomatic and strategic alignment, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the Republic of Congo a “reliable and time-tested friend,” highlighting the Central African nation as a key entry point for Moscow’s growing influence across the continent. The statement came during Putin’s recent meeting with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso in […]
Algeria often portrays itself as a close ally of both China and Russia. Yet its absence from China’s Victory Day parade in Beijing tells a different story, one of diplomatic marginalization and limited strategic relevance. Algeria already made headlines when Russian president Putin ignored to invite Tebboune during the Victory Day parade in Moscow, signaling […]
A new report by war crimes watchdog The Sentry exposes the Wagner Group’s deeply destabilizing three-year presence in Mali, revealing a record of military failure, civilian massacres, and political fractures rather than security gains. Deployed in 2022 under a $10 million/month deal with Mali’s junta, the Russian paramilitary force claimed its “mission was accomplished” upon […]
Africa is emerging as a key manufacturing hub for Indian companies, as record-high U.S. tariffs — now up to 50% — threaten India’s export competitiveness, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and gems. The penalties, imposed largely in response to India’s continued oil trade with Russia, have forced Indian firms to pivot strategically toward Africa to maintain […]
Tensions within Mali’s military have intensified following revelations that Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group — and their successor, the Africa Corps — have disrupted military cohesion, undermined counterterrorism efforts, and fostered deep resentment among Malian forces. A new investigative report by The Sentry, an investigative research group, reveals that Wagner, which arrived after Mali’s […]