Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: “Inmates Living Hellish Conditions”- Human Rights NGO

Tunisian authorities’ attention was drawn Thursday on the living conditions of inmates in the country’s prisons that the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory likens to mediaeval era life. The NGO described inmates’ life unbearable as conditions fail to meet international standards due to increase in the number of the inmates. The number has increased two-fold, the […]

Finance Headlines Morocco

Morocco’s Attijariwafa Bank Acquires Barclays’ Egypt Branch

Morocco’s Attijariwafa bank Group has officially taken over British Barclay’s Egypt branch, reports say. Attijariwafa bank Group, Morocco’s leading bank group, won the transaction after beating several global bank groups, among which Emirati NBD headquartered in Dubai. The transaction estimated at $400 million will enable the Moroccan financial institution to expand its already wide network […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: “I am ready to step down if my health fails me” President Essebsi

Tunisian head of state Béji Caïd Essebsi has offered to step down if his health condition does not allow him to run the country as his critics question his physical ability following a recent medical check-up in France. Essebsi vehemently laid into politicians mainly former transitional president Moncef Marzouki whom he said has indulged in […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: 31 Terrorists Handed Death Sentence for 2014 Attacks against Interior Minister

A Tunisian court has sentenced to death 31 convicted for 2014 terror attacks against then interior minister, a judicial official says. The accused at large were condemned in absentia, Sofiene Sliti, judiciary spokesperson, said, adding that some of them are believed dead. The ruling was pronounced on Friday but was only made public on Monday. […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Washington Cautions US Citizens against Traveling to South-Eastern Regions

The US State Department Friday issued new warnings for US citizens against traveling to Tunisia’s South-eastern regions as well as to the mountainous regions in the West deemed still haunted by terrorists. The State Department said terrorist groups, like the Islamic State group, are still active in the south-eastern part of the North African country. […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: EU Expected to Double Monetary Assistance to €300 Million

The European Union is moving to scale up the bloc’s financial assistance to Tunisia, as proposed by its foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. Mogherini proposed in Brussels on Thursday to double the assistance, currently estimated at €170 million per annum, to enable the North African country to focus on youth employment, social development and assistance […]

Headlines Libya

Libya: International Community Reaffirms Support for GNA amid Turbulences

The United States, the European Union, the African Union, the Arab League and several countries Thursday voiced support for Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) at the time the unity government struggles to float. The countries and international institutions involved in finding solutions to the Libyan crisis stood again by the GNA in a […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Water Scarcity Hits Country, People Called to Pray for Rain

The warning launched last month by Watchwater, Tunisia’s citizen water observatory, about a “thirst uprising” is becoming increasingly evident. The observatory had warned that “the failure to find urgent and sound solutions will increase protests across the country.” The authorities are aware of the problem but have no solution at hand. State Secretary for Water […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Nidaa Tounes Sliding again into Division amidst Attempts to Oust Hafedh Caid Essebsi

A group of leaders of Tunisian President’s party, Nidaa Tounes, have called for structural reforms in the party, including cancellation of the post of executive director and legal representative held by Hafedh Caid Essebsi; son of president Caid Essebsi. These leaders see in Hafedh Caid Essebsi the cause of the crisis entangling the party. President […]

Algeria Finance Headlines

Algeria Lags Far Behind in ‘Economic Freedom of the World’ Ranking

The 2016 Economic Freedom of the World Report issued by the Canadian Fraser Institute pointed out to the plummeting economic freedom in Algeria, which ranked 151st among 159 surveyed countries. The report measures economic freedom including levels of personal choice, ability to enter markets, security of privately owned property and rule of law. It analyses […]