First Independent Mena Newspaper
The government of Japan has reportedly signed again on the participation of the Algeria-backed Polisario militia’s in its summit with African countries due in Yokoham from 20 to 22 August 2025. This is not the first time that Japan takes such a risky move with serious political implications. It is very likely to strain relations […]
Japan is intensifying its African engagement ahead of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), with ambitious plans centered on youth employment, digital transformation, and climate resilience. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already deployed $2.9 billion of a pledged $5 billion private sector investment package, signaling sustained commitment despite global economic […]
The military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have unveiled plans to fund a new regional investment bank with a portion of their national tax revenues, signaling a deepening break from traditional financial partners and regional bodies. Each country will contribute approximately 5% of its annual tax revenues to the bank, which aims to […]
The Libyan government in Tripoli has formally protested to the United Nations over Greece’s delineation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) south of Crete, arguing that the map infringes on Libyan maritime boundaries. The EEZ map, published in the EU’s Official Journal over the weekend, is said by Libya to be a breach of its […]
East Africa is experiencing a profound geopolitical shift as Gulf states and Turkey expand their influence through infrastructure, energy, and security investments totaling an estimated $75 billion, according to a new report by the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies. This influx is transforming the region’s political and economic landscape, particularly in fragile states like […]
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey’s state-run energy company, TPAO, allowing for extensive geological and geophysical studies in four offshore zones within Libyan waters. The agreement includes a 2D seismic survey spanning 10,000 km, with full data analysis expected within nine months. The deal signifies deepening energy cooperation […]
Morocco and Turkey have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties by addressing long-standing concerns over trade imbalances. During the sixth session of the Joint Commission on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), held in Ankara, both nations agreed to recalibrate their commercial relationship to ensure greater equity and mutual benefit, the two parties said in […]
Morocco is reportedly seeking a re-negotiation of its free trade agreement with Turkey as it seeks more Turkish investments to compensate for an expanding trade deficit, minister delegate in charge of foreign trade Omar Hjira said. The trade deficit with Turkey soared to 3 billion dollars, driven by fabric imports by Morocco’s textile sector. The […]
In a decisive diplomatic move aimed at averting a resurgence of violence in Libya, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Wednesday May 28 that Moscow and Ankara will jointly employ their considerable influence over Libyan factions to prevent the outbreak of renewed hostilities. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Lavrov and Turkish Foreign […]
Turkish explorations offshore Somalia led to the discovery of commercially viable crude oil, estimated at 20 billion barrels. Turkey and Somalia had signed a deal under which Turkey controls 90% of oil and gas output rights. The deal triggered criticism for its unfavorable terms for Somalia, a war-torn and cash-strapped country. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh […]