Politics and Power
109 articles
African Union Reopens Tripoli Office to Deepen Libya Engagement
The African Union has returned to Tripoli after an 11-year closure, reopening a direct channel for cooperation. Libya remains politically divided, with its institutions still facing major challenges.
Saddam Haftar and Bahrain Back Libya's UN-Led Election Track
At a Benghazi meeting, Saddam Haftar and a Bahraini delegation backed UN-led efforts to unify Libya's institutions. The August framework sets up to 24 months for work on electoral and institutional questions, but sets no voting date and does not settle the legal dispute.
Morocco's Next Government Faces a Test of Public Trust
After the 2026 election, King Mohammed VI asked Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri to form Morocco's next government, the first time a woman has received that mission. Coalition talks and low turnout have sharpened the test: turning political promises into jobs and better services, and rebuilding public trust.
African Legislators Back Morocco's Vaccine Plans
Speakers of African parliaments backed Morocco's vaccine manufacturing plans and praised its pandemic assistance to African states. Morocco's health authorities describe production capacity as a project under development, not established serial output.
Egypt Backs UN Push for Simultaneous Libya Elections
At a Cairo meeting, Badr Abdelatty backed the UN roadmap and simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Its first steps include work on election laws and a new elections commission board, but disputes over legal approval and Libya's divided institutions remain unresolved.
Morocco's New Coalition Is Unlikely to Shift Israel Ties
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri must build a coalition after PAM won 97 of 395 seats. Morocco's state-level foreign-policy channels make a sharp break with Israel unlikely, even as her government faces pressure over jobs, water and public opposition to closer ties.
Morocco appoints its first woman prime minister
PAM won 97 of 395 parliamentary seats, and King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri prime minister-designate on 29 September. She is Morocco's first woman prime minister and the Arab world's second; coalition talks and the cost of living will test the new administration as Morocco prepares for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Saddam Haftar Reportedly Met Netanyahu in the UAE
Il Foglio reported that Saddam Haftar met Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi, but the meeting has not been independently verified. Netanyahu's UAE visit and meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed were confirmed; no official account confirms a meeting with Haftar.
Nigeria's Ambassadors Present Credentials in Three Capitals
Nigerian envoys presented credentials in Greece, Tunisia and Belgium in September 2026. Talks in Tunis covered trade, investment and cooperation across several sectors, while a proposed drone facility in Bauchi State remained an idea, not an agreed project.
Niger Thanks Algeria for Support at UN General Assembly
At the UN, Niger's prime minister praised Algeria and pointed to cooperation on energy, trade and infrastructure. The remarks came after reports of Algerian military support following an attempted mutiny in Niamey, while uncertainty over Niger's politics and security continues.
Morocco links Saudi security to its own strategic interests
In messages to Saudi leaders, King Mohammed VI said attacks on civilian and economic sites and attempts against Mecca and Medina threaten Muslim holy places. Rabat says Saudi and Gulf security is inseparable from Morocco's own strategic interests.
Libya's UN seat bid runs into its political divide
Libya is campaigning for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat as rival centres of power remain entrenched. The June 2027 vote will come before it is clear whether a new election framework can reunify state institutions.
Boulos rejects claim US plan would entrench rival Libyan families
Massad Boulos rejected claims that a US-backed effort to unify Libya would entrench two rival families, but did not confirm the proposal's terms. A separate UN-backed 4+4 agreement calls for a unified executive and presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months.
Morocco's PJD Turns Israel Ties Into a Political Weapon
Morocco's PJD won 54 seats, up from 13, after campaigning against renewed ties with Israel. The Interior Ministry confirmed the result, but the king retains decisive authority over foreign policy.
Ankara brings Libya's rival legislative leaders into talks
Aguila Saleh and Mohammed Takala met in Ankara and agreed to restart the 6+6 Committee. A separate UN-backed process is also moving forward, but disputes over election laws and institutional authority remain unresolved.
Peru backs Morocco on Western Sahara and plans Dakhla consulate
Peru has endorsed Morocco's sovereignty claim over Western Sahara and its Autonomy Initiative, and plans to open a consulate in Dakhla. The proposed mission could also help connect Peruvian products with African markets.
Mali backs Morocco's Sahara sovereignty in renewed diplomatic alignment
Mali has openly backed Morocco's claim to the Sahara, deepening ties between the two countries. Bamako's support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797 marks a clear stance in the regional dispute.
Türkiye pushes for unified Libyan government at UN meeting
Türkiye is stepping up its push for a unified government in Libya. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged world leaders in New York to back an inclusive, Libyan-led political process.
Libyan monarchists gather in Misrata to push for a constitutional monarchy
More than 500 delegates from Libya's monarchist movement met in Misrata, hoping to build a political base and revive the 1951 constitution as a way to reach national elections and stability.
Morocco pushes new border project as Algeria tightens Mauritania ties
Morocco has rolled out a new border plan with Mauritania, hoping to regain lost ground as Algeria deepens its partnership with Nouakchott and Rabat's old alliance with Senegal falters.
Morocco's low election turnout shows growing gap between voters and politicians
Turnout in Morocco's 2026 legislative elections dropped to just 38 percent. The numbers reveal a deepening divide between ordinary people and the political class as inflation and joblessness eat away at trust in the system.
Morocco sends officers to Gaza stabilization force in regional first
Morocco has broken ranks by sending senior officers and police to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. This makes it the first Arab state to join the US-backed mission to demilitarize and rebuild the enclave after years of conflict.
India sends Devyani Khobragade to Tunisia with trade mission
India has picked Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade as its new ambassador to Tunisia. Her job: boost trade and help India carve out a bigger role in the Maghreb's shifting political scene.
Tunisia faces scrutiny over prison deaths during extreme heat
Tunisia's parliament and top rights groups are demanding answers after 23 prisoners died during a brutal heatwave. Overcrowded cells, poor ventilation, and blocked oversight have sparked warnings of a human rights crisis in the country's jails.
Morocco's Gen Z activists take on parliament as El Kharroubi leads youth charge
Hamza El Kharroubi, 28, is leading the new Environment and Sustainability Party in Tetouan. He wants to turn Gen Z protest energy into votes as Morocco's youth push for real change in jobs, healthcare, and housing ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Algeria condemns Mecca drone attack but avoids naming Houthis
Algeria denounced the September 15 drone attack on Mecca and backed Saudi Arabia, but did not name the Houthi group behind it. This silence raises questions about Algeria's diplomatic stance as reports of Iranian-linked activity in the country persist.
Erdogan draws red line on Libya deals that threaten Turkish interests
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Türkiye will reject any Libya settlement that undermines its interests. Ankara is stepping up energy and defence cooperation with Tripoli and wants a central role in Libya's future.
EU names Alexis Konstantopoulos as new ambassador to Libya
Alexis Konstantopoulos is set to become the European Union's new ambassador to Libya. Tripoli's Foreign Ministry has started the process to accredit him, as both sides look to build closer ties.
Libyan court halts intelligence chief shakeup as power struggle deepens
A Libyan appeals court has stopped the Presidential Council from replacing the head of the General Intelligence Service. The decision throws the country's security leadership into deeper crisis and highlights the sharp divides inside Libya's political system.
Libyan factions meet in Tunisia to push election plan forward
Delegates from Libya's rival authorities met in Tunisia to move ahead with a UN-backed agreement aimed at holding nationwide elections within two years, as both sides look to end years of division and unify state institutions.
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