Society and Culture
32 articles
Algeria reverses school reforms days before academic year begins
Algeria's government has abruptly scrapped sweeping school timetable and curriculum changes just weeks before the new term, forcing educators to revert to a two-decade-old system and exposing the presidency's direct grip over education policy.
Morocco's crackdown on philosophy reshaped education and empowered Islamists
Morocco's campaign to suppress philosophy education under Hassan II fundamentally altered the country's intellectual landscape, clearing the way for conservative and Islamist dominance in schools and leaving a legacy that continues to shape Moroccan society.
UN Assembly Overhauls World Map to Reflect True African Scale
The UN General Assembly has voted to replace the centuries-old Mercator map with a projection that accurately represents Africa's true landmass, with only the United States opposing the move and six countries abstaining. The decision, driven by African Union members, aims to correct longstanding distortions in global cartography.
Algeria Overhauls English Curriculum for Second Year Middle School Students
Algeria's Ministry of Education will introduce a revamped English curriculum for second year middle school students in 2026, expanding weekly instruction to 3.5 hours and mandating a shift toward practical communication and digital learning tools.
Egypt's Religious Affairs Minister Pays Tribute to Mauritanian Scholar
The death of Mohamed Al-Hassan Ould Ahmed Al-Khadim, a leading Mauritanian Islamic scholar and head of the Mahadra Taysir, prompted Egypt's Osama Al-Azhari to issue a rare public tribute, underscoring the cross-border influence of Mauritania's religious institutions.
Mauritania Mourns Cheikh Mohamed El-Hassan Ould Ahmedou El-Khadim
The death of Cheikh Mohamed El-Hassan Ould Ahmedou El-Khadim marks the end of an era for Mauritania's traditional Islamic education, as the architect of Mahadra Taysir leaves behind a legacy spanning over a hundred scholarly works and generations of students.
Egypt's Digital Generation Forces Rethink of State Education Strategy
Egypt's youth are no longer passive consumers but active creators in the digital sphere, prompting the state to overhaul its approach to education and cultural engagement. With over 98 million internet users, the stakes for digital literacy and authentic participation are higher than ever.
Algeria Tightens Medical Criteria for Hadj 2027 Pilgrims
Algeria's Ministry of Health has introduced stricter medical eligibility rules for Hadj 2027, excluding candidates with nine specific health conditions in line with new Saudi requirements. The move aims to reduce health risks during the pilgrimage.
Algeria U21 Wins Gold at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games
Algeria's U21 football team secured gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Tunisia 2-0, capping an undefeated run. The result highlights a new generation of Algerian talent with implications for future national squads.
US-Libya Medical Team Completes 16 Paediatric Heart Surgeries in Tripoli
A US medical team, working with Libyan specialists at Tripoli University Hospital, has successfully performed 16 open-heart surgeries and paediatric cardiac catheterizations, advancing efforts to localise advanced cardiac care in Libya.
Solidarity Mobilisation Rises After Wildfires Devastate Algerian Regions
A nationwide mobilisation is underway in Algeria as citizens, associations and businesses coordinate urgent relief for communities in Jijel, Béjaïa and Tizi Ouzou, following destructive wildfires that left many families displaced and in need of support.
Tajoura National Heart Centre Performs Quadruple Bypass Surgery
A medical team at the National Heart Centre in Tajoura, Tripoli, has successfully completed a quadruple coronary artery bypass graft on a 54-year-old patient with complex health conditions, supporting Libya's efforts to strengthen local healthcare capacity.
Algeria to Publish Teacher Transfer Results Ahead of New School Year
Algeria's Ministry of National Education will release the results of the 2026 teacher transfer process on 27 August at 18:00, allowing primary, middle, and secondary staff to confirm their new assignments before the start of the academic year.
RÉSONANCE Bridges Kabyle and Kanak Memories Through Transmedia Art
RÉSONANCE, a transmedia project by Rym Maincer, connects Algerian and New Caledonian colonial legacies through innovative storytelling, highlighting youth identity and cultural memory in the Maghreb-Pacific context.
Google's Gemini AI Faces Scrutiny Over Nationality-Based Response Bias
Google's Gemini AI has come under international criticism after users revealed it gave alarmist responses to queries involving certain nationalities, including Algerians, while offering neutral or positive replies for others. The controversy has reignited debate over algorithmic discrimination and the risks of bias in AI systems.
Mauritania Schedules First Diaspora Forum for October 2026 in Nouakchott
Mauritania's government has set 29-31 October 2026 for its inaugural Forum of Mauritanian Communities Abroad in Nouakchott, aiming to strengthen ties with the diaspora and address key concerns identified through extensive consultations.
Tripoli University Hospital Team Performs Complex Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Tripoli University Hospital's Liver, Pancreas, and Oncology Surgery Team has successfully completed a pancreaticoduodenectomy, demonstrating advanced surgical capacity and multidisciplinary integration in Libya's healthcare sector.
Algeria Sets 1 September for Education Sector Performance Bonus Payment
Algeria's Ministry of National Education will pay the third-quarter 2026 performance bonus to all education sector employees from 1 September, aiming to ease financial pressure ahead of the new school year and amid a revised academic calendar.
Algeria Schedules Special Hadj Lottery for Elderly Pilgrims in 2027
Algeria's Ministry of the Interior will hold a special Hadj lottery on 29 August 2026 for citizens aged 70 and above who have applied at least ten times without success, allocating 2,000 pilgrimage slots to this group.
Algeria Claims First Gold at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games
Algeria secured its first gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games as Abdelkrim Fergat dominated the Greco-Roman wrestling 60kg final. The result boosts Algeria's medal ambitions and sets a positive tone for the delegation.
Algeria Faces Infrastructure and Staffing Gaps in Secondary IT Rollout
Algeria's plan to introduce computer science across secondary schools in 2026-2027 highlights major gaps in infrastructure, teacher availability, and educational materials, raising questions about the system's readiness for digital transformation.
Algeria Declares 25 August 2026 a Paid Public Holiday for Mawlid Ennabaoui
Algeria has designated Tuesday, 25 August 2026 as a paid public holiday for all workers to mark Mawlid Ennabaoui Echarif, reflecting the date's legal status and its significance for both public and private sector employees.
Libya Hosts First Forum for Diaspora Experts in Tripoli
Around 100 Libyan professionals from 26 countries are gathering in Tripoli for the Libya Experts Forum, aiming to strengthen ties between diaspora and domestic expertise, promote knowledge exchange, and support national development initiatives.
Algeria Sets 2026-2027 University Start Date for 22 September
Algeria's Ministry of Higher Education has confirmed that university courses for the 2026-2027 academic year will begin on 22 September 2026, aligning closely with the national school calendar and aiming to streamline campus preparations.
Libya's Health System Collapse Exposes Risks for All, Including Rulers
Libya's health sector has deteriorated under the current leadership, leaving citizens and officials alike vulnerable in emergencies. Professor Abdelbaset Elfitouri warns that even those in power cannot escape the consequences of a failing public health system.
Mauritanian Education Unions to Stage Sit-In Over Ministry Exclusion
Twelve Mauritanian education unions under the 'Hadiroun' coalition will begin a sit-in at the Ministry of Education on 31 August, protesting what they describe as exclusion from union representation and unilateral election procedures.
Mauritania to Recruit 1,132 New Education Staff via National Exam
Mauritania's Ministry of Education has launched a national recruitment competition for 1,132 teaching positions, including 241 secondary school teachers, as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector and address staffing needs.
Mauritania Opens Annual Season Honouring the Prophet's Life
Mauritania's Groupement Culturel Islamique, with Arafat municipality, has launched its annual season dedicated to the life and legacy of the Prophet. The event aims to reinforce social values and unity through lectures, poetry, and commemorative gatherings.
Mauritania Announces 2026 University Placement Results for Baccalaureate Graduates
Mauritania's Ministry of Higher Education has published the orientation results for 2026 baccalaureate graduates, allocating students to 160 higher education programmes, including 29 abroad. The process used the 'Jadara' system to ensure transparency.
Atef Abdel Latif: Cinema and Tourism as Egypt's Soft Power
Dr. Atef Abdel Latif, with over 40 years in tourism, media, and film, argues that integrating cinema and tourism can project Egypt's authentic image globally, drive economic growth, and position the country as a premier destination for both visitors and international productions.
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