Political Leaders and Officials
28 articles
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.
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.
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.
Netanyahu's UAE visit confirmed; alleged Haftar meeting remains unverified
Israeli officials and the UAE state news agency WAM confirmed Netanyahu's visit to Abu Dhabi and his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. A separate report by Il Foglio that he met Saddam Haftar remains unverified.
Morocco backs Saudi security after Houthi strikes
King Mohammed VI condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and said the kingdom's security is closely tied to Morocco's. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles and drones, while Houthi claims of strikes on Riyadh and energy facilities remained unverified.
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 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.
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.
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.
Algeria offers 40 scholarships to Syrian students as academic ties deepen
Algeria has offered 40 university scholarships to Syrian students, as both countries work toward a broader agreement on academic collaboration and student exchanges.
Morocco's PJD seeks political revival after historic electoral collapse
Morocco's Justice and Development Party is attempting a comeback after losing 112 parliamentary seats in 2021. With Abdelilah Benkirane back at the helm, the PJD is betting on practical reforms and youth engagement but faces entrenched constraints.
Lalla Asmaa Foundation passes 1,000 free cochlear implants in Morocco
The Lalla Asmaa Foundation has provided more than 1,000 free cochlear implants to deaf and hard of hearing Moroccans, a milestone marked by the visit of Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto and growing cooperation between the two countries.
Kenya and Morocco expand cochlear implant access for children
Kenya and Morocco have launched the fourth phase of their cochlear implant programme, aiming to treat 100 Kenyan children and deepen medical skills transfer. The initiative highlights South-South health diplomacy but leaves questions about Kenya's national capacity and future targets.
Moroccan regime intensifies crackdown on GenZ 212 movement
Morocco's authorities have escalated their response to the GenZ 212 movement with over 6,000 detentions and harsh sentences, marking the most severe judicial crackdown of King Mohammed VI's reign and exposing the regime's evolving tactics to suppress opposition.
Tunisia's prison deaths rise as heatwave exposes crisis behind bars
At least 23 prisoners have died in Tunisia during a severe heatwave, with rights groups blaming overcrowded, poorly ventilated cells and demanding independent investigations. The government has yet to release official figures or allow external monitoring.
Mauritanian Presidential Bloc Delays Naming Supervisory Delegates for National Dialogue
Mauritania's ruling coalition and pro-presidential parties have postponed the selection of their seven representatives to the national dialogue supervisory commission, opting for further internal consultations and expanding their alliance with new party admissions.
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.
Blue Economy Strategy Moves Forward as Minister Reviews Priority Projects
Morocco's Planning Minister Mohammed Al-Zaidani has accelerated the review of priority blue economy projects, aiming to align national marine resource development with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and unlock new economic sectors.
Egypt's Military Production Minister to Attend Balkan Shield 2026 in Sarajevo
Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Salah Gombalat, will participate in the First Balkan Shield - Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026 in Sarajevo, aiming to deepen defence industry cooperation and showcase Egyptian military technology.
Egypt Finalises Arrangements for Xi Jinping's State Visit
Egypt's government has completed preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation and mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. The visit is expected to advance joint projects and investment opportunities.
Mauritania Urges Structural Reforms to Address Root Causes of Conflict
Mauritania's defence minister has called for tackling institutional fragility, poverty, and youth unemployment as essential steps to prevent conflict and build lasting peace in Africa, highlighting the need for stronger governance and inclusive development.
Rassemblement National Reaffirms Plan to Fine Public Wearing of Islamic Veil
France's Rassemblement National has reiterated its intention to introduce fines for wearing the Islamic veil in public if Marine Le Pen wins the 2027 presidential election, reigniting political and legal debate over religious freedoms.
Algeria Moves to Compensate Wildfire Victims and Tighten Arson Laws
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced immediate compensation for families affected by recent wildfires in eastern and central Algeria, alongside arrests of suspected arsonists and plans to introduce the death penalty for deliberate forest fires.
Mauritanian President Offers Condolences to Algeria After Deadly Wildfires
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has expressed solidarity with Algeria following devastating wildfires that killed at least 12 and injured dozens. The message underscores regional ties as Algeria faces mounting challenges from recurring extreme weather events.
Mauritanian Opposition Party Suspends Dialogue Over Detained Leader
The opposition party " La Mauritanie en avant " has halted its participation in national dialogue preparations, demanding the release of executive member Lebatt Ould Mayouf, whose arrest remains unexplained by authorities.
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.
Grand Mufti criticises Tripoli government over basic service failures
Sheikh Sadig al-Ghariani, the Western-based Grand Mufti of Libya, has publicly criticised the Tripoli government for neglecting essential services, highlighting worsening shortages of water, fuel, and cash, and warning of growing social inequality.
Leadership Transition at Suez Canal Economic Zone
Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has overseen the formal handover of the Suez Canal Economic Zone's leadership from Waleid Gamal El-Din to Mostafa Sheikhoun, marking a new phase for the strategic logistics and industrial hub.