Martin Jay

Libya PM announce a new cabinet reset Libya’s political landscape shifted as Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah announced a 13 minister reshuffle aimed at strengthening the western Government of National Unity (GNU), as reported by The Libya Observer and agencies on March 12th. The announcement signals one of the most substantial personnel changes undertaken by the Libyan administration in recent months, and comes at a politically delicate moment for the country’s troubled executive landscape.

Libya PM announce a new cabinet reset

Libya’s political landscape shifted as Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah announced a 13 minister reshuffle aimed at strengthening the western Government of National Unity (GNU), as reported by The Libya Observer and agencies on March 12th. The announcement…

Eight countries condemn Israel over Ramadan closure of Al Aqsa

According to an article published by The National on March 11th, several Muslim-majority nations have condemned Israel’s decision to close the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan. The criticism was expressed in…

Heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in southern Ethiopia At least 50 people have died, and 125 others are missing after landslides struck three districts in southern Ethiopia following heavy rains, the Associated Press reported on 12 March. The landslides hit the Gacho Baba, Kamba and Bonke districts in the Gamo Zone after a week of rainfall. One person was rescued alive during rescue operations, but most victims were found buried in the mud.

Heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in southern Ethiopia

At least 50 people have died, and 125 others are missing after landslides struck three districts in southern Ethiopia following heavy rains, the Associated Press reported on 12 March. The landslides hit the Gacho Baba, Kamba and Bonke…

Namibia hydrogen project raises environmental concerns Conservation groups have warned that a planned green hydrogen project in southern Namibia could threaten biodiversity in a protected coastal park, as reported by BBC News and agencies on March 12th. The project is led by the Hyphen consortium, a joint venture backed by the German renewable energy company Enertrag. It plans to build solar and wind facilities in Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park near the port town of Lüderitz.

Namibia hydrogen project raises environmental concerns

Conservation groups have warned that a planned green hydrogen project in southern Namibia could threaten biodiversity in a protected coastal park, as reported by BBC News and agencies on March 12th. The project is led by the Hyphen consortium,…

UN Security Council condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states The UN Security Council has condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, Middle East Eye reported on March 12th. The measure was passed with 13 votes in favour, and none against; Russia and China abstained. The resolution, introduced by Bahrain, condemned the attacks and called on Iran to halt strikes on neighbouring states. It also criticised threats against shipping and attempts to…

UN Security Council condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states

The UN Security Council has condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, Middle East Eye reported on March 12th. The measure was passed with 13 votes in favour, and none against; Russia and China abstained. The…

Petition in Egypt calls for expulsion of US and Israeli ambassadors An Egyptian political activist launched a petition calling for the expulsion of the US and Israeli ambassadors from Cairo over the war on Iran, as reported by The New Arab and agencies on March 12th. Mamdouh Hamza, a critic of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, posted the petition on Facebook, urging public figures and ordinary citizens to sign it. The campaign calls on Egyptian authorities to expel the diplomats of both countries.

Petition in Egypt calls for expulsion of US and Israeli ambassadors

An Egyptian political activist launched a petition calling for the expulsion of the US and Israeli ambassadors from Cairo over the war on Iran, as reported by The New Arab and agencies on March 12th. Mamdouh Hamza, a critic of…

South Sudan’s army announces recapture of evacuated town South Sudan’s army said it had recaptured the town of Akobo from opposition forces, as reported by Africa News via AFP on March 12th. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces said Akobo was “safe” after the operation. In recent years, the town has become a flashpoint in fighting between rival forces: those aligned with President Salva Kiir and those loyal to the arrested opposition leader…

South Sudan’s army announces recapture of evacuated town

South Sudan’s army said it had recaptured the town of Akobo from opposition forces, as reported by Africa News via AFP on March 12th. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces said Akobo was “safe” after the operation. In recent years, the…

Moroccan civic group launches youth initiative for 2026 elections A Moroccan civic network has launched a programme to train young candidates ahead of the country’s 2026 legislative elections, the Moroccan government-friendly Yabiladi reported on 12 March. The Tariq Ibnou Ziyad Initiative network (TIZI Morocco) announced the AMAL 2026 project, in partnership with the Moroccan Leadership Institute and with support from the Heinrich Böll Foundation. The programme aims to prepare 100 Moroccans under the age of 35 for the…

Moroccan civic group launches youth initiative for 2026 elections

A Moroccan civic network has launched a programme to train young candidates ahead of the country’s 2026 legislative elections, the Moroccan government-friendly Yabiladi reported on 12 March. The Tariq Ibnou Ziyad Initiative network…

Libya MPs push reform roadmap amid deepening political divide Libya’s political divisions appear to be deepening as tensions grow within the country’s eastern-based parliament, as reported by the Libya Herald on March 11th. On March 10th, around 40 members of the House of Representatives (HoR) held an unofficial meeting at the parliament’s headquarters in Benghazi. Following the meeting, the lawmakers released a video statement on social media announcing a new roadmap to reform the HoR's operations.

Libya MPs push reform roadmap amid deepening political divide

Libya’s political divisions appear to be deepening as tensions grow within the country’s eastern-based parliament, as reported by the Libya Herald on March 11th. On March 10th, around 40 members of the House of Representatives (HoR)…

Kenya: Chinese national arrested over attempt to smuggle rare ants A Chinese national has been arrested in Kenya after authorities discovered more than 2,000 live queen garden ants hidden in his luggage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, reported BBC News Africa and agencies on March 12th. The suspect, identified as Zhang Kequn, was intercepted during a security inspection while preparing to board a flight to China. Officials say the ants were carefully concealed inside his luggage in what investigators believe may be part of a wider…

Kenya: Chinese national arrested over attempt to smuggle rare ants

A Chinese national has been arrested in Kenya after authorities discovered more than 2,000 live queen garden ants hidden in his luggage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, reported BBC News Africa and agencies on…

Morocco becomes the largest arms importer in Africa The global arms race looks set to escalate amid reports that Morocco has become the largest arms importer on the African continent, according to RFI and agencies on March 11th. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that Morocco's arms imports have increased by 12% between 2021 and 2025, compared to the 2016 to 2020 period.

Morocco becomes the largest arms importer in Africa

The global arms race looks set to escalate amid reports that Morocco has become the largest arms importer on the African continent, according to RFI and agencies on March 11th. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute…

Nigeria: Military bases targeted by jihadists Nigeria's fight against jihadist terrorism appears increasingly futile amid reports that military bases were targeted in the northeast, according to Africa News via AP on March 10th. Between March 7th and 9th, Islamist militants launched at least six attacks against military bases in Borno and Yobe States, along with the broader Lake Chad region; at least two officers and several soldiers were killed.

Nigeria: Military bases targeted by jihadists

Nigeria's fight against jihadist terrorism appears increasingly futile amid reports that military bases were targeted in the northeast, according to Africa News via AP on March 10th. Between March 7th and 9th, Islamist militants launched at least six…

Western Sahara: France reaffirms its support for Moroccan plan French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the World Nuclear Energy Summit outside Paris, as reported by the Moroccan government-friendly Atalayar on March 11th. The meeting focused on bilateral relations between France and Morocco and also included discussions of the ongoing Western Sahara negotiations led by the Trump administration, as well as the current US-Israeli…

Western Sahara: France reaffirms its support for Moroccan plan

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the World Nuclear Energy Summit outside Paris, as reported by the Moroccan government-friendly Atalayar on March 11th. The…

Benin army says 17 militants killed after failed attack Benin’s army claims to have killed 17 militants after foiling a planned terrorist attack in the country’s north on March 7th, as reported by the Algerian state broadcaster AL24 News and agencies on March 11th. According to a statement from the Beninese military, the attack targeted a “strategic” military position in Pendjari National Park, near the Burkina Faso border. …

Benin army says 17 militants killed after failed attack

Benin’s army claims to have killed 17 militants after foiling a planned terrorist attack in the country’s north on March 7th, as reported by the Algerian state broadcaster AL24 News and agencies on March 11th. According to a statement from…

Senegal doubles prison sentence for homosexuality to 10 years Senegal’s parliament passed a law increasing the maximum prison sentence for homosexuality to 10 years during a vote in Dakar on March 11th, according to France 24 and agencies on March 12th. The measure doubles the previous maximum penalty of five years under Senegal’s penal code. The legislation amends Article 319, which criminalises what the law describes as “acts against nature” between people of the same sex.

Senegal doubles prison sentence for homosexuality to 10 years

Senegal’s parliament passed a law increasing the maximum prison sentence for homosexuality to 10 years during a vote in Dakar on March 11th, according to France 24 and agencies on March 12th. The measure doubles the previous maximum…

Mixed reactions in Iran after Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as leader Iran has entered a new political phase following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, according to BBC News and agencies on March 9th.  Khamenei, the 56-year-old cleric, succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on March 1st following US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which began on February 28th. The decision was made by the Assembly of Experts, the powerful body responsible for selecting the nation's top leader.

Mixed reactions in Iran after Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as leader

Iran has entered a new political phase following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, according to BBC News and agencies on March 9th.  Khamenei, the 56-year-old cleric, succeeds his father,…

Swahili AI model unveiled at Mobile World Congress

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model designed for Swahili speakers was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, one of the world’s largest technology gatherings, as reported by Maghrebi Week on March 9th. Developed through…

Ugandan runner sets new half-marathon world record in Lisbon

According to a report by BBC Sport on March 8th, Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo reclaimed the world record in the half-marathon after winning the race in Lisbon, Portugal, on the same day.  The 25-year-old distance runner completed the…

Morocco: Threat of inflation looms as conflict in the Gulf persists

Morocco’s inflation was projected at a low 1.8%, and Bank Al-Maghrib, the central bank of Morocco, maintained its policy rate at 2.25%, with the rate expected to remain unchanged for the first half of 2026, according to the…

UNESCO warns Iran war threatens priceless world heritage sites The United Nations’ cultural agency has raised alarm over damage to several heritage sites in Iran, as reported by Al-Monitor on March 11th. This comes following the outbreak of the US–Israeli war against Iran, warning that some of the country’s most significant historical landmarks have already been affected. UNESCO said four of Iran’s 29 World Heritage sites have been damaged since hostilities began, including Tehran’s historic Golestan Palace, a 19th-century royal complex often compared to Palace of Versailles.

UNESCO warns Iran war threatens priceless world heritage sites

The United Nations’ cultural agency has raised alarm over damage to several heritage sites in Iran, as reported by Al-Monitor on March 11th. This comes following the outbreak of the US–Israeli war against Iran, warning that some of the…

Gabon asks IMF for new financial arrangement Gabon has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new financial arrangement aimed at stabilising public finances, Africanews reported on 11 March. The request follows discussions between Gabonese authorities and an IMF mission that visited the country to assess economic conditions and policy priorities, including fiscal reforms and measures to strengthen financial management. The Fund has urged Gabon to continue reforms to improve governance, the business climate and anti-corruption efforts. An IMF programme could help support economic stability in the country. Africanews, Maghrebi.org

Gabon asks IMF for new financial arrangement

Gabon has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new financial arrangement aimed at stabilising public finances, Africanews reported on 11 March. The request follows discussions between Gabonese authorities and an IMF mission that visited the…

Inflation raises food prices during Ramadan in Libya Rising food prices are affecting Ramadan shopping in Libya, with residents reporting higher costs for basic produce, France 24 reported on 11 March. At a fruit and vegetable market in Benghazi, authorities carried out checks to prevent price speculation. The increase in prices has been worsened by the depreciation of the Libyan dinar against the US dollar. Charitable groups are distributing hundreds of food baskets during Ramadan to support vulnerable households. One association said it assists about 500 families, including widows and orphans of the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. France24, Maghrebi.org

Inflation raises food prices during Ramadan in Libya

Rising food prices are affecting Ramadan shopping in Libya, with residents reporting higher costs for basic produce, France 24 reported on 11 March. At a fruit and vegetable market in Benghazi, authorities carried out checks to prevent price…

Madagascar military leader shocks nation by dissolving government Madagascar’s military leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, shocked the nation on March 9th by dissolving the government and removing all cabinet members including the prime minister, according to the BBC. In a brief statement, the military ruler turned president said “the government has ceased its functions” and that a new prime minister would be named in line with the constitution. Until then, permanent secretaries will oversee the daily operations of ministries.

Madagascar military leader shocks nation by dissolving government

Madagascar’s military leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, shocked the nation on March 9th by dissolving the government and removing all cabinet members including the prime minister, according to the BBC. In a brief statement, the…

Details of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Algeria announced New details have emerged about Pope Leo XIV’s planned visit to Algeria in April, including its theme, meetings with Algerian officials and religious events, The New Arab reported on 11 March. The Vatican has chosen the phrase “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace Be Upon You) as the central theme of the visit, which will take place from 13 to 15 April. The Bishop of Algiers, Jean-Paul Vesco, said the programme will begin with a meeting between the…

Details of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Algeria announced

New details have emerged about Pope Leo XIV’s planned visit to Algeria in April, including its theme, meetings with Algerian officials and religious events, The New Arab reported on 11 March. The Vatican has chosen the phrase “As-salamu alaykum”…

UN torture rapporteur will conduct an investigation in Morocco Morocco will be subject to a new round of international scrutiny over detention conditions, police methods and wider civil liberties concerns as the UN Special Rapporteur on torture prepares to visit Rabat and Laayoune from March 23rd to April 2nd, 2026, as reported by Moroccan government-friendly Yabiladi and agencies on March 11th.  In Rabat on March 27th, Alice Jill Edwards is scheduled to meet representatives of…

UN torture rapporteur will conduct an investigation in Morocco

Morocco will be subject to a new round of international scrutiny over detention conditions, police methods and wider civil liberties concerns as the UN Special Rapporteur on torture prepares to visit Rabat and Laayoune from March 23rd…

Morocco backs South-South nuclear safety cooperation Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing nuclear and radiological safety cooperation among developing countries during a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors in Vienna, according to Maghrebi Week on March 9th. The meeting highlighted the need for a strong regulatory infrastructure and international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Rabat has also indicated its readiness to cooperate with Africa on nuclear issues under South-South cooperation. Maghrebi Week

Morocco backs South-South nuclear safety cooperation

Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing nuclear and radiological safety cooperation among developing countries during a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors in Vienna, according to Maghrebi Week on…

Rebels accuse DR Congo government of drone strike in Goma The M23 rebel group accused the Democratic Republic of Congo government of carrying out a drone strike that killed several people in its own eastern city of Goma on 11 March, Africanews reported. The attack occurred around 04:00 local time in the city of Goma, which is controlled by the M23 rebel group. According to the rebels, the drone hit a residential building in a neighbourhood near Lake Kivu.

Rebels accuse DR Congo government of drone strike in Goma

The M23 rebel group accused the Democratic Republic of Congo government of carrying out a drone strike that killed several people in its own eastern city of Goma on 11 March, Africanews reported. The attack occurred around 04:00 local time…

Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia propose a new border agreement Tunisia stated that it is moving toward new agreements with Libya and Algeria to increase security and investments along their shared border regions, as reported by The Libya Observer and agencies on March 11th. Tunisian Interior Minister, Khaled Nouri, claimed the proposed arrangements would resolve the disputed matters seen in earlier agreements concluded between Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, indicating that Tunis wants to settle the border question not only through a necessary security coordination, but also through regional development and state investment.  

Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia propose a new border agreement

Tunisia stated that it is moving toward new agreements with Libya and Algeria to increase security and investments along their shared border regions, as reported by The Libya Observer and agencies on March 11th. Tunisian Interior Minister,…

Niger rejects lease on mining companies and a British oil firm Niger revoked grants on three gold mining companies and discontinued the contract of a UK oil firm, as reported by AfricaNews with AFP on 6th March. The concessions of Comini, Afrior and Economie to mine the terrain had been permitted between 2017 and 2020. Niger's officials announced that these companies had not 'honoured' their commitments, notably to pay taxes, provide annual technical and financial reports, and respect environmental regulations.

Niger rejects lease on mining companies and a British oil firm

Niger revoked grants on three gold mining companies and discontinued the contract of a UK oil firm, as reported by AfricaNews with AFP on 6th March. The concessions of Comini, Afrior and Economie to mine the terrain had been permitted…

Iran promises to continue war and blockade of oil from the Gulf On the 10th of March, Iran vowed that no oil would be exported from the Gulf whilst the war continues, contrary to President Trump’s statements that the war would be “ended soon”, reports Al-Monitor. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) seemed to mock President Trump's attempt to alleviate the economic impact of the war, threatening: "The Iranian armed forces... will not allow the export of a single litre of oil from the region to the hostile side and its partners until further notice.", and that they would be the ones to determine when the war would end.

Iran promises to continue war and blockade of oil from the Gulf

On the 10th of March, Iran vowed that no oil would be exported from the Gulf whilst the war continues, contrary to President Trump’s statements that the war would be “ended soon”, reports Al-Monitor. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps…