https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:21:59 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-algerian-president-tebboune-rejects-any-possible-military-intervention-in-niger/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:17:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658213 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has rejected any external military intervention in Niger, where a military coup overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum last week, Anadolu reports. "A military intervention could ignite the whole Sahel region and Algeria will not use force with its neighbors," Tabboune said in an interview with local media on Saturday. "No solution is possible in Niger without the participation of Algeria, as it is concerned by what is happening in this neighboring country," he said, adding: "Algeria is willing to help the Nigeriens restore the constitutional legitimacy." On July 26, a group of soldiers calling themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country delivered a statement on Nigerien state television shortly after detaining President Mohamed Bazoum, […]]]> 658213 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-will-saudi-arabia-make-friday-a-working-day/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:45:33 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658192 In a thought-provoking op-ed published on Friday by Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Okaz, entitled "Friday is a working day," writer Mona Al-Otaibi questions whether the Kingdom's traditional Friday-Saturday weekend needs an overhaul, igniting a debate on social media. The piece highlighted the potential financial losses incurred due to Friday being an important workday in the financial world, and it has sparked discussions about whether Saudi Arabia should consider shifting its weekend to Saturday-Sunday, following in the footsteps of neighbouring UAE which made the controversial change last year, after plans were announced in 2021. At the time, the Emirati the government said it would "ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international […]]]> 658192 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-libya-urges-neighbors-ecowas-to-cooperate-for-nigers-stability/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:08:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658178 Libyan Presidential Council President Mohamad al-Menfi highlighted the importance Saturday of cooperation between neighboring countries and an African bloc for regional stability, particularly in Niger, Anadolu reports. Menfi met Nigeria's Special Envoy Babagana Kingibe, who is the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in Tripoli, according to a statement from his office. Kingibe delivered a letter from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Menfi expressed satisfaction with consultations between Libya and Nigeria to maintain stability in Niger. He cited the military takeover of the elected government in Niger is not acceptable and stressed the importance of cooperation between Libya, Algeria, Chad and ECOWAS to preserve stability in Niger and the region. READ: Algeria, EU call for return […]]]> 658178 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-algeria-eu-call-for-return-of-constitutional-order-in-niger/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:38:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658155 Algeria and the EU have called for unifying political and diplomatic pressures to ensure a return of the "constitutional order" in Niger, Anadolu reports. This came during a phone call between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and EU foreign policy chief, according to a statement issued by the Algerian Foreign Ministry. The duo discussed developments in Niger and exchanged views on the threats they pose to both Niger and the entire region. READ: Algeria warns against foreign military intervention in Niger Meanwhile, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution in Niger, saying: "We call for the restoration of constitutional legitimacy, and if they seek assistance from Algeria in this matter, we would gladly welcome it." On July […]]]> 658155 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230805-algeria-announces-further-reduction-in-oil-production-by-20000-barrels-per-day/ Sat, 05 Aug 2023 09:18:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658074 Algeria has announced a further voluntary reduction in oil production of 20,000 barrels per day to reach 940,000 barrels per day during August. This comes in compliance with the agreement to limit the production by the 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 11 other non-OPEC members, known as OPEC+. This was announced in a speech by the Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab on Friday, during his participation in the 47th meeting of the OPEC Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) and others, which was held virtually. The OPEC+ alliance includes OPEC and allies, including Russia, and pumps about 40 per cent of the total global crude oil production. Arkab shared: "As we announced at […]]]> 658074 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230804-noc-eni-bp-and-sonatrach-lift-force-majeure-and-resume-exploration-in-libya-oilfields/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:31:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658055 Three of the biggest foreign energy companies operating in Libya have lifted force majeure and resumed exploration in the country's oilfields, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced today, local Libyan news outlet reports. According to the report, NOC said it received "official notifications from the Italian company, Eni, and the British company, British Petroleum, regarding the lifting of force majeure and the resumption of exploration and contractual obligations in the blocks awarded to them in the Ghadames Basin (A-B) and offshore Block C." "The NOC also confirmed receiving an official notification from the Algerian company, Sonatrach, regarding the lifting of force majeure and the resumption of exploration and fulfilment of contractual obligations in blocks 065 and 96/95 in the Ghadames […]]]> 658055 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-brazil-president-supports-accession-of-saudi-arabia-uae-to-brics/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:41:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657845 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed his support for more countries joining the BRICS group. Lula said in the capital, Brasilia, yesterday that he supports countries such as Argentina, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining the group. BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is due to hold a summit in Johannesburg from 22-24 August. He also described the seven leading industrialised countries as a "club" that should not exist, considering that its form in terms of geopolitical affairs is outdated. The UK, US, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany make up the group of Western industrialised countries, known as the G7. Some 22 countries have "formally" asked to join the BRICS group, while […]]]> 657845 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-algeria-warns-against-foreign-military-intervention-in-niger/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:20:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657232 The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday warned against resorting to foreign military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger, where a coup has plunged the country into a crisis. "Algeria cautions, calls for prudence and restraint in the face of aspirations of foreign military intervention, which unfortunately appear to be real and feasible options, while being factors that only complicate and exacerbate the current crisis," the ministry said in a statement. "Algeria reaffirms its deep sense of urgency for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger and for respect for the requirements of the rule-of-law. In this regard, the Algerian government reaffirms its support for Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate president of the Republic of the Niger," the ministry […]]]> 657232 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-un-demands-immediate-end-to-expulsion-of-migrants-from-tunisia/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:00:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657159 The UN, Tuesday, called for an immediate end to the expulsions of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from Tunisia to the borders with Libya and Algeria, Anadolu Agency reports. In July, hundreds of people from sub-Saharan African countries were forced from the coastal city of Sfax by Tunisian security forces, and left stranded in a desolate desert area, without food, water or shelter, according to human rights groups. "We are deeply concerned about the expulsion of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from Tunisia to the borders with Libya and also Algeria," UN deputy spokesperson told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. "Several have died at the border with Libya and hundreds including pregnant women and children reportedly remain […]]]> 657159 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-libya-border-guards-find-bodies-of-6-black-africans-in-desert/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:38:57 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656959 Libyan border guards have found the bodies of six African migrants in the desert, according to the Interior Ministry. The news comes just one week after a video circulated online of a Libyan border guard giving water to black African migrants who had been dumped in the middle of the desert by Tunisian authorities. Two days earlier Libya's Interior Ministry said that the bodies of five black African migrants were recovered during a routine patrol along the border. Then in mid-July, Libyan border guards said they rescued 80 migrants left in the desert without food or water in the town of Al-Assah 150 kilometres west of Tripoli. Border guards say they were exhausted, dehydrated and left in temperatures of 40 degrees. Conditions were particularly […]]]> 656959 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230729-algeria-newspaper-indicates-uae-role-in-niger-coup/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 10:05:48 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656400 French-language Algerian newspaper Le Soir d'Algerie reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have played a role in the attempted coup against Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. The newspaper pointed out that all eyes were on the current Niger ambassador to the UAE, who was the army's chief of staff before Bazoum dismissed him. The newspaper noted that the presence of the former chief of staff of the Niger army in the UAE may have given him the "boldness" to turn the table on Bazoum, especially if he was supported by senior officials in Abu Dhabi. This report comes in the wake of an unprecedented attack by the Algerian media on the Emirati role in the region. Algerian newspaper El […]]]> 656400 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-the-pros-and-cons-of-israel-recognising-moroccos-sovereignty-over-the-western-sahara/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:32 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656042 Following the Israeli recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Israeli voices are still raising more questions about the feasibility of this step, and whether it will be beneficial, or if it will be followed by greater harm, especially since such a step may face criticism on the international scene. This may be added to the criticisms the Occupation State is already facing regarding its behaviour in the Palestinian arena. While this step is consistent with Israel's stances towards the Palestinians, it contradicts international resolutions issued by the UN and EU, which may raise many questions related to annexation and occupation. The first Israeli benefit from this step is that it will gain broader control in Africa. There is […]]]> 656042 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-tunisia-says-it-has-contained-wildfires-that-have-swept-several-regions/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:32:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655239 Tunisian firefighters have completely contained the fires that broke out in a number of regions of the country, with the help of members of the Algerian army and fire fighting planes from Spain, the Tunisian Interior Minister said on Wednesday, Reuters reports. Wildfires that swept across regions of Algeria, leaving at least 34 people,  including 10 soldiers, dead, spread to Tunisian regions including forests of Tabarka, Jendouba, Beja, Bizerte and Siliana. Earlier on Wednesday, Algeria managed to contain the bush fire that had been raging in its forests, the state TV said. Wildfires in Tunisia forced hundreds to evacuate their homes, as a heat wave spread across North Africa and southern Europe. Temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) were recorded in some […]]]> 655239 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-egypt-citizens-warned-against-using-elevators-amid-power-cuts/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:17:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655197 The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) has issued a warning to citizens, urging them to avoid using elevators at specific times due to power outages, amid an ongoing heat wave in the country and the wider region. In a statement on Saturday, the EEHC said that power cuts would be implemented in 20 minute windows, "taking into account that the outages begin at a period of 10 minutes before the top of the hour and 10 minutes after it." For safety reasons, the EEHC requested people not to use elevators during the 20-minute intervals during the power cuts. On Monday, Egypt Independent reported that the Minister of Electricity, Mohamed Shaker, said in remarks that there is a "temporary" crisis in […]]]> 655197 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-arab-leaders-use-palestine-to-boost-their-popularity/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:58:26 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655191 Early this week, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that his country's independence would never be complete as long as Palestine is occupied. Echoing the words of the late South African freedom fighter and President Nelson Mandela, he also pointed out that this has been the position of his predecessors as well. "Palestine's strength can only be achieved through its unity," he told CNN China. "The Palestinians know this very well." He added that some Arab states, and China, are striving to get Palestine accepted as a full UN member state "even if it is still occupied." In fact, most free people around the world appear to support the Palestinians and wish to see the Israeli occupation ended as soon as […]]]> 655191 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-algeria-arson-suspects-arrested-over-deadly-forest-fires/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:22:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655140 The Public Prosecutor of the Judicial Council of Algeria's Bejaia Province announced yesterday that 14 suspected arsonists have been arrested in connection with deadly forest fires that have killed 34 people. The suspects will be charged with committing criminal acts and put on trial. The death toll includes ten army personnel and 24 civilians. Algeria's civil defence teams continue to try to extinguish the fires in 13 areas across seven provinces. The areas where the fires have been extinguished remain under surveillance by the authorities in case they reignite. According to the interior ministry, 80 per cent of the forest fires that have been raging for days in the country have been extinguished. READ: Wildfires kill 34 in Algeria as heat […]]]> 655140 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-sweden-minister-regrets-repeated-incidents-of-quran-burning/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:46:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655136 Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom has expressed his country's deep regret and categorical rejection of the repeated incidents when copies of the Holy Quran were burned by protesters, describing them as "despicable". According to the foreign ministry in Algiers, he made his comments during a phone call with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Ataf, after the Swedish charge d'affaires in the North African country was summoned to hear Algeria's protest about the incidents in Stockholm. Billstrom reminded Ataf that Sweden's constitution places restrictions on the government's ability to deter such behaviour. However, he explained that the ministry of justice is looking at the possibility of applying Swedish law related to maintaining public order in order to address this "unacceptable behaviour". READ: Sweden […]]]> 655136 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-egyptians-suffer-as-heat-wave-continues-across-the-middle-east-and-north-africa/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:18:35 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655052 Egypt has warned the population not to use lifts for 20 minutes, each hour, whilst it implements power cuts so that it can conserve energy as a gruelling heat wave continues to engulf North Africa and the Middle East. The Electricity Ministry has released a diagram to show the start and end times of the power outages every hour, and when to stay away from the lifts so that people do not get trapped inside them. وفقا لبيان وزارة الكهرباء ، دا رسم بيوضح مواعيد بدء انقطاع التيار الكهربائى كل ساعة، وهى التلت ساعة اللى باللون الأحمر، ويفضل البعد عن الاسانسير خلالها. ربنا يسترها على الجميع. pic.twitter.com/4Fidj9uMYA — Khaled Ali (@Khaledali251) July 23, 2023 The government has said that the […]]]> 655052 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-wildfires-kill-34-in-algeria-as-heat-wave-sweeps-north-africa/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:50:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654997 The death toll, as wildfires sweep across regions of Algeria, has risen to 34 people including 10 soldiers on Monday, the Interior Ministry said, as a heat wave spreads across North Africa and southern Europe, Reuters reports. Some 8,000 fire-fighters were battling to bring the flames under control, authorities said. The Interior Ministry said that it is continuing its fire-fighting operations in the Boumerdes, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel, Bejaia and Skikda regions. About 1,500 people have been evacuated, so far. The authorities have launched a judicial investigation into the causes of the fires. A major heat wave is sweeping across North Africa, with temperatures of 49 Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) recorded in some cities in neighbouring Tunisia. In Tunisia, wildfires swept […]]]> 654997 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-tunisia-evacuates-residents-of-border-area-with-algeria-due-to-fires/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:39:19 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654971 Tunisian authorities in the north-western state of Jendouba have evacuated all the residents of the Meloula border area with Algeria as civil defence teams continue efforts to extinguish wildfires there, Anadolu news agency reported. The Tunisian Civil Defence authorities said in a statement yesterday that the fires in Meloula Tabarka on the border with Algeria have expanded greatly due to the strong winds. This has meant residents must be evacuated onboard the Naval Guard boats as well as private boats. Last week, the Tunisian Civil Protection announced that its teams are working to extinguish a fire that broke out in the Meloula forests and destroyed eight hectares of land. Summer fires due to high temperatures are the biggest threat to vegetation and […]]]> 654971 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-algeria-calls-for-development-strategy-to-solve-irregular-migration/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:34:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654969 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called to adopt a comprehensive development vision in countries experiencing an exodus of migrants as the only solution to the phenomenon of irregular migration which he said is affecting North African countries as much as Europe. In a speech read by Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane in Rome on Sunday, Tebboune said while the security treatment of the migration file responds to the urgent need to maintain public order and combat smuggling and human trafficking networks, it does not contribute to addressing this phenomenon in a sustainable manner. Comprehensive solutions that guarantee stability, advance development dynamics and create job opportunities for youth in source countries are the only solutions, he said. Tebboune also called for "North-South […]]]> 654969 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-forest-fires-kill-15-in-algeria/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:17:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654848 At least 15 people were killed and 26 injured in a series of devastating forest fires that swept through several states in northern Algeria, said Interior Ministry on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports. In a statement, the Ministry said that 97 fires were recorded late Sunday and they affected forests and agricultural crops in 16 provinces. It noted that the blaze spread to some villages. The Ministry said it registered "15 victims and 26 injured, while 1,500 citizens were evacuated." To combat the flames, a team of around 7,500 civil protection personnel has been deployed. They are utilising 350 trucks of various sizes, along with aerial support, to extinguish the fires and bring the situation under control, the Ministry said. As […]]]> 654848 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-algeria-warns-of-severe-heatwave/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:38:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654690 The Algerian National Meteorological Office has warned of a heatwave that could affect 13 provinces in the north of the country with temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius, Anadolu news agency reported. The weather alert level was raised from orange to red, noting that the provinces will experience severe weather conditions characterised by very high temperatures. The heatwave is expected to end on Sunday evening. According to the meteorological office, the orange alert indicates the possibility of a "very dangerous" phenomenon, while the red colour indicates the possibility of an exceptionally severe phenomenon. For weeks, a majority of Algerian provinces have been experiencing temperatures as high as 50 degrees. Coinciding with the heatwave, electricity consumption recorded the highest level in the country's history […]]]> 654690 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230722-senior-algeria-islamist-denied-admission-to-hospital/ Sat, 22 Jul 2023 09:36:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654448 Ali Belhadj, a senior leader of the Algerian Islamic Salvation Front, was denied admission to Mustafa Pacha Hospital for a medical examination, Arabi21.com reported on Friday. In a recorded speech posted on YouTube, Belhadj shared he was going to the hospital for medical examinations, but security stopped him. He continued: "They asked me to go to another hospital. I told them: 'No one can prevent my admission to the hospital or the doctor I want…' After a fierce conversation, I was not allowed to proceed, so I returned home without any medical examination." READ: Algeria president: Country applied to join BRICS, offered $1.5bn Belhadj recounted the dire situation of freedoms in "the new Algeria" and how Algerians are being lost in the middle of […]]]> 654448 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230722-algeria-president-country-applied-to-join-brics-offered-1-5bn/ Sat, 22 Jul 2023 09:02:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654442 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced on Friday that his country had submitted a request to be a shareholder in the BRICS group to the amount of $1.5 billion. President Tebboune revealed, for the first time, the value of the contribution in an interview with China Central Television broadcast on Friday. Tebboune disclosed: "We officially applied to join the BRICS group, we sent a letter asking to be shareholder members of the bank… Algeria's first contribution to the bank will be $1.5 billion." The BRICS Bank, formerly referred to as the New Development Bank, is run by BRICS countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with its headquarters in Shanghai, China. READ: Algeria President to pay 2-day visit to Turkiye The […]]]> 654442 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-italy-migration-conference-aims-to-stem-flows-by-helping-africa/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:52:18 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654398 Mediterranean and Middle East countries will meet in Rome on Sunday to boost efforts to stem illegal migration flows, with Italy saying the aim is to help countries in Africa in order to reduce the impetus for migrants to reach Europe, Reuters reports. The meeting will focus on building partnership for projects in sectors including agriculture, infrastructure and health, an Italian government statement said on Friday. "The conference aims to govern the migration phenomenon, combat human trafficking and promote economic development according to a new model of cooperation between states," the statement said. Planned participants include Tunisia, Turkiye, Libya, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates, along with the European Union and the IMF, Italian officials told Reuters. However France, a […]]]> 654398 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-algeria-president-to-pay-2-day-visit-to-turkiye/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:33:01 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654360 Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, will arrive in Turkiye on Friday for a two-day official visit, Anadolu Agency reports. The visit came at the invitation of Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish Communications Directorate said on Twitter. "Bilateral relations between Turkiye and Algeria will be reviewed in all aspects, and steps that can be taken to improve cooperation will be discussed during the meetings to be held in Istanbul on Saturday," it said. "Views on current, regional and global issues are expected to be exchanged during the meetings," the directorate added. READ: Algeria criticises Israel recognition of Morocco sovereignty over Western Sahara]]> 654360 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-south-africa-22-countries-officially-requested-to-join-brics-group/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:06:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654338 Some 22 countries have "formally" asked to join the BRICS group, while an equal number has informally expressed interest in joining the bloc, South Africa announced yesterday. BRICS, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is due to hold a summit from 22-24 August in South Africa and has previously hinted that it was open to expansion. South Africa's top diplomat in charge of relations with the bloc, Anil Sooklal,  told reporters in Johannesburg that 22 countries have officially asked to join the BRICS group while there was "an equal number of countries have informally expressed interest in becoming BRICS members … [including] all the major global south countries." READ: BRICS summit issues special resolution in favour of […]]]> 654338 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-algeria-criticises-israel-recognition-of-morocco-sovereignty-over-western-sahara/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:56:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654184 Algeria, on Thursday, strongly criticised Israel's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, saying the move is a violation of international law, Reuters reports. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front wants an independent state there. In 2020, then-US President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's claim to the territory in return for Morocco's resumption of diplomatic ties with Israel. Israel, on Monday, recognised Morocco's sovereignty. "The decision … can in no way legitimise sovereignty over occupied Sahara lands," the Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021, citing what it said were "hostile acts". Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, said this year that relations between the two countries had reached "a point of no return". […]]]> 654184 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-un-experts-urge-tunisia-to-stop-forcible-expulsion-of-black-african-migrants/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 09:53:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654082 UN experts have this week raised concern about Tunisia's allegedly discriminatory treatment of sub-Saharan migrants, and urged the authorities to take urgent measures to stop collective expulsions and protect the human rights of all migrants. "Collective expulsions are prohibited under international law," they said. "Deporting migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers without conducting an individual and objective risk assessment of their exposure to human rights violations upon return amounts to refoulement, prohibited under international human rights law." The experts contacted the Tunisian Government in March, expressing concern at reports of racist treatment of sub-Saharan migrants and collective expulsions targeting sub-Saharan migrants, as well as of violence and racist hate speech by officials and law enforcement. "We call on the authorities to immediately […]]]> 654082 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-morocco-king-invites-israel-pm-for-official-visit-after-western-sahara-recognition/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 09:36:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654080 Morocco's King invited Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for an official visit, the Prime Minister's office said in a statement on Wednesday, two days after Israel recognised the Kingdom's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara, Reuters reports. In a personal letter, which was confirmed by Morocco's national news agency, MAP, King Mohammed VI thanked Israel for its position and said Netanyahu's visit "would open new opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations". Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, and Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, agreed on Wednesday to set a date "in the near future" for what would be Netanyahu's first visit to the Kingdom, the Prime Minister's statement said. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front wants […]]]> 654080 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230719-hrw-eu-should-suspend-migration-funding-for-tunisia-until-human-rights-assessment/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:11:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653659 Human Rights Watch has said that the EU should suspend migration control funding to Tunisian security forces until a human rights impact assessment has been carried out. In July, Tunisian police and military rounded up black Africans in the country and dumped them on the border with Libya and Algeria. Two bodies were recovered and videos of people with broken ankles, begging for food and water, circulated online. HRW documented abuses including beatings and the use of excessive force, theft of belongings and money and in some cases torture. Despite this, the EU has offered Tunisia an aid package including over €100 million ($112.2 million) if Tunisia agrees to help stop migrant boats crossing the Mediterranean and heading for Europe and facilitate the […]]]> 653659 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230718-china-xi-meets-algeria-tebboune-vows-to-deepen-exchanges-cooperation/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:24:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653300 China's President Xi Jinping, on Tuesday, hosted visiting Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for bilateral talks in Beijing, pledging to "deepen exchanges and cooperation", Anadolu Agency reports. "Sixty-five years ago, China and Algeria were brought together by the common cause of opposing imperialism and colonialism and seeking national independence and liberation," Xi told Tebboune during the meeting held at the Great Hall of the People. "Since then, the two countries have helped each other through thick and thin and forged a friendship that has gone from strength to strength," he added, according to Hua Chunying, spokeswoman of China's Foreign Ministry. At Xi's invitation, Tebboune is making his first trip to Beijing since taking office in December 2019. The Algerian President arrived […]]]> 653300 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-morocco-says-israel-recognises-its-sovereignty-over-western-sahara/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:33:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653206 Morocco said, on Monday, that Israel has recognised its sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara and is mulling opening a consulate there, Reuters reports. A statement from Morocco's Royal Palace said Israel's position was expressed in a letter to King Mohammed VI from Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Algerian-backed Polisario Front demands an independent state in Western Sahara. In 2020, then-US President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's claim to the territory in return for its partial upgrade of relations with Israel. The Israeli position "will be sent to the United Nations, regional and international organisations … as well as all the States Israel has diplomatic relations with," the statement from Morocco's Royal Palace quotes the letter as saying. […]]]> 653206 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-algeria-football-body-president-resigns/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:02:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652942 The president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Zefizef Djahid, announced his resignation days after he failed to obtain membership in the executive office of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). "I would like to let everyone know that my speech is related to the CAF's latest conference that was held a few days ago in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, during which I entered the elections in a bid for membership in the federation's executive office," Zefizef said in a video posted on the FAF's website. Gaining membership to CAF is one of the goals of the Algerian Football Federation, he explained, and is within the framework of the strategy that was drawn up and presented to the General Assembly, he added. "This is why I inform the […]]]> 652942 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-libya-border-guards-rescue-migrants-left-in-desert-by-tunisia/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:32:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652620 Libyan border guards say they have rescued migrants left in the desert without food or water, AFP reported over the weekend. Roughly 80 people were found in the town of Al-Assah, some 150 kilometres west of Tripoli, and were exhausted and dehydrated in temperatures of 40 degrees. AFP said that the Libyan border agents gave them water and took them to a shelter. The news comes after a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report revealed that Tunisian security forces have been forcibly expelling several hundred black African migrants and asylum seekers since the start of July from Sfax to a militarised border zone between Tunisia and Libya. Sfax is a Tunisian port town close to the island of Lampadusa in Italy and hundreds of people have […]]]> 652620 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230715-algeria-detains-28-person-morocco-smuggling-network/ Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:28:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652397 The Algerian Gendarmerie Nationale on Friday detained a network of 28 Moroccans and four Algerians who arranged secret immigration trips to Spain, Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported. In a statement, the Gendarmerie Nationale in the governorate of Wahran disclosed that it: "Dismantled an international criminal network specialised in planning and organising secret voyages setting off from Morocco to Spain, passing through Algeria." The detention of this network came after intelligence efforts related to the smuggling of immigrants to Spain were intensified. According to the statement, the network comprises 32 people, including 28 Moroccans and four Algerians. The gendarme seized a boat, four tourist cars, a large sum of Algerian, Moroccan, Euro and Turkish cash, passports and mobile phones. The group collect people […]]]> 652397 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230711-calls-to-rescue-migrants-after-tunisia-transfers-them-to-libya-algeria-borders/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:37:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651329 A human rights organisation yesterday called on the Tunisian government to intervene urgently to help dozens of migrants who were expelled from the city of Sfax, in the southeast of the country, and transferred to border areas with Libya and Algeria. In a statement, the Bayti organisation said human rights defenders, non-governmental organisations and government institutions must "coordinate efforts and pool resources" to take care of immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation continued: "For days, we have been witnessing in the Sfax region, where there are migrants who were abandoned and are living under real threat and pursuit that reached the point of their expulsion and deportation to the outskirts of the desert." Last week, Sfax witnessed bloody clashes between immigrants […]]]> 651329 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230710-algeria-welcomes-positive-dynamic-of-arab-iran-relations/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:50:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651034 Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf has conveyed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's support for the "positive movement" in Arab-Iranian relations. This came in his meeting with Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi on Saturday in Tehran, the Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The statement said President Raisi said he was looking to "intensify communication and work with Algeria to embody their common desire and mutual ambition to upgrade economic cooperation between the two countries to the level of distinguished political relations." Raisi also extended an "invitation to Tebboune to visit Iran as soon as possible." On 10 March, Saudi Arabia and Iran resumed diplomatic relations, following Chinese-brokered talks in Beijing. Attaf met with his Iranian counterpart, Hussein Amir Abdollahian, and discussed bilateral relations […]]]> 651034 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230710-hamas-meshaal-holds-meetings-in-algeria/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:38:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650967 Head of Hamas' Political Bureau Abroad, Khaled Meshaal, carried out a series of political and media meetings during a three-day visit to Algeria, Quds Press reported yesterday. Meshaal visited the office of the National Liberation Front, where he met with the Secretary-General Abu Fadl Baaji and senior members of the party. The Hamas leader also met with Secretary-General of the Algerian Ennahda Movement, Mohammad Douibi, and other senior members at the movement. He also spoke to the media about the latest developments about the Palestinian cause. On Friday, he met with a group of prominent Algerian scholars and attended the large popular gathering organised by the Movement of Society for Peace to commemorate the death anniviersary of its founder Mahfoud Nahnah. Hamas: 'Popular support for Palestine resistance paves way for victory']]> 650967 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230709-recent-saudi-arabian-russian-supply-cuts-reflect-demand-concerns/ Sun, 09 Jul 2023 09:27:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650618 The recent decision by Saudi Arabia and Russia to extend existing crude oil supply cuts did not have the expected effect on prices, but analysts said the limited increase in prices reflects demand-based worries by investors, reports Anadolu Agency. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter of crude oil, announced its intention Monday to unilaterally extend production cuts of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) through August, leaving the door open for further extensions. Russia followed suit with an announcement of a voluntary reduction of exports by 500,000 bpd in August, on top of the 700,000 bpd in place since March. Algeria later said it would also reduce output by an extra 20,000 bpd in August, bringing its total cut to […]]]> 650618 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230708-meshaal-praises-algeria-support-for-palestine-cause/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 09:00:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650503 Head of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas Abroad Khaled Meshaal praised the heroic role of the Palestinian resistance in the Jenin camp in the northern West Bank, stressing the nation's important role in supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people. During his visit to Djamaa El-Djazair, or the Great Mosque in Algiers, on Friday morning, Meshaal thanked Algeria for supporting the Palestinian cause. Meshaal was received by Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers Mohamed Maamoun Al-Kacimi Al-Hoceini, Head of the Sheikhdom of the Qasimiya order Abdel Al-Hassani, the head of the Movement of Society for Peace and a number of members of the movement's national office. READ: Palestine urges US to retract from building embassy in Jerusalem The visit to […]]]> 650503 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230706-germany-morocco-stress-un-key-to-western-sahara-solution/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 18:15:19 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650234 Germany and Morocco reiterated the need for an UN-backed diplomatic solution, Thursday, to the West Sahara conflict, Anadolu Agency reports. "We know that the Western Sahara question is particularly central to them (Morocco). So, you know our long-standing support for the process led by the United Nations. It is the most promising path to a fair, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution," German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, said at a news conference in Berlin with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. She added that Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara region, presented in 2007, could be a good basis for a solution accepted by all parties to the conflict. The remarks were partially echoed by her Moroccan colleague who said […]]]> 650234 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-algeria-to-replace-french-with-english-at-universities/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:32:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649996 In the latest sign that the French language and influence is on the decline in former North African colony, Algeria, the authorities are reportedly set to replace French with English at Algerian universities, starting with the new academic year in September. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, on 1 July the Ministry of Higher Education's Secretary-General sent a letter to university directors requesting a meeting to form pedagogical teams ahead of the summer vacation in order to make preparations for the adoption of English as the language of instruction for the new semester. The decision follows similar developments last year, after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune instructed that that primary schools start teaching English. "French is a spoil of war, but English is an international language," he said at the time. French being replaced with English is […]]]> 649996 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-growing-anger-after-1-8m-raised-for-french-officer-who-killed-17-year-old-teen/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:46:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649871 There is growing anger over a campaign to raise money for the family of the policeman who shot dead 17-year-old French-Algerian teenager, Nahel M, last Tuesday. Nearly $2 million ($1,636,190) has been raised so far by the GoFundMe campaign launched by a member of the French far-right. A similar collection to help the family of the victim has raised €424,739 ($462,069). Nahel was killed a week ago in Nanterre outside Paris after being stopped by two motorcycle patrol officers and shot at point-blank range. An officer is under investigation for culpable homicide but that has not stopped thousands of people donating on his behalf. More than 85,000 people have donated so far, highlighting deep divisions in France. The shooting led to a wave […]]]> 649871 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-france-police-shooting-of-teen-sign-of-institutional-islamophobia-says-expert/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649738 Last week's fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy in a Paris suburb should not be seen as an individual, isolated case, but rather it lays bare France's institutional racism and Islamophobia, according to a British social theorist and expert on colonialism. Salman Sayyid is professor of social theory and decolonial thought at the University of Leeds; the manner of Nahel's killing is "not new," he said. "The French state and sections of society have been pursuing an Islamophobic orientation for a number of years," Sayyid told Anadolu. "I think it [Nahel M's killing] is a sign of institutional Islamophobia and institutional racism in the French law enforcement system, in the French criminal justice system, and in the French state […]]]> 649738 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-frances-macron-eyes-internet-restrictions-during-protests/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:39:58 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649732 As protests over the killing of a French-Algerian teen by police at point blank range seemed to taper off yesterday, France's president said cutting internet access during such times of crisis might be needed. Telling a gathering of mayors of towns where the protests turned violent that the riots have passed their peak, Emmanuel Macron added: "We must get down to restoring the sustainable order as our absolute priority." "I will be cautious for the following days and weeks but the peak has passed," the president told the mayors at Paris' Elysee Palace, according to French broadcaster BFMTV. "When things die down, maybe there should be a regulation or a restriction on [internet] access," said Macron. "This must especially not be […]]]> 649732 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230704-algeria-launches-mobile-app-tracing-french-colonisation/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:45:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649666 READ: What connects Algeria, Russia and Tunisia?]]> 649666 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230704-saudi-russia-extend-oil-cuts-sending-prices-higher/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 11:29:34 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649586 Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's biggest oil exporters, yesterday deepened oil cuts, sending prices higher despite concerns over a global economic slowdown and possible further interest rate increases from the US Federal Reserve, Reuters reported. OPEC+, which groups the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies led by Russia, cut supply to boost prices in November last year due to reduced Chinese demand and rising US supply but so far has failed to raise prices from a range of $70-$80 a barrel. Saudi Arabia said it would extend its voluntary oil output cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) for another month to include August, adding that the cut could be extended beyond that month. Shortly after the Saudi […]]]> 649586 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230701-international-statistics-egypt-ranks-first-for-warplanes-in-region-saudi-higher-than-israel/ Sat, 01 Jul 2023 09:15:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648717 The latest statistics published by the international Global Firepower website, which specialises in military affairs, indicate that Egypt continues to lead in the number of warplanes owned, while Saudi Arabia ranks ahead of Israel. According to the site's 2023 rankings, which highlights the top ten air forces in the Middle East and North Africa region, Egypt ranks first with 1,069 various warplanes, ahead of Turkiye, which follows with 1,065 various warplanes, while Saudi Arabia ranks third with 897. Israel came fourth with 601 various warplanes, the United Arab Emirates fifth with 565, Algeria sixth with 547 and Iran seventh with 541. READ: Israel concern over Hezbollah's doubling of air defence systems – Israel media Coming in eighth is the Syrian regime […]]]> 648717