Africa’s financial hub on Morocco’s Atlantic coast
Malawi shocks Nigeria to reach the WAFCON semis; Morocco and Algeria progress, sealing World Cup berths for four, with Malawi and Cameroon among the surprise packages. Quarterfinals clarified as teams chase final World Cup spots.
The U.S. Army has said the remains of the second of two soldiers who went missing during African Lion exercises in Morocco have been recovered and are en route to the United States. Both service members disappeared after an off‑duty recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2; an investigation is ongoing.
The latest reports show authorities intensifying crackdowns on dissent, with multiple arrests and prosecutions in Egypt and Morocco, while Russia pursues penal actions against critics abroad. Protests and detentions are part of a broader pattern of government hostility toward voices of dissent.
Morocco has eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 in a World Cup last-32 penalty shootout. Celebrations erupt in Casablanca, while police in The Hague deploy riot squads amid clashes as fans clash after the match.
Minions & Monsters has opened strongly, topping North American box office with $36.4 million for the holiday weekend and $61.4 million over five days. Toy Story 5 follows with $31 million, while Young Washington debuts around $21 million. Supergirl trails, and overall weekend revenue is down year-on-year but up for the summer period vs 2025.
Ismail Elfath has been named the referee for England v Argentina in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The US official has previously refereed at Qatar 2022 and is one of a record eight US referees at the tournament.
Lebanese authorities have released Fadel Shaker on bail after questions over allegations including army involvement, funding militias, and money laundering related to the Sidon clashes in 2013. Shaker, once a famed singer, has a long history linked to the Al-Assir faction and subsequent legal proceedings.
The Qatar-donated Air Force One has entered service but is undergoing security upgrades. Lawmakers have questioned funding and oversight as the jet is retrofit for presidential use, while the outgoing model remains in use for certain trips. The presidency is balancing diplomatic gifts with rigorous security needs amid ongoing scrutiny.
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
A set of personal essays and memoirs from diverse voices celebrate renewed reading habits amid cultural events like the UK National Year of Reading and Rabat's UNESCO World Book Capital status. The pieces recount early literary awakenings, midlife shifts to reading as refuge, and entrepreneurial journeys sparked by books, drawing from Guardian, Business Insider UK, and other outlets.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Migrant crossings into Ceuta have surged to over 1,500 in recent days, overwhelming reception centers and prompting Spain and Morocco to coordinate a response. Authorities warn of an extraordinary situation as authorities deploy resources to ensure safety and humanitarian aid.
The latest crossings into Ceuta from Morocco involve unaccompanied minors and adults, echoing the 2021 crisis. Children report overcrowded reception centres and families back home seek news; many migrants return to Morocco after uncertain stays in Spain.
Around 60,000 Moroccans have crossed into Ceuta amid viral social-media campaigns claiming the border was open. Hundreds died or were hurt in the melee, and tens of thousands have since returned as authorities tighten controls. The events have intensified concerns over misinformation and migrant trafficking networks.
Cameroon has defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in Casablanca to reach the semifinals and seal a spot at the 2027 World Cup, ending Nigeria’s title run. Nyadjou’s 19th-minute strike proves decisive as Nigeria pushes for an equaliser but cannot convert late chances.