A region of the Maghreb and Nile Valley, spanning Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Western Sahara
Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption has kept Catania airport closed or operating under strict restrictions, disrupting nearly 2,000 flights over the past week, with passengers rerouted to other hubs and price pressures rising during Ferragosto travel. Authorities warn ash emissions will continue to affect air traffic in the region.
Protests surge as Tunisia faces extreme heat, water and power shortages, with opposition groups criticizing President Kais Saied’s leadership. Demonstrators demand restored public services, release of detainees, and steps toward political reform amid ongoing economic strain.
Algeria is confronting a severe heatwave that has intensified wildfires across the northern provinces, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Officials report dozens of blazes, with Bejaia, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou among the hardest hit; hundreds have been evacuated as firefighting efforts continue.
UK growers face hotter, drier weather that has boosted berry yields in some cases while straining water supplies and grain crops. Markets fear higher prices as farmers invest in water security and adjust irrigation, with cautious optimism for late-season crops.
California lawmakers are advancing a bill to add “Jewish” as an ethnicity option in state demographics. The measure aims to improve data on Jewish Californians for policymaking, while privacy guards are cited. The bill could help track hate crimes but faces concerns about counting Jews as a single ethnicity. The proposal has been amended to shield funding and privacy safeguards.
Climate patterns have intensified this year, driving heatwaves, droughts and floods across multiple regions. Governments are mobilising finance, strengthening resilience, and adjusting policies as temperatures and rainfall shift. Aid budgets face pressure while activists warn of rising humanitarian needs.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30-31 in an unprecedented surge, leaving scores dead and prompting EU friction over migration. Spain’s government faces mounting scrutiny over handling; declassified intelligence warns of prior alerts, while Morocco denies involvement. EU pledges emergency aid to bolster borders and returns.
Declassified Spain-CNI documents reveal warnings of mass migrant entries before the Ceuta border rush on July 30-31, 2026. Governments dispute the scale, with Spain defending its actions while opponents call for accountability as thousands remain in Ceuta amid protests and EU border funding talks.
Spain’s lower house has approved legislation to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before 1977, with descendants eligible by naturalisation. The measure, backed by the government, could benefit tens of thousands and follows Spain’s shift in Western Sahara policy amid Ceuta migrant tensions and strained Morocco ties.
Saudi Arabia has closed its 1,200km East–West oil pipeline after a drone attack that Riyadh has blamed on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Officials and analysts have said repairs could take three to five weeks, jeopardising 2.6–4 million barrels per day of exports and pushing Brent above $105–$108 a barrel while Houthi gains in the Red Sea are further restricting routes.
Spain and Italy have extended reciprocal border controls for another 15 days amid migratory tensions linked to Ceuta. Italy cites internal security risks as it keeps restrictions on passengers from Spain. Separately, Spain’s parliament backs citizenship for Western Sahrawis born before 1977, a move amid Morocco-Spain tensions.
International Organization for Migration reports nearly 60,000 arrivals to Europe this year, down ~40% from 2025. Yet around 2,300 lives have been lost or gone missing at sea, highlighting ongoing risk as routes shift and governments tighten policies. Spain, Italy, Greece see declines in arrivals amid calls for safer pathways and clearer cooperation.
Nearly 16 million Moroccans have been registered to elect 395 deputies on September 23. Low youth registration and high unemployment have framed a campaign focused on jobs, living costs and delivery of services while King Mohammed VI will keep wide powers and will appoint the head of government from the leading party.
Libya’s oil infrastructure remains disrupted as the Sharara to Zawiya pipeline stays shut or is threatened by protests. The National Oil Corporation warns that continued shutdowns are reducing Sharara output, threatening state revenues and domestic fuel supplies amid ongoing instability.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party has won the most seats in Morocco's parliamentary election, but no party has an outright majority. PAM will need to form a coalition to govern while turnout remains historically low. The king will appoint the prime minister from the largest party. Youth discontent and calls for better public services persist as the country prepares for the 2030 World Cup.
Uganda reports HIV prevalence stable at 5.9% with 1.496 million adults living with HIV; 85.3% know their status, 99.1% on treatment, 96.5% virally suppressed. In MENA, lenacapavir's global rollout shows affordability gaps and uneven access; six generic manufacturers will produce cheaper versions, but many countries remain excluded, raising concerns over reach of the prevention option.
Sgt. Maj. Robert Kabera, a Rwanda critic who fled to Uganda, has been found dead near Kampala. Ugandan police say the head is still missing. Multiple outlets report on the investigation, with Human Rights Watch calling for a full probe into possible motives tied to his opposition to Kigali.
A 39-year-old man identified as Kevin T. has carried out shootings in Trappes and La Verrière, killing one person and injuring several others. Macron labels it a racist terrorist attack; authorities pursue psychiatric evaluation for the suspect amid ongoing investigations.
Arab star Elyanna releases a new track, blending Arabic pop with North African, Egyptian, Indian, and Chilean influences. The nine-track project features multilingual vocals and collaborations with global artists, following her FIFA World Cup soundtrack involvement and Coachella milestone. The rollout includes a London show with a high-profile reception.
Greek authorities have recovered 13 bodies from a migrant boat found about 15 nautical miles south of Crete and 18 survivors were rescued by a passing Moroccan‑flagged cargo ship; one survivor later died, taking the confirmed death toll to 14. Frontex and the coastguard have also found three other boats carrying more than 180 people and are taking them to Crete today.