Maghreb nation, crossroads of North Africa, republic since 1957
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.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
A raft of new data shows a record-breaking group of migrants crossing the English Channel in a single dinghy, while authorities warn that overcrowding and dangerous routes persist. Across multiple reports, the total number of arrivals so far this year remains lower than last year, but per-boat capacity is increasing and enforcement efforts are expanding.
Three years after the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, rights groups say the pact has intensified border controls and serious human rights violations, amid calls to suspend the agreement and reassess safeguards. Reports detail intercepted departures, abuses, and restricted asylum access, with EU funding tied to Tunisian authorities.
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.
Opposition figures in Tunisia remain in deteriorating health under a heatwave in overcrowded prisons. Families report extreme conditions as authorities refuse information, while protests mark five years since the emergency rule crystallizing tensions between Saied’s government and opponents.
Since late July 2026, fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across southwestern France and central Spain. Fires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, pushed toward Bordeaux and towns west of Madrid, injured firefighters and prompted France to deploy soldiers while Spain has declared a national emergency.
Protests across western Libya intensify as heatwaves push outages to new highs. Demonstrators demand accountability and the dissolution of fractured authorities after massive power cuts disrupt daily life and energy supplies.
South Korea is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. Yangsan records 42.5C, the hottest on record; Seoul and other cities face severe heat warnings. Authorities have activated new disaster measures, deploy cooling efforts, and warn residents to stay indoors and hydrate as power demand and health risks rise.
A massive wildfire has forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate in the Gironde region, with flames threatening communities near Bordeaux. Across Europe, thousands have fled, and regional shelters are operating to support displaced residents.
A total solar eclipse has crossed Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive across Britain since 1999. Scientists and agencies such as NASA have flown instruments and balloons into the path of totality to study the Sun's corona and to gather data for improving space‑weather forecasts.
El Mala has extended his contract with Cologne to 2031, retaining the No. 10 jersey amid transfer talk. He confirmed his commitment, saying he aims to build on last season’s 13 goals and five assists as the club hopes to fend off interest from Dortmund and others.
BBC and Al Jazeera report Manchester City are negotiating the transfer of Bouaddi from Lille to strengthen midfield, while Rodri’s exit to Barcelona is set to proceed on a four-year contract. City’s midfield overhaul appears imminent as Reijnders moves elsewhere.
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.
The UK has established a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism. The event recognises those affected, including families and first responders, and signals ongoing support and calls for improved access to compensation and legal assistance. Northern Ireland communities are urging local recognition as well.
A migrant boat carrying 15 people sank off Zarzis, Tunisia, killing and injuring several. One survivor has been rescued, with bodies recovered over two days as protests erupt in Ben Guerdane. The incident follows years of cracked migration policies and EU-Tunisia cooperation.
The UN-backed 4+4 committee has forged an initial framework to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months under a unified executive. While rival institutions signaled tentative support, implementation remains the biggest hurdle as divisions persist and power-sharing is tested.
Passengers faced lengthy delays and cancellations across multiple EasyJet flights, with families stranded abroad and thousands spent on accommodation and rerouting. The issues span Manchester to Antalya and Tunisia to Belfast, highlighting ongoing disruptions in European air travel.
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.
Algeria's president has ordered amendments to the penal code to allow capital punishment for those convicted of intentionally starting forest fires, as wildfires continue to devastate the northeast. The changes follow days of national mourning and authorities’ promises of compensation and restoration efforts. The government says several arson suspects have been arrested as the process moves toward legislation.
The BBC, Independent, and other outlets report on Scotland’s price-cap measures for essentials and public transport, amid fears from farmers that costs could ripple through to producers. Pilot schemes show rising bus ridership, but warn of unintended consequences as caps expand.
Rights groups report a sustained crackdown on civil society in Tunisia, with arrests, financially targeting NGOs, and suspensions widening under President Saied. The move is described as a strategic clampdown on dissent amid protests and deteriorating living conditions.
Zambia’s president has inaugurated a new term amid ongoing tensions after August elections. Observers flag uneven counting and concerns over the conduct, while opposition leaders face treason charges and arrests. Calls for unity contrast with reports of intimidation and legal challenges.
The International Court of Justice is hearing Germany’s objections to Nicaragua’s genocide case, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and that key claims are inadmissible. The hearings come amid ongoing Gaza violence and a wider legal battle over Israel’s actions in the territory. Germany is defending its arms exports while Nicaragua accuses Berlin of facilitating genocide through support for Israel.
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.
Tottenham has extended Lucas Bergvall’s contract, keeping the 20-year-old Sweden international at the club. He has made 80 appearances since joining from Djurgarden in 2024. The club says the renewal signals belief in his potential as interest from several clubs emerged over the summer.
Gaza flotilla activists have joined Wael Naouar’s hunger strike in Tunisian custody amid a probe into alleged financial flows. The detainees’ health is deteriorating as a Tunisian court weighs extending pre-trial detention for six months.
A consortium-led investigation shows the US has struck third-country deportation deals with states and UN agencies to move undocumented migrants out of the US. By early 2026, thousands have been deported to countries like Cameroon, Eswatini, and Ghana, with hundreds of millions allocated to signatories and to UN agencies. Critics warn of coercion and opaque negotiations.
The State Department has reprogrammed $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, signaling a pivot toward the Western Hemisphere amid concerns about narcotics, migration and China’s growing presence. The move follows earlier efforts to reduce European spending and troop deployments in NATO, aligning with a renewed Monroe Doctrine approach.
A trio of dispatches examines how language policy, script revival, and religious identity are evolving across the Muslim world—from Algeria’s shift to English as a primary foreign language in schools, to Indonesia’s Pegon script revival, to the Maldives’ commemorations of 900 Hijri years and the enduring place of Islam in national life.
UK prosecutors have lodged formal extradition requests with the US for brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate on a raft of rape, sex-trafficking and related charges. The US State Department will review the requests for compliance with the UK-US extradition treaty, while the brothers’ lawyer challenges the documentation. The process will now follow multiple legal steps before any potential transfer.
Four Global Sumud Flotilla activists remain in pre-trial detention in Tunisia. All four have been on hunger strikes to protest charges of misusing funds raised for Gaza relief. Health of Wael Naouar and Ghassen Henchiri is deteriorating;Naouar in hospital, others experiencing weight loss and fainting. Protests and international attention continue as authorities defend legal processes.
Libya’s oil pipeline is back online after valve seven was opened, restoring crude flow from Sharara to Zawiya. The restart follows protests and blockades that had disrupted output, causing millions in losses and threatening state revenues. Authorities warn disruptions could recur if grievances persist, emphasizing the need for security and governance reforms to secure energy cash for broader reform.
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.
Bangladesh is battling a large measles outbreak with over 1,087 deaths and nearly 187,000 suspected cases since March. Emergency vaccination campaigns have expanded to reach children 6 months to 59 months, while authorities confront immunity gaps from earlier disruptions in routine immunization.
Morocco has named Mansouri, former Marrakech mayor, to form a new government. She is tasked with building a coalition after elections, with promises of investment linked to the 2030 World Cup and reforms to inflation, wages and jobs. She becomes the second female prime minister in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.
Fatima Zahra El Mansouri has been named Morocco's first female prime minister after PAM won the most seats in the parliamentary elections. She is tasked by King Mohammed VI to form a government and will lead negotiations to build a coalition. Turnout was the lowest in two decades as PAM edges ahead of rivals. El Mansouri has previously served as Marrakech mayor and housing minister.