Maghreb Edition

Moroccan King’s feelings hurt by the toppling of his Gabonese friend ($)F

Posted On 6 September 2023

Number of times this article was read : 2828

Morocco has hailed its relationship with Gabon as “solid,” and so any political disruption could have adverse consequences on the conduct of business. In the Moroccan media, there have efforts to characterize trade between the two as “strong.” But data suggests a rather anemic activity linking the two countries. Economically, the two nations are linked by agreements signed during King Mohammed VI’s visits to Gabon in March 2014 and in June 2015. Four years later, trade between the two remained subdued.In 2019, Moroccan exports to Gabon amounted to around $77 million, while Moroccan imports from Gabon stood at less than $9 million.  But the ties between Morocco and Gabon run high on the political front, driven by the personal feelings of brotherhood between their two leaders. Gabon has been a staunch supporter of Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara with King Mohammed consistently lobbying Ali Bongo on the issue… [continue here] or [subscribe]

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Global Energy Markets Jolt as Iran War Disrupts Gulf Oil FlowsF

Oil prices surged toward $119 per barrel as the conflict involving Iran disrupted tanker traffic through the Persian Gulf, forcing several Gulf producers to reduce output and pushing governments to consider emergency energy measures. Saudi Arabia joined Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE in cutting production as shipments stalled and storage capacity tightened. With hundreds of tankers idling near the Strait of Hormuz and major shipping insurers suspending coverage, the crisis is rapidly evolving from a regional military conflict into a global energy shock.

Energy Markets Are Reacting to Iran, But Not Panicking Yet✓

Energy markets often react before the rest of the economy when geopolitical crises erupt. Oil has surged toward $90 per barrel as traders price the risk of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, while European natural gas remains relatively calm but structurally exposed through LNG shipping routes. Together, the charts suggest markets are pricing risk, not yet a supply shock, as the conflict involving Iran enters its early phase.

Trump Sends Controversial Envoy to South Africa at a Diplomatic Low Point$

Leo Brent Bozell III has arrived in Pretoria as the new U.S. ambassador to South Africa, stepping into one of the most strained periods in bilateral relations in recent years. His appointment, amid disputes over Israel, Afrikaner rights allegations, and diplomatic expulsions, reflects a politically charged moment that could redefine the trajectory of U.S.–South Africa ties.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.