Feb 2, 2026

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco: Strong Hosting, Weak Crisis Management$

Analysis by The North Africa Journal

Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was widely praised for its stadiums, logistics, and overall organization, but the chaotic final in Rabat told a different story. A stoppage in play, disorder in the stands, and now a controversial set of disciplinary rulings from the continental federation have raised questions about how African football manages its biggest pressure points. The real issue is no longer just who lifted the trophy, but whether the institutions around the game can handle a final as the ultimate stress test.

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إيران -هدنة هشة بعد «غضب ملحمي»: وقف نار قصير يكشف وهم الحرب الخاطفة على إيران$

by The North Africa Journal | Apr 9, 2026 | 1PREMIUM, Arabic

هدنة هشة بعد أكثر من ستة أسابيع من الحرب تكشف اتساع الفجوة بين الوعود التي سُوِّقت في واشنطن عن حرب خاطفة على إيران وبين واقع صراع معقد استنزف القدرات العسكرية وعمّق أزمة الطاقة العالمية فيما بقيت مراكز القرار في طهران صامدة.

Mali: Russian-linked Forces Under Drone Pressure in Northern Mali$

by The North Africa Journal | Apr 9, 2026 | 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free, Security & Defense, Mali, 1shorts, Sahel, Terrorism, Security, Shield and Alert: Sahel, 1PREMIUM, Briefs

Armed groups in northern Mali are shifting toward repeatable FPV drone strikes against Malian army and Russian-linked Africa Corps positions. Recent attacks in Anéfis and Aguelhok indicate a tactical evolution that challenges the assumption of operational sanctuary in the Kidal region.

Niger Turns to Local Self-Defense Units to Contain Growing Insecurity$

by The North Africa Journal | Apr 9, 2026 | security upfront, Briefs, Shield and Alert: Sahel, Security & Defense, 1PREMIUM, Niger, 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free, 1shorts, Sahel, Terrorism, Security

Niger has formalized local self-defense units known as Domol Leydi as violence intensifies across its borders, reflecting a shift toward community-based security in response to expanding militant activity and limited state reach.

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