Briefs Bound

Saudi–Emirati tensions over Yemen have reignited a debate about how the United Arab Emirates projects power beyond the Gulf, particularly across Africa and the Maghreb. The public rupture with Saudi Arabia over Yemen has drawn attention to a broader pattern in which Abu Dhabi is accused of using proxy actors, military support, media influence, and selective alliances to shape outcomes in fragile conflict zones. From Libya and Sudan to the Western Sahara file, the UAE has emerged as a consequential external actor whose involvement often intersects with local rivalries, unresolved conflicts, and competing regional interests.

Ride-hailing has returned to the political agenda in North Africa, reopening questions governments have been trying to resolve for more than a decade. At the center of the renewed debate is the controlled return of Uber to Morocco, a move that reflects a broader regional recalibration rather than a shift toward liberalization. Inside the sector in Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.

Niger’s military authorities have declared a nationwide general mobilization, granting the state expanded powers to requisition people, property, and services in response to ongoing jihadist violence. The move comes as attacks linked to al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, Boko Haram, and ISWAP continue to destabilize large parts of the country, with thousands of casualties reported this year. As Niger deepens its security alignment with Mali and Burkina Faso under the Alliance of Sahel States, the decision raises questions about regional counterterrorism coordination, civilian protection, and the broader security trajectory of the central Sahel.

After several years of economic disruption, Tunisia recorded measurable signs of stabilization in 2025. Growth accelerated modestly, inflation eased, and key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and services supported the recovery. Improved financial indicators, including stronger foreign investment and higher reserves, contributed to cautious optimism. At the same time, structural constraints, employment pressures, and external uncertainty continue to limit the pace of expansion. As Tunisia enters 2026 with a higher growth target, the central question is whether recent gains can be sustained and translated into durable job creation and long-term economic resilience.