Feb 3, 2026

Cyclone Harry’s Hidden Toll: NGOs Fear Up to 1,000 Migrants Lost at Sea$

Analysis by The North Africa Journal

Up to 1,000 migrants may have vanished in the Central Mediterranean during Cyclone Harry, far more than the 380 people officially listed as missing by maritime authorities, according to humanitarian groups working on the Tunisia–Libya route. The Italian NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans says testimonies from coastal communities around Sfax and from migrants’ families suggest dozens of boats sailed into the storm and never returned, turning what was reported as a series of shipwrecks into what advocates describe as a “hidden catastrophe” at sea.

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Premium Contents

Algeria and Niger Restore Ties, Signaling a Shift in Sahel Diplomacy$

by Arezki Daoud | Feb 16, 2026 | Sahel, International, International, 1PREMIUM, 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free, Algeria, Briefs, Politics, Security & Defense, Niger, 1shorts

Algeria and Niger restored diplomatic relations after nearly a year of tensions triggered by regional security disputes. The return of ambassadors and a planned high-level visit signal renewed cooperation centered on energy development, border security, and regional trade. The rapprochement highlights the strategic importance of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and reflects broader efforts to stabilize partnerships across the Sahel amid ongoing security and economic pressures.

French Interior Minister Renews Dialogue with Algeria$

by Arezki Daoud | Feb 15, 2026 | politics upfront, International, 1PREMIUM, Algeria, Briefs, Politics, 1shorts, Maghreb, International politics, Politics

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s announced visit to Algiers marks a formal attempt to restart diplomatic engagement between France and Algeria after a period of strained relations. Discussions are expected to focus on security cooperation in the Sahel, the handling of deportation orders affecting Algerian nationals, and the case of imprisoned journalist Christophe Gleize. The visit takes place amid shifting regional dynamics, including Algeria’s growing role in Sahel security arrangements and recent signals of economic and political goodwill between the two countries.

Nigeria: More than 160 people killed in Muslim communities in Kwara State$

by Arezki Daoud | Feb 12, 2026 | 111, Briefs, 1PREMIUM, Security & Defense, Nigeria, Terrorism, 1shorts, Africa, Nigeria, Terrorism, Sahel, Terrorism, Shield and Alert: Nigeria

More than 160 people were killed in predominantly Muslim farming communities in Kwara State, Nigeria, after villagers reportedly refused to accept an extremist group’s strict religious rule.

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