Jan 6, 2026

Irregular Migration to Spain Falls Sharply in 2025 With Decline in Atlantic Crossings$

Analysis by The North Africa Journal

Irregular migration to Spain declined significantly in 2025 following a record year in 2024, according to official figures. The drop was driven primarily by a sharp reduction in sea crossings to the Canary Islands, long one of Europe’s most dangerous migration routes. Enhanced maritime surveillance and expanded cooperation between Spain, the European Union, and key departure countries in West and North Africa played a central role in reducing Atlantic crossings. At the same time, arrivals to Spain did not disappear but shifted geographically, with increased landings reported in the Balearic Islands via the western Mediterranean. The figures highlight how enforcement measures can reshape migration patterns while leaving underlying pressures and humanitarian risks largely unchanged.

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Premium Contents

Algeria Expands Core Infrastructure Investment Across Core Sectors$

by The North Africa Journal | Jan 15, 2026 | Briefs, Business & Economy, 1shorts, Maghreb, Economy & Business, economy upfront, Business and Economy, 1PREMIUM, Algeria

Algeria is scaling up investment in core infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy spanning transport, water security, energy, and mining. Backed by multi-billion-dollar allocations in the 2026 state budget, the program targets roads, railways, ports, airports, and large-scale hydraulic projects, alongside major mining developments linked to new logistics corridors.
Authorities frame the effort as both an economic and social priority, aimed at improving service reliability, supporting industrial growth, and reducing regional disparities, particularly in remote southern areas. Several projects rank among the largest of their kind in Africa and reflect a continued reliance on state-led development to address structural challenges

Algerian Supporters Face Charges in Morocco$

by The North Africa Journal | Jan 15, 2026 | Algeria, Briefs, Morocco, 1shorts, Maghreb, Shield and Alert: Maghreb, Criminality and Corruption, 1PREMIUM

At least three Algerian nationals remain in custody in Morocco after traveling to the country to support their national football team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The detentions stem from separate incidents that Moroccan authorities say violated public order and criminal law during or around match days.

Inside the US Decision to Target Specific Muslim Brotherhood Branches$

by The North Africa Journal | Jan 15, 2026 | Briefs, Egypt, Politics, 1shorts, Egypt Politics, politics upfront, Shield and Alert: Egypt, International, 111, 1PREMIUM

The United States’ decision to designate Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations marks a significant shift in policy, but not the sweeping ban many had anticipated. Rather than targeting the movement as a whole, Washington adopted a selective approach grounded in specific allegations of operational ties to violence, particularly involving Hamas and cross-border militant activity

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