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

by The North Africa Journal | Feb 18, 2026 | 111, 1PREMIUM, South Africa, Briefs, Politics, 1shorts, Africa, Sahel, Shield and Alert: Sahel, International, International

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.

Algeria and Niger Relaunch Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline After Diplomatic Freeze$

by Arezki Daoud | Feb 18, 2026 | 111, Security & Defense, 1PREMIUM, Niger, Sahel, Security, Politics, Shield and Alert: Maghreb, Shield and Alert: Sahel, International, Algeria, International, Briefs, Business, Politics

Algeria and Niger have ended months of strained relations and announced the operational launch of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a 4,000-kilometer project linking Nigerian gas fields to European markets through Niger and Algeria. The move signals both a diplomatic reset and a renewed push to position North Africa as a strategic energy corridor.

Morocco Detains Civic Activist Amid Online Speech Concerns$

by Arezki Daoud | Feb 18, 2026 | Shield and Alert: Maghreb, Briefs, Human Rights, Morocco, Human Rights, Social & Human Affairs, Repression, 1shorts, Unrest, Government abuse, 1PREMIUM, Unrest, 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free, Maghreb, Social, Hirak, Politics

Moroccan authorities have detained Mohammed Khalif,a Casablanca-based member of the youth movement GenZ212, following a home search and seizure of his computer. Charges have not yet been publicly disclosed. His arrest comes days after another GenZ212 member was prosecuted over alleged online incitement, raising questions about the legal climate surrounding youth activism and digital expression in Morocco.

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