Feb 4, 2026

Tunisia Appeals Court Extends Rached Ghannouchi’s Prison Term by 20 Years$

Analysis by The North Africa Journal

Rached Ghannouchi, the 84-year-old leader of Tunisia’s Ennahda party, has had his prison sentence increased to 20 years in a case known as “Conspiracy 2,” pushing his cumulative jail time from multiple convictions to more than four decades. His defense team says he will not seek a final appeal, denouncing the charges as politically driven and warning that the ruling deepens Tunisia’s crackdown on organized opposition.

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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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