Maghreb Edition

WHO advises MENA region against loosening confinement measuresF

Posted On 28 April 2020

Number of times this article was read : 457

Cairo, April 28, 2020 – The World Health Organization warned Tuesday of the impact coronavirus could have in Middle Eastern conflict zones and urged other countries in the region against loosening confinement measures. “This fight has become even more challenging with the appearance of the virus in countries such as the Syrian Arabic Republic, Libya and Yemen,” said the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean director Ahmed al-Mandhari.

Years of turmoil and conflicts have destroyed healthcare infrastructure in these countries, leaving vulnerable populations prone to infectious diseases as they grapple with limited access to basic medical services, he told an online press conference from Cairo.

Another serious challenge in these countries is political fragmentation, which has often hindered information sharing and humanitarian access in these countries, Mandhari added. The United Nations has in recent years declared Yemen as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions suffering malnutrition and food insecurity. Impoverished Yemen has so far declared a single COVID-19 case. Syria, which has experienced a devastating nine-year war, has declared 43 cases.

Libya, which has been gripped by chaos and fighting since the 2011 ouster and killing of longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi, has reported 61 cases. Mandhari also warned against recent easing of confinement measures in some countries in the region. Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have recently relaxed curfew hours, coinciding with the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan. “This premature lifting of physical distancing measures is likely to lead to an uncontrolled resurgence in COVID-19 transmission and an amplified second wave of cases,” said Mandhari.

AFP

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Morocco Becomes Africa’s Top-Ranked Industrial Economy✓

Morocco has become Africa’s leading industrial economy, followed by South Africa and Egypt. The African Development Bank (AfDB) ranked Tunisia fourth, reinforcing North Africa’s position as one of the continent’s principal industrial regions. The AfDB’s 2025 Africa Industrialization Index placed Morocco ahead of South Africa as Africa’s highest-ranked industrial economy.

Algerian Gas Exports to Europe Rise for Fourth Consecutive Month✓

Algeria continued to expand natural gas exports to Europe during the first four months of 2026, benefiting from steady pipeline deliveries to key markets including Spain and Italy. While Europe’s gas market continues shifting toward LNG imports, Algeria has maintained its position as one of the continent’s leading pipeline suppliers through a combination of established infrastructure, long-term contracts, and growing LNG activity.

Jabaroot, the Telegram Account That Has the Moroccan State on Edge✓

An anonymous Telegram channel known as Jabaroot has become one of Morocco’s most closely watched sources of leaks and sensitive disclosures. By publishing confidential documents, internal information, and allegations involving political, economic, and security figures, the account has fueled speculation, controversy, and concern within Morocco’s institutions. Its true identity remains unknown, adding to its influence and mystique.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.