Weather helps North African durum crop
Morocco produced 1.2 million tonnes of durum in 2023-24, according to the International Grains Council. Algeria harvested 1.9 million tonnes, down from 2.2 million the previous year, while Tunisia produced 500,000 tonnes, less than half of the 1.1 million taken off in 2022-23. There were also reports that Canada has exported two million tonnes of durum to China, according to Chinese customs data. However, Chinese state-run food company COFCO Group said it has imported durum for the first time for processing into flour, according to Reuters. “This direct import of durum wheat has enriched the structure of China’s imported wheat varieties, facilitated the extension of COFCO’s products upstream and further improved COFCO’s … full industry chain model,” the company said in a statement.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 22:03 UTC
Sekhukhune United secure first-ever group stage win, Zamalek cruise past SOAR
South Africa’s Sekhukhune United secured their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage win in the closing matches of the competition’s Match Day 2 fixtures on Sunday, 03 December. The result was a great comeback from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against former champions, RS Berkane in Morocco. First half goals by Kamohelo Sithole as well as veteran defender, Daniel Cardoso were enough to secure the confidence boosting win for the tournament debutants. Meanwhile in a simultaneous fixture, Super Olympien d’une Afrique Renaissante (SOAR) were crushed 4-0 by former champions, Zamalek who were away this time. The away victory gives Zamalek their second win of the group and results in them occupying the summit of Group B.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 21:32 UTC
HSBC appoints new head of Markets & Securities Services in Middle East
Nabeel Albloushi, head of Markets & Securities Services in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (MENAT) region at HSBC. HSBC has named Nabeel Albloushi as head of Markets & Securities Services in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (MENAT) region. As a core member of HSBC’s regional leadership team, Albloushi will help to execute HSBC’s growth strategy in MENAT, leveraging the bank’s competitive strengths in capital financing and complex solutions to support clients who wish to invest and expand internationally. Since 2015, Albloushi has led the successful development of HSBC’s regional corporate sales platform and increased MENAT connectivity across key business and investment corridors. Stephen Moss, regional chief executive of HSBC in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (MENAT), said: “Nabeel’s long experience, deep market knowledge and strong client relationships that have been built with distinction over 27 years with HSBC, are qualities that will help drive a new phase of growth in our markets and securities services business, particularly in leveraging the competitive advantage of our international network for our clients to connect them to opportunities across key investment corridors, especially the fast-growing business corridor between MENAT and Asia.”Antoine Maurel, head of Markets and Securities Services for both Europe & MENAT, added: “Thanks to his successful leadership of our markets and securities services business in the UAE, in addition to other roles, Nabeel has developed and maintained strong relationships with exchanges and regulators in the region and with clients across multiple sectors.”Commenting on his new role, Albloushi said: “With HSBC’s long heritage in the region and its international footprint, I look forward to connecting corporates and clients to a global network of capital and capabilities, to providing them with bespoke solutions in financing and digital foreign exchange flows, and to opening them up to a world of opportunity across markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.”
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 16:53 UTC
Israel's plan to eliminate Hamas could lead to decade of war, warns Macron – video
Emmanuel Macron has warned that Israel's plan to eliminate Hamas could take up to a decade. Speaking at the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai, The French president said: 'We are at a moment when Israeli authorities need to more precisely define their objectives and their final goal, the total destruction of Hamas. Does anyone think it is possible? If this is the case, the war will last 10 years.' Macron also said he would visit Doha for a meeting with the Qatari emir after Cop28 to try to bring about a fresh truce between Israel and Hamas and a possible ceasefire, following the breakdown of a Qatari-mediated truce last week
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 12:01 UTC
Gabon: Ali Bongo refuses to go into exile without family members – The North Africa Post
Ali Bongo Ondimba, the ex-leader of Gabon, has rejected all plans forcing him to go into exile without his family members, as his wife and eldest son are hallowing in prison over multiple charges, reports say citing one family member. A junta led by current transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema removed Bongo on August 30, putting therefore an end to his 14-year power control. Ali Bongo, according to the family source, believes the former First lady and Noureddin have nothing to do with the charges leveled at them. Ali Bongo is taking full responsibility for charges, the source added. No legal action has been taken against Ali Bongo himself yet.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 11:41 UTC
East DRC: Commencement of East African Regional Force Withdrawal Amidst Criticisms
In a significant development, the regional force of the East African Community (EAC-RF), viewed as ineffective by Kinshasa, has initiated its withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after opting not to renew its mandate. A spokesperson for the EAC-RF on-site confirmed that the plane was heading to Nairobi, carrying only Kenyan military personnel. With the exception of the Burundians, they accused the regional force of coexisting with the rebels rather than compelling them to disarm. A Kenyan soldier from the regional force had been killed on October 24 by shell fragments. In addition to the EAC force, the United Nations mission, MONUSCO, formerly MONUC, has been present in the DRC since 1999.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 11:27 UTC
Leveraging Complementary Economies for Regional Collaboration and Trade in North Africa – International Supermarket News
By Riad BeladiExecutive Summary:North Africa is home to a diverse set of economies, each endowed with unique strengths and resources. Algeria boasts abundant hydrocarbons, Morocco has a thriving agriculture sector, and Tunisia possesses a well-established manufacturing industry. Recognizing and harnessing the complementary nature of these economies can open doors to enhanced collaboration and trade, fostering economic growth and regional stability. This report explores the potential for synergy among Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging their complementary strengths.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 09:21 UTC
Egypt’s auto sales fall 65% YoY in October
Egypt’s auto sales dropped 65% year on year (YoY) in October 2023 to 6,077 vehicles from 19,300 vehicles, Al Mal News reported, citing the Automotive Market Information Council (AMIC). This marks the lowest auto sales over the past two years. The Nissan brand topped the market in terms of sales with 16,800 vehicles, or a market share of 36.5% in October. Chery came in second place with 15,200 vehicles, representing 33% of total sales, followed by BYD with 4,445 vehicles and a market share of 9.6%.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 07:43 UTC
North Korea says any US interference with its ‘space assets’ will be deemed ‘declaration of war’
CNN —North Korea has warned any potential interference or attack on its “space assets” by the United States will be “deemed a declaration of war,” the state media outlet KCNA reported on Saturday. DPRK stands for Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea. Neither South Korea, the United States nor Japan, all of which are experiencing increasing military tensions with North Korea, could confirm “Malligyong-1,” had made it into orbit. The November launch was condemned by North Korea’s neighbors Japan and South Korea, with Seoul calling it a “clear violation” of a UN Security Council resolution that prohibits North Korea from using ballistic missile technology. North Korea subsequently vowed to deploy new military hardware along the military demarcation line.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 02:15 UTC
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North still says no to a united Ireland but opinions are shifting
No British secretary of state for Northern Ireland could see the results of today’s survey and conclude that a referendum was likely to succeed. Those are substantial shifts in a short time and underline just how much the united Ireland issue is moving to the centre of politics. [ The United Ireland paradox: Taking unity seriously means accepting a more realistic time frame ]At the same time, there is also another, parallel task: reassuring unionists that their interests, identity and loyalties will be recognised and protected in a new, united Ireland. That is good news for those concerned not just with achieving a united Ireland, but making sure that it would be a success. They will want to know what a united Ireland means for their own economic circumstances.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 01:42 UTC
South Korea launches spy satellite with SpaceX amid space race with North
Satellite launch comes as Seoul seeks to bolster its ability to monitor nuclear-armed North Korea. South Korea has launched its first spy satellite using a rocket operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The launch on Saturday came less than two weeks after rival North Korea announced it had successfully launched its own reconnaissance satellite, underscoring the accelerating space race between the neighbours. The satellite promises to enhance Seoul’s ability to monitor nuclear-armed North Korea, which has until now been heavily dependent on the surveillance capabilities of its ally, the United States. North Korea’s launch of the Malligyong-1 satellite last month drew condemnation from the US, South Korea and Japan, whose governments view Pyongyang’s space programme as a pretext to test banned ballistic missile technology.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 01:13 UTC
Rare Andromedids Meteor Shower Could Be Visible
PlayAt a Glance There's a chance to see a very rare meteor shower tonight. The Andromedids originated in what is now a dead comet. Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.People in the U.S. might have a chance to see a very rare meteor shower Saturday night. It’s called the Andromedids, and it originated with a comet named 3D/Biela. But people in North America could have a chance to spot some of the Andromedids shortly after sunset if the show runs behind its expected schedule, the American Meteor Society says.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 03, 2023 00:01 UTC
Blind golden mole that 'swims' in sand detected in South Africa for first time in 87 years
Traces of two De Winton's golden moles have been found under the sands of a beach after a "detective novel search." SOUTH AFRICA, — A golden mole that "swims" in sand has resurfaced in South Africa after 87 years in the wilderness when many specialists feared it had become extinct, researchers announced. Traces of two De Winton's golden moles have been found under the sands of a beach after a "detective novel search," said Esther Matthew, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) senior field officer, on Tuesday. The rediscovered De Winton's golden mole is the eleventh of the "world's most wanted lost species" to be rediscovered, according to Re:wild. The use of environmental DNA was a "case study on how such forward-thinking technologies can be utilized to find other lost species."
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 02, 2023 21:40 UTC