All articles tagged with #north africa
Across Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya, Amazigh communities celebrate Yennayer, the new year tied to a calendar that begins in 950 BC, as they usher in 2976 with feasts, parades, and traditional foods, reflecting a long cultural revival after historical marginalization; Yennayer is now recognized as a public holiday in several countries.
Greece has suspended asylum applications from North Africa for three months and increased detention measures following a significant rise in migrant arrivals, with over 9,000 migrants arriving in 2025, prompting logistical and humanitarian concerns. The government aims to deter traffickers and manage the crisis amid strained resources and international diplomatic challenges.
Scientists sequenced the oldest and most complete ancient Egyptian genome from a 5,000-year-old man, revealing genetic ties to both North Africa and Mesopotamia, providing new insights into the genetic makeup and cultural interactions of early Egyptians.
The US Census will introduce a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category in its 2030 survey, marking a significant change for communities previously categorized as "white". Advocates view this as a transformative step that will impact federal funding, congressional districts, and anti-discrimination laws. The update aims to ensure high-quality data on race and ethnicity, but concerns remain about refining subcategories to accurately represent the diverse population. The move is seen as crucial for addressing the needs of diverse communities and avoiding undercounts that can harm people's lives.
Archaeologists have discovered 90,000-year-old human footprints on a beach in Larache, Morocco, making it the oldest human footprints ever found in North Africa and the southern Mediterranean. The footprints, attributed to at least five ice age humans of various age groups, were preserved due to favorable beach conditions. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, researchers determined that the footprints date back approximately 90,000 years. The discovery sheds light on early human activity in the region, and further analysis aims to uncover the reasons behind the group's presence on the beach.
Italy has approved new measures to crack down on migration, including extending the detention period for migrants who don't qualify for asylum to 18 months and increasing the number of detention centers. Premier Giorgia Meloni has called for a naval blockade off North Africa to prevent human traffickers from launching smuggling boats. The European Commission has expressed support for exploring this possibility. The influx of migrants is challenging unity within the EU, with member states objecting to the way the EU-Tunisia deal was pushed through. France has shifted right on migration and security issues and is not prepared to take in migrants arriving in Lampedusa.
Around 7,000 migrants have arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa in the past two days, overwhelming the local reception center and causing tensions. The surge in arrivals is due to fine weather conditions, with more than 5,000 people arriving on Tuesday alone. Lampedusa, located off the coast of Tunisia, has long struggled to cope with the influx of migrants, with reports of inadequate resources and facilities. The Italian Red Cross, which runs the reception center, is facing difficulties in managing the situation. Italy's hard-right government has allocated funds to help Lampedusa, but Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is calling for European Union assistance.
A magnitude 7 earthquake has struck Morocco, causing widespread damage and panic. The earthquake, which originated near the city of Al Hoceima, was felt across the country and in neighboring regions. Rescue efforts are underway to assist those affected by the natural disaster.
A recent study published in the journal Nature reveals that the Neolithic era in North Africa was shaped by a complex interplay of cultures between African hunter-gatherers, European farmers, and Near Eastern pastoralists. The study, which analyzed genomic data from Neolithic human remains in the Maghreb region, challenges previous theories about the origins of agriculture and livestock in North Africa. The findings suggest that the Neolithic Revolution in this region was the result of a multifaceted process involving cultural exchanges, genetic mixing, and the adoption of new techniques from immigrant groups. This research sheds new light on the diverse origins and shared knowledge of ancient populations in North Africa over 7,000 years ago.
Energy-rich countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Egypt, Iran, and Iraq, are struggling to meet the power demands of their citizens during scorching summer temperatures, leading to rolling blackouts and protests. Factors such as a lack of maintenance, rising population, falling gas output, and aging power grids have contributed to the energy crisis. Egypt denies a gas shortage but acknowledges rocketing demand, while Iran has shut banks and urged people to consume less electricity. The situation highlights the challenges faced by energy exporters in keeping their citizens cool during brutal summer heatwaves.
More than 200 refugees have died in shipwrecks off the coast of Tunisia in just 10 days, with boats carrying asylum seekers from sub-Saharan Africa, Syria, and Sudan trying to reach Italy. Morgues and hospitals in the city of Sfax are struggling to cope with the surge, with some running out of space to bury the victims. Tunisia's coastline is less than 150km from the Italian island of Lampedusa, making it a popular stepping stone for refugees attempting the perilous sea journey from North Africa to Europe.
An early-season heat wave is breaking temperature records across the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, with temperatures more like July than April. The cause is an intrusion of superheated air off the Sahara Desert that is being pumped northward by winds circulating around a strong, slow-moving zone of low pressure in the North Atlantic. The heat wave is exacerbating one of the worst droughts on record for the area, with extreme fire danger covering large parts of the country through the weekend.
Global oil and gas companies, including Halliburton, Chevron, and Eni, are increasing their presence in North Africa as demand from Europe grows due to the region's underinvestment in energy infrastructure. Executives in the industry are betting it is worth drilling again in some of the hardest places to do business in the world as Europe increasingly turns to other sources for its energy needs after shunning its main supplier, Russia, over the invasion of Ukraine.