April 2026 II
Shifting Sands
U. Profazio
Mali’s military junta has endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara and withdrawn recognition of the Algerian-backed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, dealing a significant blow to Algiers in the region. The move reflects deepening Morocco-Sahel ties built through economic incentives, including the Atlantic Initiative offering landlocked Sahelian states sea access via Moroccan ports. Meanwhile, Algeria’s regional influence continues to erode as Russia actively backs the sovereignist bloc reshaping West Africa, and closed-door talks between all parties are underway in Spain and the United States.
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Under The Radar
UAE Dismantles Hezbollah’s linked network
The UAE has dismantled a Hezbollah and Iran-linked terrorist network that was operating under a fictitious commercial cover to finance terrorism and infiltrate the national economy. Investigators also found that the group was recruiting Emirati youth and spreading pro-Iran ideology, in a direct attempt to undermine national unity and the country’s foreign policy.
The Arab Weekly.
War’s Environmental Toll in Middle East
Burning oil refineries, damaged LNG plants and a 20km oil slick in the Strait of Hormuz are among the environmental consequences of the war in Iran. Researchers estimate that at least five million tonnes of CO2 were emitted in just the first two weeks of conflict, while toxic smoke from refinery fires is now threatening the health of millions of civilians.
France 24.
Ethiopia’s Fragile Peace Deal Unravels
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has announced it is reinstating its regional government, effectively collapsing the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended a war killing at least 600,000 people. The TPLF’s move raises fears of a return to conflict in a region where up to 80% of the population already needs emergency humanitarian aid.
Al Jazeera.
Madagascar’s Gen Z Revolution Betrayed
The military regime that came to power in Madagascar after Gen Z protests toppled the previous president is now arresting the very activists who enabled its rise. With no economic reforms, growing Russian influence and protesters facing state security charges, young Malagasy are realising the new government may be little different from the one they overthrew.
The Guardian.
Türkiye’s Strategic Bid for Energy Centrality
As the Middle East war reshapes global energy flows, Türkiye is positioning itself as a hub capable of directing gas and oil from the Caspian, Iraq, the Eastern Mediterranean and even Africa towards European markets. The question is whether Ankara can capitalise on the moment or remain, as the author puts it, a bridge used by others rather than a centre shaping the system itself.
AnewZ.
Civilians Freed from IS-Linked Congo Group
Ugandan and Congolese soldiers have rescued more than 200 civilians from a camp controlled by the Allied Democratic Forces in eastern DR Congo. Those freed described months of forced labour, starvation and brutal punishment. The ADF, which pledged allegiance to Islamic State in 2016, has been responsible for more than half of all civilian deaths in the region.
BBC.
