Latest news with #Algiers
Morocco World
a day ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
UK's Support: New Major Milestone in Morocco's Race to End Western Sahara Dispute
Washington DC – Morocco appears to have reached its cruise speed in this decades-spanning race to end the frustratingly lingering dispute over the Western Sahara. Less than a week ago, Kenya – once a stronghold of Polisario separatism and one the most vocal supporters of Algeria's hegemonic agenda in Morocco's southern provinces – expressed its full endorsement of the Moroccan autonomy proposal. If that was disorientating and perplexing for Algeria's increasingly cornered and besieged foreign policy establishment – and it no doubt was – now imagine what Algiers' frustrated and overwhelmed strategists may think or make of the bombshells — though not exactly surprising — decision by the UK to back Morocco's position on the Sahara. Such a strong endorsement from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which has in effect joined the growing list of countries that clearly support the Moroccan position, is not merely symbolic. From Nairobi to London: an irreversible shift in global consensus It is rather a ringing indication of an increasingly irreversible evolution. As I and many others have suggested over the past few years, highly symbolic and politically significant decisions like this one are a clear sign that it is only a matter of time before Morocco resolves this territorial dispute. It may take longer than many in Morocco would like or hope. However, judging from the endless waves of declarations supporting Morocco's plan and presenting it as the only viable and most realistic option, Morocco closer to the finishing than ever before. Yet it came as no surprise that, just a few hours after the UK announced its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the only pragmatic and feasible political horizon for the Western Sahara region, Algeria responded in its usual manner. In a visibly feeble statement whose sincerity and accuracy could convince no serious or diligent observer of the changing tides in the long-running Sahara saga, Algeria attempted to dismiss the UK's newfound position as having on real effect on the outcome of the dispute. In essence, says this unconvincing and stuttering Algerian statement, this latest announcement from the UK is just another non-event in the imaginary procession towards an independence referendum in the Sahara. Make no mistake: In the imagined, fictitious world of official Algeria, the irrepressible Moroccan momentum on the Western Sahara question is a figment of Rabat's imagination. This is a textbook case of denial as a strategy and diversion as a survival mechanism to make the cascading trauma-inducing changes much more palatable and survivable for Algeria's battered foreign policy. I have written extensively about this Algerian mentality in my latest book on the Western Sahara and in other articles over the years. As such, it would suffice now to only recall that, to the dismay of Algiers and its Polisario proxy, this decision by the UK deepens what I described in my latest articles as signs of the beginning of the end of their separatist dreams in Morocco's southern provinces. And so, to make sense of London's announcement, it is essential to place it into some kind of broader context. Following the US recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western and Spain and France's respective decision to follow in its footsteps, it was time for the UK to come out of its comfort zone by adopting a position that reflects the excellent level of its relations with Morocco, which has reached new heights over the past six years. In that sense, as an extension of the mood and reality created by Washington's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in late 2020, the United Kingdom's long-overdue decision to back the Moroccan autonomy proposal as the only basis to reach a political solution to the Algeria-engineered dispute over the Sahara is another devastating blow to the the Algerian regime's separatist project in southern Morocco. And so, whatever dismissive superlatives Algeria may come up with to complement its first official response to this new reality, the fact remains that London's new position on the Sahara further entrenches Algeria's isolation at the regional and international level. Never has Algeria been dealt such a series of devastating blows in such a short period of time. Algeria's deepening isolation and desperation What makes this pill even harder to swallow for Algeria is that it comes while the country is a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Making a reading of the geopolitical landscape and the diplomatic dynamics of the dispute that is completely out of sync with the reality on the ground in the Sahara dossier, the Algerians were banking on their presence at the Security Council to blunt the positive momentum that Morocco has succeeded in building around its position in recent years. And yet, like the newfound positions of France and Spain, the UK's clear support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara is highly significant since this country was the only European power that, prior to Morocco's loss of independence and subjugation by France and Spain in 1912, had signed the treaty of March 13, 1895 recognizing that present day Western Sahara was part of Morocco's territory. Moreover, Britain played a central role in the Franco-Spanish agreement of October 1904 that gave Spain the Sahara in 'full possession and sovereignty' without consulting Morocco, although the North African nation was still an independent and sovereign country. In fact, the dispute was created when, in the secret agreement it signed with France in April 1904, Britain allowed the latter to grant Spain a sphere of influence in southern Morocco. At the same time, however, Britain made sure that neither France nor Spain could take any action that might alienate the territory. The terms of that agreement simply speak volumes about Britain's recognition that the disputed territory was historically part of Morocco. Today, the three European countries that held primary responsibility in the genesis of the conflict – France, Spain and the UK – have come to terms with the relentlessly gathering facts on the ground. Some might see in this the return of history with a vengeance, the suggestion being that one cannot escape from shouldering one's historical responsibility. What there is a kernel of truth to that historical reading, the more important aspect of this emerging new reality in the Sahara equation stems from cold, pure political realism on the part of French, Spanish, and British elites. In the rapidly evolving global landscape where Morocco is poised to become a significant player, these countries are awakening to the fact that the preservation of their strategic interest with Rabat, be it at the bilateral or multilateral level, requires that they clearly support the Moroccan stance on the Sahara dispute. This development, a clear rebuke to Algeria's military junta, marks a turning point in the diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict, as well as the total collapse and resounding failure of Algeria's separatist agenda. A historic correction with sweeping strategic implications Coming on the heels of Kenya's unambiguous endorsement of the Moroccan autonomy proposal, the UK's decision brings Morocco closer than ever before to closing this dispute. Differently put, the UK's move provides Morocco with more leeway to dictate the rules of the games in any potential negotiations with the other parties of the dispute in the future. It is true that the UK's newly announced position has fallen short of literally following in the footsteps of the United States and France by fully recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. But by expressing its full and unequivocal endorsement of the Moroccan autonomy plan, the UK has taken a first a decisive step towards righting the historical wrong it caused to Morocco when it decided to dispose of its territory and participated in its dismemberment. The fact that it has announced its decision to inject five billion British pounds to fund projects across Morocco, including in the southern provinces, is in itself a clear indication of where the UK stands regarding Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara. But diplomacy is an incremental process. Nothing is resolved overnight, and patience and strategic persistence are essential. I have no doubt that, as Morocco will garner more global support for its position and will strengthen its positioning as an emerging powerhouse in its immediate region and beyond, the UK will go a step further in supporting Morocco by fully recognizing its sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Samir Bennis is the co-founder and publisher of Morocco World News. You can follow him on Twitter @SamirBennis. Tags: Algeria and Western SaharaUK and Morocco
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Islamic Development Bank Institute Engages Global Stakeholders to Advance Islamic Finance during Group Annual Meetings in Algiers
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) ( has reinforced its leadership in Islamic finance by engaging with key stakeholders in a series of high-level bilateral meetings during the 2025 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Algiers, Algeria. These strategic engagements underscore IsDBI's commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development across its Member Countries. Led by Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General, the IsDBI team included Mr. Mohammad Khalid Jawahir, Senior Islamic Finance Specialist; Dr. Hylmun Izhar, Senior Research Economist; and Dr. Wejdan Kenali, Senior Editor. The IsDBI's agenda focused on advancing partnerships, capacity development, and knowledge-driven solutions in Islamic finance. Strengthening Global Partnerships Key engagements included a meeting with the Securities Commission Malaysia, represented by Mrs. Sharifatul Hanizah, Executive Director, Islamic Capital Market and Mr. Hamzil Mohamadan, Head ICM Strategic Affairs, to explore collaboration in Sukuk, Awqaf, and sustainability initiatives. Discussions with Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) officials, Dr. Ghiath Shabsigh, Secretary General and Dr. Abdullah Haron, Deputy Secretary General, centered on Islamic finance laws and regulations and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance financial infrastructure. The IsDBI team also met with Atlantic Group, a leading pan-African conglomerate, led by Mr. Léon Konan Koffi, Chairman of the Board, focusing on the development of internal Shariah-compliant financial capabilities to support the Group's expansion. A session with the Eurasian Development Bank, represented by Mr. Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, addressed the introduction of Shariah-compliant financial instruments in Central Asia, promoting financial inclusion and economic diversification. Advancing Social Finance and Capacity Building The IsDBI also met with IFAAS CEO and founder, Mr. Farrukh Raza where discussions centered on capacity building programs and the applications of Islamic finance principles. A meeting with Mr. Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, Deputy Secretary General of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum, and CEO of Awqaaf South Africa, stressed on the importance of Islamic social finance and innovative technologies, such as blockchain, to enhance waqf management. Engagement with Mr. Abdou Karim Diaw, National Coordinator of Senegal's PROMISE program, focused on capacity-building initiatives in Islamic microfinance to drive financial inclusion in underserved communities. Promoting Innovation and Knowledge Sharing The delegation from Bank Negara Malaysia, led by Ms. Nurul Izza Idris, Director of the Islamic Finance Department, exchanged insights on capacity building, digital payment innovation, and enhanced cooperation with Central Asian Member Countries. A meeting with the Participation Banks Association of Türkiye (TKBB), represented by Ms. Fatma Çınar, Deputy Secretary General of TKBB and Mr. Ömer Karakuş from the Katılım Finans Kefalet (Islamic Credit Guarantee Fund), included discussions on Türkiye's experiences in credit guarantees, digital transformation, and sustainability reporting, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing. Supporting Regulatory Development and Strategic Planning Engagements with H.E. Sheku A. Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Finance and IsDB Governor for Sierra Leone, and H.E. Hassan Miras, Deputy Minister of Finance and Acting IsDB Governor for the Republic of Maldives, focused on developing national Islamic finance strategies, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building programs. Meetings with Dr. Mohamed Abouzain, General Manager of Algeria's National Office of Awqaf and Zakat, and Dr. Ahmed Lamine Athié, Director General of Senegal's Haute Autorité du Waqf (HAW), addressed long-term strategic planning and public awareness for waqf management. Fostering Innovation for Economic Growth A session with Mr. Adam Roble, Managing Director of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank, explored innovative Islamic finance instruments to support agriculture and SMEs, including risk-sharing solutions and e-commerce integration. 'These strategic meetings reflect IsDBI's unwavering commitment to knowledge-based development, financial inclusion, and the use of Islamic finance as a driver of sustainable economic progress across the Member Countries and Muslim communities worldwide,' said Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI. The IsDB Institute remains dedicated to building robust partnerships and advancing the Islamic finance ecosystem for the benefit of all its Member Countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI). Social media handles: X (Twitter): Facebook: LinkedIn: About the Islamic Development Bank Institute: The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
IsDBI engages global stakeholders to advance Islamic finance during group Annual Meetings in Algiers
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) has reinforced its leadership in Islamic finance by engaging with key stakeholders in a series of high-level bilateral meetings during the 2025 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Algiers, Algeria. These strategic engagements underscore IsDBI's commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development across its Member Countries. Led by Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General, the IsDBI team included Mr. Mohammad Khalid Jawahir, Senior Islamic Finance Specialist; Dr. Hylmun Izhar, Senior Research Economist; and Dr. Wejdan Kenali, Senior Editor. The IsDBI's agenda focused on advancing partnerships, capacity development, and knowledge-driven solutions in Islamic finance. Strengthening Global Partnerships Key engagements included a meeting with the Securities Commission Malaysia, represented by Mrs. Sharifatul Hanizah, Executive Director, Islamic Capital Market and Mr. Hamzil Mohamadan, Head ICM Strategic Affairs, to explore collaboration in Sukuk, Awqaf, and sustainability initiatives. Discussions with Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) officials, Dr. Ghiath Shabsigh, Secretary General and Dr. Abdullah Haron, Deputy Secretary General, centered on Islamic finance laws and regulations and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance financial infrastructure. The IsDBI team also met with Atlantic Group, a leading pan-African conglomerate, led by Mr. Léon Konan Koffi, Chairman of the Board, focusing on the development of internal Shariah-compliant financial capabilities to support the Group's expansion. A session with the Eurasian Development Bank, represented by Mr. Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, addressed the introduction of Shariah-compliant financial instruments in Central Asia, promoting financial inclusion and economic diversification. Advancing Social Finance and Capacity Building The IsDBI also met with IFAAS CEO and founder, Mr. Farrukh Raza where discussions centered on capacity building programs and the applications of Islamic finance principles. A meeting with Mr. Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, Deputy Secretary General of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum, and CEO of Awqaaf South Africa, stressed on the importance of Islamic social finance and innovative technologies, such as blockchain, to enhance waqf management. Engagement with Mr. Abdou Karim Diaw, National Coordinator of Senegal's PROMISE program, focused on capacity-building initiatives in Islamic microfinance to drive financial inclusion in underserved communities. Promoting Innovation and Knowledge Sharing The delegation from Bank Negara Malaysia, led by Ms. Nurul Izza Idris, Director of the Islamic Finance Department, exchanged insights on capacity building, digital payment innovation, and enhanced cooperation with Central Asian Member Countries. A meeting with the Participation Banks Association of Türkiye (TKBB), represented by Ms. Fatma Çınar, Deputy Secretary General of TKBB and Mr. Ömer Karakuş from the Katılım Finans Kefalet (Islamic Credit Guarantee Fund), included discussions on Türkiye's experiences in credit guarantees, digital transformation, and sustainability reporting, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing. Supporting Regulatory Development and Strategic Planning Engagements with H.E. Sheku A. Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Finance and IsDB Governor for Sierra Leone, and H.E. Hassan Miras, Deputy Minister of Finance and Acting IsDB Governor for the Republic of Maldives, focused on developing national Islamic finance strategies, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building programs. Meetings with Dr. Mohamed Abouzain, General Manager of Algeria's National Office of Awqaf and Zakat, and Dr. Ahmed Lamine Athié, Director General of Senegal's Haute Autorité du Waqf (HAW), addressed long-term strategic planning and public awareness for waqf management. Fostering Innovation for Economic Growth A session with Mr. Adam Roble, Managing Director of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank, explored innovative Islamic finance instruments to support agriculture and SMEs, including risk-sharing solutions and e-commerce integration. 'These strategic meetings reflect IsDBI's unwavering commitment to knowledge-based development, financial inclusion, and the use of Islamic finance as a driver of sustainable economic progress across the Member Countries and Muslim communities worldwide,' said Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI. The IsDB Institute remains dedicated to building robust partnerships and advancing the Islamic finance ecosystem for the benefit of all its Member Countries. About the Islamic Development Bank Institute The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on Social media handles: X (Twitter): Facebook: LinkedIn:
Broadcast Pro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Algerian film ‘Algiers' set to screen in Abu Dhabi
MAD Solutions handles the film's distribution in the Arab world, while The Party Film Sales handles worldwide distribution. Algerian writer, director, and musician Chakib Taleb-Bendiab's feature-length directorial debut, Algiers, is set to screen at Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi, on May 31. Algiers is an investigative thriller addressing the serious issue of child kidnapping in Algeria, a country still recovering from its civil war. The film follows the story of a kidnapped little girl, sparking a wave of tension and suspicion throughout the city. Central to the narrative are Dounia, a skilled psychiatrist, and Sami, a committed police inspector, who together navigate the haunting shadows of Algeria's past to unravel the mystery. Written and directed by Bendiab, the film features a stellar cast including Meriem Medjkane, Nabil Asli, Chahrazad Kracheni, Hichem Mesbah, Slimane Benouari and Ali Namous. Algiers is produced by Khaled Chikhi and Yasmine Dhoukar, with executive production by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Chica. The cinematography is by Ikbal Arafat, who won the Best Cinematography Award in 2018 at the Satisfied Eye International Film Festival for Black Spirit. The film is edited by Bendiab and Fouad Benhammou and is distributed internationally by MAD World and in Arabic-speaking territories by MAD Distribution.
Asharq Al-Awsat
7 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi-Funded Fisheries Project Set to Boost Maldives' Global Market Reach
The Maldives is preparing to launch a major fisheries development project focused on cold storage and export infrastructure with funding from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), according to the country's Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ahmed Shiyam. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) meetings in Algiers, Shiyam said the project will enhance the competitiveness of Maldivian seafood in global markets by enabling better storage and higher-quality exports. 'We're working with Saudi funds on a cold storage project that will give our companies a global edge and help secure better prices,' Shiyam said. 'We're ready to begin implementation very soon.' The initiative is part of broader collaboration with the IsDB and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), which is already supporting a large-scale fisheries project aimed at improving community livelihoods. Shiyam noted that the project is halfway through and progressing well. A key feature is a seawater cooling system that reduces environmental impact and boosts operational efficiency. 'Fishermen are eager to install this system, which lowers costs, saves time, and increases profits,' he said. Shiyam stressed the Maldives' strong partnership with Saudi Arabia, calling it the country's most significant bilateral relationship. 'We're working closely with Saudi institutions, particularly the Saudi Fund for Development, on projects that directly improve our fisheries sector and the lives of our people,' he said. The minister acknowledged challenges such as limited storage and ice production, which currently force the Maldives to export raw fish without pricing leverage. 'Once these projects are complete, we'll be able to store fish until market conditions are favorable, giving us more control and better returns,' he added.
