Spotlight | Morocco, Niger
Moroccan intelligence services' secret talks to free Mohamed Bazoum

Palace Intrigues
Mohammed VI, Moulay Hassan, Ali Lamine Zeine, Alexandre Djouhri

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

MoroccoCrown Prince Moulay Hassan joins dad in Paris

NigerPM Ali Lamine Zeine snubs the MEDays in Tanger

FranceAlexandre Djouhri, faithful viewer of conservative CNews TV from jail

Mali, Niger, Senegal
Qatari foreign minister to tour Sahel states

Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi is due to visit Niger, Mali and Senegal at some point next week, in an order that has yet to be defined.

Algeria
Algiers looking to renew military ties with Bamako and Niamey

While its relations with the Malian junta are at a standstill, Algeria is trying to restart its military cooperation with Burkina Faso and Niger.

Niger, Senegal
Niamey, the blind spot in Dakar's bid to reconcile new Sahel bloc with ECOWAS

Senegal's president has been tasked with restoring links between the West African bloc and three junta-led states that spurned it to form the AES. His mission has taken him to Mali and Burkina Faso, but so far he has only initiated contact with Niger.

Niger
European Commission sends humanitarian envoy to restore relations with Niamey

In November, the European Union recalled its ambassador to Niamey against a backdrop of disagreement over humanitarian issues. However, Brussels is now seeking to calm relations with Niger.

Morocco
With Trump back, US diplomat David Fischer hopes to return to Rabat as ambassador

After a brief stint as US ambassador in Rabat in 2020-2021, David T. Fischer has told his confidants that he cherishes the hope of being appointed to this position again.

Morocco
Driss Lachgar rolls out the red carpet for Socialist International in Rabat

Socialist International will hold a World Council in Rabat on 21 December. The organisation last met in Morocco in May 2002.

Morocco, Niger
Nigerien prime minister tries to reboot Moroccan investment

During a visit to Morocco in February, Ali Lamine Zeine discussed the Niamey corniche project with the chairman of the company promoting it, YMMY Finance Holding. He also talked to his opposite number, Aziz Akhannouch, about bilateral cooperation.

Palace Intrigues
Felix Tshisekedi, Macky Sall, Mohamed Bazoum

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

DRCTshisekedi in private talks with Jules Alingete

SenegalFirst lady's brother backed election delay

NigerNew house arrest arrangements for Bazoum?

Morocco, Niger
Bank of Africa, a beacon for Moroccan firms in Niger

As contacts resume between Rabat et Niamey, Bank of Africa (BOA), whose Nigerien subsidiary is a leading financial player in the country, could prove to be a precious facilitator.

Niger
Junta sets conditions for Mohamed Bazoum's release

The ex-president's son was released on 8 January on the orders of Niger's military leader, General Tchiani, but his own fate is still being negotiated.