France-Algeria Tensions Mount over Western Sahara

In a significant political move, Tunisian President Kais Saied has restricted the upcoming elections to only two opposition candidates, raising concerns about the state of democracy in the country. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are set to participate in peace talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan, although recent negotiations between Sudan's military government and U.S. officials in Jeddah ended without a consensus on the army's role in the discussions. Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated as Algeria has begun blocking the deportation of its citizens from France. This development follows France's controversial recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara, which has disrupted a long-standing international consensus on a U.N.-supervised referendum regarding the region. Observers suggest that France's shift may be motivated by economic interests, particularly in securing access to phosphate investments and a significant port project in Dakhla. In Ethiopia, the government has secured over $20 billion in financing from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank after agreeing to float its currency against the dollar. Additionally, a partnership with the UAE aims to develop what could become Africa's largest airport, a project announced by Ethiopian Airlines. Lastly, Malawi continues to grapple with corruption, as highlighted by Madalitso Wills Kateta, who argues that influential politicians remain shielded from accountability in the ongoing fight against graft.