Maghreb in January 2026: the most important developments in society
In January 2026, weather dominated news from the Maghreb. In Morocco, the longest drought in decades ended, and by the end of the month the country was working to protect residential areas from floods, with a town there devastated by high water. In Tunisia, floods killed at least four people after the heaviest rainfall in 70 years, and record rains threatened the famed blue-and-white village. Algeria closed most schools and universities on 27 and 28 January because of a storm alert. In Libya, a sandstorm halted flights and brought a curfew.
The Africa Cup of Nations final left a diplomatic and sporting aftermath. Morocco asked FIFA to investigate incidents at the final, while Algeria's national team was fined $100,000 and players were suspended. Morocco's king urged fans not to feel resentment toward Senegalese people.
Other items included the discovery by Libyan authorities of a mass grave with 21 African migrants, the return of tourists to Libya after more than a decade of war, a continuing transport strike in Algeria, and the decision of the leader of Tunisia's main union to step back from his resignation. Morocco's King Mohammed VI was reported to need rest because of back pain.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.