Decentralization and federalism are terms usually described as twin concepts but the semantic lining is important to consider (evidently the first can come without the latter and the latter supposes the former) albeit the blending that does occur in the real world. Democracy and accountability are ‘promised’ when empowering regional and local levels of government.... Continue Reading →

From June 1990 to January 1991, the ARLA (Armée Révolutionaire de Libération de l’Azawad) fought the Malian Armed Forces. In 1963-64 Mali was detached from a colonial enterprise. Man-made borders proved to be a great issue and this was only exacerbated with power centralized in the south. Southern Algerian localities like Bordj Badji Mokhtar and... Continue Reading →

In Bilda, a province that rubs shoulders with the Algerian capital Algiers, residents under mandatory quarantine cry from their apartment balconies, protest semolina shortages, and wait impatiently for help to arrive. Nadia Sahli moved to Meftah, Blida from Tizi Ouzou four months ago. The last thing she expected was being confined to her house, not... Continue Reading →

In Abalak, central Niger, Mdou Moctar, born in 1989, began stringing his makeshift guitar cobbled out of wood.  In 2008, he travels to Sokoto, Nigeria to record his debut album influenced by Haussa music. It proves to be a smash hit on MP3 networks across West Africa. In 2013, he releases a compilation of songs... Continue Reading →

Following protests in Ouargla and Laghouat, Algerian authorities brought forth decisions which aimed to promote the economic integration of unemployed youth living in the Southern region (defined by the European Training Foundation as covering 10 provinces: Adrar, Laghouat, Tamanrasset, Biskra, Bechar, Ouargla, Illizi, Tindouf, Oued Souf, and Ghardaia). In common parlance, the idea of “north”... Continue Reading →

Kenza B. was born in France, but her family is from Tizi Ghenif, Tizi Wezzu, Algeria, who moved in 1997. Kenza was born in 1998 and grew up in the suburbs of southern Paris. She studies computer science, and has transformed her side henna hobby into an admirable business. "I've always loved drawing and painting,... Continue Reading →

Mohammed Sultan Tajouri is of Benghazi origin in Libya. He was born and lives in Manchester, England, home to 10,000 Libyans– the largest population outside Libya. Tajouri is deeply interested in Libyan culture, history, and tradition. Much of these components have been buried beneath the soil in the past 100 years. His passions expand to... Continue Reading →

Originally from Marsa Matruh, Mahmoud Sedky works in the tourism business and is based in Siwa Oasis, Egypt. He has extensive experience in planning trips for tourists to visit not only Siwa, but the Nile and many other popular destinations. His tourism agency, "Bedouin," partnered with Gazef, has been running for 15 years. People from... Continue Reading →

النصر قريب

I belong to the Jbel Sheshar confederation, and more specifically I am of the Banu Amrane located in Djellal. This confederation, like many others, was defined by a semi-nomadic lifestyle and strong family ties. Djellal is at the heart of Banu Amrane known not only for its zkoukou (pine seeds), honey, orchard of figs, olives,... Continue Reading →