North Africa’s media landscape on Friday, 11 April 2025, reflects a region grappling with rising cyber tensions, evolving financial strategies, and renewed social policies across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
In Morocco, Al3omk reports that the hacker collective Phantom Atlas has claimed responsibility for cyberattacks targeting Algerian government websites.
These assaults come in retaliation to a recent breach allegedly orchestrated by Algerian hackers against Morocco’s Ministry of Employment and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), marking a new escalation in the cyber-conflict between the two rivals.
Meanwhile, Akhbarona turns its focus to fuel prices.
With international oil markets on a continued downturn, analysts suggest the cost of diesel in Morocco could drop below 10 dirhams per litre—levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, industry experts caution that pricing remains largely controlled by regulatory frameworks beyond the distributors’ influence.
Across the border in Algeria, TSA reports that French President Emmanuel Macron has once again called for the release of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, imprisoned since November 2024.
Macron urged Algerian authorities to take swift action toward his liberation.
El Watan DZ highlights the seizure of over 50 tonnes of contraband tobacco in the first quarter of 2025.
March alone saw a surge in illicit trade due to heightened demand during Ramadan, driven by rising prices in the formal market.
In Tunisia, Tunisienumerique reports two minor earthquakes in Sidi Bouzid, registering magnitudes of 2.5 and 2.6 on the Richter scale. No damage has been reported.
Meanwhile, Webdo notes a new government initiative allowing the Housing Promotion Agency to purchase public land at reduced rates.
The goal: build affordable urban zones for low-income populations—part of a broader social policy effort led by the presidency.
Libya also features prominently.
Libya Herald reports that the Libyan Iron and Steel Company (LISCO) exported 210,000 tonnes of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the first quarter, setting a record with shipments to Europe and the Arab world.
Libya Observer adds that security forces loyal to the parallel government have launched a sweeping crackdown in southern Libya, targeting networks involved in human trafficking, fuel smuggling, and drug trade.
Operations in Al-Hamira and Umm al-Aranib led to multiple arrests and seizures.
In Egypt, Egypt Today announces that Cairo is preparing to issue $2 billion in sovereign sukuk this year, part of a strategy to diversify funding sources.
International banks, including HSBC and Citibank, are set to lead the rollout, beginning in the second quarter.
Finally, Egypt Independent reports the Central Bank is offering free bank accounts with no minimum balance through April, in celebration of the Arab Financial Inclusion Day.
Awareness campaigns are underway across universities, youth centres, and sports clubs to promote digital banking services.
