Morocco delays Fath Al-Andalous terror cell trial

2009-11-20 A Sale court on Thursday (November 19th) postponed the trial of 15 alleged terror cell members until January 7th, MAP reported. At the time of their arrests last August, the "Fath Al Andalous" (Reconquest of Andalusia) terror cell suspects reportedly possessed chemicals and electronic equipment used to manufacture explosives. Officials said the men, all Moroccan nationals in their twenties, planned to carry out attacks in Morocco and had already formed links with foreign extremists linked with al-Qaeda.

Five members of the cell had reportedly been in contact with Arab Afghans, who were ready to teach them long-distance bombing techniques used in Afghanistan, Iraq and Algeria.

Journalist Ben Brik trial ends in Tunis

2009-11-20 The assault trial of jailed Tunisian journalist Taoufik Ben Brik wrapped up in Tunis on Thursday (November 19th) after two days of testimony, international press reported. Ben Brik denied charges of assaulting a woman and instead criticised the authorities for prosecuting him to silence his criticism of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The secretary general of Reporters Without Borders and a member of the European parliament were in the Tunis courtroom for Thursday's hearing, AFP reported.

The court will issue its verdict on November 26th.

International ICT Forum slated for Tunis

2009-11-20 ICT experts, telecom operators, internet service providers and software companies from more than 50 countries will converge on Hammamet next week for the International Information and Communication Technologies Forum, Tunisia Online reported on Thursday (November 19th). Organisers said the November 24th-25th conference aims to promote investment and reduce the "broadband divide" between Africa and the Mediterranean region. Event partners include the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

Egypt recalls ambassador, cuts UNAF ties over match fallout

2009-11-20 Egypt on Thursday (November 19th) recalled its ambassador from Algiers, international press reported. Egypt also suspended membership in the North African Football Union (UNAF) to protest the alleged "violence" perpetrated against Egyptians in Sudan after Algeria won the World Cup qualifying tie-breaker on Wednesday. Sudanese authorities have denied any major incidents in Khartoum, claiming that only four fans sustained minor injuries, APS reported.

In related news, FIFA on Thursday authorised a disciplinary committee investigation into the Egyptian Football Federation over the November 14th attack in Cairo on the Algerian team's bus.

Also Thursday, thousands of fans lined the highway from the airport to Algiers to welcome Les Fennecs home from Khartoum. In downtown Algiers, thousands more converged on the May 1st Square to cheer the triumphant team's return. On Thursday night, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika received the players and trainers at the Palace of the People, APS reported.

Speaking on the sidelines of the government reception, Minister of State Abdelaziz Belkhadem noted that Algerian-Egyptian relations "are very important and should not be affected by the reactions of some Egyptians".

Algeria, Tunisia climb in latest FIFA rankings

2009-11-20 Algeria climbed one spot to reach 28th place in the latest FIFA world football rankings. According to the list published Friday (November 20th) on the world football body's website, Algeria rank 4th in Africa, behind Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Egypt are fifth. Tunisia rose one spot to 53rd, Morocco fell four to 67th, Libya added two places to hit 118, while Mauritania were unchanged at number 169.

Moroccan cyclists maintain Tour de Rwanda lead

2009-11-20 Moroccan cyclist Mohamed Regragui dethroned compatriot Adil Jelloul to take the yellow jersey at the Tour de Rwanda, MAP reported on Thursday (November 19th). After the third stage, Jelloul was only five seconds behind Regragui.

Tunisian Football Federation risks dissolution

2009-11-20 Following the dismissal of Tunisia coach Humberto Coelho over the Carthage Lions' unsatisfactory World Cup qualifying run, fans are calling for further changes within the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), Goal.com reported on Thursday (November 19th). Federation board members Abdelmajid Hergal and Jelal Tekaya have already decided to withdraw. One more resignation would lead to the Federation's dissolution.

Morocco vies to host 2016 CAN

2009-11-20 Morocco will soon submit its candidacy to host the 2016 African Cup of Nations, Goal.com reported on Friday (November 20th). The decision is reportedly part of a wider plan to update the country's football infrastructure. Kenya, DR Congo, Guinea, and Cameroon are also reportedly interested in hosting the event. Libya has already won the race to host the 2014 edition.