Magharebia

Bloggers in Morocco have organised a new association to provide legal representation in case of trouble and to establish clear rules and ethics.

As communal elections in Morocco near, some politicians and anti-corruption activists are working together to protect the poll from fraud.

Algerian minimum-wage workers are clamouring for their first pay increase in 3 years. As officials, labour leaders and workers prepare for talks, critics say that without a concurrent boost in worker productivity, higher wages could threaten the economy.

As Labour Day approaches, members of Morocco's labour movement are renewing their calls for wage increases and other workplace improvements.

The first metro line will open this year in the Algerian capital, decades after work first started. Specially trained security forces will ensure the trains' security.

With energy consumption on the rise, Algerians are finding creative ways to keep costs under control. New light bulbs may cut consumption from lighting by 80% in the average household.

Government officials and NGO representatives from Arab, Maghreb and European countries gathered in Tunis last week to confront gender-based violence.

Agricultural producers and trade partners attended the International Agriculture Trade Fair in Meknes. Experts called on the government to further promote the sector.

Bolstered by assurances of safety and well-organised travel plans, some 7,500 Austrians will arrive in Tunisia in the coming weeks.

A new "commune of tomorrow" action plan aims at empowering Moroccan local officials and limiting control by the central government. As communal elections near, an information campaign is educating voters as to what's at stake.

Buoyed by past successes, the Fez Festival of Sufi Culture offers visitors to Morocco's spiritual capital a positive look at Islam through art and discussion.

Belgacem Hassen, director-general for education in Tunisia, gives advice to bac candidates on how to best succeed in their upcoming exams.

Three Moroccan graduates launched a website last fall to provide subsequent classes with better resources for exam preparation.

While Tunisian students are busy reviewing school material for their baccalaureate exams, parents are scrambling to hire private tutors to help boost their children's scores.

The spiking cost of basic food items is eroding Moroccans' purchasing power and forcing many to accuse the government of doing little to help.

Advocate Bochra Bel Haj Hmida shares her opinions on what is left to accomplish in the field of women's rights and the threats to existing advancements.

Berber music, with its unique heritage and rhythms, is finding a growing audience in the Maghreb and abroad. Sabri Aouni is one of a small number of musicians who have chosen this style as their specialty.

Every year, residents of the southwest Algerian desert pick local truffles for their own use. Thanks to a surge in the mushroom's popularity, rural farmers are now packing them for export.

Aspiring stars of rap, pop and rock music from around Morocco are competing to be selected for the Mawazine Generation semi-finals.

The upcoming Pan-African Festival is being fêted as a major event marking Africa’s return to the international cultural stage. For the first time in forty years, African nations will join together to celebrate the continent's artistic revival.

Several Algerian political groups boycotted the recent presidential election, but in the wake of Bouteflika's win, they must now hunt for a new plan.

International experts gathered in Rabat this week to promote regional co-operation on Maghreb security issues.

The 2009 edition of the Tunisia Rally will begin in Tunisia for the first time. Despite their excitement about the historic course change, Tunisian rally drivers are frustrated by the lack of financial support.

A team of experts will soon start building a new TGV line between Tangier and Casablanca.

Concerned that women do not fully comprehend their rights, Maghreb activists met in Tunis to draft a new marriage contract with clearer language.

Religious education is finding a new, modern path in Tunisia that seeks to blend traditional schooling with modern technology and teaching methods.

Despite action taken by the government to end a crippling transport strike, Moroccan businesses may continue to feel the effects.

Grieving families and government officials united Saturday to honour the victims of the April 11th, 2007 bombings in Algiers.

Rival candidates and opposition parties respond to Algerian President Bouteflika's re-election.

With two rounds left before the end of the Tunisian football championship, Club Africain hope to unseat rivals Esperance. Other teams face possible relegation.

Days after the Moroccan government promised comprehensive judiciary reforms, 10 NGOs issued a memorandum evaluating the current judiciary.

Morocco plans to finance public awareness projects to make the political culture more inclusive of women.

Despite some incidents in Kabylie and protests by opposition parties who have questioned the official turnout figures, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika won re-election with 90% of the vote.

Morocco and Tunisia discussed ways to enhance co-operation during the 15th session of the High Joint Commission in Rabat.

On Thursday morning, Algerians headed to polling stations to elect the future President of the Republic. More than 20 million voters are expected to choose between the six candidates running for the highest office in the country.

The EU suspended nearly all aid to Mauritania and gave the ruling junta measures to implement before the bloc reconsiders its move.

Algeria has made all necessary preparations for Thursday's presidential elections. The big unknown remains voter turnout.

Voting in Algeria's presidential election began Saturday for citizens living abroad. Official polling stations have been provided around the world, with the largest number in France.

Unions in Morocco threaten national work stoppages, objecting to stipulations of the road laws currently being reviewed in Parliament.

Following Morocco's defeat against Gabon, the chair of the football federation declared his intention to leave his post. "The federation needs managers with a pragmatic view of the sector," said one specialist.

Thousands of Algerians living in Tunisia will vote in the upcoming presidential election at eight polling stations across the country.

Days before Algeria's presidential elections, candidate Moussa Touati is working vigorously to get his message across to voters. The FNA party chief feels he has a rock-solid chance at unseating Bouteflika.

Independent presidential candidate Mohamed Said is basing his campaign on promises of economic, political, and social change.

Elders from the Maliki and Ibadi communities lay groundwork for permanent peace in the province of Ghardaïa. This initiative must be followed by other steps, stated an analyst.

Four more former GSPC leaders have come forward to add their voices to the reconciliation effort in Algeria, saying "each of us is waiting for the day when this tragedy can come to an end".

Hundreds of theatrical groups competed this year to enter the Sixth National Theatre Festival. Only nine of "the best plays" were chosen.

Workers' Party leader Louisa Hanoune is campaigning for president in Algeria on a programme of aggressive economic and political reform.

After Moroccan authorities expelled five missionaries, two of the nation's churches denied any official proselytising efforts.