North Africa

North Africa

The North Africa region, sometimes called the Maghreb, holds strategic and political importance for the United States and Europe with its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Destabilized by the tumultuous uprisings of the Arab Spring, the developments in these countries are reasons for concern as well as hope, as different political, security, and economic conditions take shape in each country.

Featured commentary & analysis

Melcangi quoted in International Policy Digest on Egypt’s relations with Libya and domestic policy challenges

MENASource May 7, 2026

Egypt’s bet on land monetization

By Amir Asmar

There’s little doubt that Egypt’s land development efforts will have measurable economic benefits, but they are unlikely, by themselves, to put the country’s economy on a solid footing.
Egypt North Africa
Melcangi quoted in International Policy Digest on Egypt’s relations with Libya and domestic policy challenges

MENASource Apr 9, 2026

Egypt’s foreign minister: One cannot secure waterways ‘while ignoring the political order of the states’ along the shore

By Maisoon H. Kafafy

Maisoon H. Kafafy reached out to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty for his thoughts on this turbulent moment and the instability in the Horn of Africa.
East Africa Egypt
Melcangi quoted in International Policy Digest on Egypt’s relations with Libya and domestic policy challenges

MENASource Mar 31, 2026

Can France and Algeria get their relationship back on track?

By Karim Mezran

There are signs of a thaw between Algeria and France; however, there appears to be no real political strategy for redefining the relationship.
France North Africa

Programs

Perspectives on North Africa

The North Africa Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East analyzes the strategic, political, and economic importance of the region for the United States and its allies. Since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, North Africa has undergone political and economic transformations that have impacted stability and security in the region. With its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, North Africa continues to be an integral partner in addressing shared interests and concerns.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

In the News

Feb 26, 2022

Melcangi quoted in International Policy Digest on Egypt’s relations with Libya and domestic policy challenges

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Feb 17, 2022

Will Libya have two prime ministers again?

By Karim Mezran

This political upheaval is the main reason why there is, at least in the short term, a low probability for an armed confrontation to erupt in Libya.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Feb 17, 2022

Algeria’s fate is tied to the Ukraine crisis. Will a war extinguish hope for the country’s popular movement?

By Andrew G. Farrand

In light of its recent history, Algeria is one country whose fate could swing substantially based on Russia’s actions in eastern Europe.

Middle East North Africa

In the News

Feb 15, 2022

Mezran quoted in Formiche on Libya’s transitional government and parliamentary crisis

By Atlantic Council

Africa Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jan 14, 2022

Where is the United States? Military basing and energy are the real prizes in Libya.

By Matthew Zais

It wasn’t a surprise to many that Libya’s long-awaited elections were postponed. As the elections approached, fundamental rules over presidential powers, who was allowed to be a candidate, and election enforcement mechanisms remained unclear.

Elections Libya

In the News

Jan 6, 2022

Melcangi joined TRT World Forum for a Digital Debate on Libya’s elections

By Atlantic Council

Elections Libya

Event Recap

Dec 22, 2021

Libya’s long road to elections: ‘Unity cannot be a byproduct of a broken system’

By Yaseen Rashed

On December 17, the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative held a panel discussion on “Libya: The long road to elections” on the democratic process in Libya, analyzing shortcomings and failures that threaten to derail the set election timeline.

Elections Libya

In the News

Dec 21, 2021

Farrand in New Degree Press: The Algerian dream: youth and the quest for dignity

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Human Rights

In the News

Dec 21, 2021

Badi quoted in New York Times on the likely postponement of the Libyan elections

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Dec 21, 2021

At least three of Libya’s presidential candidates may not be fit for the role. Here’s who they are.

By Alia Brahimi

An examination of the most controversial presidential candidates out of a crowded field of ninety-eight reveals some of the complications embedded in the electoral process, and how the polls in Libya could unravel rather than realize its democratic promise.

Elections Libya
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Experts

Fellow

Khaled Sakr

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Frank Talbot

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business English

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative and Syria Project

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Egypt

Fellow

Sarah Zaaimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management