Week of October 19

2026-W43: Oct 19 – October 25, 2026
FINAL: Last update October 23, 2026
COUNTRIES IN THE NEWS: United States
Morocco
NEWS LANGUAGE: English
العربية (original)

Algeria's central bank sets rules for banks to offer factoring under August regulation

First published Fri, Oct 23

The Bank of Algeria published an instruction setting the practical terms under which banks and financial institutions may carry out factoring. The instruction applies the provisions of Regulation No. 26-03 of 13 August 2026 on the exercise of the activity.1

Separately, the public prosecutor's office at the Algiers court ordered investigations into practices of throwing away or destroying food products, including tomatoes, to prevent prices from falling. The prosecutor's office announced the inquiries in a statement.2

Speculation and fraudulent practices have hit a series of consumer products, with imported meat the latest target. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered investigations opened at the last Council of Ministers meeting, according to TSA.3

US draft would extend MINURSO one year and open its mandate to revision

First published Fri, Oct 23

A US draft document dated 20 October 2026, labeled "draft zero," is meant as a starting point for Security Council talks on renewing the mandate of MINURSO, the UN mission for the referendum in Western Sahara. The proposal would extend the mission's mandate by one year. It also leaves the door open to a deep revision of its missions, going beyond a simple renewal.1 2

The American text is described as deeply partial and unbalanced toward Morocco. The subject extends well beyond a routine reconduction of the mission, according to reporting from New York.1 2

Algeria to plant more than 34,000 hectares in 2026-2027 under Green Dam expansion

First published Fri, Oct 23

Algeria's General Directorate of Forests said 42,376.36 hectares have been planted under the programme to rehabilitate and expand the Green Dam between 2023 and 2026. The directorate reported the figure to the state news agency.1 2

The forestry sector credits the programme with a large contribution, according to the directorate. The sources do not give further detail on the programme's results.2

Algeria's Transport Ministry replaces heads of Arzew and Ghazaouet port companies

First published Fri, Oct 23

The Transport Ministry announced changes at the head of the port companies of Ghazaouet, in Tlemcen wilaya, and Arzew, in Oran wilaya, in a statement issued on Thursday 22 October.1

Riad Hedjal was formally installed that Thursday as director general of the Arzew port company, replacing Kaidari Bensalem. A similar change took place at the Ghazaouet port company, where Aman Eddine Khaled Bouabida arrives as the new director general.2