Report: North Korean Money Launderer Transfers Funds to IRGC
It said investigations by TRM Labs show that dollars were transferred this year from a cryptocurrency wallet belonging to Sim Hyon-sop, a North Korean money launderer, to a wallet linked to the Revolutionary Guard. According to the newspaper, Sim saw his bounty rise from $5 million to $7 million (approximately 10 billion Korean won) in July. Also, foreign currency earned by North Korean laborers in Russia, China, and Africa flowed into Sim’s accounts via similar laundering routes. Among the examples cited is the use of a company in Zimbabwe to purchase a $300,000 helicopter in Russia and deliver it to North Korea. Referring to data from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Chainalysis, the report said dozens of North Korean “shadow bankers” are active outside the country.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 28, 2025 07:09 UTC
How Nigeria held off late Tunisia charge to book place in AFCON 2025 knockouts
Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic Group C clash against Tunisia at AFCON 2025. The Atalanta winger got his second assist within five minutes of the restart as his inswinging corner was headed in by captain Wilfred Ndidi. But Nigeria made life hard for themselves and Tunisia found a route back into the game when Montassar Talbi headed into the bottom corner. A controversial penalty, converted by Ali Abdi, set up a nervy finish but Eric Chelle's men held on for their second win of the tournament. Nigeria have confirmed their place as Group C winners — they will face one of the third-place teams in the last 16.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 22:27 UTC
VAR CHECK: Potential Tunisia penalty!
Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic Group C clash against Tunisia at AFCON 2025. The Atalanta winger got his second assist within five minutes of the restart as his inswinging corner was headed in by captain Wilfred Ndidi. But Nigeria made life hard for themselves and Tunisia found a route back into the game when Montassar Talbi headed into the bottom corner. A controversial penalty, converted by Ali Abdi, set up a nervy finish but Eric Chelle's men held on for their second win of the tournament. Nigeria have confirmed their place as Group C winners — they will face one of the third-place teams in the last 16.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 22:27 UTC
Tunisia starting to cause problems
Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic Group C clash against Tunisia at AFCON 2025. The Atalanta winger got his second assist within five minutes of the restart as his inswinging corner was headed in by captain Wilfred Ndidi. But Nigeria made life hard for themselves and Tunisia found a route back into the game when Montassar Talbi headed into the bottom corner. A controversial penalty, converted by Ali Abdi, set up a nervy finish but Eric Chelle's men held on for their second win of the tournament. Nigeria have confirmed their place as Group C winners — they will face one of the third-place teams in the last 16.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 22:25 UTC
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland draws regional condemnation
The Kingdom expresses its rejection of the mutual recognition announcement between the Israeli occupying authorities and the Somaliland region, as it establishes unilateral separatist actions contrary to international law." Somalia is one sovereign, indivisible stateEarlier on Friday, the Somali government expressed its rejection of Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Republic of Somaliland,” also known as the Somaliland region, as an “independent and sovereign” state. In remarks to The Washington Post, Trump stressed that his position differs from that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Turkey and Egypt condemn Israel's recognition of SomalilandEgypt also condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, affirming its rejection of "any unilateral actions that might affect Somali sovereignty or undermine the country's stability." Turkey likewise denounced Israel’s announcement recognizing the separatist “Republic of Somaliland,” describing the move as “a blatant interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.” Ankara, a key ally of Mogadishu, reiterated its support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 21:46 UTC
North Shore Bistro: A nice Christmas celebration
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Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 20:58 UTC
What Israel stands to gain from recognizing Somaliland
The Red Sea strategy: What does Israel stand to gain from recognizing Somaliland? - analysis Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is. Somalis react after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 27, 2025 ( photo credit : REUTERS/FEISAL OMAR )
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 20:43 UTC
Defense Industry: Morocco Strengthens its Cooperation with Turkey – The North Africa Post
A Turkish delegation from defense contractor Emtekno paid lately a visit to Morocco to explore cooperation opportunities and showcase its advanced military technology to the Royal Navy. In Morocco, the Emtekno delegation presented integrated naval military systems tailed to local needs, according to press reports. Talks focused on technology transfer and co-development of naval military industrial projects building on the success-stories of Turkish drone maker Baykar and India’s Tata Advanced Systems. Both companies have established production sites in Morocco, manufacturing military drones and WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicles. The North African Kingdom is developing its defense industry with international partners to reduce its dependence on foreign weapons purchases and strengthen its military capabilities to counter threats to its national security.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 19:45 UTC
China-Pakistan warplane deal with Libyan faction ‘may help expand Beijing’s influence’
Pakistan is selling warplanes it jointly developed with China to the Libyan National Army (LNA), a move analysts said could serve as a gateway for Beijing to expand its influence into North Africa. In one of Pakistan’s largest-ever arms deals, 16 of the JF-17 “Thunder” fighters were listed among the over US$4 billion worth of military equipment sold to the force led by Khalifa Hifter , which controls the east of the country. While most previous sales have been conducted through Pakistan, the latest Pentagon China military power report named the JF-17 as the bestselling Chinese-designed fixed-wing aircraft on the global market. “The deal is a way of expanding China’s geopolitical influence through defence-industrial partnerships,” said Liselotte Odgaard, non-resident senior fellow at Hudson Institute. “It enables China to establish market presence behind the veneer of Pakistani exports.”AdvertisementThe JF-17 is a fourth-generation single-engine, multi-role aircraft developed jointly by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 16:37 UTC
Rivalries ignite in crucial AFCON clashes - CAJ News Africa
From West Africa’s traditional powers to East Africa’s long-simmering rivalries, the margins between success and elimination are razor-thin. Another eagerly anticipated contest sees Nigeria face Tunisia in a classic North Africa versus West Africa showdown. Beyond the day’s fixtures, speculation continues to swirl about which teams will ultimately make up the final 16 after the last round of group matches next week. South Africa now faces a must-get result, knowing that a draw or victory could keep their qualification hopes alive. SATURDAY FIXTURES:Benin vs Botswana (14:30)Senegal vs DR Congo (17:00)Uganda vs Tanzania (19:30)Nigeria vs Tunisia (22:00)– CAJ News
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 16:05 UTC
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers could win the AFC North before they play the Browns
ShareCLEVELAND (AP) — Aaron Rodgers doesn’t plan on changing his sleep schedule Saturday night, even though his Pittsburgh Steelers could wrap up a division title without playing. If the Green Bay Packers — Rodgers’ former team — beat the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers (9-6) would secure their first AFC North title since 2020, making Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns (3-12) essentially meaningless. Rodgers said he won’t change his approach, even if the Steelers have a playoff spot wrapped up before kickoff. If Pittsburgh wins the AFC North, it would be Rodgers’ ninth division title as a starting quarterback. One thing the Browns have to play for is Myles Garrett’s pursuit of the single-season NFL sack record.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 15:59 UTC
Middle East, African Christian communities growing
Christian communities grow slowly as share of population falls in Middle East, North Africa Analysts say the pattern is driven by a mix of factors: outward migration, lower birth rates, and increasingly, disaffiliation or conversion. A large decorated Christmas tree is lit as a crowd watches a live performance on stage during the tree-lighting ceremony in Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the West Bank ( photo credit : Photo by Mosab Shawer / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images )
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 14:41 UTC
Kangankunde rare earths project highlights Australia’s grip on Africa supply
Ahead of that milestone, Lindian Resources, which owns 100% of the project, is continuing development work on site to meet the timeline. The project is seen as a key asset both for the Australian mining company and for its shareholders. By holding shares in Lindian Resources, investors are directly exposed to the development of Kangankunde. It is followed by Australian private company Kabunga Holdings, which holds 7.4%, as well as other investors including Bonacare Pty with 4.1% and Ven Capital with 3.6%. At this stage, there is no indication that the Malawian state holds a stake in Kangankunde.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 14:17 UTC
Yves Bissouma captains Mali as they hold hosts Morocco at Africa Cup of Nations
Yves Bissouma made his first start since our Europa League final victory over Manchester United on Friday evening to captain his country to a 1-1 draw with hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, ending their world-record run of wins. Sidelined with injury since the summer before a suffering a further setback in October, Yves is now back to fitness and was called upon by Mali Head Coach Tom Saintfiet to lead his nation against the challenge of the Morocco - who had won each of their last 19 games (a world record run of consecutive wins) - in their second group game at the continental championship in north Africa. Having missed their tournament opener - a 1-1 draw with Zambia on Monday - Yves returned to the starting line-up to make his first competitive start since that unforgettable night in Bilbao to help his side claim another point in Group A.Yves played just under in Rabat to pick uo cap number 43 as Lassine Sinayoko's penalty on 64 minutes cancelled our Brahim Diaz's first-half stoppage time opener, which also came from the spot. The point leaves Mali second in Group A, two points behind Morocco who lead the table with one game remaining. Next up for Yves' nation is the test of bottom side Comoros on Monday evening - 7pm (UK).
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 14:11 UTC
Today in Africa — December 26, 2025: US Strikes ISIS in Nigeria, Somalia Votes, High-Stakes Elections in West Africa
U.S. Africa Command said the strike took place in Sokoto state on December 25, was coordinated with Nigerian authorities, and killed multiple ISIS fighters. Tuggar said the operation had been planned for some time using Nigerian-provided intelligence and did not rule out further strikes. The Pentagon said the attack hit known ISIS camps, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that more action could follow. Nigeria has pushed back against claims that violence targets Christians alone, saying armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians. Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, before a military coup, and has relied on clan-based indirect voting since 2004.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 27, 2025 12:38 UTC