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ALGIERS – On the eve of the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to the birthplace of Saint Augustine—the spiritual father of the Catholic Church—Algeria has officially submitted the “Augustinian Paths” file to UNESCO, according to an announcement by the Algerian Ministry of Culture.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, is scheduled to arrive in Algeria in mid-April 2026. This visit, the first of its kind, holds profound significance as the Pope is a follower of the Augustinian doctrine, a commitment he reaffirmed in his inaugural address after ascending the papal throne in late 2025.

In a strategic move affirming its steadfast commitment to preserving and valorizing its ancient civilizational heritage, the Algerian Minister of Culture, Malika Bendouda, presided over the installation of the National Commission tasked with the precise supervision and follow-up of the “Augustinian Paths in Algeria” file.

According to the Ministry’s statement, these paths encompass several archaeological sites and diverse historical landmarks, including: Hippo (Annaba), Calama (Guelma), Thibilis (Selaoua Announa), Thubursicum Numidarum (Khemissa), Madaurus (M’Daourouch), Thagaste (Souk Ahras), Castellum Tidditanorum (Tiddis), Thagura (Taoura), Milev (Mila), Sitifis (Setif), Caesarea (Cherchell), Cartenas (Ténès), Theveste (Tebessa), and Thubunae (Tobna/Batna).

The Ministry explained that this project aims to highlight Algeria’s historical and cultural depth and bolster its position on the World Heritage map. The path serves as a living testimony to the civilizational diversity of the nation, stretching nearly 1,500 kilometers across the ancient cities of eastern and central Algeria. It redraws the intellectual and heritage geography of these regions, linking ancient Numidian metropolises and presenting them as evidence of the brilliance of the Algerian land, which produced a singular figure like Saint Augustine—whose thought formed a bridge across continents and religions.

The Ministry further noted that the “Augustinian Path” possesses unique characteristics that make it a global competitor. It is a trans-border route linking Africa to Europe, embodying the deep interaction between faith and reason within a multidimensional cultural context.

Beyond its spiritual value, the project ensures the preservation of the urban and archaeological fabric of Numidian-Roman sites. Furthermore, it aims to transform these archaeological locations into vibrant spaces that fuel “memory tourism” and create sustainable local economic dynamics.

BUENOS AIRES – Norwegian police have expressed growing impatience with the Moroccan government’s lack of cooperation regarding the “Mocro Maffia,” a criminal organization now ranked as one of the most significant threats to the Nordic country. According to Argentine media reports, this diplomatic impasse is stalling the extradition of approximately 20 wanted traffickers.

A specialized security threat assessment in Norway identified the “Mocro Maffia”—which operates extensively within the country—as a “top-tier threat” in the realm of international drug trafficking, as reported by the Argentine news outlet Infobae.

The report clarifies that “approximately 20 Norwegian citizens of Moroccan descent, linked to large-scale drug networks, have sought refuge in Morocco in recent years.” From there, these individuals are reportedly managing criminal operations and smuggling routes targeting the Norwegian market.

Infobae highlighted that the primary obstacle remains the Moroccan “Makhzen’s” refusal to cooperate in this judicial field, a stance that “greatly complicates the process of extraditing these suspects to face justice in Norway.”

In response, Norwegian law enforcement has called for increased diplomatic intervention to pressure Moroccan authorities. The goal is to neutralize the “Mocro Maffia,” which strategically utilizes the Spanish port of Malaga as a primary gateway for smuggling narcotics into the European continent.

ALGIERS – The Algerian Government, via a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, has officially welcomed the preliminary agreement reached by relevant parties to cease military operations in the Gulf and Middle East regions.

Commending International Mediation

Algeria expressed its “sincere appreciation” for the international mediation efforts that facilitated this breakthrough. According to the Ministry, this agreement is a vital step toward de-escalating regional tensions and serves as a roadmap for addressing the root causes of existing conflicts.

A Call for Sincere Engagement

The Algerian government called upon all parties to maintain “positive and honest engagement” with international mediators. The statement emphasized that such cooperation is essential for establishing long-term, sustainable security across the region.

The Lebanon Mandate

Crucially, the Ministry underscored that regional peace cannot be achieved in isolation. Algeria reaffirmed the “imperative necessity” of upholding the foundations of security and stability in Lebanon, stressing that the international community must not overlook the requirements for peace in the sisterly Lebanese state.