By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lebrief
Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, resigned on 3 November after two fatal rail accidents in 2026. He also withdrew his candidacy for the 29 November elections, according to information reported by Lebrief.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned six days after the Urda rail collision killed at least 69 people and withdrew from the 29 November snap election, according to Le Monde, Business News and Nile Post. He cited political dignity, consistency and respect for the victims, while Nile Post reported opposition criticism and possible signalling failure.
🇪🇸 Spain · Source: Le Monde ·
Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the 3 November 2026 midterm elections, according to L’essentiel, Bénin Web TV, Vanguard and Dakaractu. They won at least six Republican Senate seats, including in Texas and South Carolina, and secured a majority in the House, leaving Donald Trump facing an opposition capable of intensifying investigations into his administration. Dakaractu notably reports a projection of up to 55 Democratic Senate seats and details Elon Musk’s financial support for the defeated Republican candidate in Texas.
🇺🇸 United States · Source: L’essentiel ·
Romania has renewed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, presented as the most appropriate path towards a definitive settlement. Romanian Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu reaffirmed this position on 3 November, according to Lebrief.
🇲🇦 Morocco · Source: Lebrief ·
Guinea’s Minister of Territorial Administration has dismissed 479 district and neighbourhood presidents in Siguiri, accusing them of facilitating illegal gold panning and the degradation of land and natural resources. Legal proceedings have been announced against those involved, according to the ministerial decision signed on 3 November 2026.
🇬🇳 Guinea · Source: Guinee360 ·
Congress Democrats raise hopes of a US policy shiftEuropean, Russian and African leaders hope for a shift in US policy after Democrats took control of the Senate and House of Representatives. Berlin wants new initiatives for the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, while Moscow is calling on Donald Trump to continue his peace efforts, according to their statements.
Mohammed VI convenes officials on the post-MINURSO periodKing Mohammed VI chaired a meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat on 4 November devoted to the situation in the Sahara after the end of MINURSO’s mandate. The working session follows the Security Council’s decision not to renew the mission’s mandate, Lebrief reports.The week in Africa
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