Morocco : Chaimae Lasri, a pillar of journalism, medicine, and activism, has passed away

The sudden passing of Chaimae Lasri on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the young age of 27, has plunged the country into deep sadness. Lasri embodied a symbolic figure of journalism, medicine, and activism in Morocco. She stood out for her unwavering commitment to social justice, gender equality, human rights, and community development. She co-organized a Grand Youth Debate on abortion, bringing together notable figures like Nabila Mounib, Nabil Benabdallah, Sonia Terrab, and Karima Nadir. Engaged

Ancient Moroccan fossil unlocks secrets of scorpions and spiders

Scientists from the University of Lausanne have tried to unveil the origins of spiders and scorpions by studying fossils from the Fezouata Shale, a geological formation in southeast Morocco's Draa Valley.

Belgian museum acquires replica mosasaur skeleton from Morocco

The Caves of Kanne museum in Riemst, Belgium, a non-profit organization, has purchased a replica skeleton of a mosasaur from Morocco, VRT reported on Wednesday. The giant marine reptile that lived 70 million years ago will be a new addition to the museum's collection. The impressive skeleton measures 4.5 meters long and boasts 70 vertebrae, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth. Museum chairman Bart Eersels spotted the Moroccan replica for sale online and knew it was a perfect fit. «We simply

Italy considers extradition of Moroccan activist wanted by Casablanca court

Moroccan activist Driss Farhan, 59, has been arrested in Italy and is currently held at the Brescia prison, according to Italian news agency Ansa on Thursday. The arrest follows an arrest warrant issued by the Casablanca court. Morocco requested Farhan's extradition a year ago on charges of attempted illegal immigration. However, his family and lawyer claim this is a pretext to silence him. Farhan, who has lived in Italy for over 30 years, runs a website «critical of corruption and

Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University ranked top in Morocco in THE Young Rankings

For the fifth consecutive year, Morocco's Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA) in Fez has been featured in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings, released on May 14th. USMBA has been ranked first in Morocco for research and teaching quality among 673 universities evaluated. Internationally, the university is placed in the 351-400 range. Since its first appearance in this type of ranking, USMBA has been steadily improving its scores, reads a press release by

Morocco rekindles support for Kabyle people at UN, criticizes Algeria

During the recent UN Committee of 24 meeting in Caracas (May 14-16), Morocco raised the issue of Kabyle self-determination from Algeria. Ambassador Omar Hilale confronted his Algerian counterpart, Amar Bendjama, arguing that «The Kabyle people in Algeria have been waiting for over 150 years to exercise their right to self-determination. They are repressed, imprisoned, and denied their fundamental rights». Morocco has previously advocated for the Kabyles at the UN, notably in

Spanish senate probes «secret flights» of prime ministerial plane to Morocco

In the Spanish Senate, the People’s Party (PP) strongly criticized the Sanchez government for refusing to explain five «secret flights» taken by the presidential plane to Morocco. «Don't you realize that your complete lack of explanations only increases suspicions about you and your activities?» a PP senator insisted to Defense Minister Margarita Robles. Robles acknowledged using the plane, provided by the Spanish state for the Prime Minister's travel.

Morocco leads delegation with Sahrawi officials to UN decolonization committee meeting

The UN Committee on Decolonization (C-24) is holding a new session from May 14 to 16 in Caracas, Venezuela. The Moroccan delegation, led by the kingdom's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, includes two Sahrawi elected officials: M'hamed Abba, member of the Council of the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region, and Ghalla Bahiyya of the Council of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. The two Sahrawi officials have participated regularly in the meetings of the C-24 since the May 2018

Spain warns citizens against travel to Tindouf camps

The Spanish government has warned citizens against traveling to the Tindouf camps in Algeria, considering it a dangerous region. Collaborators must also consider recommendations from the Spanish International Development Cooperation Agency (AECID). They are required to inform the Spanish General Consulate in Oran and the AECID office in Algeria beforehand. The ministry also urges Spaniards planning to travel despite the warnings to avoid bringing donations for the Sahrawis. Donations

Will Algeria exit CAF over Morocco jersey dispute ?

The Algerian Football Association (FAF) denied rumors of seeking membership in the Asian Football Confederation. Saïd Fellak, a spokesperson, told an Egyptian media outlet that «this information has no basis. These rumors defy logic. It's strange how such news spreads and is believed». He clarified that «the Algerian Football Association has not addressed this point». These clarifications come amid proposals from Algerian sports analysts to leave CAF. They aim to