Morocco, Ethiopia hold first political consultations

Addis Ababa hosted the 1st session of political consultations between Morocco and Ethiopia on Monday, May 20. The meeting was co-chaired by Morocco's Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Fouad Yazough, and Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arga. Discussions focused on «ways to further strengthen cooperation relations». Both parties emphasized «the need to review and reinforce the existing cooperation agreements in the domains of

Chellah reopens after restoration, unveiling new visitor experience

The Regional Development Company «Rabat Region Historical Heritage» (RRPH) has announced the reopening of the Chellah archaeological site to visitors, following the completion of restoration work that began in 2021. A press release sent to Yabiladi details RRPH's mission entrusted by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication. This includes managing and operating the Chellah, improving public access and facilities, and enhancing the site's appeal through new exhibitions

Spain allocates €3.5 million for improved access road to Moroccan border

The Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has allocated €3.5 million (37.7 million dirhams) to improve safety and pedestrian traffic on the Ceuta access road leading to the Moroccan border. According to a press release from the Government Delegation quoted by EFE news agency, the chosen stretch of road experiences «a number of safety concerns and high traffic volume (13,200 vehicles/day)». Traffic levels increase significantly during summer months due to

Essaouira Gnaoua Festival celebrates 25th edition with fusion concerts

As part of its 25th-anniversary program, the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival promises an exciting lineup from June 27 to 29, 2024. In addition to the opening night's original creation, festival-goers can look forward to five electrifying fusion concerts featuring talents from South Africa, Spain, the United States, France, Mali, and Senegal, all collaborating with Gnaoua maâlems (masters). This very concept of pairing Gnaoua music with diverse international artists is what

Algeria accuses Morocco of «draining dams» on shared border

The Algerian government accuses Morocco of «systematically draining the dams» located along its western border. Algerian Minister of Hydraulics, Taha Derbal, made the accusation during his participation in the 10th International Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia. «We condemn what is happening on our western borders», Derbal said in a statement to the daily El Khabar. «We will bring this issue to the attention of all international players in the vital water

Wagner militias recruit desperate Sahrawis from Tindouf Camps

Driven by poverty, young Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps, similar to those who joined jihadist groups in the Sahel, are now being recruited by the Wagner militias.

Morocco, US discuss security cooperation at 13th Defense Advisory Committee session

On Monday, May 20, Rabat hosted the 13th session of the Morocco-United States Defense Advisory Committee. The Biden administration was represented by Celeste Wallander, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. In the Moroccan capital, she held talks with General of the Army Corps, Inspector General of the FAR, and Commander of the Southern Zone, Mohammed Berrid. The Committee meeting «constitutes a platform for strategic dialogue where crucial

Polisario prevented from holding military parade in «liberated territories»

This Monday, May 20, the Polisario celebrated the 51st anniversary of the launch of its armed struggle. The commemoration was organized in the Tindouf camps, on Algerian territory, under a large tent set up for the occasion, with some foreign delegations present. The traditional military parade in the «liberated territories», such as Tifariti or Bir Lahlou, did not take place. The Front has thus been prevented for the fifth consecutive year from commemorating one of its holidays in

How The Variations brought Moroccan rock to the world

The Variations were one of the first Moroccan rock bands, emerging in the late 1960s. Formed in France by three Moroccan Jews, the band pioneered the «Moroccan Roll» style and achieved international recognition. They performed on prestigious stages, alongside big rock and roll names in France, the UK and the US.

Italy to help restore 12th-century Tinmel Mosque

The Italian government agency, the Superintendence of Archaeology, has been entrusted with the restoration of the 12th-century Tinmel Mosque. According to Italian media, the agency is sending one of its skilled architects, Aldo Giorgio Pezzi, to Morocco to help restore the historic site, heavily damaged by the September 2023 earthquake.  This restoration stems from a partnership between the Italian Ministry of Culture and Morocco's Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs. The two