France updates official map of Morocco to include the Sahara

The decision had been anticipated since July 30, and now it’s official. On October 29, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a full map of Morocco, including the Sahara, on its website—an official gesture marking France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed this position in his address to the Moroccan Parliament on Tuesday. Echoing his July 30 letter to King Mohammed VI, he reiterated that «for France, the

Algeria withdraws Sahara Security Council meeting request

On Monday, October 28, the UN Security Council did not hold the meeting scheduled at Algeria's request to continue its closed-door review of the U.S. draft resolution on the Western Sahara issue. «Algeria withdrew its request to organize a new round of consultations, submitted the day before by its permanent representative to the United Nations», a source close to the matter told Yabiladi. The withdrawal came after the United States and France rejected amendments proposed by

Veolia to build Africa's largest desalination plant in Morocco

On Tuesday, French transnational company Veolia and the Kingdom of Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership to develop an «exclusive seawater desalination project». The project will be the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world, according to a press release sent to Yabiladi. The initiative is part of Morocco’s national energy strategy, promoted by King Mohammed VI to «strengthen water supply security and meet the challenges

President Macron : «Our position on the Sahara is not hostile to anyone»

In a speech to the Moroccan Parliament on Tuesday, the French President reaffirmed his support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. He reiterated extracts from the letter he sent to King Mohammed VI on July 30, addressing Moroccan MPs. «For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The 2007 autonomy plan is the only basis for achieving a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution in accordance with the resolutions of

UN urges France to reverse discriminatory hijab ban in sports

The Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls and three UN Human Rights Council special rapporteurs urged France on Tuesday to «reverse discriminatory measures prohibiting women and girls who choose to wear the hijab from participating in sports and ensure compliance with its international human rights obligations». In a statement, the experts noted that Muslim female athletes wearing the veil «must have equal rights to participate in cultural and sporting

Canary Islands President to visit Morocco this week to boost science and innovation cooperation

The President of the Canary Islands Government will be visiting Morocco this week to advance the cooperation and joint work between the two governments, the spokesman for the Canary Islands Government, Alfonso Cabello, said on Monday. Speaking to the media during a press conference following the Government Council meeting, Cabello said that Fernando Clavijo will lead an «important delegation» that will focus specifically on scientific, technological, and innovation

Sahara issue : Egyptian President’s stance disappoints Algeria’s Tebboune

Algerian President made a one-day visit to Egypt yesterday. For once, during these trips abroad or when he receives guests, the head of state did not announce, in his statement to the press, that he had raised the question of the Sahara with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Worse, his host condemned «interference in the internal affairs of countries and attempts to stir up discord between countries», Al-Sisi stressed. A position that parties in Algeria have rejected. This is

Lamine Yamal wins Kopa Trophy, named world's best young player

Spanish-Moroccan footballer Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy on Monday at the 68th Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris. The 17-year-old Barcelona talent expressed his gratitude, saying it was «an honor» and dedicated the award to his mother, and grandmother, who «have been there forever». He shared his ambition to win everything with Barcelona, including La Liga and the Champions League, and hoped this would be the «first trophy in a long series». At 17,

King Mohammed VI welcomes President Macron at Rabat-Salé Airport for three-day state visit

King Mohammed VI welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at Rabat-Salé Airport on Monday afternoon for a three-day state visit. The King was joined by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, Princess Lalla Khadija, and Princess Lalla Meryem. President Macron’s delegation includes over 120 representatives from various fields. After the official welcoming ceremony, King Mohammed VI and President Macron will hold a private meeting and

Sahara : At the UN, the USA and France reject Algeria's amendments to the draft resolution

The Biden administration's draft resolution on the Sahara issue has been reviewed by the «Club of Friends of Western Sahara» and is now being discussed by the UN Security Council, with Algeria unsuccessfully pushing for amendments on human rights monitoring and a direct negotiation format.