Predator Oil & Gas extends drilling contract in Morocco, eyes major gas find

Predator Oil & Gas, active in oil and gas operations across Trinidad, Morocco, and Ireland, has extended a contract to continue drilling in Morocco. Their target: the massive MOU-5 well, holding potential for a 68-square-mile (177-square-kilometer) Jurassic gas reserve. Drilling is expected to commence between April 1 and May 31, 2024. Success in uncovering this gas reserve could be significant, thanks to its proximity to the Maghreb Gas Pipeline. This advantageous location translates to

War in Gaza : The astonishing difference in mobilization between Algeria and Morocco

Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, Algeria has been noted for its absence. Obsessed by a potential return of the Hirak marches of 2019, the Algerian government closed the streets to demonstrations of solidarity with Palestine. On the other hand, in Morocco, several thousand protesters took to the streets in Moroccan cities.

Polisario protests official Spanish document recognizing Laayoune as a Moroccan city

The Polisario Front has sent a letter to the Spanish Minister of Culture and Sports, Ernest Urtasun de Sumar, protesting an official document published in the country's Official Bulletin that situates Laayoune within Moroccan territory. In the letter, Polisario representative Abdellah Arabi considers the recognition of Laayoune as a Moroccan city to be a «violation of international law». He cites the «judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in 2016,

Morocco hosts middle-income countries conference to talk economic prosperity

On February 6, a landmark gathering took place in Rabat: the High-Level Conference on Middle-Income Countries (MICs). With a UN representative in attendance, the meeting marked a key step towards «structuring this group of countries as a force for proposals and negotiations», declared Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Representing 108 nations, MICs hold significant weight, encompassing 75% of the world's population and 30% of global GDP. Their diverse cultural,

Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri faces racist taunts during La Liga match

Moroccan professional footballer Youssef En-Nesyri, who plays as a striker for La Liga club Sevilla and the Morocco national team, found the net twice for Sevilla in their crucial victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday. However, his moment of triumph was marred by unacceptable racist chants directed towards him. While celebrating his goals, cameras captured individuals uttering discriminatory chants, El Confidencial reported on Tuesday. This incident comes just weeks after repeated racist

Child marriage detrimentally impacts Moroccan girls and society

The Economic, Social and Environmental Council underscores the urgency of addressing early marriage in its detailed report. Recognizing the significant negative impact on girls' economic and social status, as well as its broader societal consequences, the report emphasizes the need for effective prevention strategies.

Moroccn Foreign Minister downplays UN Envoy's South Africa visit

Following Moroccan Ambassador Omar Hilale's criticism of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura's trip to South Africa, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has downplayed its importance. Speaking at a press conference, Tuesday, Bourita labeled South Africa a «marginal actor» lacking the «influence or effectiveness» to impact the Western Sahara issue. He emphasized Morocco's diplomatic achievements, showcasing the recognition of its position by five Southern African Development

An official Spanish document recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara

Spain has taken a new step towards recognizing the Moroccan nature of the Sahara : the mention of Laayoune as a Moroccan city in an official document. Published in the Spanish Official Bulletin, this reference is related to the start of construction works of a Spanish college in Laayoune. This geographical clarification on the part of the left-wing coalition executive comes a few weeks after the modifications officially introduced on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the

Morocco cracks down on art forgery to protect booming market

Morocco is enacting tougher penalties to combat art forgery, aiming to shield its burgeoning multimillion-dollar art market, reported American news agency Associated Press (AP) on Monday. Morocco's chief prosecutor began a series of meetings with the Ministry of Culture and National Foundation of Museums to refine detection and policing of forged paintings and artworks. Discussions also addressed extending prison sentences and improving auction house regulations. Morocco's Minister of Youth,

Wanted fugitive planning escape to Morocco arrested in Spain

Agents of the National Police in Algeciras, Spain, have arrested a foreign woman wanted by the Portuguese authorities for a 13-year prison sentence related to a 2018 homicide and violent robbery in Albufeira, Portugal. According to a police press release, the individual, who was carrying a fake Portuguese passport at the time of arrest, intended to flee to Tangier, Morocco, while aware of being sought in Europe for these serious crimes. Authorities collaborated to arrest the individual and