Polisario welcomes de Mistura's South Africa visit

The Polisario responded on Saturday to Morocco's condemnation of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura's recent visit to South Africa. Moroccan ambassador Omar Hilale had expressed strong disapproval in an interview with MAP on January 31st. In a press release signed by its MINURSO coordinator, the Polisario characterized the trip as part of de Mistura's «mandate». They welcomed the envoy's decision to visit Pretoria, contrasting their stance with Morocco's opposition. The statement

Algerian banking association maintains boycott on Morocco's Tanger Med

The Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions (ABEF) in Algeria has reaffirmed its boycott of the Moroccan port of Tanger Med, contrary to media claims. They released a new note clarifying that «the decision to refuse domiciliation for transport contracts involving transhipment/transit through Moroccan ports remains in full effect». This follows their controversial January 29th press release, interpreted by Moroccan media as a reversal of the boycott. However,

Spanish agriculture warns of food security crisis due to Moroccan imports

The Iberian agricultural organization SOS Rural issued a stern warning: «Within a decade, Spain's food will depend on Morocco». They predict Spain will lose its «food sovereignty» due to increasing reliance on Moroccan imports. The group, representing breeders, farmers, and fishermen, points to tomato cultivation as a prime example. They claim imports from Morocco to the EU surged by 52% between 2013 and 2022, reaching 557,225 tonnes last year. SOS Rural, politically

Mauritania sticks to tax increase on Moroccan imports, despite domestic concerns

Mauritania is standing firm on its recent increase in taxes on Moroccan agricultural imports, implemented since January 1st. This stance was reiterated by Nani Ould Chrougha, Minister of Oil and Mines and government spokesperson, who confidently announced, «Mauritania will not need to import vegetables during the next Ramadan season». He expressed faith in local production meeting domestic demand, according to media reports in Nouakchott. However, the Mauritanian Consumer

Morocco maintains strong opposition to De Mistura's South Africa visit on Sahara

Morocco has openly criticized the recent visit by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to South Africa. Ambassador Omar Hilale stated, «We directly expressed to Mr. de Mistura, as well as to the UN secretariat, Morocco's categorical opposition to such a trip».

Diaspo #324 : From Morocco to the world, Anwar blurs borders with folk and pop fusion

Anwar's musical journey began in Tetouan, Morocco, but now he's carving his own path on the international music scene from his base in Brussels. This son of Moroccan immigrants blends folk, blues, and pop influences to create music that transcends borders, as his upcoming album (due March 2024) promises to showcase.

Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui grabs second consecutive player of the month award at RC Lens

RC Lens midfielder Moroccan Neil El Aynaoui has secured his second consecutive Player of the Month award, garnering a resounding 61.29% of votes in a daily online poll on the club's website. This impressive feat further emphasizes his growing influence and impact on the team. Brice Samba came in second place with 10.55%, followed by teammate Andy Diouf at 9.55%. Facundo Medina rounded out the top four with 8.81%, while the remaining votes were distributed among other players. El Aynaoui

Ceuta activates migration emergency after the arrival of over 30 unaccompanied minors from Morocco

The local Spanish government in Ceuta declared a migration emergency on Friday, citing an overwhelming influx of unaccompanied Moroccan minors crossing the border. Over 30 minors have entered the enclave within two days, bringing the total for 2024 to 69. This measure allows Ceuta to seek assistance from the national Ministry of Children and Youth, as well as other Spanish municipalities. The goal is to relocate some of the 180+ unaccompanied minors currently housed in Ceuta's reception

Sahara : UN defends de Mistura's South Africa trip

The United Nations defended Staffan de Mistura's Wednesday visit to South Africa, stating it falls within his «mandate» to consult with interested parties on the Western Sahara issue. Responding to a journalist's inquiry, UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized de Mistura's freedom to engage with relevant parties to re-launch the political process. Dujarric noted that de Mistura has previously met with representatives from Belgium, Switzerland,

Moroccan gardener found murdered in Italy, suspect arrested

Police discovered on Wednesday, January 31st , the body of a Moroccan gardener, identified as Mc. H., near a hermitage in Castel San Giorgio, a town in southern Italy. He had been reported missing by his wife the day prior, local media reported. Police revealed that the victim had a gunshot wound to the head, confirming a violent death. An investigation quickly identified a suspect, GP, a former employer of the victim. Eyewitness accounts and evidence gathered at the scene led to his