South Africa's ANC secretary-general mixes politics with sports after Morocco Afcon loss

Following South Africa's victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), sparked controversy by drawing political references to the Western Sahara conflict. Taking to Twitter, Mbalula declared, «We win as South Africa over Morocco, the colonists of Western Sahara. Free Western Sahara». We win as South africa against Morocco?? ,The Colonists of western Sahara ?? free Western Sahara

Sahara : UN envoy for Western Sahara visits South Africa

The United Nations Secretary-General's personal envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, is set to visit South Africa on Wednesday. This visit is at the invitation of the South African government. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the visit during a press briefing on Tuesday : «The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, is on his way to South Africa, at the invitation of the Government, for meetings tomorrow with senior South

Morocco coach Walid Regragui takes blame for Afcon exit

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, shouldered the blame for his team's disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after their 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the round of 16. Following the match, Regragui acknowledged his players' missed opportunities and accepted full responsibility for the setback. «We could have settled the game earlier, but at this level, mistakes are punished», Regragui told beIN Sports. «I take full responsibility. We will analyze our mistakes and

Alstom Spain to deliver 80 trams to Morocco for Casablanca expansion

The Spanish subsidiary of Alstom (EPA:ALSO) will deliver 80 new trams to Morocco by the end of 2024, expanding Casablanca's tram Lines 3 and 4. The contract, valued at €150 million, was signed in 2020. Company sources confirmed to the Spanish news agency Efe that an initial 26 vehicles will be shipped to Morocco soon. This information came during a visit by Moroccan officials to the Alstom factory headquarters in Barcelona. Alstom boasts a long history in Morocco, having implemented

Arrabet Holding unveils strategy to develop Morocco's tech landscape

Arrabet Holding, a Moroccan technology group, unveiled its strategy for developing the country's technological landscape, focusing on innovation and digital transformation. The group aims to «create a strong connection between innovation, sustainability, and economic growth», according to a press release. Founded in 2010 with Mobiblanc, a mobile technology initiative, Arrabet Holding diversifies its activities through subsidiaries to adapt to market changes and offer innovative

Panama shifts stance on Sahara, supporting Moroccan autonomy plan

Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Tuesday, January 30th, highlighting a potential shift in Panama's position on the Western Sahara conflict. The release emphasizes a Joint Declaration signed during a videoconference meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Panamanian counterpart, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. Following Spain's similar move in March 2022, Panama's declaration expresses «support for the Autonomy Initiative» proposed

Morocco crashes out of Afcon after loss to South Africa

Disappointment filled the air as Morocco's aspirations for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title abruptly ended with a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in Tuesday's round of 16 clash. The spirited Bafana Bafana secured their progression to the quarterfinals with goals in the 57th and 90+5th minute. The encounter initially started with both sides cautiously probing each other, resulting in a goalless first half. Morocco created the first significant scoring opportunity but was left rueing a

Congolese federation respects CAF decision, closes Regragui & Mbemba case

A source within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) revealed that the FRMF received a letter from the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) following the decision of the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn the previous punishment imposed by the CAF Executive Committee on Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui. The source confirmed that the FECOFA letter emphasized «the close relationship that unites the two parties for the

US pledges $12.6 million to help Morocco recover from earthquake

The US, through USAID, is supporting Morocco's long-term recovery from the September 8 Al Haouz earthquake with a $12.6 million program. This comes after the quake killed over 2,960 people and destroyed 60,000 homes. Morocco, led by King Mohammed VI, outlined a five-year plan for rebuilding affected areas. The US Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, emphasized his commitment to helping Morocco recover, mentioning initial emergency aid and ongoing support for rebuilding livelihoods. USAID

Algeria clarifies ban on Moroccan transit for imports, allows pre-ban shipments

The Algerian Ministry of Transport has clarified its recent ban on transiting imports through Moroccan ports, specifically Tangier-Med. While the ban remains in effect, authorities have allowed companies to proceed with imports of perishable goods, like meat, if the products were loaded onto ships before the January 10th ban date. «Through this letter, you are kindly asked to instruct your services to proceed with the domiciliation of all import operations of products, in particular