CAF approves RS Berkane's jersey with full map of Morocco, sparking anger in Algeria  (Read more...)

Moroccan authorities seize 13 Kg of heroin hidden in car from Spain

Moroccan security authorities seized 13 kilograms of heroin hidden inside a car that arrived from Spain at the port of Tangier Med, according to a Moroccan security source who spoke to the Spanish news agency Efe. The source explained that the drugs were found inside a bag hidden under the engine of a Dutch-registered car after it was scanned. The initial analysis indicated it was heroin, and the drugs were seized and sent to the National Laboratory of Scientific and Technical Police for

African Lion 2024 : Final planning meeting takes place in Agadir

From March 11 to 15, Agadir will host the final planning meeting for the «African Lion 2024» exercise. A statement from the General Command of the Royal Armed Forces announced today that planning officials from around ten countries, including representatives of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces, will put the finishing touches on the various activities scheduled for this twentieth edition. These activities include exercises focusing on formations of

Xlinks considers Germany as addition to the UK-Morocco clean energy subsea cable

Xlinks, the company behind the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project, is exploring connecting its subsea cable to Germany, in addition to the UK. This move could be a way to secure government support, which is crucial for the project's success. According to a Monday report by Bloomberg, Xlinks is studying the feasibility of also connecting the cable to Germany. «We're looking at options», said Chief Executive Simon Morrish. «Everything is a possibility». A spokesperson for

Moroccan migrant dies attempting to swim to Ceuta

A young Moroccan national died last Saturday while trying to swim to Ceuta. He was one of 35 migrants, including eight minors, who attempted the dangerous journey during bad weather conditions, according to EFE. EFE reports that the majority of migrants who reached Ceuta by sea were injured by maritime rocks and showed symptoms of hypothermia and exhaustion. Migrants from sub-Saharan African countries have also managed to reach the enclave by crossing the border fence.

Morocco unveils «Morocco Offer» to spur green hydrogen development

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch launched the «Morocco Offer» today, an attractive program designed to stimulate development in the green hydrogen sector. This comprehensive program encompasses the entire value chain and aligns with investor needs, aiming to position Morocco as a competitive player in this promising industry. A press release from the Prime Minister's office explains the offer's activation process, state resources dedicated to successful implementation, and defines

Morocco airdrops humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip

Morocco is participating in airdrops of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of Gaza Strip residents facing a major food shortage. The ongoing Israeli siege and war, which began last October 7th, has exacerbated the situation. Kan Reshet Bet Radio, affiliated with the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, reported on Monday that Morocco would join the airdrop effort today. Six Hercules transport planes loaded with aid departed Morocco for Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The planes

Spain's Ramadan start sparks disagreement among Muslim community

The Islamic Commission of Spain (CIE), the official Muslim body in the country, found itself isolated over the start date for Ramadan. On Sunday night, the CIE announced a March 12th start date, breaking tradition of aligning with Saudi Arabia. This decision was immediately rejected by most regional Islamic commissions in Spain, who issued press releases opposing it. Additionally, they instructed mosques to open for Tarawih prayers that same night. Facing this opposition, CIE President Aymen

Mauritanian media sanctioned for alleged attacks on Algeria

On Sunday, March 10th, the Mauritanian High Authority of Press and Audiovisual (HAPA) reprimanded two local media outlets, Anbaa and Taqadoum, for allegedly attacking Algeria. The online publications were made inaccessible for 60 days to internet users in Mauritania. HAPA justified the sanctions by claiming the outlets published «false information» about Algeria. Anbaa questioned why Algeria did not offer condolences or acknowledge the death of a Mauritanian presidential guard on

Malaga-born Brahim Diaz chooses Morocco over Spain

Malaga-born footballer Brahim Diaz has opted to play for Morocco, his parents' home country, instead of Spain. According to Marca, the Real Madrid midfielder made this well-considered decision after waiting for a call-up to the Spanish national team that never came. Marca reports that Morocco has actively pursued Diaz and offered him a more prominent role on their team. «[Diaz], faced with the repeated neglect from the Spanish national team, has finally decided on Morocco, which has

Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture threatens legal action over strawberry misinformation

Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture announced, Sunday, that it reserves the right to take legal measures against the continued spread of misinformation concerning alleged contamination of Moroccan strawberries with Hepatitis A. A press release addressed rumors circulating on social media, despite recent analyses finding no anomalies. The ministry advised consumers to rely on official sources for food safety information. Last week, the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) confirmed that

«Disloyalty kills love» : Hiba Abouk on her split with Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi

Spanish actress Hiba Abouk has finally spoken out about her separation from Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi, a year after the couple officially announced their split. In an episode of Spanish podcast A Solas con Vicky Martín Berrocal, the mother of two said she had a difficult year, in which she faced many changes, both positive and negative. She acknowledged the relationship with Hakimi is over and her priority is their children. Abouk also addressed the rape accusations

Moroccan kickboxers shine at Glory Grand Prix : Tarik Khbabez wins, Nabil Khachab impresses

Moroccan light heavyweight kickboxer Tarik Khbabez won on Saturday in Arnhem, Netherlands, during the Glory Grand Prix. Khbabez defeated Surinamese-Dutch kickboxer Donegi Abena in a Light Heavyweight title fight. The fight lasted for five rounds, with Khbabez winning on a split decision, according to Dutch media reports. Donegi Abena and Tarik Khbabez are throwing down! #GLORYGrandPrix pic.twitter.com/tV0hXCaBA3 — GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) March 9, 2024 During the same

Belgian-Moroccan drug lord «Dikke Nord» extradited from Dubai to face charges in Belgium

Belgian drug lord of Moroccan origin, Nordin El Hajjioui, 36, will be extradited from Dubai to Belgium to face charges related to his alleged involvement in the cocaine trade in Antwerp, Belgian media reported on Friday. Arrested in Dubai, UAE, in June 2023, the man nicknamed «Dikke Nord» or «Fat Nordin», is also suspected of involvement in the grenade attacks that have plagued the city in recent years. The extradition is a major victory for the Belgian authorities,

Morocco arrests notorious French drug trafficking boss

The National Brigade of the Judicial Police in Casablanca (BNPJ) arrested a 34-year-old French national, Félix Bingui, on Friday. Bingui was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by France for allegedly establishing criminal networks and engaging in international drug trafficking. Nicknamed «Le Chat» (the Cat), Bingui is said to be the leader of the «formidable Yoda clan» in Marseille and reportedly fled to Morocco several months ago. According to

Moroccan artist Yto Barrada withdraws works from Barbican exhibition over Gaza talk

French Moroccan artist Yto Barrada has withdrawn her work from a major art show at the Barbican called «Unravel», protesting the art facility's decision to cancel a talk about the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Guardian reported on Friday.  Barrada, alongside Filipino artist Cian Dayrit, criticized the Barbican for not allowing open discussion on the topic. «We cannot take seriously a public institution that does not hold a space for free thinking and debate, however

Morocco to be the first guest of honor at MED festival in Portugal

Morocco will be the first guest country of honor at the MED Festival in Loulé, Algarve region (southern Portugal), taking place from June 27 to 30, 2024. The announcement was made during the BTL tourism fair in Lisbon, which also revealed the first artists performing at this year's festival. This summer musical event will introduce a significant change by featuring one guest country per edition. The Kingdom of Morocco was chosen to be the first, with the aim of showcasing «its

The visit by Spain's PM to Morocco wasn't a reaction to Algeria refusing to meet with Albares

The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, clarified details surrounding Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's visit to Morocco on February 21st. Speaking to the press on Thursday, March 7th, Albares refuted suggestions that the cancellation of Sanchez's planned trip to Algeria on February 12th was linked to the Morocco visit. «The Prime Minister's trip to Morocco had been planned and scheduled well in advance», he stressed. Albares dismissed speculations that

Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces rescue 47 migrants off Dakhla coast

On Thursday, approximately 262 kilometers southwest of Dakhla, members of the Royal Armed Forces patrolling the coast rescued a boat that had run aground due to severe weather conditions. The vessel was carrying 47 migrants from sub-Saharan African countries who intended to reach the Canary Islands. The statement from the General Command of the Royal Armed Forces confirmed that the migrants received necessary assistance before being handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for standard