News Flash

Morocco opens probe into kidnapping of citizens by human traffickers in Myanmar

The King's Public Prosecutor at the Casablanca Court of Appeal has ordered a judicial inquiry into the kidnapping of Moroccan nationals by human trafficking gangs in Myanmar's border areas with Thailand. The National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) will lead the investigation. A press release issued on Wednesday stated that victims and their families, particularly those who filed complaints, were interviewed. Preliminary investigations revealed criminal networks specializing in human

Spain warns citizens against travel to Tindouf camps

The Spanish government has warned citizens against traveling to the Tindouf camps in Algeria, considering it a dangerous region. Collaborators must also consider recommendations from the Spanish International Development Cooperation Agency (AECID). They are required to inform the Spanish General Consulate in Oran and the AECID office in Algeria beforehand. The ministry also urges Spaniards planning to travel despite the warnings to avoid bringing donations for the Sahrawis. Donations

Will Algeria exit CAF over Morocco jersey dispute ?

The Algerian Football Association (FAF) denied rumors of seeking membership in the Asian Football Confederation. Saïd Fellak, a spokesperson, told an Egyptian media outlet that «this information has no basis. These rumors defy logic. It's strange how such news spreads and is believed». He clarified that «the Algerian Football Association has not addressed this point». These clarifications come amid proposals from Algerian sports analysts to leave CAF. They aim to

Morocco head of government represents King Mohammed VI at the 33rd Arab Summit

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch arrived Wednesday in Manama to represent King Mohammed VI at the 33rd session of the Arab League Council at summit level. He was received at Bahrain International Airport by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Moroccan delegation includes Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. The summit, which will take place on Thursday, will discuss various issues related to joint Arab action in the political,

Moroccan man faces charges for storming football match raising Palestinian flag

Sofiane Chatir appeared before the Court of Appeal in Berkane on Tuesday. He is being prosecuted for storming the stadium and raising the Palestinian flag during a match between Berkane Renaissance Sports Club and the Egyptian Zamalek Club. His activist actions prompted a response from the prosecution, which charged him with entering the stadium without just cause, in violation of Article 308-11 of the Criminal Law. According to this article, «Anyone who enters or attempts to enter by

Major battery manufacturers invest $910 million in Tangier Tech City

Agreements were signed on Tuesday at the Bank of Africa headquarters in Casablanca for the establishment of two industrial projects in Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City. The projects involve Chinese international automotive battery manufacturers Hailiang and Shinzoom, and were signed in the presence of the President of TangerMED Group, Fouad El Berrini. The agreements, signed by Othman Benjelloun, President of Tangier Tech, and witnessed by TangerMED Group President Fouad El Berrini as

Orcas sink yacht after attack in Moroccan waters

A pack of killer whales attacked a 50-foot yacht carrying two people off Moroccan waters on Sunday. Quoting Spain's rescue agency, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the pair reported the attack around 9:00 AM near the Strait of Gibraltar. The two people were aboard a yacht named Alboran Cognac when they felt blows to the hull. The killer whales caused damage to the vessel's rudder, which led to water ingress. After reporting the attack, the pair was instructed to put on life

Air Arabia launches first direct flight from Amsterdam to Tetouan

On Tuesday, an Air Arabia aircraft from Amsterdam in the Netherlands landed at Tétouan-Saniat R'mel international airport, marking the first direct flight linking the two cities. After landing, the Airbus A320 operating the inaugural direct flight, carrying 176 passengers primarily members of the Moroccan community in the Netherlands, was greeted with a traditional «water salute» under an arch formed by projected water jets. Tetouan airport manager Limouni Hassan, in a

Morocco named Africa's Best Golf Tourism Destination

Morocco has been named «Africa's Best Golf Tourism Destination of the Year» at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) European Convention currently taking place in Malaga, according to a press release issued by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) on Tuesday. The recognition was announced on the sidelines of the 2024 IAGTO edition. 660 golf tour operators voted based on Q1 2024 performance and customer satisfaction. «This recognition rewards the

Defense : Morocco and Nigeria hold talks in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force is keen to benefit from the expertise of its Moroccan counterpart. Field Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar conveyed this message during a meeting with the military attaché of the Moroccan embassy in Abuja, Colonel Mohammed Abounasr. «The NAF continues to benefit from the magnanimity of the Moroccan Armed Forces through training of pilots and aircraft maintenance. Look forward to enhancing our relationship for our shared benefit», wrote Marshal Abubakar on

Akdital opens 100-bed oncology hospital in Marrakech

The Ibn Nafis International Hospital, a new 100-bed facility specializing in cancer care, has officially opened its doors in Marrakech. Owned by the Akdital Group, the hospital offers a comprehensive range of oncology services, including hematology, tailored treatments, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, bone marrow transplants, and specialized cancer surgery. It also provides nuclear medicine, senology, endoscopy, and biology services, employing a staff of 194, with 155 healthcare

Spain advises tourists to avoid Morocco-Algeria border

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Spanish tourists visiting Morocco to avoid areas bordering Algeria. «In these areas, the proximity to the Algerian border can be problematic as it can be crossed unintentionally», explains José Manuel Albares' department in a notice published on Tuesday, May 14. For the record, in August, the Algerian army killed two young Moroccans and wounded another while they were riding jet skis at sea near the maritime border with

Somali court releases Moroccans previously sentenced to death for ISIS ties

A military court in Puntland, Somalia, has released a group of Moroccan nationals who were previously sentenced to death for joining the Islamic State (ISIS). Quoted by Somali media, the chairman of the military court, Abdifatah Haji Adnan, said the group of convicts included foreign nationals from Morocco and Ethiopia. All had surrendered to Puntland authorities after escaping from ISIS in Somalia. The court released the six men to the Somali Ministry of Justice's Department of

Chile returns 117 smuggled fossils to Morocco

Morocco was handed over 117 rare fossils dating back 400 million years on Monday in Santiago, Chile. The fossils were confiscated by Chilean customs between 2017 and 2022. The handover of these unique artifacts to Morocco's Ambassador Kenza El Ghali was held at the headquarters of the National Library of Chile. The Director of the National Department of Cultural Resources, and Deputy Director of Inspection of the Chilean Customs Service, presided over the ceremony in the presence of

Belgium : Moroccan rapper Khtek to perform at La Belle Hip Hop Festival

The 8th edition of the La Belle Hip Hop festival will take place from May 21 to 24, 2024, in the Belgian capital, Brussels. It offers a celebration of female talent in hip hop. Under the passionate direction of Fatima Elajmi, this annual event, born in 2017, has established itself as a national and then international leader, bringing together female artists from over eight countries to share their art and experience in the world of Hip Hop. More than just an artistic event, La Belle Hip Hop

Morocco dismantles terrorist cell affiliated to «ISIS» operating in cities of Tiznit, Sidi Slimane

As part of the ongoing efforts to confront the dangers of violent extremism and counter terrorist threats to the security of the Kingdom and its citizens, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), on Tuesday morning dismantled a terrorist cell affiliated to the «Daesh» organization, whose members were active in the cities of Tiznit and Sidi Slimane. This large-scale security operation, carried out by

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi ranked 2nd best African player in Ligue 1

Achraf Hakimi has been ranked the 2nd best African player in Ligue 1 for the 2023-2024 season. Olympique de Marseille (OM) striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been awarded the prestigious Prix Marc-Vivien Foé. The Gabonese player succeeds his teammate Chancel Mbemba, winner the previous year. Aubameyang's 252 points propelled him to the top of the ranking, ahead of Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi (2nd, 136 points) and Algerian midfielder Nabil Bentaleb (3rd, 122 points). To determine

Morocco expects a record 16.8 million tourist arrivals in 2024

Morocco's tourist arrivals are expected to set a record in 2024, driven by growth from European markets, according to forecasts by Fitch Solutions research firm BMI. BMI predicts a strong year for Morocco's tourism sector in 2024, with continued growth expected through the end of 2028. This growth will be driven by European tourists, especially from France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Germany, as the primary source market for Morocco. This trend is due to «the market's appeal as an