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

Moroccans abroad sent 9.2 billion dirhams in January 2024

Money transfers made by Moroccans living abroad (MRE) reached 9.2 billion dirhams (DH) in January 2024, according to the Foreign Exchange Office. This represents a decrease of 2.6% compared to January 2023, as indicated by the bulletin on monthly foreign trade indicators. The same source reports a surplus in the services balance of MAD 10.45 billion last January, down 2.4% compared to the same month of the previous year. This surplus is due to an increase in imports of 10.7% to MAD 10.41

Spainish farmers seek role in inspecting Moroccan imports

In Spain, tensions regarding Moroccan agricultural products have escalated. The agricultural union, Unión de Uniones, has demanded participation in control operations on products, primarily those coming from Morocco, according to Spanish media outlets like El País. The union argues for stricter border controls «carried out responsibly to reassure consumers and producers». They justify their request by citing a «loss of confidence» in the Spanish

Biden nominates «Mr. Sahara» Harris as new US ambassador to Algeria

President Joe Biden has proposed appointing Deputy Secretary of State for North Africa, Joshua Harris, as the new US Ambassador to Algeria, according to a White House press release. Harris, known as a key figure on the Western Sahara issue within the Biden administration, is expected to succeed Ambassador Elizabeth Moore Aubin, who has held the position since February 9, 2022. His nomination will now be considered by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Harris is familiar with Algeria

Morocco and France partner to enhance agricultural skills and knowledge sharing

Morocco and France signed, Friday in Paris, an administrative agreement for cooperation in the field of agricultural technical and vocational training and higher agricultural, veterinary, and forestry education. The agreement was signed by the Directorate of Education, Training, and Research of the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and the General Directorate of Education and Research of the French Ministry of Agriculture, during a ceremony chaired by the respective ministers, Mohamed Sadiki

UK MPs step up support for Polisario, while UK strengthens ties with Morocco

Pro-Polisario members of the UK Parliament, led by Jeremy Corbyn, have increased their advocacy by submitting three written questions to the Conservative government. These questions address alleged «human rights violations by Morocco in Western Sahara, a population census, and a self-determination referendum». Responding to the first question, Under-Secretary David Rutley reiterated the UK's commitment to international humanitarian law and its support for UN efforts led by Staffan

Tarik Sektioui appointed new U23 Morocco national football team coach

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced, Thursday, the appointment of Tarik Sektioui as the new coach of the U23 Morocco national football team, succeeding Issam Charaï. In a statement, the FRMF explained that this change aligns with the «new framework established by the National Selection Commission, which outlines the coordination and changes within the national selection techniques for all categories». The FRMF also expressed its «sincere gratitude to

Somali military court sentences six Moroccans to death for alleged ISIS affiliation

A military court in the Somali town of Bosaso sentenced six Moroccan nationals to death on Thursday for alleged membership in «ISIS», according to US state media outlet Voice of America (VOA). The sentences were announced after a trial involving nine foreign nationals accused of terrorism-related charges. «Six Moroccans convicted of being members of the Islamic State militant group have been sentenced to death», Colonel Ali Ibrahim Osman, deputy chairman of the court,

Casablanca busway launches first and second lines today

The Casa Busway company announced the official launch of its first and second lines today, Friday, March 1, 2024. This expansion offers residents living near the special routes in the Ouled Azouz and Dar Bouazza communities new public transportation options. The new service provides convenient connections between the Casabasway lines and the existing Casa Tramway lines. Additionally, passengers can benefit from consistent fares and ticketing options across both services. Existing tram tickets,

Sahel : US hosts talks between Morocco and Chad

Washington hosted,Wednesday, a meeting between representatives of Morocco and Chad. Morocco's ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, confirmed the discussions via social media, writing X : «I had the pleasure of exchanging with the Prime Minister of Chad on our two countries long-standing ties and our shared commitment for a peaceful and prosperous Africa». The meeting took place on the sidelines of a conference organized by the Atlantic Council institute in the American

Spanish government honors Morocco’s André Azoulay with Civil Order of Alfonso X

In its February 27 meeting, the Spanish government approved a proposal to grant André Azoulay the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise. The decision, proposed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Education (both PSOE members), was published in the Official State Bulletin on February 28. The decree awarding the distinction cites «the merits of Mr. André Azoulay» without elaborating further. While accessed by Yabiladi, the document does not mention

Polisario objects to potential transfer of Sahara airspace to Morocco

The Polisario Front rejects the Spanish government's plan to transfer control of the airspace over the Sahara to Morocco. «Spain does not own this airspace and therefore cannot make decisions about it», said Abdellah Arabi, the Polisario representative to Spain, during a press conference on Thursday, February 29, from the Canary Islands. He urged Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to revise his support for the Moroccan autonomy plan in Western Sahara and «comply with

Samira Sitail presents credentials as Moroccan Ambassador to France

On Thursday, Samira Sitail officially assumed the role of Morocco's Ambassador to France following a ceremony at the Élysée Palace. During the ceremony, she presented her credentials to French President Emmanuel Macron. On November 30, Sitail was appointed by King Mohammed VI as Morocco's Ambassador to Paris.

Abdelaziz Bouhazama appointed assistant coach of Moroccan national football team

On Wednesday, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced the appointment of Abdelaziz Bouhazama as assistant coach to the national team, working alongside head coach Walid Regragui. He replaces Gharib Amzine, who is departing from the technical staff. This change potentially signals adjustments for the Moroccan team in preparation for upcoming matches in March. Bouhazama, a 55-year-old native of Grenoble, France, previously served as the Director of the Béni Mellal

Morocco vows to protect agricultural exports amid farmer protests in Europe

Mustapha Baitas, the Moroccan government spokesperson, said Thursday during a press briefing that the free trade agreement governing access of Moroccan agricultural products to European countries is «general and comprehensive, not selective». He explained in response to a question about recent interceptions of Moroccan trucks by protesting farmers in Europe that all details related to export, including materials and quantities, were negotiated during the agreement's

18 Moroccan political parties fail to return over 26.3 million dirhams in government funds

The Court of Auditors announced on Thursday that 18 political parties in Morocco have yet to return a total of nearly 26.31 million dirhams in government support. According to the 2022 audit report, the outstanding sum comprises 839,813 dirhams in «undue sums» and 7.58 dirhams in «unused sums» used for unintended purposes. Additionally, the report highlighted 17.9 million dirhams in expenses without invoices. However, the report also states that, by the report's

Irish government acknowledges meeting with Polisario representatives

Following two weeks of silence, the Irish government finally acknowledged a meeting with Polisario representatives in Dublin on February 14th. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Michael Martin, responded on Tuesday to written inquiries from MPs Chris Andrews and Patrick Costello by confirming the meeting. «On 14 February, officials from my Department met with visiting representatives of the Polisario Front to discuss the ongoing political situation in Western Sahara».  Minister

New four-day maritime trade route to link Tunisia and Morocco

A new trade route linking Tunisia directly to Morocco, Spain, and Libya will be launched in March, Tunis Afrique Presse Agency (TAP) reported on Sunday. The route, dedicated to container transportation, will operate from the port of Sfax in Tunisia. Malek Aloui, spokesperson for the venture, told the TAP that final administrative and logistical preparations are nearing completion. Two departures from Sfax will be offered monthly, with travel time to Morocco taking only four days and six

Moroccan berry exports show revenue boost in 2023 despite volume decline

Despite adverse weather conditions and a decrease in exported volume, Morocco's berry exports saw a significant revenue increase in 2023. According to data from East Fruit, Moroccan berry producers exported approximately 124,000 tons, generating $750 million in revenue. While the overall export volume in 2023 dropped by 6% compared to the previous year, total revenue has jumped 2.4-fold since 2018. This growth is attributed to rising berry prices, with frozen berries exceeding even greenhouse