Tangier court sentences man to three years for sexually assaulting ex-wife

The Court of Appeals in Tangier recently presided over a high-profile criminal case that has gripped the local community. The primary criminal chamber handed down a three-year prison sentence to a man in his forties, convicted of sexually assaulting his ex-wife. Additionally, he was ordered to pay 40,000 dirhams in civil compensation to the victim. The assault took place after he forcibly entered her home, committing the crime in front of their children, according to the newspaper

King Mohammed VI orders 3 billion dirham aid plan for flood-hit provinces

Following the exceptionally severe weather that has affected the Kingdom over the past two months, particularly in the Gharb plain and the Loukkos region, King Mohammed VI, has given his instructions to the government to roll out a wide-ranging aid and support program for affected families and populations, and to adopt the regulatory measures required in such circumstances. In this regard, the Head of Government has issued a decree declaring the severe weather a natural disaster and

European retailers say shelves «may be less stocked» due to bad weather in Morocco

Several European supermarket chains say that weeks of heavy rainfall in Morocco have complicated the supply of vegetables and soft fruits to their stores. Speaking to Belgium's VRT News on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Delhaize, a Belgian supermarket chain, said that «supply is difficult», explaining that «all transport from North Africa has to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, and that’s currently very difficult». The chain added that while «there’s

Storm Nils disrupts Tarifa-Tangier maritime connections on Thursday and Friday

Maritime connections between the ports of Tarifa (Cádiz) and Tangier were suspended on Thursday and will remain suspended on Friday due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Nils, which is affecting the Strait of Gibraltar, according to the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras. The first scheduled crossing on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. from Tarifa operated as planned. However, all other sailings for the rest of the day were canceled, the same source confirmed. Port authorities

Morocco reopens 124 roads amid severe weather disruptions, says Minister

The efforts undertaken have led to the reopening of 124 out of 168 road sections damaged by adverse weather conditions, while 44 sections remain closed, Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka said on Wednesday in Rabat. Speaking at a press briefing following the government council meeting, Baraka specified that the affected regions include Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Fès-Meknès, Marrakech-Safi, Souss-Massa, Casablanca-Settat,

Moroccan ex-soldier on hunger strike after Spain rejects asylum bid

A former Moroccan soldier, Omar Touanina, currently detained at the foreign nationals’ detention center in Barcelona, has been on a hunger strike for five days to protest the rejection of his asylum application. He is calling on Spanish authorities to reconsider his case, claiming he fears retaliation from drug trafficking networks if returned to Morocco. Through his lawyer, Fernando Martínez, Touanina has submitted a new asylum request, stating that he served in the Moroccan

Morocco records highest lemon export volume in the last five seasons

Morocco has reached a milestone in its lemon export industry, recording its highest volume in five seasons during the 2024/2025 period, effectively reversing a four-year downward trend, as reported by the «East Fruit» platform. Between November 2024 and October 2025, Morocco exported approximately 9,700 tons of lemons, generating over 5 million US dollars. This marks an impressive 80% increase compared to the 2023/2024 season, and represents the strongest performance since the

Magnitude 3.7 earthquake recorded near Setti Fadma

A magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck northeast of Setti Fadma in the Marrakech-Safi region on Wednesday at 12:23 p.m., according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake occurred at a depth of 143 kilometers, with its epicenter located near Ouarzazate. While classified as moderate in magnitude, the earthquake was relatively deep, which reduced its surface impact. Authorities reported that the shaking was generally weak and, in many areas, not felt, according to Volcano

Morocco shines as country in focus at Berlinale European Film Market 2023

Morocco's film industry took center stage on Wednesday evening with the official launch of its role as the «Country in Focus» at the European Film Market (EFM). This prestigious event, part of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), drew numerous industry professionals eager to explore Morocco's cinematic landscape. This recognition underscores the international acknowledgment of Morocco's vibrant film industry, which thrives under the strategic vision of King

Oued El Makhazine Dam reservoir reaches 1,097.9 million cubic meters

On Wednesday in Rabat, Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka announced that the Oued El Makhazine dam currently holds 1,097.9 million cubic meters of water, with the reservoir level reaching 71.04 meters. Between September 1, 2025, and February 11, 2026, the dam recorded significant inflows totaling approximately 1.462 billion cubic meters. Of this amount, around 1.031 billion cubic meters, or 71.6%, were received in just the past two weeks, exceeding the annual average by 284%, the

Global call for action at Marrakech conference to combat child labor challenges

Participants at a panel during the sixth World Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor called on Wednesday in Marrakech for a coordinated global response to address the persistence of this social phenomenon. Held under the theme «Child Labor: Emerging Challenges and New Opportunities», the panel explored current obstacles and potential strategies to strengthen action at the national, regional, and international levels, moving beyond short-term solutions. Speaking at the

Livestock health interventions in Sidi Kacem after severe weather conditions

Field operations were carried out on Wednesday in the Al Haouafate commune, in the province of Sidi Kacem, to monitor the health of livestock and provide necessary care to animals affected by the recent severe weather conditions. These interventions, organized by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) in coordination with local authorities and Civil Protection, included administering treatment to animals impacted by flooding. At the same time, targeted vaccination campaigns were

Moroccan embassy offers guide for 2026 World Cup fans traveling to USA

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States approaches, the Moroccan Embassy in Washington has released a video capsule and a practical guide for Moroccan fans planning to travel to back the national team. According to a press release issued Wednesday, the two resources outline the key steps to complete before departure and during the stay, particularly for group-stage matches in New Jersey, Boston, and Atlanta. The guide explains the procedures in sequence, starting with match ticket

Classes resume in Chefchaouen after weather suspension

Classes resumed in Chefchaouen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday after several days of exceptional suspension due to severe weather conditions. The decision to restart lessons in both public and private schools was taken in line with the recommendations of the provincial monitoring committee and in coordination with local authorities, following a marked improvement in weather conditions. In rural areas, the return to school was only partial, as authorities prioritized the safety of students and teaching

Algerian soldiers reportedly cross into Moroccan territory at Ksar Ich

Algerian soldiers reportedly crossed into Moroccan territory this Wednesday at Ksar Ich, in the province of Figuig. A video shared by Algerian dissident Walid Kébir, who resides in Morocco, appears to confirm this incursion. «A group of Algerian border guards breached the barriers they had erected days earlier at the border, opposite the Moroccan town of Ksar Ich, and advanced 150 to 200 meters into Moroccan territory. They stayed for two hours before retreating back to

Algeria plays the Polisario football team card once again

Algiers became the focal point this Wednesday with the inauguration of the «Sahrawi Football Federation». The Algerian capital is set to host a match this weekend, featuring the Polisario team against former stars of the Fennecs. This event is part of the festivities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic» on February 27, 1976, as reported by local media. It is worth recalling that in May 2023, Algeria organized a

Morocco joins Algeria on the African Union's Peace and Security Council

This Wednesday, Morocco secured a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the 2026-2028 term. The kingdom's candidacy received overwhelming support, garnering 34 votes during the 48th ordinary session of the AU Executive Council, surpassing the two-thirds majority required. With this election, Morocco joins Algeria on the PSC. Initially, Algiers had attempted to thwart Rabat's entry by encouraging the Polisario Front to submit its own candidacy. However, the Front

Moroccans rank second globally in Schengen visas from France in 2025

Moroccans have secured the second spot globally for Schengen visas issued by France in 2025, as revealed by Olivier Ramadour, the French Consul General in Rabat. In 2025, France issued over 300,000 Schengen visas to Moroccan nationals, reflecting a 20% increase from 2024. This positions Morocco just behind China but ahead of India in terms of visa distribution, explained Mr. Ramadour during the «Inter Matin» program on Chaîne Inter, hosted by M’hamed Bhiri. He