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

Sahara Desert dust continues to blanket Europe, forecasts show

A big cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert has been blowing across Europe for a few days now, as shown by forecasts from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). CAMS routinely monitors dust transportation and has been providing updates on the severity of these episodes this year. According to images published Monday, this isn't the first recent occurrence, and it might be becoming more common. The most recent dust episode has been underway since April 6. Mark Parrington, a Senior

Moroccan rapper arrested for a song accused of inciting «assault on minor girls» by NGOs

The public prosecution at the Fez Court of First Instance decided to prosecute a rapper and writer of a rap song known as «Kobi Atay», in a state of arrest and ordered him to be placed in prison, after he was charged with «inciting minors to prostitution and to commit a felony or misdemeanor by an electronic means». The accused was arrested last Thursday, after local children protection NGOs filed complaints against the song calling it inappropriate and inciting

International University of Rabat secures loan for major health sciences expansion

On Monday, April 8, the International University of Rabat (UIR) signed a long-term loan of 681 million dirhams to support the construction of a university hospital, two teaching buildings, a medical simulation center, and a health sciences research center. This project aligns with the university's development program, particularly its «Health Pole» initiative. The signing ceremony included UIR shareholders, university leadership, deans and professors representing the medical

In Spain, Vox remembers the 300 Spanish victims of Polisario terrorism

Spanish far-right party Vox has condemned an exhibition of photos celebrating Polisario fighters held at the Cantabrian parliament headquarters. Leticia Díaz, the party's spokesperson in the regional parliament, called it a «scandal» to display «images of terrorists who have targeted our compatriots», according to a Spanish media outlet. Vox vehemently criticizes the Polisario. Díaz accused the exhibition of «whitewashing» the group's

Moroccan activist sentenced to five years in prison for social media posts criticizing Israel

On Monday, April 8, the Mohammedia Court of First Instance sentenced Abderrahmane Azenkad, a member of Moroccan Islamist association Al Adl wal Ihsane and its Political Circle, to five years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 dirhams for social media posts criticizing the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Azenkad was arrested on March 22. In a press release, the Mohammedia branch of Al Adl wal Ihsane Political Circle denounced the verdict, stating it «comes amid ongoing prosecutions and arrests

Stena Line to acquire 49% stake in Moroccan ferry company AML

Swedish shipping company Stena Line announced on Monday it is acquiring a 49% stake in Moroccan ferry company Africa Morocco Link (AML) as part of its expansion plans in the Strait of Gibraltar. Headquartered in Tangier, AML operates a ferry route between Tangier Med and Algeciras, with plans to launch a new high-speed route between Tangier Ville and Tarifa this summer. The first route caters to both freight and passengers, while the second will be dedicated to passengers and cars. «We

OCP Group and Fortescue Energy announce joint venture for green solutions in Morocco

Morocco's OCP Group, a leading phosphate miner, phosphoric acid manufacturer, and fertilizer producer, announced a joint venture with green energy and technology company Fortescue Metals Group on Monday. The partnership aims to supply green hydrogen, ammonia, and fertilizers to Morocco, Europe, and international markets, according to a press release from OCP. Through this joint venture, OCP Group and Fortescue plan to establish a large-scale integrated green ammonia and fertilizer production

Casablanca hosts massive Iftar for 14,000 during Laylat al-Qadr

Casablanca held a giant Iftar for 14,000 people on Saturday to commemorate Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), observed on the 26th of Ramadan. Organized by Groupe Rahal, a leading Moroccan catering company, the Iftar took place at Casablanca's international fairground, located near the Hassan II Mosque. The event aimed to serve those planning to attend Taraweeh prayers at the Hassan II Mosque, where King Mohammed VI led the Night of Power prayers. According to a video published by

EU issues alert on Moroccan melons exceeding pesticide limits

The European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has issued an alert after residues of the pesticide chlorpyrifos were detected above permitted levels in Moroccan melons, according to Spanish media sources. Spanish border control authorities analyzed the melons' pesticide composition and «sent the notification to the European Organization», triggering the alert «so that each competent department can take appropriate measures». The alert

Moroccan footballer among victims of Nador shipwreck

While authorities in Morocco are still working with families to identify the victims of a shipwreck off Nador in February, football club Najm Midar has learned that one of its players, Houcine Biay, is among the young Moroccans who died after their boat capsized while trying to reach Spain. The 20-year-old aspired to a professional career with a Spanish club. The body was identified thanks to DNA testing. «The player had great football skills, which earned him the appreciation and

Moroccan man arrested after throwing barbecue at police in Naples

In Naples on Sunday, a 36-year-old Moroccan man threw a barbecue at police officers who were called to intervene in a fight. According to Italian media, the man was involved in a disagreement with a friend who had been hosting him for 15 days. When police arrived, he refused to cooperate and reportedly began insulting, threatening, and throwing objects at the carabinieri (Italian police). He then threw a barbecue at them, injuring one officer. The man was subsequently arrested and charged

Morocco's ambassador to Italy holds talks with President of FederPetroli Italia

Morocco's ambassador to Italy, Youssef Balla, received Michele Marsiglia, President of FederPetroli Italia, at the Moroccan embassy in Rome, according to Italian media reports on Monday. Marsiglia, in a message to Ambassador Balla, expressed the Italian energy industry's close ties with Morocco, particularly «in the aftermath of the strong earthquake that affected the North African country last year». Their discussions focused on Morocco's contributions to energy transition

Algeria's Foreign Minister travels to Nairobi ahead of Kenyan President's Morocco visit

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf arrived in Nairobi on Monday, April 8, for an «official bilateral visit on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune» according to a statement from the Algeria Foreign Ministry. The visit comes just days before Kenyan President William Ruto's expected visit to Morocco in the coming weeks. It also follows the visit of Kenya's Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Abraham Korir SingOei, to Morocco on March 21, carrying a message from President

Morocco's economic growth to reach 2.7% in 2Q of 2024

National economic growth is expected to reach 2.7% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year (up from an earlier estimate of 2.3%), according to the Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP). «Taking into account a 4.1% drop in agricultural value added, national economic activity should grow by 2.7% in Q2 2024», explains the HCP in its economic outlook report. Non-agricultural value added is forecast to rise by a healthy 3.7% year-on-year. Secondary industries,

Algerian press slams French investment in the Sahara

The Algerian private press is fiercely critical of recent French public investment projects in the Sahara. Several media outlets condemned what they called «provocative, dangerous and unprecedented statements» made by the French Minister of Foreign Trade, Frank Riester, during his visit to Morocco. The daily Echoroukonline denounced «a new French bombshell on the road of relations with Algeria». «The participation of the French Treasury in financing projects for

Morocco's inflation falls to lowest level in over two years

Inflation in Morocco has continued its downward trend, reaching its lowest level in over two years in the first quarter of 2024 (1.1%, down 2.7 points from the previous quarter), according to the Higher Planning Commission (HCP). This easing in prices is attributed to a marked slowdown in food prices (to 1.4% year-on-year) and a smaller increase in non-food prices (back to 0.9% year-on-year), as detailed in the HCP's note. The report further details that underlying inflation, excluding

Another Sahel country at odds with Algeria

A new diplomatic crisis is erupting between Algeria and yet another Sahel country. After Mali in December, Niger is now at odds with Algeria. On Wednesday, Niamey authorities summoned the Algerian ambassador to «protest» against the «violent» deportation of thousands of Nigerien migrants. The Algerian government and media remained silent on the issue. Only on Saturday, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, in a press release, that it had summoned the

Strong wind gusts, heatwave expected in Morocco from Monday to Friday

Strong wind gusts (70-90 km/h) are expected in several Moroccan provinces from Monday to Tuesday, according to an announcement made on Sunday by the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM). The phenomenon will primarily affect the southern provinces of Assa-Zag, Sidi Ifni, Tan-tan, Guelmim, and Es-Semara. These regions can expect strong winds from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Monday, as indicated by the DGM's orange alert bulletin. The wind gusts will then spread to the central provinces of