Morocco's Arrabet and Skaleet partner for a new neo-bank offering in Africa  (Read more...)

Spanish parties demand probe into Melilla-Nador migrant deaths

The commemoration of the second anniversary of the Melilla-Nador tragedy has rekindled the debate in Spain about the alleged responsibility of Rabat and Madrid for the deaths of around thirty migrants. The far-left Podemos party called on the European Commission to force the Spanish government to open a full investigation into the tragedy that occurred on June 24th, 2022. Podemos also backed the initiative of the pro-independence Catalan Republican Left to set up an independent commission of

Opposition parties condemn Israeli warship's docking in Moroccan port

The docking of an Israeli warship in the port of Tangiers has sparked criticism from several Moroccan opposition political bodies. The Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) expressed strong disapproval, stating, «In light of ongoing brutal Israeli aggression, normal relations with Israel or allowing an Israeli military vessel to dock in a Moroccan port are unacceptable», voiced by the comrades of Nabil Benabdellah. Echoing this sentiment, the political bureau of the

Widow of missing Moroccan politician Mehdi Ben Barka dies after long justice battle

The widow of Moroccan politician Mehdi Ben Barka, who disappeared in Paris in 1965, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, in Paris, surrounded by her loved ones. Rhita Bennani dedicated her life to uncovering the truth behind her husband's «abduction and disappearance», her family said in a statement. Bennani, who had been living in France since 1964, fought tirelessly to unveil the fate of her late husband. Mehdi Ben Barka was the head of the left-wing National Union of

Verona police arrest six Moroccans for torturing fellow citizen

In the Italian city of Verona, police concluded a series of arrests on Friday, June 21, by apprehending the last of six Moroccan suspects involved in the torture of a 26-year-old compatriot, reports Il Gazzettino. The suspects, all undocumented immigrants, targeted the man after he reported them for assaulting two Somalis ten days earlier. The initial assault led to one of the Somalis tragically drowning in the Camuzzoni canal while trying to escape their attackers. In retaliation, the group

American football quarterbacks Stroud and Fields share skills with young Moroccan players

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields reunited this weekend in Morocco for a youth football camp. The former teammates joined quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery in Skhirat, where they spent time working with young players, some as young as 11, during a three-hour session with FlexWork Football Camp. CJ Stroud and Justin Fields in Morocco ? pic.twitter.com/tsYurLRvGY — Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) June 23, 2024 Their visit took place

Unpredictable weather, strikes hit Moroccan early produce season

This year's early fruit and vegetable season in Morocco has been challenging for exporters, according to Moroccan exporter Mostapha Mohattan, who deals with the French market. Speaking to Fresh Plaza, he calls the season «mixed», citing unpredictable weather in Morocco, European farmer strikes, and fluctuating prices, all of which impacted exports. Despite these disruptive factors, demand for Moroccan produce remains steady. «Fortunately», Mohattan explained,

Explosion in Tangier home kills two women and injures six

Two women were killed on Tuesday evening when a mini gas cylinder exploded in a house in the Beni Mekada neighborhood of Tangier, local authorities reported. The explosion triggered a fire in the four-story, single-family home, resulting in burns of varying severity for six other individuals. Upon notification, local authorities, security services, and civil protection teams promptly arrived at the scene. The injured were transported to Mohammed V Hospital in Tangier for treatment, while

Morocco receives Palestinian Minister after Gaza aid delivery

Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita received a Palestinian delegation in Rabat on Tuesday, June 25, led by Ashraf Al Aawar, Palestinian Minister Responsible for the Al-Quds Dossier. Speaking to Al Aoula news channel, Al Aawar thanked King Mohammed VI for sending 40 tons of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He also praised the kingdom's ongoing financial support to the Rabat-based Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency, calling on Arab and Islamic states to follow Morocco's example. The delegation

Sahrawi tribe torches Polisario vehicles in Tindouf for justice

In the Tindouf camps, the Oulad Tidranine tribe seeks justice for one of its members, a trader who fell victim to the theft of a shipment of cell phones purchased in Mauritania, with an estimated value exceeding 8 million Algerian dinars (around 590,000 DH). The Polisario is accused of orchestrating the operation. A former Polisario member who had returned to the kingdom told Yabiladi that drug trafficking, smuggling, and the embezzlement of fuel or humanitarian aid are often managed by

Morocco is betting on green energy for water desalination, Minister says

On Tuesday, the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, presented the House of Councillors with data on Morocco's desalinated seawater production. «Morocco currently produces 193 million cubic meters (m³) of desalinated water, with 80 million m³ allocated for domestic consumption and the remainder serving agricultural and industrial needs», explained Baraka in response to four questions on the topic. The Minister highlighted Morocco's extensive experience in

Morocco : With 6 million tourists by the end of May 2024, the ONMT reports positive results

Despite a year marked by the Al Haouz earthquake, Morocco outperformed its competitors with increases in arrivals (34%), overnight stays (35%), and revenues (12%). Meeting in Rabat on Tuesday, June 25, the Board of Directors of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) reviewed the unprecedented performance in 2023, as part of the Light in Action offensive action plan. «These achievements confirm the sector's dynamism, the fruit of the efforts made by the ONMT, particularly in the areas

Inflation expected to reach 1.5% in 2024 in Morocco

Domestic inflation in Morocco is expected to reach 1.5% by the end of the current year, before rising to 2.7% in 2025, according to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM). These forecasts consider the recent return of inflation to low rates and the resumption of the decompensation process, says the central bank in a statement issued following its second quarterly board meeting of 2024, held on Tuesday in Rabat. The underlying inflation component, reflecting the fundamental trend in prices, averaged 2.1% over

Spain boosts Morocco's border security with EU-funded euipment

Amnesty urges Morocco to uncover fate of migrants missing two years after deadly Melilla border incident Spain has purchased equipment and technology for the Moroccan security forces to help combat irregular migration and drug trafficking. The purchase includes 98 portable thermal cameras for surveillance, 25 night vision devices, and various maritime communications equipment. In all, 188 systems will reinforce control of land and sea borders with Spain, reports La Razon. The aid was financed

Morocco’s Foreign Minister questioned by PJD on Israeli warship docking in Tangier

The Justice and Development Party (PJD) has raised concerns over the recent docking of an Israeli warship at the port of Tangier. Abdellah Bouanou, the president of the PJD's parliamentary group, has formally questioned Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on this matter. Bouanou argued that the docking of an Israeli vessel «undermines Morocco's stance on the Palestinian issue, particularly in light of the ongoing aggression against Palestine and Gaza. It also compromises Morocco's efforts,

Morocco's central bank lowers key interest rate to 2.75%

The Board of Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) convened in Rabat on Tuesday and decided to reduce the key interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 2.75%. In a statement following its second quarterly meeting of 2024, the central bank announced, «After keeping the key rate unchanged for four consecutive meetings, it has been reduced by 25 basis points to 2.75%». The statement further indicates that the Board will continue closely monitoring economic and inflationary developments, both

Calling all musicians! L'Boulevard Festival announces dates and applications open

Mark your calendars! The 22nd edition of the L'Boulevard festival will be held from September 12 to 15, 2024, at the R.U.C stadium in Casablanca. Organized by the EAC-L'Boulvart association, this exciting event celebrates contemporary music and urban culture. This year's edition promises exclusive concerts, an associative and creative market, and a variety of engaging activities. One of the festival's highlights is the Tremplin L'Boulevard music competition. Launched in 1999, Tremplin

194 jobs created with opening of Ibn Nafis oncology hospital in Marrakech

On Monday, June 24th, 2024, the AKDITAL Group officially unveiled the Ibn Nafis International Hospital in Marrakech. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Farid Chourak, Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region, alongside AKDITAL executives including Dr. Rochdi Talib, Chairman and CEO. This state-of-the-art facility caters specifically to oncology patients, offering a comprehensive range of advanced treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. With a 100-bed

Morocco closes investigation into Melilla border crossing deaths

The Moroccan judiciary has closed the investigation into the tragedy at the border fence with Melilla that occurred on June 24, 2022, due to lack of criminal evidence. Citing sources in the public prosecutor's office, the Spanish news agency EFE reports that the investigation concluded that Moroccan forces used «proportionate force», aligning with the Spanish court ruling that held Madrid partially responsible for the deaths. On that day, 23 migrants died after more than 1,700