Despite FRMF denials, Xavi reportedly leads race to replace Regragui

Although the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has denied for the second time since the end of the Africa Cup of Nations that head coach Walid Regragui has left his position, speculation continues just four months ahead of the World Cup. While reaffirming that Regragui remains in charge, the federation acknowledged that it has held discussions with potential candidates, including former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, according to international reports. However, no agreement has

GITEX AFRICA Morocco: AI at the core of the fourth edition

The fourth edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco will take place from April 7 to 9 in Marrakech, aiming to support the emergence of a sovereign and sustainable digital economy across Africa. Held under the theme «Catalyzing the African Digital Economy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence», the event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, startups, investors, and researchers to explore the potential of responsible AI. According to a statement, this year’s edition also

Morocco extradites Rotterdam shooting suspect to Netherlands

Morocco has extradited a 30-year-old man from Spijkenisse to the Netherlands over his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place in Rotterdam in February 2025, Dutch media reported on Tuesday. The suspect, who was arrested in Morocco eight months ago, was handed over to Dutch authorities last week. He appeared before an examining magistrate on Tuesday, who ordered the extension of his detention, according to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service. Moroccan authorities reportedly

Man arrested in Meknes for violent robbery of minor

Police officers from the Meknes Security Directorate arrested a man on Tuesday afternoon, February 24, on suspicion of involvement in a robbery involving violence. The suspect allegedly assaulted and robbed a minor girl in a public street in Meknes. The incident was captured in a video that circulated on social media platforms. Investigations carried out in the case led to the identification and arrest of the suspect. He has been placed under judicial investigation under the supervision of

Morocco arrests Dutch man sought over €5.8 million fraud case

Police officers from the Regional Security Commission in M’diq-Fnideq arrested a 54-year-old Dutch national on Monday, February 23, in Martil, after he was found to be the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by judicial authorities in the Netherlands. A check of the suspect’s identity through Interpol’s database revealed that he was wanted internationally under a Red Notice issued at the request of the National Central Bureau in The Hague. He is suspected of

French defense industry seeks to reclaim Moroccan market with strategic investments

The French defense industry is making a concerted effort to reestablish its presence in the Moroccan market. To this end, diplomats and industry leaders, backed by influential consultants, have been deployed to Morocco. Their mission: to present strategic solutions and promote long-term investments, as reported by Africa Intelligence. This move is part of a larger strategy to bolster French diplomatic efforts, underscored by the recent appointment of a defense attaché in Rabat,

Morocco plans future ban on import of modifiable motorcycles

Morocco is poised to implement a future ban on the import of motorcycles with engines that can be modified, in a bid to curb this practice and enhance the enforcement of related infractions. Nacer Boulaajoul, the Director General of the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), revealed these plans in an interview with Le360. This move is part of a broader road safety strategy set to unfold by 2030, aimed at reinforcing «regulation and legislation». The decision is driven by a

France 24 Arabic duped by fake account of Moroccan minister on platform X

France 24 Arabic recently fell victim to a hoax on the social media platform X after broadcasting information from a fake account falsely attributed to Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita. The fake account claimed that Morocco had pledged $1 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund during a Peace Council meeting in Washington on February 19. Relying on this false information, the channel aired a segment on the matter, featuring Moroccan journalist Younès Meskine,

Moroccan embassy in Paris denies sale of King Mohammed VI's Betz castle

Following the publication of the information by AfricaIntelligence and its subsequent coverage by Yabiladi, the Moroccan embassy in Paris has formally denied any intention to sell the Betz castle. King Mohammed VI is rumored to have decided to put his castle located in Betz, in the Oise region, about 70 kilometers from Paris, up for sale. According to Africa Intelligence, the Moroccan monarch has reportedly initiated the process of selling this property. This decision is part of a broader

Senegal PM says conviction of the 18 fans in Morocco «went beyond sports»

The conviction of 18 Senegalese fans by a Moroccan court for hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final is taking on a political dimension. Speaking before parliament, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko expressed regret over the ruling, saying, «It seems that this issue has gone beyond the realm of sports, which is unfortunate». «For two countries that present themselves as friends, like Morocco and Senegal, matters should not have reached this point»,

Royal Moroccan Football Federation once again denies separation from Coach Walid Regragui

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has finally addressed the swirling rumors about parting ways with national coach Walid Regragui. In a concise statement, the Federation declared, «The Royal Moroccan Football Federation denies the circulating news regarding its separation from coach Mr. Walid Regragui». Previously, on February 6, the Federation had already dismissed similar reports about the coach's resignation, labeling them as baseless. Regragui has been under heavy

Strong winds and sandstorms forecasted in Morocco from Thursday to Friday

Strong gusts of wind, accompanied by sandstorms and dust storms, are forecasted to hit several Moroccan provinces from Thursday through Friday, according to an announcement by the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM). The DGM reports that intense wind gusts, reaching speeds of 90 to 100 km/h and accompanied by sandstorms, are expected from 9:00 AM on Thursday until 9:00 AM on Friday. The affected provinces include Chtouka-Ait Baha, Taroudant, Tiznit, Tata, Agadir Ida-Ou-Tanane,

Royal Navy intercepts 189 migrants off Dakhla bound for Canary Islands

Units of the Royal Navy intercepted a boat on Monday off the coast of Dakhla carrying 189 migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands. According to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the individuals, all from Sub-Saharan Africa, were provided with first aid on board for those who were ill before being transported to the Port of Dakhla. They were then handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for the usual administrative procedures.

Moroccan man, Trump supporter, held 108 days in ICE detention

A 60-year-old Moroccan who has lived in the United States for more than 38 years, spent 108 days in ICE detention after being arrested on August 11 at Newark Liberty International Airport while preparing to travel with his wife. Released in November after paying a $15,000 bond, Abdellatif Hafraoui now wears an ankle monitor as his immigration case continues, the couple told local media. His Moroccan passport remains in the custody of U.S. authorities. Hafraoui, who has no criminal record, was

10,000 Moroccan social workers unpaid for six months

The Moroccan Observatory of Inclusive Education has sounded the alarm over the dire financial situation facing 10,000 social workers, who have gone unpaid for six months straight. In a statement issued on Monday, the organization pointed to «a delay by the State in disbursing annual grants to associations working in the field of disability». These funds, they noted, «are intended to finance the educational and social support services outlined in the government

EU-Russia trade rift positions Morocco among MENA’s key export beneficiaries

Morocco is among the nations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that have witnessed a surge in exports to the European Union (EU), as the bloc distances itself from Russia due to sanctions imposed since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. A recent Forbes Middle East article highlights how this shift has triggered an unprecedented commercial realignment. By 2025, Morocco emerged as the EU's top supplier of fertilizers, capturing 19% of the bloc's imports, overtaking Russia, whose

Casablanca-Settat strengthens industrial leadership with Ouled Saleh zone development

The Casablanca-Settat region is advancing its industrial prowess with a major partnership agreement to develop the Ouled Saleh Industrial Acceleration Zone (IAZ) in Nouaceur province, further cementing its status as a national industrial hub. The agreement was signed by key figures including the Minister of Industry and Trade, the Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, the President of the Regional Council, the Provincial Governor of Nouaceur, the General Director of the Casablanca Urban

Moroccan man in his fifties dies trying to reach Ceuta by sea

The body of a 55-year-old Moroccan man who went missing while attempting to swim to Ceuta has been found after washing ashore along the coast of Belyounech, his family confirmed. He had entered the sea on Sunday, February 15, a day marked by multiple disappearances, in an attempt to reach Ceuta by bypassing the rocky barrier between Belyounech and Benzu, despite stormy weather conditions. Others also tried to cross through Benzu or Tarajal, and several remain missing. His children had not