Human Rights Council: Opening of the 61st session with Morocco's participation

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) launched its 61st session on Monday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, with Morocco actively participating. This session, which continues until March 31, will scrutinize over 80 reports and host around twenty interactive debates with independent experts and mandate holders. Morocco is represented by a delegation led by the Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights, Mohamed El Habib Belkouch. He is set to deliver Morocco's address during the

Spanish arms exports to Morocco soar by 40 percent in 2025

Spanish arms exports to Morocco rose by 40.4% in 2025 compared with the previous year, increasing from €21.08 million to €29.6 million, according to data released by Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Trade and reported by OK Diario. The shipments included items classified as «weapons of war» worth approximately €1.8 million, as well as rifles and machine guns valued at more than €100,000. «War weapon accessories» represented the second-largest

FIFA praises Moroccan youth football program as a model for Africa

Morocco’s national youth talent development program, led by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has received high praise from FIFA, which is reportedly considering it as a model for other African countries, according to the FRMF. As part of its international talent development initiative, a FIFA delegation conducted two working visits to Morocco to assess the program firsthand, the federation said in a press release. During the visits, the delegation toured several Moroccan

Morocco among prime viewing spots for 2027 total solar eclipse

On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of southern Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa, plunging areas along its path into complete darkness. Among the key destinations in the band of totality is Tangier, Morocco, where the eclipse is expected to last approximately 4 minutes and 51 seconds. Tangier offers an ideal setting to witness the rare astronomical event, The Week Magazine wrote, listing the city among five locations. Visitors can watch

US deports woman who fled Morocco over her homosexuality despite judge's protection

Farah, a 21-year-old Moroccan woman, says she was deported from the United States despite receiving a protection order from a U.S. immigration judge. She was first sent to Cameroon, then returned to Morocco, the country she had fled after her family discovered her homosexuality. She told the Associated Press that she was beaten by her family and her partner’s relatives when they discovered their relationship. After being expelled from her home and fleeing to another city, she said her

Morocco showcases centuries of flavors at International Agricultural Show in Paris 2026

Morocco unveiled its pavilion at the International Agricultural Show in Paris, France, on Sunday, marking the event that runs from February 21 to March 1, 2026. The official inauguration of this 300 m² space was led by Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, alongside Samira Sitaïl, Morocco's ambassador to France. With the theme «Morocco, Centuries of Flavors», the Moroccan exhibit showcases «30

Injured during AFCON, Azzedine Ounahi returns to Girona after recovery

Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi has recovered from the injury he sustained during the Atlas Lions’ training camp at the Africa Cup of Nations, which took place between December 2025 and January 2026. On Sunday, his club Girona FC announced his return on its official X account, sharing a photo of the midfielder training with his teammates captioned: «Azz is back». His coach Míchel confimed the news : «We have Ounahi back, and he will be able to help us. He

Body of missing girl found in Bin El Ouidane Lake near Azilal

On Sunday, the body of young Hiba Tigrourden was recovered from Bin El Ouidane Lake near Azilal, after she had been missing since Saturday, February 14. Rescue teams, including the Royal Gendarmerie, auxiliary forces, and civil protection units, supported by specialized divers, retrieved her body following an intensive search operation that lasted several days. The effort involved significant human and logistical resources, including a helicopter, drones, trained search dogs, and the active

Morocco awards exceptional promotions to the four police officers killed in road accident

Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, has granted exceptional posthumous promotions to the rank of brigadier to the four police officers who died in a tragic road accident near Sidi Ifni. The decision includes administrative and financial benefits for their beneficiaries. According to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), severely injured officers will also receive exceptional step promotions in line with the

PJD condemns US ambassador's «Greater Israel» remarks as threat to Arab sovereignty

The PJD has strongly condemned remarks made by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee regarding the concept of a «Greater Israel». In a statement issued Sunday following a February 21 meeting chaired by Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane, the party’s general secretariat expressed its «deep dismay» over what it described as the ambassador’s «dangerous and provocative statements». The PJD criticized Huckabee for recognizing Israel’s

Morocco-Russia fisheries agreement moves forward

The Russian government has officially appointed its representatives to the Russo-Moroccan Joint Fisheries Commission under Decree No. 315, issued on February 19. The body is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the new fisheries cooperation agreement between Moscow and Rabat, Russian media reported. In October 2025, Russia and Morocco signed a new maritime fisheries agreement, marking a fresh phase in their sectoral cooperation. The deal replaces the previous accord signed in Rabat on

Mauritanian army intercepts Polisario vehicles amid tense Western Sahara talks

On Saturday, February 21, the Mauritanian army intercepted two vehicles and a truck operated by Polisario militias after they crossed into Mauritanian territory, a well-informed source disclosed to Yabiladi. The leadership of the Polisario Front is currently engaged in negotiations with Mauritanian authorities to secure the release of its members, the same source indicated. The separatist group is keen to keep this incident under wraps, particularly with an upcoming round of discussions on

Sahara: Sweden justifies its support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan

On January 19, Sweden officially declared its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This move has sparked criticism from some left-wing deputies aligned with the Polisario Front, who have submitted written inquiries to Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, seeking clarification on this perceived "shift" in policy. "Thanks to the United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in October 2025 regarding Western Sahara, we find ourselves in a unique situation where a

European Parliament: Limited mobilization of Polisario allies

Thirteen Members of the European Parliament have co-signed a written query concerning the European Union's newly articulated position on Western Sahara. This stance was formally presented on January 29 in Brussels during the 15th session of the EU-Morocco Association Council. In her response, released yesterday, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, reaffirmed the EU's support for negotiations grounded in «Morocco's autonomy

French Council of the Muslim Faith clarifies Ramadan start amid controversy

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) issued a statement to address the recent controversy surrounding the start of Ramadan. The council clarified that February 19 marked the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH, based on the astronomical calculation method unanimously adopted by its members in 2013. The CFCM explained that this date had been announced as early as February 2, following consultations with affiliated regional and departmental councils, as well as

King Mohammed VI launches Ramadan 1447 solidarity operation aiding over 4 million Moroccans

In Salé, King Mohammed VI launched the national initiative «Ramadan 1447» on Saturday in the Al Inbiâate neighborhood. This event, organized by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, marks the holy month of Ramadan. Accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the King inaugurated the 28th edition of this program, which aims to aid 4,362,732 individuals from vulnerable households. With a budget allocation of 305 million dirhams, the initiative plans to distribute

Tragedy in Nîmes: 17-year-old charged in fatal hit-and-run of Franco-Moroccan child

The 17-year-old driver confessed to being at the wheel during the tragic accident that took the life of 8-year-old French-Moroccan Salah on February 17, 2026, in Nîmes, near the Paul-Langevin school. The teenager, who was driving without a license, now faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, hit-and-run, and driving without a license. He has been placed in pre-trial detention. According to Nîmes' public prosecutor, Cécile Gensac, blood tests indicated drug use on the

Sahara: Trump calls for a new round of negotiations on February 23 and 24

Washington is intensifying its efforts on the Western Sahara issue. Donald Trump’s envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos, has called for a new round of confidential negotiations in the U.S. capital on February 23 and 24, as reported by diplomatic sources cited by the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. This marks the third meeting within a month, following earlier sessions in Washington at the end of January and in Madrid two weeks ago. At the negotiation table are the foreign ministers of