News Flash

Four arrested for drug trafficking while attempting to enter Ceuta

Spanish authorities arrested four individuals wanted on various drug trafficking charges during an attempt to enter Ceuta. The arrests took place last Monday following identity checks at the Tarajal crossing point. Two of the detainees are wanted by the Spanish justice system for drug trafficking. The third is subject to an arrest warrant for fraud, while the fourth is implicated in road safety offenses. All four have been remanded in custody pending trial.

Spain's Pedro Sanchez not aware of De Mistura’s Sahara partition proposal

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on Thursday that he was not aware of the Sahara partition proposal put forward by UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura. «We have no knowledge of this proposal; we need to study it, so I can't express any position», he said during a press conference. De Mistura has proposed dividing the Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario Front as a potential solution to the nearly five-decade-long conflict, according to

FAR drone strike kills five near Mijek

As the UN Security Council began its consideration of the Western Sahara issue, a Royal Armed Forces (FAR) drone aborted an operation carried out by Polisario elements near the locality of Mijek, east of the berm. In his latest report on the situation in the region, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that armed incidents «reported to MINURSO by the parties are concentrated in the northern region, near Mahbas, and the southeastern region, near Mijek». «The strike by

Egyptian discount retailer Kazyon celebrates first anniversary in Morocco

Kazyon Maroc, a subsidiary of the discount retailer Kazyon, celebrated its first anniversary in Morocco on Wednesday. Operating in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, Kazyon has a total of 1,300 stores, making it the largest player in the Arab region and Africa. In just one year, Kazyon Maroc has opened over 120 stores nationwide, from El Jadida to Tangiers. The company employs 1,000 people, primarily young professionals. Kazyon Maroc plans to open 150 more stores by 2025 while continuing to

Polisario rejects De Mistura's proposed partition of the Sahara

The Polisario Front has rejected a proposal by the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura to partition Western Sahara. De Mistura presented the proposal to the UN Security Council on October 16. In a press release, the Polisario stated that during their meeting on October 3, 2024, they categorically rejected «any proposal that deviates from the legal framework of the Western Sahara conflict». The Polisario emphasized that «Morocco's military invasion

The armies of Algeria and Mauritania sign an agreement on information exchange

General Saïd Chengriha, the head of the Algerian army, visited Mauritania from October 15 to 17. He met with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, delivering a message from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Chengriha also held separate talks with Mauritanian Defense Minister Hanena Ould Sidi and army chief General Mokhtar Bella Chaabane. A joint communiqué was issued following these meetings. The statement highlighted the focus on strengthening bilateral military

Algeria arrests two Moroccans on espionage charges

Algerian media reported that security forces arrested individuals «acting against Algeria's interests» in Oran and Sidi Bel Abbes. Among those detained were two Moroccan workers and an Algerian university student. The three individuals were accused of working on behalf of a foreign country to harm Algeria. The Moroccan workers were remanded in custody on charges of «espionage, undermining national unity and state security» The university student was also detained on

Icelandic Airline to launch direct flights to Morocco

Starting October 17, 2024, Iceland’s Play Airlines will offer twice-weekly direct flights between Reykjavik and Marrakech. This marks the first direct air connection between Iceland and Morocco. The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) announced this initiative as part of its strategy to diversify markets and strengthen air transport. In May 2024, a Light Tour engaged with 150 Scandinavian operators. The partnership between ONMT and Play Airlines includes joint marketing efforts

Atlas Lion cub born at Rabat Zoo

A new Atlas lion cub was born in August at the Rabat National Zoological Garden (JZN). This is the first birth since the formation of a new Atlas lion group in 2022. The cub is currently under the close observation of zoological and veterinary teams, receiving specialized care for this endangered species. At four months old, the young lion is gradually integrating with the rest of the Atlas lion group and will be visible to visitors in the Savannah biozone starting October 20,

Morocco's business insolvencies predicted to surge in 2024-2025, according to Allianz Trade

In Morocco, business insolvencies are expected to rise in both 2024 and 2025, according to a recent global report. Compiled by Allianz Trade, the report titled «Global Insolvency Outlook: Allianz Trade’s 18 Regional Outlooks on the Insolvency Wave», places Morocco among the countries experiencing a «noticeable increase» in insolvencies. This refers to situations where companies are unable to meet their financial obligations, forcing them to either cease operations

Girl rescued from well, brother-in-law suspected in murder attempt

A video captured by foreign tourists and their Moroccan guide in the Mahamid Al-Ghazlan region of Zagora has gone viral on social media. The footage shows the moment they discovered a girl trapped in an abandoned well. Emergency services successfully rescued the girl, who was taken to a regional hospital in Zagora and then transferred to Sidi Hsain Hospital in Ouarzazate for medical treatment due to her injuries. According to reports, the girl is from the Tagounit, a rural Moroccan commune in

Morocco backs UAE in dispute with Iran over three Islands

Morocco reaffirmed on Wednesday in New York its «firm and constant» support for the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over the islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs. The ambassador and permanent representative of Morocco, Omar Hilale, speaking before the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly, indicated that the Kingdom supports «the request of this brotherly country to end the occupation by Iran of these three Emirati islands, as well as its position

UN Personal Envoy proposes Sahara division between Morocco and Polisario

The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has suggested splitting the Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario as a potential solution to the territorial conflict, according to remarks reported by Reuters. During a closed-door briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday, October 16, de Mistura stated that dividing the territory «could allow for the creation, on one hand, of an independent state in the southern part, and on the other hand, the

Morocco's CGEM outlines 5 proposals for 2025 Finance Law

The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) has presented its key proposals for the 2025 Finance Law, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and job creation. Despite recent economic recovery, challenges remain, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The CGEM has proposed several fiscal and sectoral measures, including: 1. Labor Taxation: Gradually reduce income tax over three years to a target marginal rate of 35% by 2027 and increase exemptions for certain

Moroccan citizen expelled from Italy for domestic abuse

Italian security authorities expelled a 49-year-old Moroccan citizen immediately upon his release from prison. The man, a resident of Lorago Marinone, had served time in Bassone prison for severely abusing his wife. According to Italian media, the man, imprisoned in September 2022, had physically abused his wife in front of their minor children. He was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison and was subsequently deported to Morocco.

CIH partners with Backbase to accelerate digital transformation

Moroccan bank CIH has announced a partnership with Dutch digital banking solution provider Backbase. This collaboration will enable CIH to advance its digital transformation strategy. CIH will be utilizing Backbase's engagement banking platform, specialized media reported on Thursday. Backbase is a leading financial technology company that offers engagement banking solutions to financial institutions worldwide, ranging from large banks to credit unions and community banks. Its platform is

French agency warns of kidney risks in Brazilian hair straightening products, also used in Morocco

The French Agency for Health Security for Food, Environment, and Labor has issued a warning about the presence of glyoxylic acid in Brazilian hair straightening products, which can cause kidney failure. This product is also used in Moroccan beauty salons, raising concerns about the extent of control and awareness regarding its risks. Since 2024, France has recorded four cases of kidney damage linked to these products. The General Directorate of Health and the anti-fraud agency have advised

Manasik Aviation launches new route between Rabat and Saudi Arabia

Manasik Aviation, a rapidly growing Saudi airline, has officially launched a new route connecting Rabat to Jeddah and Medina. This marks a significant milestone for the company in Morocco and strengthens air links between the two kingdoms. The new direct route is part of Manasik Aviation's strategy to expand its network and meet the increasing demand for direct flights between Morocco and Saudi Arabia. This service offers improved accessibility for both business travelers and those undertaking