Morocco expels two Norwegians from Laayoune  (Read more...)

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

Mother leaves children home alone in Italy to travel to Morocco

A mother who left her two children, aged 14 and 15, home alone while traveling to Morocco is facing charges of child abandonment. The 41-year-old mother, residing in Porto Recanati, a town in central Italy, did not inform her ex-husband or any other family member to take care of the children during her absence, local media reported.  On Wednesday, October 16, the trial was opened in Macerata. One of the children has a mental disability and requires constant care. The incident dates back

Brigitte Macron attends Mehdi Qotbi art exhibition in Paris

On Wednesday evening, Brigitte Macron visited the «Mehdi Qotbi Retrospective» exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris. This exhibition showcases over 100 works by the Moroccan artist, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. In a statement to MAP, Brigitte Macron praised Qotbi's talent and admired his «hypnotic work» that transports viewers into a unique world. The IMA aims to illuminate Qotbi's artistic universe, fostering dialogue between cultures

Morocco participates in global anti-terrorism sweep, 66 arrested

A large-scale anti-terrorism operation coordinated by Interpol in 14 countries, including Morocco, has resulted in 66 arrests, significant seizures, and the identification of 81 individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. Dubbed «Neptune VI», this international operation, conducted in cooperation with Frontex and Europol, took place in several countries, including Morocco. It aimed to enhance security along Mediterranean maritime routes, as well as at airports and land

Dakhla and Columbus, Ohio forge twinning agreement

A twinning agreement between the municipality of Dakhla and the city of Columbus, Ohio, in the United States was signed on Wednesday in Dakhla. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various areas of mutual interest. The agreement was signed by the President of the Dakhla Communal Council, Erragheb Hormatallah, and the Mayor of Columbus, Andrew Ginther, in the presence of the Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the Governor of Oued-Eddahab province, Ali Khalil, as