CAF approves RS Berkane's jersey with full map of Morocco, sparking anger in Algeria  (Read more...)

UN : Ould El Ghazouani's brief Sahara mention angers Polisario

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has sparked anger among Polisario supporters. In audio messages consulted by Yabiladi, they strongly criticize the 10 seconds the head of state dedicated to the Sahara issue during his speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. «We reaffirm our consistent position regarding the Western Sahara conflict. We support the efforts of the United Nations and all relevant Security Council resolutions to achieve a lasting

Morocco partners with Tata to produce WhAP 8×8 land combat vehicles

The National Administration of Defense and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Indian aerospace manufacturing, military engineering and defense technology company and a subsidiary of the international conglomerate Tata Group, have signed a strategic partnership agreement for the local production of the WhAP 8×8 land combat vehicle, at the TATA Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) plant. The WhAP 8×8 is a highly advanced armored vehicle that will enhance the FAR's capabilities and

Spanish national court refuses to overturn deportation of Sahrawi to Morocco

Spain's National Court has rejected an urgent request to cancel the expulsion of a Sahrawi activist detained at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport. The activist, who is still in one of the asylum rooms at the airport, requested international protection on September 9th. The Director General of International Protection, acting on the authorization of the Minister of the Interior, rejected the activist's request for international protection on September 12th. The activist

Medical student strike : 28 protesters facing prosecution in Rabat

Twenty-eight demonstrators who took part in the sit-in by striking medical students outside Rabat's Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy were brought before the public prosecutor on Friday. The students are protesting the government's decision to reduce their training by one year. The public prosecutor has charged them with «disobedience, failure to comply with orders from authorities, and unauthorized assembly», with the hearing set for October 23. Among the defendants are members of

President Macron to visit Morocco in October following invitation from King Mohammed VI

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Morocco by the end of October, the Élysée Palace announced on Friday. This follows an invitation from King Mohammed VI, extended on Thursday to President Macron. The Moroccan sovereign expressed his optimism, noting «the promising horizons emerging for our two countries», according to the French presidency, as reported by AFP and Le Figaro. The visit will serve as «an opportunity to provide our exceptional

Morocco sees 16% surge in tourist arrivals by August 2024

Tourist arrivals in Morocco reached 11.8 million by the end of August 2024, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The DEPF's latest economic report noted that during the first eight months of 2024, Morocco saw 11.8 million visitors, an increase of 1.6 million. In terms of overnight stays at classified accommodations, there was an 8% rise by the end of July 2024,

Health team assesses skin diseases in flood-affected Tata region

The regional delegation of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in Tata has reported that a health team, along with local authorities, visited two villages in the province to assess individuals affected by skin diseases that emerged after the recent floods. In a statement, the delegation confirmed that those impacted received «the necessary ointments and medications for skin irritations caused by insect bites attracted by the floods». They also mentioned that «the

Health unions in Morocco condemn repression of medical students

The National Health Workers' Coordination, a health union alliance, has condemned the use of force, arrests, and repression against medical students protesting reforms to their training in Rabat. The medical students are protesting the government's decision to shorten their training by one year, in addition to other grievances such as poor conditions in both practical and theoretical training, overcrowded classrooms, the reform of the specialization course (third cycle), and low intern

59 migrants perish in tragic boat sinking off Laayoune coast

A total of 59 would-be migrants died when a rubber boat sank off the coast of Laayoune while attempting to reach the Canary Islands, according to the organization «Caminando Fronteras». In a post shared on «X», Spanish activist Helena Maleno, founder of the NGO focused on migrant affairs, stated, «Only two women survived the sinking of a boat that led to the death of 59 people, including 14 women, one girl, and two babies. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands

Morocco to attract Japanese travelers at Tokyo tourism expo

The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) is participating for the first time from September 26 to 29, 2024 in the Tourism Expo Japan 2024 trade fair. Established in 2014 in Tokyo, the expo aims to connect tourism professionals from around the world and promote international tourism. The event will feature more than 1,265 exhibitors from over 80 countries. ONMT will lead a delegation of tourism professionals during Morocco's participation in this essential trade fair for Asian markets. The

Netherlands reiterates support for Moroccan autonomy plan, calls it «serious and credible»

On Thursday in New York, the Netherlands reaffirmed its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, calling it a «very serious and credible» contribution to the UN-led political process. «The Netherlands considers the autonomy plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, as a very serious and credible contribution to the political process led by the United Nations», Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told the press. Emphasizing «the importance of regional

Spain PM Pedro Sanchez disappoints the Polisario at the UN

Spain's head of government has disappointed both the Polisario and Algeria. In his address to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Pedro Sanchez reaffirmed that «Spain will continue to support the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy in seeking a mutually acceptable solution within the framework of the Organization», according to a press release from the Spanish Presidency. Once again, Sanchez avoided mentioning «the right to self-determination of the people of

Polisario delegation attends UK Labour Party conference

The Labour Party, which has been in power in the UK since the July 4 general election, held its annual conference in Liverpool from September 22 to 25. The Polisario sent a delegation, led by its representative in London, to attend the opening session of the meeting and attempt to mobilize Labour Party members, especially MPs, in support of its positions. Polisario media emphasized that «the Polisario Front has maintained brotherly and friendly relations with the British Labour Party

Morocco : Death toll rises to 12 in Tata valley bus tragedy

The death toll from a bus swept away by torrential rains in the Tata valley has risen to 12, with four people still missing. A new body was discovered on Thursday morning in the military belt in the Boumalous area. The victim has been identified as Naima Bouzidi, one of the passengers on the Bani bus, a local human rights activist told Yabiladi. In addition to the four missing passengers from the bus, a young woman from the Ighorten village in the Takzmirt community remains unaccounted

At the UN, Algeria prepares for a forum to support Polisario

Algeria is preparing to host its annual Oran Forum in support of the Polisario Front. The event will coincide with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf has invited his counterparts from Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and the Republic of Guyana, non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, to attend the forum. Somalia, which will join the Security Council in January 2025, has also been invited. Officially, the meeting aims

Algeria reinstates visa requirements for Moroccan passport holders

Algeria has announced that it will immediately reinstate visa requirements for foreign citizens holding Moroccan passports. The decision was announced by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. In a statement, Algeria justified its decision by citing Morocco's «abuse» of the visa-free arrangement between the two countries. Algeria accused Morocco of «engaging in activities that threaten its stability and national security, including organized crime, drug and

Morocco advances to Futsal World Cup quarterfinals beating Iran 4-3

Morocco's futsal team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan, defeating Iran 4-3 in a thrilling round-of-16 match. The match, played at the Universal Sports Complex in Bukhara, saw Iran take an early lead through Mohammadhossein Derakhshani in the 4th minute. However, Morocco quickly responded with a goal from Khalid Bouzid to level the score. An own goal by Alireza Rafieipour gave Morocco the advantage in the 11th minute, and goals from Soufiane

Servier Morocco hosts solidarity run to support child cancer

Servier Morocco has introduced a new initiative called «Morocco Movement September in Gold» (MMSOR) to support children battling cancer in the country. The program is part of the global «September in Gold» campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and care. The MMSOR is designed to provide comprehensive support to young cancer patients, their families, and healthcare providers. This includes financial assistance, emotional support,