Flash actualités

Polisario says talks with Morocco will continue after Lahbib Abdelaziz killing

The Polisario Front said it does not consider negotiations with Morocco to be closed, despite the killing of one of its senior figures, Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, who was widely seen as a potential successor to Brahim Ghali at the head of the movement. Abdullah al-Arabi, the movement’s representative in Spain, told El País that «the Polisario Front is accustomed to dialogue in all possible contexts». A few days earlier, the Polisario Front had announced that Lahbib

Poland names Moroccan man as suspect in fatal stabbing of soldier at Belarus border

Polish prosecutors have identified a Moroccan national as the suspect in the fatal stabbing of Polish soldier at the Belarus-Poland border in May 2024. The District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw said in a press release Tuesday that the suspect allegedly stabbed the 21-year-old soldier through the border fence while he was on duty near Dubicze Cerkiewne. The soldier succumbed to his injuries on June 6, 2024, after spending several days in hospital. Following a two-year investigation that

Andalusia boosts green hydrogen ties with Morocco in Casablanca

The Spanish agency «Andalucía Trade» held an economic meeting in Casablanca dedicated to green hydrogen, in partnership with the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the city and the Andalusian Hydrogen Cluster. The initiative seeks to «strengthen economic and institutional ties between Andalusia and Morocco in a field considered strategic for both sides’ energy transition and industrial development». According to a statement issued by the Government of

Morocco Braces for 44°C heat and stormy conditions through the weekend

A heatwave, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts and localized hail are expected to affect several Moroccan provinces from Thursday through Saturday, according to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM). In an orange-level weather alert, the DGM said temperatures are expected to range between 41°C and 44°C in the provinces of Errachidia, Zagora, Tata, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Boujdour, Aousserd and Oued Ed-Dahab during this period. The agency also forecast thunderstorms bringing between

Morocco seizes nearly 1.9 tonnes of cannabis resin in two anti-trafficking operations

Moroccan police seized nearly 1.9 tonnes of cannabis resin (chira) in two separate anti-drug operations carried out in Nador and Souk El Arbaa El Gharb between Wednesday evening and the early hours of Thursday. In the first operation, conducted in the rural area of Selouane on the outskirts of Nador, officers discovered a utility vehicle carrying 40 packages of cannabis resin weighing a total of 1.28 tonnes. The vehicle was fitted with forged license plates, while its driver managed to

Ryanair Marrakech to London flight diverts to Santander over technical issue

A Ryanair Boeing 737 Max flying from Marrakech to London Stansted was forced to divert and make an unscheduled landing at Santander Airport, in northern Spain, after a possible technical issue was detected on board. According to Spanish media reports, the incident occurred as the aircraft was flying over French airspace. The crew then requested a diversion to ensure a safe landing. The operation was carried out in coordination with air traffic control, which guided the plane through a

Too quiet for the World Cup? Arryadia commentary sparks online backlash

On social media, many Moroccans have expressed dissatisfaction with Arryadia’s commentary during the recent Atlas Lions match. Following Morocco’s final World Cup warm-up friendly against Norway on Sunday in New Jersey, social media platforms were flooded with videos criticizing the way the match was called. Most of the criticism focused on what users described as a lack of enthusiasm and energy, with some arguing that the commentary was «boring» and «put viewers

Sahara press enterprises protest ministry over marginalization

Press enterprises operating in Morocco’s southern provinces staged their first protest on Wednesday, June 10, outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication’s Communication Department. The demonstration was part of what organizers described as an ongoing campaign to defend their rights and oppose what they see as policies of exclusion and marginalization. In a statement addressed to public opinion, the media outlets said the protest was prompted by the

Morocco opens new Ceuta border entrance for Operation Marhaba

Morocco has officially opened the new access route to the Ceuta border crossing, coinciding with the launch of Operation Marhaba 2026. The new infrastructure has been brought into service following redevelopment works and a reorganization of traffic flows aimed at improving the movement of vehicles and travelers at one of the busiest border crossings during the summer season. Authorities hope the upgrades will help address the longstanding challenges that have plagued the crossing,

More than 200 easyJet passengers stranded in Marrakech after flight cancellation

More than 200 easyJet passengers were left stranded at Marrakech Menara Airport on Wednesday after a technical issue forced the cancellation of a flight to Manchester. Flight EZY2294, originally scheduled to depart at 10:40 a.m., was first delayed before being cancelled nearly 10 hours later. According to passengers quoted by British media, travelers received little information throughout the day and only learned of the cancellation via email late in the afternoon. The disruption affected

Morocco and Portugal simplify driving license recognition

Morocco and Portugal signed an agreement in Rabat on Wednesday providing for the mutual recognition of driving licenses, in a move aimed at easing mobility and simplifying administrative procedures for citizens of both countries. The agreement was signed by Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and Portugal’s Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz. It updates a previous accord signed in 2003 and reflects the growing cooperation between

Moroccan history exhibition opens in Montpellier to showcase heritage and diversity

The travelling exhibition «The Doors of Morocco’s History: Dynasties, Sovereigns and Leading Figures» heads to the southern French city of Montpellier in June, offering visitors an immersive look at the major forces and emblematic figures that helped shape Moroccan identity. Hosted at City Hall by the association Cœur de Lionne, in partnership with the Consulate General of Morocco in Montpellier, the event is part of «an effort to promote cultural ties and raise

Morocco buys used Italian Intercity carriages

Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) has acquired a number of used Intercity train carriages from Italy that were recently withdrawn from service by Trenitalia as part of the operator’s fleet modernization program. According to Italian media reports, 11 carriages were seen wrapped in protective white covers and prepared for transport. They were shipped from the Alessandria Smistamento rail yard, one of Italy’s main railway logistics hubs, to the port of Ravenna before

Ezzalzouli, Aguerd Ruled Out of Morocco's World Cup Squad

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd will not be part of Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after both players were officially replaced on FIFA’s roster list. The two players no longer appear on Morocco’s squad on FIFA’s official website. Their replacements were approved on June 10, with Ezzalzouli making way for Angers winger Amine Sbaï and Aguerd being replaced by Al-Fateh defender Marwane Saâdane. The changes come after days of uncertainty

Casablanca boosts sports tourism with its international marathon

A partnership agreement was signed on Tuesday in Casablanca between the Casablanca-Settat Regional Tourism Council (CRT) and the Greater Casablanca Runners Association (ACGC) to promote sports tourism in the region, building on the growing success of the Casablanca International Marathon. Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on communication and promotional efforts surrounding the event, while also engaging tourism professionals to develop tailored offers for runners, their

Ahead of October deadline, UN consults Mauritania on MINURSO mandate renewal

After stopping in Morocco, where he was received by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix traveled to Mauritania. In Nouakchott, the UN official met on Tuesday with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug. «This meeting was an opportunity to review bilateral cooperation between our country and the United Nations, explore ways to strengthen it, and discuss key international issues of common interest», the

Marhaba 2026 launches at Tanger Med to welcome Moroccan diaspora

Operation Marhaba 2026 was officially launched on Wednesday, June 10, at the port of Tanger Med. Dedicated to welcoming Moroccans living abroad (MREs) during the summer travel season, the initiative is being carried out under the instructions of King Mohammed VI. This 26th edition will run through September 15. Coordinated by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the operation relies on a comprehensive social, medical and administrative support system. A total of 26 reception sites have

FIFA names Slovenian officials for Morocco-Brazil World Cup opener

FIFA has announced the refereeing team for the highly anticipated World Cup clash between Morocco and Brazil, which will mark the Atlas Lions' opening match of the 2026 tournament on Saturday. The governing body has appointed experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, 46, to officiate the encounter. He will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while FIFA has yet to reveal the identity of the video assistant referee (VAR). Vinčić is no stranger to