News Flash

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

Morocco's tax revenues surge 11.9% by September 2024

Tax revenues reached 224.08 billion dirhams (MMDH) at the end of September 2024, marking an 11.9% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These revenues achieved a realization rate of 82.8% relative to the forecasts outlined in the Finance Act (LF), as stated in the Ministry's recent report on the Treasury's charges and resources (SCRT). Tax refunds, rebates, and restitutions, including amounts borne by local authorities, totaled 13.6

Iran reaffirms support for Polisario at UN

Iran supports the Polisario. At the UN's 4th Committee session on Tuesday, Tehran's representative opened by condemning «global imperialism» and reaffirmed the UN's responsibility toward the people of Western Sahara and their «inalienable rights,» as outlined in relevant UN resolutions. The diplomat urged a serious commitment to UN-mediated negotiations, in good faith and without preconditions, aligning with the UN Charter to ensure a just, lasting, and comprehensive

EU leaders reaffirm importance of partnership with Morocco after CJEU ruling

European Union leaders intend to emphasize in writing the «high value» they place on relations with Morocco, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation with Rabat, following the European Court of Justice's decision to cancel trade agreements with Morocco, Europa Press reported following the European summit. The European Council reaffirmed «the high value the EU places on its strategic partnership with Morocco» and the need to maintain and strengthen

Morocco opens doors to wider range of red meat imports

Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety and Health (ONSSA) has authorized imports of fresh, frozen, and chilled red meat from specific countries to help stabilize supply and address rising prices. Imports of sheep and goat meat are allowed from the European Union, Andorra, Albania, Serbia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Beef imports are authorized from these countries, as well as

EU border crossings down 42% in first nine months of 2024, Morocco routes remain high

The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union dropped by 42% in the first nine months of 2024, according to data released on October 15 by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. The agency estimated that 166,000 irregular entries occurred during that period. Significant declines were seen on the Western Balkan and Central Mediterranean routes, with decreases of 79% and 64%, respectively, Frontex reported. However, while some routes experienced drops in

Morocco to double green energy in Sahara for 2030 World Cup

Morocco is set to double its green electricity production in the southern provinces by 2027 as part of its efforts to meet the growing energy demand ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The government plans to invest 21 billion dirhams ($2.1 billion) in building 1.4 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity in the region, according to a source from the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Environment told Bloomberg. The decision to boost renewable energy infrastructure in the Sahara comes as

City Club owner Jonathan Harroch detained on human trafficking charges

The Casablanca Court of Appeals judge ordered Jonathan Harroch, owner of the gym franchise City Club group, to be detained at Ain Sebaa Oukacha prison early Wednesday morning. Harroch is accused of human trafficking, exploiting vulnerable women for prostitution, possessing and using hard drugs, and inciting prostitution. During a lengthy interrogation, the judge dropped a bad check charge after Harroch reached an agreement with the check owners. Harroch was arrested on Saturday with 2.5 grams

Macron's visit sparks French defense industry’s hopes for Moroccan contracts

French arms manufacturers are keen to take advantage of President Emmanuel Macron's backing for the Moroccan Sahara. As Macron prepares for his upcoming state visit to the Kingdom, they are hoping for a significant re-entry into the Moroccan market. According to La Tribune on Tuesday, October 15, «two major projects are under serious negotiation—helicopters and submarines». «Airbus Helicopters is in talks with Morocco over a substantial order for Caracals, which could

Spain proposes joint NATO meeting for Morocco and Algeria

The Spanish government wants to bring Morocco and Algeria together at the next session of NATO foreign ministers, scheduled for the end of the year. Iberian media report that Madrid has also proposed inviting Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Tunisia, and Egypt. The Spanish initiative seeks to encourage the dialogue launched in recent years with partners outside NATO. The final declaration of the military organization's July 2024 summit in Washington, D.C., stated in Resolution 32 that

South Africa and Namibia welcome CJEU ruling on Western Sahara

On October 14 and 15, the foreign ministers of South Africa and Namibia held a new session of their political dialogue in the Namibian city of Swakopmund. In a joint statement, the two countries «welcomed the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on October 4, 2024, that the European Commission had breached the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara when 2019 it concluded trade deals with Morocco that also cover products from Western