Dutch-Moroccan ex-anti-terrorism official denies «spying for Morocco», seeks PM's testimony  (Read more...)

Nabila Mounib calls US recognition of Moroccan Sahara a «gimmick» in Sputnik interview

Nabila Mounib, MP for the opposition Unified Socialist Party (PSU), has dismissed the US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara as a mere «gimmick». In an interview with Russia's state-run Sputnik news agency, she argued that the decision, announced on December 10, 2020, by former President Donald Trump, was simply a way to «exert pressure on Morocco for certain gains». The former secretary general of the PSU added that «the normalization (of

Abdelilah Gani's gold medal was downgraded to silver after a Georgian protest

After it was initially announced that he had won Morocco’s first gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, Moroccan athlete Abdelilah Gani ultimately received a silver medal in the shot put (F53 category) on Sunday. The Moroccan delegation appealed the validity of the Georgian gold medalist's final attempt, which was initially not counted. However, the Georgian delegation's appeal was successful, and the throw was eventually validated. Gani's throw measured 9.22 meters, while the Georgian

Sofyan Amrabat moves to Turkish club Fenerbahçe

Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat has joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe on loan with an obligation to buy, in a deal valued at 15 million euros. Italian media reported that Fiorentina reached an agreement with the Turkish team, under which Amrabat will move to strengthen Fenerbahçe on a loan basis with an obligation to buy. Amrabat is entering the final year of his contract with Fiorentina, which expires on June 30, 2025. Although Fenerbahçe announced the deal as a loan,

Polisario supporters in Europe to meet in Portugal

On November 29 and 30, the Polisario is set to hold the 48th edition of the «European Conference of Solidarity and Support for the Saharawi People (EUCOCO)» in Portugal. This traditional gathering of Polisario supporters in Europe has moved from Spain to its western neighbor this year. The Spanish city of Toledo hosted the last EUCOCO, which was marked by the presence of a large Algerian delegation, including 24 members of parliament. At that time, Algeria pledged to expand the

Morocco's Rajae Akermach wins bronze in para-taekwondo at Paris 2024 Paralympics

On Saturday, Moroccan athlete Rajae Akermach won the bronze medal in the over 65kg (K44) category of the para-taekwondo competitions at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Moroccan para-taekwondoist secured the bronze by defeating Brazil's Debora Menezes 24-15 in the second repechage bout. Akermach had earlier lost in the quarter-finals to Britain's Amy Truesdale, with a score of 30-9. In a statement to MAP, Akermach expressed her joy at winning this medal, the second earned by Moroccan

Moroccan Fatima Zahra El Idrissi claims silver in 1500m at Paris Paralympics

On Saturday, Moroccan runner Fatima Zahra El Idrissi won the silver medal in the 1500 m (T13) para-athletics event at the Paris Paralympic Games. El Idrissi finished second in the race with a time of 4min 22sec 98/100è. Gold went to Ethiopia's Tigist Gezahagn Menigstu, who won in 4:22.39. Bronze went to American Liza Corso (4.23.45). This is the third medal won by Moroccan athletes at this global competition, following the two bronze medals won by Aymane El Haddaoui in the 100 m (T47)

Polisario leader meets UN Secretary-General

The Polisario leader met with Antonio Guterres in Dili, East Timor, Friday. Brahim Ghali reiterated his movement's demands to the UN Secretary-General, specifically «to extend MINURSO's mandate to include the monitoring of human rights in the Sahara and to end Morocco's plundering of Western Sahara's natural resources», according to the Front's press agency. He also emphasized to the Portuguese that «Western Sahara remains under the direct responsibility of the United

Morocco's Nayef Aguerd heads to Real Sociedad from West Ham

Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd has joined La Liga club Real Sociedad from West Ham on a season-long loan, the Spanish club has announced. Real Sociedad bolster their defense with the arrival of Aguerd, who will wear the number 8 jersey. With 47 caps for the Atlas Lions and over 10,000 minutes played between Ligue 1 and the Premier League, the left central defender «will defend our shield this season» the club said in a press release. «Marhaban, Nayef» (Welcome,

Moroccan Ayoub Adouich claims bronze in under 63 kg para-taekwondo

Moroccan Ayoub Adouich won the bronze medal in the under 63 kg (K44) category of the para-taekwondo competitions on Friday. The Moroccan para-taekwondoist advanced to the bronze medal match by winning the second repechage bout against Brazilian Nathan Torquato, who was forced to withdraw due to injury. Adouich lost in the quarter-finals to Italian Antonino Bossolo (17-4). This is the second medal won by Moroccan athletes in this competition, after the bronze previously won by Aymane El

Moroccan runner Aymane El Haddaoui wins bronze at Paralympics

Moroccan runner Aymane El Haddaoui won the bronze medal in the 100m (T47) event at the Paralympic Games in Paris on Friday. El Haddaoui finished third in the race, covering the distance in 10.78 seconds. Brazilian Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos won the race in 10.68, and American Korban Best placed second in 10.75. This is Morocco's first medal in this edition. Aissa Dghoughi, El Haddaoui's coach, said the race was highly contested, noting that the 100m is not the Moroccan's favorite distance,

Thunderstorms, hail, and gusts expected Saturday in Morocco

Thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusts of wind are expected this Saturday in several provinces of Morocco, announced the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM). Thus, 15-30 mm of rainfall is expected on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the provinces of Midelt, Errachidia Boulemane, Guercif, Jerada, Taourirt, Oujda-Angad and Berkane, specified the DGM in an orange alert level warning bulletin.

Morocco : Record 10 million tourists by end of July

The Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts of the Ministry of Economy and Finance reported that Morocco received a record number of 10 million tourists by the end of July 2024, an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period last year. In its latest economic bulletin, the Directorate stated, «Morocco as a destination welcomed a record 2.6 million tourists in July 2024, a growth of 20 percent. For the first seven months of 2024, a new record was set for this

Algeria includes Sahara issue in talks with Slovenia

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf visited Slovenia on August 29 and 30, marking his second visit to this Central European country after his initial one in November 2023. As expected, the head of Algerian diplomacy included the Sahara issue on the agenda of his meeting with his Slovenian counterpart, Tanja Fajon, while making concessions to the host country. This is reflected in paragraph 11 of the joint statement published by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reviewed by

Morocco and Kenya normalize their relations

The Kenyan Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, presented her credentials to the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on Friday, August 30, in Rabat, as reported by Moroccan diplomacy. Gakinya was appointed to this position on March 8 by President William Ruto and was confirmed by Parliament in April. Kenyan media describe the meeting between Bourita and Gakinya as «a significant development after decades of cautious relations» and «final step

Spanish national court refuses to release man in pre-trial detention wanted by Morocco

Spain's National Court has decided not to lift the remand without bail order for a man sought by Morocco for extradition. The man is accused of being involved in the death of a migrant who arrived in the Canary Islands in late 2020, a case for which the primary perpetrator has already been sentenced. The court stated that the extradition request is based on allegations of a «serious criminal offense». The man is accused of participating in an illegal migration operation from the

African-Atlantic gas pipeline project progressing «extremely well»

The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (Nigeria-Morocco) strategic project is progressing «extremely well», thanks to the commitment of all the countries involved, emphasized Amina Benkhadra, Managing Director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM). This project has a truly strategic scope. It will contribute to accelerating access to energy for countries in this African subregion, given that some countries have an electrification rate of less than 40%. Benkhadra

Silicon Valley's Founder Institute launches program tailored to Moroccan entrepreneurs

The Founder Institute (FI), an American business incubator, announced on Thursday, August 29, the launch of its program in Morocco. Dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, this program will provide coaching and mentoring to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, according to a press release by FI. By coming to Morocco, the Founder Institute aims to «boost the local entrepreneurial ecosystem», offering company founders a structured and an internationally proven program

Agadir turns wastewater into green gold

The Régie Autonome Multiservices d'Agadir (RAMSA) has turned to treated wastewater to water green spaces as an effective alternative to address the water stress prevalent in the Souss-Massa region. This ecological initiative aims to meet the demand for watering green spaces and contribute to efforts to mitigate the repercussions of water shortages and rationalize water resource management. RAMSA has invested significantly in collecting, transferring, and treating wastewater for reuse