Flash actualités

Operation Marhaba: 43 wanted individuals arrested at Ceuta border in June

Spain's National Police arrested 43 people wanted on judicial or police warrants during June as part of Operation Marhaba at the border crossing in Ceuta, according to Spanish media. The figure exceeds the number of arrests recorded during the same period last year. Among those detained were two individuals wanted under international warrants, highlighting the coordination between Spanish police and national and international law enforcement agencies during the annual transit operation linking

Ouahbi after Morocco's exit: «We gave everything, I'm proud of the players»

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said he was «very proud» of the Atlas Lions despite their 2-0 defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals, praising their commitment and insisting the elimination would not alter the team's ambitions. «We gave everything. We tried everything. We wanted to perform better with the ball, but the French put us under tremendous pressure. They created the better chances and were superior at key moments», Ouahbi said after the match, while

Morocco falls to France in 2026 World Cup quarter finals

Morocco’s national team was beaten by France (0-2) on Thursday in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, played at Boston Stadium. Les Bleus’ goals came from Kylian Mbappé in the 60th minute, before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead in the 66th. In the semi-finals, France will face the winner of the match between Belgium and Spain.

Morocco backs US in UN vote against Cuba embargo debate

Morocco aligned with the United States by voting against initiating a debate at the UN General Assembly regarding the economic embargo imposed by Washington on Cuba since February 3, 1962. Supporters of the US stance included Israel, Argentina, Paraguay, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and Ukraine. In contrast, 136 nations voted to open the debate, while 30 abstained. This vote signifies a notable shift in Rabat's traditional diplomatic approach. Historically, Morocco had

Morocco launches 275 million dirham logistics zone near Fez

On Wednesday, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, presided over the inauguration of development efforts for the Fez logistics zone in the Moulay Yacoub province. This initiative, backed by public funds amounting to nearly 275 million dirhams, is part of the national strategy aimed at boosting logistics competitiveness and enhancing infrastructure to fuel economic growth. The Moroccan Agency for Logistics Development (AMDL), in collaboration with the Fez-Meknes Regional

Brussels tightens security ahead of Morocco–France World Cup clash

Brussels authorities have stepped up security measures ahead of Thursday night's World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France, anticipating large celebrations by the Belgian capital's sizeable Franco-Moroccan community. According to Belgian media, police have coordinated all six Brussels police zones through a joint command center, while public transport operators have introduced preventive measures. De Lijn buses will avoid Molenbeek and Anderlecht between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., and

FAO warns of desert locust swarms in Morocco

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports a surge of winged adult locust groups across expansive areas in Morocco, with 87,363 hectares treated, including 33,500 by air. In its information bulletin dated July 7, 2026, the agency warns that these groups could evolve into small swarms as they mature. Amid this development, the FAO anticipates that «some mature groups will migrate to the Oriental region and western Algeria to continue breeding in July».

Benkirane apologizes for controversial comment at Essaouira rally

Justice and Development Party (PJD) Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane has issued a clarification on his party's website, apologizing for using the word «qandouh» during a party rally in Essaouira on July 4, a remark that sparked widespread controversy. Speaking about the absence of any authority in Morocco comparable to that of the King, Benkirane said: «I know that Mr. Azoulay belongs to this city and cares about it, but this city does not belong to Azoulay. It is a city

Italy: Cash and gold worth €172,000 seized at Morocco terminal in Genoa port

Italian authorities seized cash and gold bars worth nearly €172,000 during inspections at the Morocco departures terminal in the Port of Genoa, as part of an operation targeting illicit currency trafficking. According to local media, officers from the Guardia di Finanza and the Customs Agency discovered more than €52,000 in cash hidden inside a detergent container. Under Italian law, travelers must declare any cash exceeding €10,000 to customs. The operation resulted in six

Faouzi Skali acquitted in Fez Festival of Sacred Music case

On Tuesday, July 7, the Fez Court of Appeal acquitted Faouzi Skali of all charges concerning the mismanagement of the Fez Festival of Sacred Music. As the former director of the event, he was cleared of the administrative and financial irregularities that had previously led to his initial sentencing to a two-year suspended prison term and a 100,000 dirham fine. The Court of Appeal also revised the sentence for Abderrafie Zouiten, president of the Spirit of Fez Foundation, which organizes the

Morocco's World Cup fever boosts business in Amsterdam

Morocco's World Cup campaign is driving brisk business in parts of Amsterdam ahead of Thursday's quarter-final against France. According to Dutch media, a pastry shop in the Bos en Lommer district has doubled production of cakes decorated in Morocco's national colors, increasing from 250 sold after the Canada match to 500 prepared for the France clash. The enthusiasm has also benefited other local businesses. A nearby market vendor said he had already sold more than 400 Morocco national team

Petro exit may keep Polisario from Colombia inauguration

Without waiting for the official end of his term on August 7, 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that he will step down on July 20. He said he intends to mark his departure with a speech and «demonstrations» by his supporters against the election of far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, and added that he will boycott his successor's inauguration ceremony. The decision is expected to prevent the Polisario from attending the swearing-in of Colombia's new

Three arrested after dangerous stunt driving in Casablanca

Casablanca police have arrested three people after a video circulated on social media showed them performing dangerous car stunts on public roads in the Rahma district during celebrations of Morocco's victory in a 2026 FIFA World Cup match. According to the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Wednesday, the reckless driving endangered the safety of road users. Investigators identified the suspects and arrested them in separate security operations, while also seizing the vehicles

AfDB approves 205 million euros for Morocco rail upgrade

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group approved €205 million in financing for Morocco on Wednesday to support the implementation of the Railway Infrastructure Development Support Project (PADIF). According to an AfDB statement, the project aims to strengthen the operational performance of the Kenitra–Marrakech rail corridor by extending the high-speed rail line and upgrading existing railway infrastructure. Beyond improving mobility, the project is

Polisario: Brahim Ghali sparks anger among a major tribal faction in Tindouf

On Tuesday, Brahim Ghali appointed a successor to Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz on the Polisario's General Secretariat, following the latter's death on June 7 in a strike the Front attributed to a Moroccan drone. Ghali chose Salek Baba Hassana for the post. «He is an important figure within the Front's apparatus. After studying in Cuba, he held several ministerial positions, including at the Ministry of Equipment. Hassana's father also served in the Spanish Parliament», a Sahrawi source

Israeli airline Arkia to resume direct Marrakech flights after three-year halt

Israeli carrier Arkia will resume direct flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech on August 24, ending a three-year suspension linked to the war, according to Israeli media. The airline said the route will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, using Airbus A320 aircraft. One-way fares will start at $329, and flights will take around five to six hours, landing at Marrakech Menara Airport. Arkia said the route's reopening follows months of coordination with aviation and security

Trump threatens to cut trade with Spain over NATO spending

At the NATO summit held on Wednesday in Ankara, President Donald Trump once again took aim at Spain. «Spain is a lost cause. It is a terrible ally. They don’t take part, they don’t pay. I want nothing more to do with Spain, and I don’t even intend to go back there», he told reporters. Trump then instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to «immediately» prepare an executive order ending «all trade» with Madrid. Spanish Prime Minister

Brahim Diaz: «We're aiming for the semi-finals»

Morocco's objective in Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France is clear: secure a place in the last four, Brahim Diaz said on Wednesday. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Boston, the Real Madrid midfielder said the Atlas Lions are ready for the decisive clash, praising the fighting spirit the team has shown throughout the tournament. «We have shown everyone our mental strength and what we are capable of. That is the mindset we will take into this match,