Islamophobic extremist : Unraveling the Magdeburg attacker's motives  (Read more...)

A tragic vacation : Jet ski misadventure turns into a nightmare for French-Moroccan friends

August 29, 2023, was supposed to be a day like any other for a group of French-Moroccan friends spending their summer vacation in Morocco. Ismail Snabi, 28, along with his friends, Abdelali Mchiouer, Bilal, and Mohammed Kissi, had taken their jet skis from the seaside resort of Saïdia for a meal at Cap-de-l’Eau, a nearby fishing village. After enjoying their time, they set off to return to Saïdia. However, night fell quickly, and a thick fog rose, disorienting the four friends.

USA launches first-ever agribusiness trade mission to Morocco

The USDA is launching a groundbreaking trade initiative in Morocco this December, sending its largest-ever agricultural delegation to the African continent. The four-day mission will run from December 2-5, 2024, in Casablanca. Based on information from the U.S. Embassy in Morocco, over 60 American representatives will participate, including agribusiness executives, cooperative leaders, and state agricultural officials. The mission will be spearheaded by Daniel Whitley, the Foreign Agricultural

Air Arabia Maroc launches new Rabat-Nador and Rabat-Oujda routes

Air Arabia Maroc, a leader in low-cost air transport, is expanding its domestic network with two new direct routes connecting Rabat to Nador and Oujda. This initiative, supported by the Oriental region, aims to strengthen air connectivity while contributing to the economic and tourist development of the region. Starting January 9, 2025, the company will offer three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday) between Rabat and Oujda. From January 12, two flights per week (Wednesday and

Dismantling of «narco-drones» network smuggling hashish from Morocco to Spain

The Spanish National Police, in cooperation with security authorities in Poland and Ukraine, dismantled a network that was using Ukrainian drones to transport drugs from Morocco to Spain. The network was led by a Ukrainian who fought against Russia in the current conflict, had specialized knowledge of drones, and imported them in pieces from his home country, according to media sources. ?Desmantelada en #Algeciras una red de "narcodrones” que operaba entre #España y #Marruecos

Moroccan community in Germany condemns far-right targeting in an open letter

The Central Council of Moroccans in Germany has sent an open letter to politicians and supporters of democracy, expressing its deep concern about the «unacceptable and offensive statements» made by an MP from «Alternative for Germany», a far-right and right-wing populist political party in Germany, during a session at the German Bundestag. «These statements, which generally associate the Moroccan community with criminality and unemployment, are totally rejected

Rabat reaffirms trust in lobbyist José Blanco

Rabat has signed a contract with Acento, the public affairs consultancy firm of former socialist minister José Blanco. This time, it is an urgent matter, as the Spanish lobbyist will advocate for the interests of Moroccan farmers in Brussels. According to information reported by Africa Intelligence, José Blanco's firm was reportedly solicited by Morocco's ambassador to Spain in Madrid, Karima Benyaich. The value of the contract remains unknown. Acento Public Affairs will

Moroccan stars Bounou, Hakimi, Rahimi nominated for FIFA Best XI

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) unveiled on Friday the list of the 11 players nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year 2024, which includes Moroccan internationals Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Soufiane Rahimi. Bounou secured the domestic league title (2023/2024) with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia after an exceptional season, while Hakimi clinched the French league with Paris Saint-Germain, earning a spot in the league's ideal squad. Rahimi, on the other

Is Algerian footballer Bouzok leaving Raja after jersey controversy ?

After he refused to wear the Raja Club Athletic jersey, which features the map of Morocco incorporating the Sahara, Algerian player Yousri Bouzok has «recently made a formal request to terminate his contract with the club for family reasons», reports an Algerian media outlet on Thursday, November 28. «This decision comes after the death of his father last summer, a tragic event that turned his personal life upside down and profoundly affected his vision of the future (...)

Polisario praises Portugal ahead of Lisbon conference, Morocco reaffirms strong ties

On the eve of the 48th «European Conference for Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi People (Eucoco)», scheduled for November 29 and 30 in Lisbon, the Polisario is showering Portugal with praise. «Portugal can do a lot of work in Europe to convince Europeans that the best solution for Western Sahara is to hold a referendum on self-determination», said Polisario’s «head of government» Bouchraya Hammoudi Bayoun in an interview with a Portuguese news

Moroccan army chief discusses Polisario attack on Mahbes with MINURSO commander

First Lieutenant General Mohamed Berriz, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, received on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Command in Agadir, Lieutenant General Fakhrul Ahsan, Commander for MINURSO. According to the Royal Armed Forces' Facebook page, the meeting addressed «the latest developments in the security situation, particularly the terrorist attack carried out by militias against a civilian

RSF condemns journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui's sentencing

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) firmly condemns the use of the Penal Code to the detriment of the law on the press and publishing in the trial of Hamid El Mahdaoui. The journalist was sentenced on November 11 to 18 months in prison and a fine of 130,000 euros for «spreading false allegations» and «defamation». RSF calls for the annulment of this decision, deemed unfair. The origin of this case is a complaint by the Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi

Morocco falls back to 14th in latest FIFA ranking

Morocco’s national football team dropped one place to 14th in the world rankings published by FIFA on Thursday.The Atlas Lions, who fell one place from the last FIFA ranking, remain in first place in Africa with 1688.18 points, ahead of Senegal in 17th place with 1637.25 points. The national team also remains in first place in the Arab world, ahead of Egypt in second place (33rd worldwide) with 1513.48 points. Argentina remains at the top of the FIFA rankings, followed by France and

French consulate opens new premises in Tangier

The new premises of the Consulate General of France in Tangier were inaugurated on Thursday, marking a major milestone in the project to consolidate the services of the French Institute and the Consulate on the emblematic site of Place de France. The ceremony brought together the French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, the Wali of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Younes Tazi, the President of the Regional Council, Omar Moro, as well as elected officials, consulate

France : Aziza, a mother attacked over her veil

On November 25 in Gardanne, Aziza H., 43, was violently assaulted by two women because of her veil. Racist insults and physical violence marked this episode, which she recounts to France 3 Provence-Alpes. While on her way to her physiotherapist, Aziza was followed by two women in their forties. Very quickly, the insults began: «Look at the veiled one strutting around», and «We should kill her like the Palestinians», she reportedly heard. Confronting these remarks, Aziza

Morocco shines at Qatar Travel Mart : A tourism highlight

From November 25 to 27, the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) shone in Doha as the main sponsor of the third edition of the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM). This event is part of the «Qatar-Morocco Years of Culture 2024», an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural and tourist exchanges between the two nations. A major event in the tourism industry, the Qatar Travel Mart brought together key players in the sector, including tour operators, airlines, and technology companies. The

Morocco's highest tower to host luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel

O TOWER and Hilton signed a management agreement on November 27, 2024, to establish a Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Mohammed VI Tower, set to open in 2025. The hotel will occupy floors 29 to 46 of the 250-meter tower located on the banks of the Bouregreg River between Rabat and Salé. The new establishment will feature 55 rooms, including 44 suites, alongside four restaurants, a wellness center, a ballroom, and a business lounge. The development is part of the «Rabat, City of

Kazyon challenges BIM in Morocco's discount market

In an interview with Challenge magazine, Kazyon CEO Mohamed Benmezouara announced that the Egyptian retailer aims to open 150 new stores in its second year in Morocco. Initiated with 116 outlets, the rapid expansion of the chain's distribution network takes advantage of a «rigorous and optimized operating model that reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality in every outlet», emphasizes the CEO. The hard discounter has earmarked an investment envelope of $144 million over

MoroccoAI conference to explore future of AI innovation

MoroccoAI will host its fourth annual conference virtually on December 4-5, 2024, under the theme «Driving the Future of Innovation Through AI». The event aims to strengthen Morocco's AI development capabilities. The gathering builds on previous editions that featured international experts alongside Moroccan specialists. This year's speakers include Prof. Fouad Laroui from UM6P and Majda Moumni from OCP Solutions, focusing on AI's practical applications in Morocco's research and