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Morocco: Two children killed in floods
Morocco is experiencing heavy rainfall resulting in floods that are causing destruction and deaths. Several regions of the country have been hit by devastating floods, claiming the lives of at least two children.
Franco-Algerian relations set to worsen over planned military maneuvers in Morocco
Algeria summoned the French Ambassador to protest the planned “Chergui 2025” Franco-Moroccan military exercises scheduled for September near the Algerian border. Tensions between the nations have escalated following France’s support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara.
Morocco to pour $3 billion on high-speed trains ahead of World Cup 2030
Morocco is rapidly expanding its railway infrastructure ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, securing nearly $3 billion in financing for 168 new trains. Foreign companies from France, Spain and South Korea are lined up to deliver and install the trains.
Building a Road to Nowhere? Morocco’s Unfinished Push to Mauritania
Morocco is nearing completion of a 93-kilometer road linking Es-Semara to the Mauritanian border, a project touted as a boost for regional connectivity. However, with no immediate link to Mauritanian infrastructure and no confirmed plans for its extension, the road currently leads to a dead end.
Morocco Busts ‘Lions of the Caliphate’ Terror Cell After Yearlong Probe
Moroccan security services arrested 12 operatives of the so-called “Lions of the Caliphate in the Maghreb Al-Aqsa” after a yearlong investigation. Authorities say the terror cell, linked to Daesh in the Sahel, had a weapons cache in Errachidia and planned attacks in Morocco.
Morocco is confronting a measles outbreak
Morocco is experiencing a measles outbreak which appears to have caused the death of five people on 3,631 measles cases reported in the first three weeks of 2025. Cases have been reported in all 12 regions of Morocco.
Morocco Reports Blocking Thousands of Migration Attempts in 2024, Suggesting Far Greater Total Numbers
Morocco blocked 78,685 irregular migration attempts in 2024, dismantled 332 trafficking networks, and rescued 18,645 migrants at sea, but the true scale of migration in North and West Africa likely exceeds these figures due to undetected crossings and undocumented tragedies.
Moroccan Truck Drivers and Spanish Tourists Freed After Kidnapping in Burkina Faso and Southern Algeria
Four Moroccan truck drivers and a Spanish national kidnapped in the Sahel were freed this week, with both now safe under protection.
Is Morocco Quietly Preparing for Royal Succession?
Morocco’s royal succession is in the spotlight as King Mohammed VI faces health challenges. Key figures, including Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, are preparing for a potential transition. This shift may lead Morocco toward a more conservative future, impacting the kingdom’s stability and modernization
Morocco: First Mpox case reported in Marrakech, health authorities activate emergency protocols
With dense ties to West Africa, Morocco now has its first Mpox case, identified in the tourism city of Marrakech. This marks the first case in North Africa, prompting an immediate activation of emergency protocols and a damage-control communication strategy coming...
Morocco’s Agriculture Facing Headwinds
Morocco’s agricultural sector, a vital part of its economy, is currently facing significant challenges due to persistent drought and a controversial export-oriented strategy. Despite efforts to boost productivity through the Generation Green 2020-2030 program, the focus on high-water-demand crops has strained the country’s water resources, leading to poor harvests and rising food prices. As debates continue within Morocco’s Parliament, the sustainability of these agricultural practices remains a critical concern for the future.
Business: Morocco’s attraction to Chinese tea makes it its biggest customer
Moroccans love a good cup of tea. Mint tea is their favorite, and it is often prepared by first brewing green tea and then soaking mint leaves in it and adding sugar. Where does the green tea come from? China. This year, Morocco has become China's biggest destination...
Energy: Algeria’s Oil and Gas Ambitions in Niger Makes Trans-Sahara Pipeline More Likely
Algeria is making progress in convincing Niger and Nigeria to go ahead with the construction of the trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Two events emerged recently that created uncertainty and risk for this project. The shift from the Mohamed Bezzoum regime to the military...
France-Algeria: Emmanuel Macron stuns President Tebboune
Algeria and France are now going through another diplomatic crisis, culminating with the recall of Algeria's ambassador from his post in Paris, after France endorsed Morocco's plan on the Wester Sahara. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria is reportedly extremely...
Morocco: King Mohammed VI gets France’s support on Western Sahara, pardons some jailed journalists and activists
King Mohammed VI is celebrating 25 years on the throne. The event was celebrated nationwide in Morocco, and in a give-and-take moment, the King receiving a massive gift from France and gave back the freedom to some journalists and activists who have been in prison....
Drought Disrupts Wheat Sector in Morocco, Uncertainty with French and Russian Supplies
Morocco’s wheat harvest this year is likely to fall below 2.5 million tons due to a debilitating and lasting drought that has affected much of the country. To put it into perspective, during the wet season, output can reach up to 10 million tons, according to Bloomberg. Industry analysts warn that grain production in Morocco this year will drop by 39% compared to the 2023’s harvest of 4.2 million tons.
How to MEGA or ‘Make Europe Great Again’
In the second week of June 2024, far-right parties across the EU made significant gains in the European Parliament elections. In France, the National Rally led by Marine Le Pen secured nearly a third of the votes, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap elections. Far-right gains affected most major European nations, such as Germany and Italy. In contrast, the Green parties suffered significant losses, which as seeing their influence in Germany and other countries wane.
Algeria’s strengthening EU gas market pushes Morocco to look for its own gas
Algeria was in the spotlight at the G7 summit in Bari in Italy in mid-June. New agreements have been signed with President Tebboun. To counter the strengthening Algerian strategy on the European gas market. Morocco is trying to develop its own gas fields.
North Africa Confronted with New Security Concerns
There is news coverage in Spain about Morocco stepping up its military presence near the Spanish-controlled enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and a lot of chatter about a Russian military presence in Tunisia.
Algeria-Morocco: The Dividing Kaftan
The Kaftan or Caftan, is now source of new tension between Morocco and Algeria. The two countries have been monitoring each other’s moves to pinpoint and complain about “cultural appropriation” when it comes to food, traditional graphics designs, arts and now robes.
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