Morocco Bound

Two years after Morocco’s 2023 earthquake, thousands of families in the High Atlas Mountains are still living in temporary shelters as rebuilding moves slowly, despite major humanitarian efforts and cash aid programs.

Repeated drought and water shortages continue to strain Morocco’s agriculture sector, raising urgent concerns about food security. Despite recent investments in large dams, groundwater development, and desalination, below-average rainfall and shrinking storage reservoirs are disrupting both urban and rural water supplies. Farmers and rural communities are particularly vulnerable as planning for the 2025-26 season remains clouded by uncertainty over much-needed rain.

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as the most feasible basis for future negotiations. The decision, initiated by the United States, passed with eleven members in favor, three abstentions from Russia, China, and Pakistan, and no participation from Algeria. The resolution renews the mandate of the UN mission (MINURSO) and calls for all parties to engage in talks without preconditions, though key disagreements on self-determination and final status remain.

A new Moroccan election law threatens jail time and steep fines for anyone who posts or shares doubts about election integrity. Opposition leaders call the measure undemocratic and warn it will shut down free debate at a critical moment for the country’s political future.