This week in Morocco
Morocco's women's national football team, the 'Atlas Lionesses,' celebrated a significant achievement, advancing to the WAFCON semi-finals after defeating South Africa, with Nouhaila Benzina earning best player honors. Domestically, concerns arose over foul odors from fish processing plants plaguing the tourist city of Martil and surging rental prices in northern coastal towns during the summer season. The nation also mourned the passing of prominent historian Lotfi Bouchntouf, known for his work on Moroccan history and translation.
About Morocco
Morocco, a North African kingdom, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes ranging from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains, and its strategic location bridging Africa and Europe. While celebrated for its vibrant traditions and hospitality, the country's media environment operates under significant state control, with restrictions on reporting about the monarchy, Western Sahara, and Islam, leading to a 'not-free' press freedom status and imprisonment of independent journalists.
Visiting Morocco
Media landscape
Morocco's media landscape is predominantly digital, with a significant portion of news consumed online, though print media still exists. Despite recent pardons for some journalists, the environment remains restrictive, with government ownership of key outlets and limitations on reporting sensitive topics.
When consuming news from Morocco, be aware that many outlets are state-subsidized or government-owned, and consider seeking diverse sources to gain a comprehensive perspective.
Sources we track 1
Morocco's Housing Finance Sees Strong Growth, Driven by Islamic Loans
- Moroccan housing finance, particularly through "real estate murabaha," grew 16.7% year-on-year to 31.5 billion dirhams by the end of June. - Banks reported easing lending criteria for housing and co…
Forest Fires Force School Closures in Indonesia Amid Severe Drought
- Indonesian authorities closed dozens of schools due to raging forest fires, exacerbated by a severe drought and the El Niño phenomenon. - Smoke from the fires has affected tens of thousands of stude…
Net assets reach 826.7 billion dirhams
- Net assets under the management of collective investment vehicles in Morocco reached over 826.7 billion dirhams as of July 31, 2026. - This represents a weekly decrease of 1.65 percent in total asse…
North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile toward sea
- North Korea launched what is believed to be a ballistic missile toward the sea. - This marks the second such launch in less than a week, according to Japan's Defense Ministry. - The launch occurred …
Morocco women's football team prepares for Africa Cup semi-final
- Morocco's women's national football team concluded preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match against Cameroon. - The team aims to reach the final after securing qualification for…
Spanish police dismantle network accused of trafficking underage migrant girls
- Spanish police dismantled a criminal network accused of trafficking underage female migrants. - The network allegedly recruited minors from care centers in Gran Canaria, transporting them to mainlan…
Democratic primaries test party's ideological identity
- Democratic Party primaries in several U.S. states are testing the party's internal ideological struggles between its progressive and centrist wings. - The outcomes of these races could offer early …
Hespress debate: Who directs public opinion in Morocco?
- A discussion is underway regarding who influences public opinion in Morocco. - The article title suggests an exploration of the forces shaping the Moroccan street. - The post originates from Hespres…
Ezzalzouli returns to Real Betis team training after knee injury
- Moroccan international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli returned to team training with Real Betis on Tuesday after a long absence due to a knee injury. - Ezzalzouli participated in the first 15 minutes of team…
Kantari appointed new coach of Morocco's U17 team
- Ahmed Kantari has been appointed as the new head coach for Morocco's U17 national football team. - The appointment is part of a strategy to strengthen national technical staff and utilize Moroccan e…
Albares Warns Against Attempting to Storm Ceuta
- Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares warned migrants against attempting to illegally enter Ceuta. - He stated that any such attempt would fail, emphasizing joint efforts between Spain and Mo…
Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah praises new signing Noussair Mazraoui
- German defender Jonathan Tah praised new Bayern Munich signing Noussair Mazraoui, expressing excitement to play alongside him. - Tah highlighted Mazraoui's offensive capabilities, physical strength,…
Pope to Visit 'Stade de France' with Sold-Out Tickets
- The Archdiocese of Paris announced that all tickets for the Pope's upcoming visit to the "Stade de France" for a youth event have been sold out. - Over 200,000 people have registered to attend a mas…
'Blood Agency' Resumes Sectoral Dialogue
- The Moroccan Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Center (CNTST) and union representatives will resume sectoral dialogue in September. - The dialogue aims to establish a regular framework for consu…
Tatum O'Neal: An "Early Oscar" Transformed an Innocent Childhood into an Artistic Legend
- Tatum O'Neal's early Oscar win transformed her innocent childhood into an artistic legend. - Her childhood innocence became a cinematic commodity at age ten. - Her performance captivated the entire …
Overcrowded morgue in Guelmim, Morocco sparks controversy
- The morgue at Guelmim Regional Hospital in Morocco faces severe overcrowding due to limited capacity and prolonged legal procedures for burials. - The facility has only 12 spaces, often filled by vi…
Seminar Highlights Diaspora's Support for Morocco's Territorial Integrity
- An international seminar in Nador discussed the role of the Moroccan diaspora in defending the Kingdom's territorial integrity. - Participants highlighted the diaspora's contributions to parallel di…
Casablanca Taxi Drivers Warn of Clash Consequences With Ride-Hailing App Professionals
- Taxi drivers in Casablanca are protesting against ride-hailing app drivers, causing disruptions. - Some taxi drivers criticize the protests, stating they harm the sector's reputation. - The conflict…
Morocco's Ambassador Presents Credentials to ASEAN, Boosting Cooperation
- Morocco's new ambassador to ASEAN, Redouane Houssaini, presented his credentials, aiming to accelerate cooperation. - ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reaffirmed commitment to the sectoral dial…
Committee sets date for journalists' elections
- A provisional committee has set September 15 as the date for elections to choose professional journalist representatives for the National Press Council. - The committee also announced the process fo…
National Security Announces Broad Transfer Movement
- Morocco's Directorate General of National Security announced a broad annual transfer of 1,506 police officers across various ranks and specializations. - This movement is part of a larger system for…
Spain's Far-Right Intensifies Anti-Moroccan Rhetoric Amidst Ceuta Tensions
- Far-right rhetoric against Moroccan migrants has intensified in Spain following recent events in Ceuta. - A Spanish woman known for extremist views has been condemned by Spanish courts for inciting …
French-German Alliance Forms Joint Venture for Moroccan Railway Maintenance
- A French-German consortium has established a joint venture in Casablanca, Morocco, for railway maintenance services. - The venture, "Vossloh Futrifer Services Maroc," will handle welding, grinding, …
School and the gamble of migration
- The article discusses the complex relationship between education and migration in Morocco, particularly how the school system contributes to youth emigration. - High rates of school dropout are iden…
Morocco at a Crossroads: Navigating Identity, History, and External Narratives
- The article discusses the importance of national identity and critical thinking in Morocco amidst external influences. - It highlights Morocco's strategic location at the crossroads of continents an…
Turkey passes law to reintegrate Kurdish fighters
- Turkey's parliament approved a historic law to reintegrate Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters. - The law provides a framework for disarmed rebels to return to civilian life, but does not includ…
Algerian platforms target Morocco in cyber war with media facade
- Algerian media platforms are accused of launching a cyber campaign against Morocco following a migration crisis at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. - These platforms allegedly aim to distort Morocco's …
Casablanca Stock Exchange closes lower
- Casablanca Stock Exchange closed lower on Monday, with its main index, the MASI, falling 0.17%. - Other indices, including MASI.20 and MASI.ESG, also recorded declines, reflecting a broad downturn i…
Tetouan taxi drivers released pending appeal
- Taxi drivers in Tetouan, Morocco, have been released pending appeal after being initially sentenced to jail time. - The drivers were initially given six-month suspended sentences and fines related t…
Maurice Boutan, lawyer in Ben Barka case, dies at 98
- Maurice Boutan, a French lawyer known for his defense of Moroccan nationalist causes and his involvement in the Mehdi Ben Barka case, has died at age 98. - Born in Morocco, Boutan was a vocal oppone…
Rare 18th-century Quranic manuscript showcasing calligraphy evolution displayed in Mecca
- A rare Quranic manuscript, dating back to the 18th century, is on display at the Quran Museum in Mecca. - The manuscript showcases a blend of three prominent Arabic calligraphy styles: Thuluth, Rayh…
"Leave of Absence" Requests Trigger Interior Ministry Scrutiny
- Moroccan Ministry of Interior authorities are investigating a significant increase in requests for "leave of absence" (istidaa) among local government employees. - This trend has led to a growing sh…
Malawi's 'Lionesses' roar into Africa Cup semifinals and World Cup
- Malawi's women's national football team, the "Lionesses," secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals and qualified for the World Cup. - They achieved this by defeating Ghana 2-1 in a com…
Egypt's inflation rate climbs in July
- Egypt's annual inflation rate rose in July to 13%, up from 12.2% in June, according to official data. - Consumer prices in urban areas increased by 14.9% in July compared to 14.3% in June. - Food an…
Morocco's Fahs-Anjra province gears up for tight parliamentary race
- Morocco's smallest province, Fahs-Anjra, is experiencing intense competition for its two parliamentary seats in the upcoming September 23 elections. - Candidates range from seasoned politicians to n…
Russia seeks to reassure foreign investors amid sanctions
- Russia is working to ensure economic stability and create opportunities for foreign investors despite unprecedented sanctions and pressure. - Svetlana Chupysheva, head of the Agency for Strategic In…
Financial Irregularities Plague Moroccan Transport Associations
- Moroccan authorities are investigating financial irregularities in associations receiving public funds for school and university transport. - Reports indicate accounting and financial discrepancies …
Morocco weather forecast: Hot in the south, thunderstorms expected in Atlas Mountains
- Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology forecasts hot weather in the southeast and desert regions. - Relatively warm conditions are expected in specific areas including Oued Mellouya, eastern r…
"Parasols" return to M'diq-Fnideq beaches despite ban
- "Parasols" have reappeared on beaches in the Moroccan city of M'diq-Fnideq, despite a ban on exploiting beach areas without legal permits. - Beachgoers are being charged for umbrella and chair renta…
Morocco's Portuguese Fortress Restoration Enters New Phase
- Restoration work on the Portuguese Fortress in El Jadida, Morocco, has entered a new phase, addressing structural issues in the historic site. - The project, overseen by the Regional Directorate of …
El-Badry Adopts Digital Analysis at Al Ahly
- Al Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry relies on daily performance analysis reports from his staff. - The Egyptian club is currently in a training camp in Spain to prepare for the new football season. - Thes…
Ceuta and Melilla: Can Spain manage geography with the logic of the past?
- The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the North African coast, present a complex geopolitical challenge rooted in centuries of history. Their current status, managed by Spain within …
Foul Odors Plague M'diq, Morocco, Disrupting Residents' Lives
- Residents of the Moroccan city of M'diq are complaining about foul odors emanating from industrial areas, particularly those processing fish. - The unpleasant smells are affecting daily life, with s…
Khbabz: Representing Morocco is an Honor Beyond Money; Maintaining the Top Spot is the Biggest Challenge
- Kickboxer Tarik Khbabz, a three-time Glory world champion, discusses his journey from Rabat, Morocco, to international success. - Khbabz recounts overcoming personal hardships in the Netherlands aft…
Morocco Unifies Vehicle License Plates
- Morocco's National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) has adopted a new unified license plate design for vehicles. - The new plates aim to standardize vehicle registration procedures and address practical i…
What lies behind The Economist's narrative on Ceuta, the King's health, and the future of the throne?
- The article critiques The Economist's recent report on Morocco, King Mohammed VI, and the future of the monarchy. - It questions the publication's methodology, suggesting the narrative may have been…
Moroccan football legend Houssine Kharja praises federation president, defends FIFA chief
- Former Moroccan international player Houssine Kharja praised current football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, calling him the "best president" the organization has ever had. - Kharja expressed st…
Moroccan Agricultural Worker Dies in Italy Accident; Eight Injured
- A Moroccan agricultural worker died and eight others were injured in a traffic accident in southern Italy. - The accident occurred when a small truck carrying the workers veered off the road near Mo…
International Pressure Prompts Polisario Leader to Hint at Accepting Autonomy
- Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali acknowledged increasing international pressure regarding the Western Sahara conflict. - Ghali alluded to the possibility of accepting autonomy under Moroccan sove…
Four Spaniards arrested over $300,000 watch theft in Saint-Tropez
- Four Spaniards were arrested in Saint-Tropez, France, in connection with the theft of a luxury watch valued at $300,000. - The watch was stolen from a Brazilian tourist on Friday, and the suspects f…
Trump: America is calmly dealing with Iran
- U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to increase economic pressure on Iran, signaling a shift from military threats. - Trump stated, "We are handling the matter calmly," in a brief co…
Hamdoun turns heads with Getafe
- Moroccan player Mohamed Yassine Hamdoun is impressing at Spanish club Getafe. - Hamdoun has played two friendly matches with the first team, completing 90 minutes in both. - He is a strong candidate…
Dris Lesrouks ignites Etisalat Morocco platform
- The article is a placeholder for content related to "Etisalat Morocco" and "Dris Lesrouks." - It mentions a live event or broadcast on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 19:45. - It provides links to follow…
International Ranking Crowns Cadi Ayyad University
- Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech has been ranked first nationally and regionally in Morocco and the Maghreb by the 2026 "Webometrics" ranking. - The university also secured a spot among the top 30…
Moroccan Minister Lekjaa Joins PAM, Stresses Focus on Citizen Issues Over Positions
- Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Fouzi Lekjaa, joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) political bureau. - Lekjaa stated he did not join the party seeking…
Spain expands maritime patrol off Melilla amid migration pressure
- Spain's Civil Guard has increased its maritime presence off the coast of the occupied city of Melilla. - The deployment of the patrol vessel "Rio Segura" is a response to recent pressures related to…
Morocco launches exceptional campaign to collect old tax arrears
- Moroccan authorities are addressing a significant backlog of old tax collection files within local authorities. - New field data has prompted the Ministry of Interior to re-examine these long-standi…
US Fears Russia May Test NATO Cohesion With Limited Eastern European Operation
- Western security and media circles fear Russia may test NATO's cohesion with a limited operation against an Eastern European member. - Such a scenario, while not a full-scale war, could challenge th…
Hajja Sabah Sbetaouia: A small house that held hundreds of hearts
- Hajja Sabah Sbetaouia opened her home to dozens of exhausted young men who arrived by sea, offering them food, shelter, and dignity. - She provided essential care, including meals, showers, and clea…
Iran announces imminent public appearance of Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei
- Iranian authorities announced that video footage and documents will soon be released showing Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei in public and in meetings with military leaders. - The upcoming release a…
New U.S. bill targets Polisario Front, proposing terror designation
- A new bill in the U.S. Congress proposes designating the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. - The bipartisan initiative, supported by eight lawmakers, aims to assess the Polisario …
Netanyahu: No Palestinian state while I am prime minister
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank while he is in office. - Netanyahu reiterated Israel's rejection …
Al-Gharafa Inquires About Signing Al-Ittihad Striker En-Nesyri
- Qatari club Al-Gharafa inquired about signing Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri from Saudi club Al-Ittihad. - Financial demands for the transfer proved too high for Al-Gharafa, halting direct negot…
From documents to levies: Interior Ministry scrutinizes real estate recovery files
- Morocco's Interior Ministry is investigating real estate development files in several regions. - The probe focuses on suspicious facilitations granted to developers for real estate projects. - The m…
Senegal prosecutes 71 men in anti-gay crackdown
- Senegalese authorities have referred 71 men to court on charges of engaging in
Iran: Hormuz a War Zone, Not Waterway; No New Talks With 'Enemy'
- Iran declared it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to its previous level of navigation unless the United States meets Tehran's conditions. - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated the strai…
Mehdi Benatia Reflects on Turbulent Marseille Stint, Vows to Speak Freely
- Mehdi Benatia, former director of football at Olympique Marseille, reflected on his turbulent two-and-a-half-year tenure with the French club. - Benatia admitted to bearing responsibility for some f…
Major project to valorize Casablanca's waste
- Morocco is launching a major project in Casablanca to convert waste into energy, with investments of approximately 1.3 billion euros. - The facility, the first of its kind in Morocco, will process 1…
The privacy concerns of "Wedding Commandos" clash with legal issues
- A service known as "Wedding Commandos" in Morocco prevents photography at weddings to protect privacy. - This service's popularity fluctuates geographically and socially across the country. - Some r…
Morocco weather forecast: Heat and thunderstorms expected Sunday
- Relatively hot weather is expected in southeastern Morocco, desert regions, and the Moulouya plains on Sunday. - Thunderstorms, possibly with hail, are forecast for the Atlas Mountains and their eas…
Algeria Adjusts Academic Year Start Date
- Algeria has postponed the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. - Administrative staff will return on September 6, teachers on September 13, and students on September 21. - The decision follows call…
Wim Wenders' Cinema: Roads as Soul Mirrors, Cities as Maps of Longing
- German director Wim Wenders' cinema transforms roads into mirrors of the soul and cities into maps of longing. - His art delves into the most vulnerable aspects of the human being, posing open quest…
Rains Revive Argan Producers' Hopes, But Overgrazing Threatens Sustainability
- Recent rains have boosted hopes for Morocco's argan oil producers, potentially improving yields after years of drought. - Overgrazing by livestock remains a significant threat to the sustainability …
Iraq Dismantles Armed Network Planning Drone Attacks
- Iraqi forces have dismantled an armed group planning drone attacks. - The group possessed drones and equipment intended for specific targets. - Authorities have arrested members of the cell and are …
Tunisian Football Club Étoile du Sahel Faces Financial Crisis, Risking Relegation
- Tunisian football club Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) faces a critical financial crisis, needing to settle over $500,000 in debts by August 10 to secure a playing license. - The club has secured abo…
Moroccan historian Lotfi Bouchntouf, pioneer of historical translation, dies
- Prominent historian Lotfi Bouchntouf, known for his work on Moroccan history and translation, has passed away. - Bouchntouf authored
Democratic Labor Way Party Elects Braij for Second Term
- The Democratic Labor Way Party re-elected Jamal Braij as its Secretary-General for a second term. - Braij, who took leadership in 2022, was chosen by the party's political bureau. - The party previo…
Foul odors from fish processing plants plague Moroccan tourist city Martil
- The coastal city of Martil in northern Morocco is plagued by persistent foul odors emanating from industrial fish processing plants. - These odors, present year-round but worsening in summer, negati…
Between the Pulpit and Citizenship: When Does Questioning Become 'Disturbance' to the Nation?
- A Friday sermon in Morocco questioned the definition of
My Shock with the Occupation of Ceuta
- The author recounts personal experiences visiting Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish-occupied territories in North Africa. - The article details the historical context of Spanish control over islands like B…
Morocco Standardizes University Fees for Working Professionals
- Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education is standardizing registration fees for a "facilitated timing" system for university students. - The move aims to address long-standing issues of academic and f…
Morocco's Nouhaila Benzina named best player in crucial Africa Cup of Nations win
- Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina was named best player in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against South Africa. - Benzina's performance was instrumental in the Atlas Lionesse…
Observations from Addis Ababa: Ready-made Judgments and Pre-formed Images
- The author arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expecting a city defined by famine and conflict based on media portrayals, but found an organized and welcoming airport. - Upon arrival, the author obser…
"Atlas Lionesses" Advance to WAFCON Semis Over South Africa
- Morocco's women's national football team, the "Atlas Lionesses," defeated South Africa 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. - Sakina Ouzraoui scored the opening goal fo…
Western Canada province declares state of emergency amid wildfire
- British Columbia, Canada, declared a state of emergency due to a rapidly spreading wildfire. - Thousands of residents in vineyard and orchard areas were ordered to evacuate as the 'Bald Range' fire …
Seasonal opportunism: Rental prices in northern destinations sting families' pockets
- Rental prices for furnished apartments in Morocco's northern coastal towns have surged during the peak summer season. - Prices have quadrupled in some areas, with a night's stay costing up to 1000 d…
Algeria's Women's Team Reaches Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals for First Time
- Algeria's women's national football team reached the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals for the first time in their history. - They defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in a quarter-final match held in Casablanca…
Prostate cancer spreads through Biden's body
- Hunter Biden stated that his father, former US President Joe Biden, is experiencing severe pain as his prostate cancer has spread to his bones. - He described the illness as "very painful and very d…
Manchester City Nears Deal for Moroccan Midfielder Ayyoub Bouadi
- Manchester City is nearing a deal to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouadi from Lille. - Negotiations are in the final stages, with City reportedly prioritizing the 18-year-old to strengthen their …
Mezzour: Reviewing official holidays requires economic and social discussions
- Morocco's Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Ghita Mezzour, stated that reviewing official holidays requires economic and social discussions involving public and pri…
Morocco's 'Lionesses' lineup revealed for South Africa clash
- Morocco's women's national football team coach, Jorge Vilda Rodríguez, has announced the starting lineup for their Africa Women Cup of Nations quarter-final match against South Africa. - The team in…
Moroccan kickboxer Tarik Khbabez's journey from hardship to global recognition
- Moroccan kickboxer Tarik Khbabez has achieved international recognition after overcoming significant personal struggles. - The article highlights his journey from hardship to global success in the s…
Egg prices rebound in Morocco after weeks of decline and producer losses
- Egg prices in Morocco are rising after weeks of decline and financial losses for producers. - Producers attribute the increase to a gradual recovery in demand, which had previously led to oversupply…
Paris mandates helmets and reflective gear for electric scooter riders amid injury surge
- New regulations in Paris require electric scooter users to wear helmets and reflective clothing. - The rules were implemented due to a significant rise in injuries and fatalities associated with the…
Al-Masry Al-Port Saidy camps in Marrakech
- Al-Masry Al-Port Saidy football club has begun a training camp in Marrakech, Morocco. - The camp aims to enhance players' physical and technical readiness for the upcoming football season. - The tea…
Dahmani thanks Ittihad Touarga after joining Raja Athletic Club
- Younes Dahmani, a new player for Raja Athletic Club, expressed gratitude to his former club, Ittihad Touarga. - Dahmani thanked the president, management, coaches, and staff of Ittihad Touarga for t…
Watford Sporting Director: 'No Offers Received' for Midfielder Imran Louza
- Watford's sporting director, Luke Dowling, confirmed the club is committed to keeping Moroccan international Imran Louza. - Dowling dismissed reports of Louza's potential departure as mere "media no…
Math Olympiad Controversy Exposes Algerian System's 'Addiction' to Fake News
- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's administration has been accused of spreading false news. - The controversy stems from claims that three Algerian university students won first and third pla…
Man arrested in Rotterdam after series of stabbings injure two
- Dutch police arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of randomly stabbing two men in Rotterdam on Saturday. - The incidents occurred in different parts of the city, including a residential street and a…
False statements lead to arrest of aspiring migrant in Larache
- Moroccan police have launched an investigation into a woman for making false statements and accusations. - The woman, an aspiring irregular migrant, made misleading claims about official authorities…
