Morocco

Moroccan Protests Highlight Global Youth Dissatisfaction In a dramatic turn of events, Morocco finds itself at the center of a youth-led protest wave that has captivated the nation. According to state media, security forces have been involved in a deadly confrontation that resulted in the deaths of two individuals in the southwestern city of Leqliaa. The protesters, part of a burgeoning movement known as GenZ 212, have taken to the streets demanding systemic changes, shaking the foundations of a government preparing to…

Two killed as Morocco’s Gen Z protests expose a generational fault line When word spread on TikTok and Discord that young people across Morocco would converge on town squares and police stations to demand better schools, clinics and jobs, it felt like an experiment in 21st-century dissent — decentralized, fast and anonymous. What unfolded over a few days was far more combustible. In Lqliaa, near the port city of Safi, police opened fire on a crowd trying to “storm” a police station, killing two people, authorities say. The…

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: An Inspiring Kickoff in Rabat The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off on a cool evening in Rabat at the Stade Olympique, where anticipation hung in the air like the prelude to a great symphony. The hosts, Morocco, faced off against Zambia in a match that was as much about grit and determination as it was about skill. Despite being outpaced by Zambian zeal, Morocco showcased their resilience by fighting back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw. A Game of Resilience The…

The Diplomatic Dance: Zuma’s Controversial Endorsement of Morocco’s Claim Over Western Sahara Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to Rabat has ignited fresh debate over the sensitive and long-standing issue of Western Sahara's status. By endorsing Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the region—as an autonomous area—Zuma has taken a surprising turn from his previous position, raising questions about motives and the implications for broader African unity. A Shifting Paradigm Once a staunch advocate for…

A handful of nations have officially punched their tickets to the 35th edition of the renowned African Cup of Nations, all set to unfold in Morocco. Countries like Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, and Equatorial Guinea stood tall during the intense fifth round of qualifying matches. In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's ace striker Victor Osimhen salvaged a point for the Super Eagles against Benin, leveling the score at 1-1 with a late equalizer. Remarkably, the three-time champions had already cemented their…

One year has passed since a cataclysmic earthquake ravaged the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and the people on the ground express a sense of frustration over the sluggish pace of rebuilding efforts. Many remain in temporary tents, while others have been compelled to relocate entirely. Lisa Bryant reports for VOA on the ongoing struggle for recovery. This seismic event, registering a staggering 6.8 on the Richter scale, was the most powerful earthquake to strike Morocco in over a century. It hit on September 8, 2023,…

Diplomatic Tensions: Algeria's Response to France's Support for Moroccan Sovereignty in Western Sahara On Tuesday, Algeria officially recalled its ambassador from France, reacting decisively to Paris’ affirmation of Moroccan control over the Western Sahara region. This isn’t the first time Algeria has adopted such a stance; last year, it took similar actions against Madrid following Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy initiative. French President Emmanuel Macron articulated that this recognition stems from the…

On Saturday, March 19, Algiers recalled its ambassador to Spain for "consultation". A sign of protest after the support shown for Rabat's self-government plan in the issue of Western Sahara. By violating its traditional neutrality, Spain evokes contrasting…

After a year of great diplomatic strife, Spain and Morocco normalized their relations on Friday, March 18, thanks to a gesture of support long demanded by Rabat in Madrid on the very sensitive issue of Western Sahara. A turn from Madrid that surprised the…

It is an end to non-receipt that Algiers opposed the US request to increase gas shipments to Europe by reopening the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline that runs through Morocco and which has been closed since December 2021 by decision of Algiers.…