Morocco

Railway Renaissance: Morocco Paves the Way for the Future Marrakesh, the embodiment of enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, is at the heart of Morocco's spirited leap into the future. And leading this charge is the country's state-owned rail operator, ONCF. On a crisp Wednesday, they unfolded an audacious agenda: an impressive $2.9 billion investment to acquire 168 trains. Imagine that! These sleek machines aren’t just coming from anywhere. They're arriving from some of the most revered…

In an ambitious leap into the North African railway market, Hyundai Rotem, a well-regarded subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group, has sealed an impressive deal with Morocco. This landmark agreement offers more than just a fleet of advanced trains—it sets a new milestone, establishing itself as the most significant rail supply contract in Hyundai Rotem's history. The buzz within Hyundai Rotem's headquarters was palpable when the announcement was made. After all, entering the…

The unpredictable corridors of power opened their doors on February 4, 2025, as US President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the Oval Office. An occasion captured in time by Evan Vucci's lens for the Associated Press, the meeting hinted at a controversial geopolitical chess move: relocating Gazans from their besieged enclave. But relocate to where? The eyes of Israeli and US officials are turning toward Morocco and two autonomous Somali regions—Northeastern State and North Western State…

The ministers of justice and Islamic affairs in Morocco are pushing for significant reforms to the nation's family law. For years, advocates for women’s rights have been calling for an overhaul of the legal framework designed to safeguard women and children within familial structures. They seek not just modifications but a fundamental shift towards equality, particularly regarding inheritance rights, custody of children, and a complete ban on child marriages. This bold initiative proposes more than 100 amendments to the…

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.…