Moroccan professor Abdellatif Bencherifa wins International Prize for German Geography
Renowned internationally, Bencherifa's expertise spans cultural geography, rural development sociology, and change studies. His research primarily focuses on Morocco's rural regions, including oases and mountain areas, pastoralism, migration, and development.
In addition to his academic work, he explores fundamental philosophical questions within geography, while also bringing deep expertise in public policy, educational leadership, and territorial governance. He has authored or edited seven books and around 50 scholarly articles in French, Arabic, English, German, and Spanish.
After earning his bachelor's degree in 1973, Bencherifa pursued postgraduate studies in human and social geography at Mohammed V University in Rabat, completing them in 1978. He later obtained a State Doctorate from Clark University in the United States in 1986.
Alongside his academic research, he served as vice-dean of the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences at Mohammed V University (1990–1994), and vice-president of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (1994–2002). He was later appointed president of Moulay Ismaïl University in Meknes (2002–2005).
Bencherifa was also a member of the first administrative council of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) between 2002 and 2005. He contributed to the Fiftieth Anniversary Report and served on the Consultative Commission on Advanced Regionalization (2010–2011).
Outside academia, he held several senior territorial positions between 2005 and 2016, including wali of the Gharb-Chrarda-Bni Hssen region, director of personnel at the Ministry of the Interior, and wali-director general of local authorities. He returned to academia in 2017, joining the International University of Rabat.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Ya Biladi
Ecuador backs autonomy plan for the Sahara, to open embassy in Morocco
During an official visit to Rabat on Friday, Ecuador expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan as «the basis for resolving the regional dispute» over the Sahara. Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, highlighted «the importance of the Moroccan initiative as a realistic, viable, and credible path toward a definitive resolution, grounded in the commitment of all parties to end this long-standing issue». The Ecuadorian official also reiterated Quito's intention to work «hand in hand with the UN Secretary-General (...) in a more effective and coherent manner to address today's complex global challenges». This marks a new step in the growing ties between Morocco and Ecuador, following Ecuador's decision in October 2024 to withdraw its recognition of the Polisario Front. Speaking at a joint press conference with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, Sommerfeld announced the forthcoming opening of Ecuador's embassy in Rabat. On that occasion, she reaffirmed her country's commitment to deepening bilateral ties «within a framework of mutual respect and sovereignty». «Our cooperative relationship is founded on shared principles, peaceful coexistence, democracy, good governance, solidarity, transparency, human rights, and international humanitarian law, as well as a rejection of unilateral sanctions», Sommerfeld said. In response, Nasser Bourita confirmed that Morocco will soon open a diplomatic office in Quito, with the goal of eventually upgrading it to a full embassy. He also announced that both countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as security, intelligence, and the joint fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. Broader Strategic Partnership Minister Bourita welcomed Ecuador's support for Morocco's autonomy proposal and praised Quito's «courageous efforts in combating transnational and organized crime, particularly international drug trafficking», as well as its commitment to regional and global peace. He emphasized Morocco's support for «all initiatives undertaken by Ecuador as part of its sovereign political will to tackle transnational threats», including actions taken within global and UN frameworks. Both countries agreed on the importance of coordination in these areas. The two ministers concluded their meeting with the signing of two memorandums of understanding. The first focuses on supporting political dialogue and coordination on international issues, while the second aims to enhance economic and trade cooperation, including initiatives related to food security. As part of this new partnership framework, Ecuadorian citizens will soon be able to submit pre-entry declarations electronically for travel to Morocco, bypassing the traditional visa application process. This measure is one of several steps aimed at strengthening economic ties, especially in tourism and investment, between the two nations.
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
Rwanda Celebrates 31 Years of Liberation in Morocco
Rabat – The Rwandan Embassy in Rabat held a ceremony today to mark Kwibuka 31, the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's liberation. The event brought together Rwandans living in Morocco, Moroccan officials, and diplomats. The Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi was also present at the event. Speaking to Morocco World News, Rwandan Ambassador to Morocco Shakila Omutonyi explained the meaning of Kwibuka , saying it means 'to liberate oneself.' She said the day is very important because it reminds everyone of the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a tragic event that affected Rwanda deeply. Kwibuka about celebrating the journey Rwanda has made over the last 31 years. But Kwibuka is not just about remembering the past. It is also about celebrating the journey Rwanda has made over the last 31 years, the ambassador added. 'But on the other hand, we also commemorate the journey that Rwanda has gone through for the past 31 years. a journey of reconstruction, a journey of resilience. But mostly it's the Rwandan people that has made a decision to move forward and not be stuck in the past,' she told MWN. She thanked Morocco for supporting Rwanda throughout this journey of recovery and growth. Kwibuka is a day of remembrance and hope. It honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the genocide and celebrates Rwanda's progress in peace, unity, and development. Kwibuka about celebrating the journey Rwanda has made over the last 31 years. In 1994, over 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days during the tragic genocide against the Tutsi. Since the genocide ended, Rwanda has made a strong effort to rebuild the nation, with focus on justice, development, and unity among its people. Kwibuka is observed every year to honor the victims and to remember the pain and loss experienced by the country. But it's also a time for healing, peace, and unity. Each year, the country and Rwandan communities around the world hold ceremonies, events, and educational activities to promote reconciliation and prevent such violence from happening again. Tags: anniversaryLibérationRwanda
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Morocco World
Ecuador Opens First Embassy in Morocco, Marks New Era in Bilateral Ties
Rabat – Ecuador officially opened its first embassy in Morocco on Friday, marking a new chapter in the growing relationship between the two countries. The opening of the embassy comes after Ecuador's decision in October 2024 to cut all ties with the self-styled 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic' and strengthen its diplomatic ties with Morocco, notably backing the Moroccan position on the Western Sahara conflict. The ceremony was attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. Morocco now hosts 165 diplomatic missions, including 50 from international organizations, Bourita said. He noted that 14 Latin American embassies are based in Rabat, arguing that this positions Morocco as a bridge between Latin America and Africa. Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita speaking at the inauguration of the embassy Bourita spoke of the strategic importance Morocco places on its relations with Latin America, saying the partnership with Ecuador reflects a 'win-win' South-South cooperation model. The two countries, he added, aim to work together across many fields to benefit both nations and their people. He also commended Ecuador for appointing an ambassador to lead the new diplomatic mission in Rabat. Meanwhile, Sommerfeld described the embassy opening as the start of a new dynamic in Ecuador-Morocco relations. She expressed her country's commitment to deepening ties in key sectors and sharing expertise in different areas. Sommerfeld noted that this is Ecuador's first embassy in the Maghreb region and said it could serve as a 'gateway to African markets.' The embassy opening followed a meeting between Bourita and Sommerfeld, during which the Ecuadorian minister confirmed her country's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Ecuador considers the 2007 Moroccan proposal as the basis for a lasting political solution to the conflict.
