Latest news with #GreenMarch
Ya Biladi
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Sahara : Polisario fires five projectiles on Es-Smara
On Friday, June 27, armed militias of the Polisario launched five missiles on the city of Es-Smara. «The projectiles caused no casualties or material damage. They landed a few kilometers from the Rbite neighborhood, prompting an immediate state of alert across the city», a Moroccan security source told Yabiladi. A media outlet affiliated with the Polisario claimed there were «explosions at Moroccan military positions in Es-Smara». The attack comes just 48 hours after a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization. The last Polisario attack targeting civilians in Morocco dates back to November 8, 2024, in Al Mahbes. On that day, four projectiles were fired near tents sheltering Sahrawi civilians celebrating the 49th anniversary of the Green March. No casualties were reported.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy
Marrakech – Morocco's maritime transport fleet has dramatically declined to just 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. Kayouh made his remarks during Monday's oral questions session at the House of Representatives. 'Most of these vessels are owned by foreign operators,' Kayouh noted, stressing the severity of the decline. In response to the royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the ministry has initiated a comprehensive study to revitalize Morocco's maritime capabilities. The initiative aims to facilitate the movement of Moroccan citizens and enhance the country's logistical sovereignty. The strategic study involves multiple government departments through a steering committee. Key participants include the Ministries of Equipment and Water, Industry and Trade, Energy Transition, Finance, Interior, and Investment – all with direct roles in maritime transport operations. Kayouh promised that ministry officials would complete the study within a month. 'The results will be published for the public to develop a roadmap for upgrading the maritime transport sector,' he confirmed. Abderrahman El Amri, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), corroborated the minister's figures. He specified that 'Morocco's fleet of commercial ships in the 1980s was 73 ships before sharply declining to 11 ships in 2020,' attributing this decrease to 'the accumulation of company debts.' El Amri further explained that 'the percentage of foreign trade conducted via Moroccan commercial ships does not exceed 5 percent only, which is very unfortunate.' He pointed out that maritime connectivity is a fundamental factor in the success of the Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI and in strengthening maritime links with African coastal countries. Regarding the ministry's strategy to reduce maritime transport ticket prices for Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh reported that preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025 include ensuring capacity and securing various transportation services. For maritime transport specifically, 29 vessels will be available with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed across 13 maritime lines. This translates to 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 weekly trips. For air transport, Kayouh revealed that the ministry is working with various operators. They have authorized 59 airlines to secure approximately 2,235 flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. The Atlantic African region faces serious challenges related to resource sustainability and security that require robust maritime governance. Effective maritime management is essential for the region, which benefits from an exceptional ocean frontage. These maritime capabilities are increasingly vital for Morocco's strategic initiatives and economic competitiveness, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its logistical sovereignty and facilitate smoother trade exchanges in a context where these have become national priorities.
Ya Biladi
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Marrakech Coffee & Tea festival 2025 unites Africa in celebration of culture and innovation
For the inaugural edition of the Marrakech Coffee & Tea Festival, held from November 1 to 3, 2025, the ochre city will transform into the Pan-African capital of coffee and tea. Taking place at the Moulay El Hassan automotive circuit within the Marrakech Parc Expo, the event is the largest of its kind in Africa, spanning 12,500 square meters and bringing together over 400 exhibitors and nearly 30,000 visitors from across the continent, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and beyond. According to the organizers, the festival serves as «a unique platform for professional networking, commercial exchanges, and discovery focused on the rapidly growing coffee and tea industries in Africa». To support this dynamic, the event will feature a scientific and technical program including «100 conferences, seminars, masterclasses, and workshops led by national and international experts». The festival will also host the Moroccan Coffee & Tea Masters Championships, showcasing the expertise and creativity of the country's top coffee and tea baristas. Visitors will have the opportunity to attend tastings, demonstrations, and interactive workshops. The inaugural edition also carries strong symbolic significance, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Green March. On November 1, a concert featuring artists from Morocco and the diaspora will open the event, «to honor this national milestone and reaffirm our deep attachment to our southern provinces», the organizers stated. A rich cultural and artistic program will complement the festival, including an art gallery exhibiting «works inspired by the culture of coffee and tea, along with objects related to this world». A Music Lounge will also host live musical performances daily.
Ya Biladi
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan women of the diaspora walk from Fès to Laayoune to celebrate history
Some journeys can't be measured in miles or kilometers—they're journeys of the soul. That's the kind of journey Khadija Gamraoui is leading. Fifty years after the Green March, this passionate official who lives between France and Morocco wants to «bring the spirit» of that historic moment back to life—this time through women from both the diaspora and the Kingdom. «When I was a kid, my mom used to say I was born the year of the Green March. That story shaped me. Now, it's time to tell it in a new way», she shared with Yabiladi. For her 50th birthday, instead of throwing a party, Khadija chose to walk the streets of Fez's medina with 50 women. It was a powerful, symbolic step, backed by the governor of Fez and other local leaders, where meaning took priority over spectacle. «We walked through Moulay Idriss, Sidi Harazem, Moulay Yacoub... places that hold deep meaning for Moroccans everywhere», she recalls. The group included activists, elected officials, athletes, mothers, and young women like a 20-year-old Franco-Moroccan boxer from Paris, proudly representing the initiative during a race in Fez. This march isn't just a tribute. It's a political statement, a cultural act, and a message for the next generation. «I wanted to pass this story on to my daughter and her peers. Many of them didn't grow up with this history, so it was important to create a space to share it», Khadija explains. Each leg of the march, headed toward Laayoune and beyond into other African countries, will include opportunities to connect: talks, workshops, shared memories, and local meetups. Passing on Patriotism At the heart of the project are women, those who for decades have bridged the gap between Morocco and its diaspora, giving voice through associations, politics, and sports. Khadija is bringing together this inspiring network and trusted partners, from the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) to the organizers of the Sahraouiya race, which she recently joined in Dakhla. «That women's race moved me deeply. It gave me the push I needed to start this march across Morocco». The «March of the Women of the Diaspora» also aims to reconnect Moroccans around the world with the realities back home, especially in the southern provinces. Khadija highlights stops planned for places like Al Haouz, hit hard by the 2023 earthquake. «The diaspora stepped up to help. Now they can come back in person, with a spirit of gratitude and ongoing support». This is just the beginning. More women will join along the way, consuls, community leaders, and young people searching for purpose. Khadija plans to collect mementos at each stop and involve young Franco-Moroccans in writing workshops that will lead to an exhibition, keeping the story alive and growing.
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Remittances from Moroccans Abroad Decline by 6.2% End of March
Rabat — Remittances from Moroccans living abroad (MREs) reached MAD 26.22 billion ($2.80 billion) by the end of March, compared to MAD 27.96 billion ($3 billion) during the same period last year. Morocco's Exchange Office said the statistics reflect a decrease of MAD 1.74 billion ($187.3 million), or 6.2% year-on-year. Although the statistics show a slight decrease, the number recorded in remittances from MREs does not reflect the country's ambition to see more Moroccans investing or sending their money home. Morocco's government aims to maintain leadership in the MENA region as the country upholds its position as the second-largest recipient of remittances in the region. Total remittances from the Moroccan diaspora worldwide reached $11.7 billion last year, representing a 2.1% increase from 2023. In November last year, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said the cabinet is committed to implementing King Mohammed VI's vision for the Moroccan diaspora as outlined in last year's Green March anniversary speech. During the speech, the monarch called for revising and restructuring institutions that manage the affairs of MREs to reinforce their relationship with their homeland. 'I have decided that the mechanisms used in managing the affairs of Moroccans residing abroad should be revisited,' the monarch said in his speech, announcing plans to create two bodies to provide strategic guidance and representation. He also mentioned the desire to focus on executing public policy and consolidating efforts across various stakeholders. Akhannouch, during a meeting following the King's speech, reviewed 'the key points' the monarch made, emphasizing that the government has attentively and thoughtfully embraced the royal directives and mobilized resources to ensure the success of this reform. He also affirmed that the government is 'committed to executing this ambitious Royal Vision with the necessary diligence and urgency.'
