Latest news with #Amazigh
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
«You Are My Mirror» : Amazigh theater and arts unite Morocco and Brussels
The Rif Association for Amazigh Theater in Al Hoceima and Magh Space in Brussels are unveiling the artistic creation You Are My Mirror this Friday in the Moroccan city. The project follows a residency involving five Moroccan and Brussels-based artists from both sides of the Mediterranean. Supported by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, as well as the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation in Morocco, the production blends stage performance, poetry, rap, and slam in Amazigh. It will be presented at the Moulay Hassan Cultural Center's theater. According to the two organizations leading the project, this work is the culmination of efforts that began in 2023, following meetings between local artists and associations in Al Hoceima with author Fatiha Saïdi—a psycho-pedagogue and gender expert—Belgian-Moroccan singer Fatoum from the Rif, and cultural trainer and facilitator Abderrahim Mekkaoui. The goal was to «offer people living in rural areas the opportunity to engage with a blended culture, with a particular focus on reaching women who face even greater challenges due to the absence or scarcity of cultural venues and limited opportunities to participate in artistic projects or spaces for expression», they told Yabiladi. Moreover, the project aims to energize joint creation through a «participatory and benevolent» approach. It seeks to strengthen the cultural bridge between artistic operators in Brussels and Al Hoceima, promoting the exchange of best practices. The initiative also strives to «raise the profile of local artists and break the cultural isolation they still experience despite recent efforts». Another objective was to «blend artistic expressions by allowing artists to 'give voice' to the sound of the adjoun (bendir)», fostering a musical transmission rooted in tradition. On stage, personal reflections on identity and universality become a collective exploration. «The play also addresses the threats looming over identities—threats that can sometimes be deadly, to paraphrase Amin Maalouf», as the artists invite the audience to witness «their identity writing, starting from a blank page and evolving through multiple artistic mediums». This creative process has forged strong bonds among the members of an intercultural and intergenerational troupe, notably including Rifian actress Dounia Lahmidi (Noomedia), and Rifian singer and musician Abdelaziz Benhaddou, founders of the Twattun ensemble and pioneers of Amazigh song in the Rif. The group also features university researcher and poet Saïd Abbouti, rapper and slammer Mathieu D'Angelo (Maky), neutral mask practitioner Chaib Massaoudi, poet and photographer Yasmine Messaoudi, and graffiti artist and rapper Djamel Oulkadi.
Ya Biladi
6 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Agadir man arrested for Facebook death threats against Moroccan PM
Estimated read time: 1' Following a complaint lodged by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, a young man was arrested in Agadir on charges of making death threats, defamation, and inciting violence. These charges relate to posts he published on Facebook. Media sources indicate that the detained individual had posted direct threats and incitement in both Arabic and Amazigh on his Facebook account, reportedly reacting to the prevailing rise in prices across Morocco. The competent public prosecutor's office has ordered his provisional detention as part of an ongoing investigation into the full circumstances and context of the controversial posts.
Ya Biladi
26-05-2025
- General
- Ya Biladi
Africa Day : Moroccan immigrant workers celebrate Africa's unity and potential
On the occasion of Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25, the Association of Moroccan Immigrant Workers in Spain (ATIM) called for a celebration of the continent's unity, diversity, and immense potential—a continent that is the cradle of civilizations, home to ancient cultures, and the driving force of a promising future. ATIM urged moving beyond clichés, discriminatory media narratives, and xenophobic perceptions. For the NGO, Africa is also a symbol of homeland—Morocco—with its rich history, Amazigh and Arab heritage, landscapes stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and its vital role as a regional bridge. In this context, the association stressed the importance of projecting a positive and hopeful vision of Africa, far from stereotypes. «We see a continent moving forward with determination—innovating, creating, and shaping its own future. We see dynamic and creative youth, a resilient social fabric, and a growing awareness of its own power», the NGO stated, highlighting «the power of migration as a driver of development for both host countries and countries of origin». «Moroccan immigrant workers are living examples of this connection, carrying the richness of our cultures and contributing to the progress of our communities», emphasized ATIM. The association is committed to building a fairer, more prosperous, and equitable continent, focusing on raising Africa's visibility—including all its regions and cultures—defending the rights and dignity of migrant workers, «pillars of development», and fostering cooperation and understanding between African peoples and the rest of the world. Above all, the NGO aims to inspire new generations to become agents of positive change within their communities and across the continent. «Africa is our origin, our identity, and our future», it insisted.
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONMT Launches New Communication Campaign to Promote Local Tourism
Rabat – Morocco's Tourism Office (ONMT) has announced the launch of a new communication campaign, saying the move targets Moroccans around the world to encourage them to explore the country's domestic tourism assets. The campaign is a renewed commitment as part of the 'Ntla9aw fbladna' or 'Let's meet in our country,' ONMT said in a statement today, highlighting the country's tourism attractions. It added that the campaign's goal is to engage Moroccan citizens in a 'dynamic of discovery or rediscovery' of their territory. The campaign includes two advertising videos, embodying the initiative's ambition. One of the films explores the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts, highlighting swimming, paragliding, fishing, horseback riding, and family outings. The second advertising film includes a focus on nature and adventure, as well as Amazigh hospitality, culinary, and outdoor thrills. '' Ntla9aw fbladka' aims to enhance the appeal of Morocco as a destination in all its diversity, representing all 12 regions of the Kingdom,' ONMT said, noting that the two advertising films have already received extremely positive feedback. For ONMT, the campaign promotes Morocco as a prized destination for travel and the place to be for iconic, unforgettable memories, emotions, and experiences. Beyond local tourism, Morocco has been welcoming millions of tourists year-round. The country welcomed 5.7 million tourists in the first four months of this year alone, representing a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In 2024, Morocco welcomed over 17 million tourists. And as it prepares to host a number of prestigious international events, including this year's Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the country's goal is to welcome more than 26 million visitors by 2030. Tags: coastal tourismNational Tourism Office (ONMT)
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algeria Between Deepening Isolation and Escalation without Prospects
Algeria is going through a sensitive diplomatic phase, one marked by escalating tensions with numerous regional and global actors. At times, this diplomatic escalation appears aimed at deflecting attention from mounting domestic crises, reflecting the Algerian regime's attempts to shift focus toward external issues, away from the economic and social challenges facing the Algerian population. In this context, Algeria's role in regional crises is becoming increasingly prominent, with tensions involving countries such as the UAE, France, the Sahel states, and Morocco standing out as key indicators of the challenges confronting Algerian foreign policy. The Algeria–UAE Escalation threatens the unity of the Arab Summit The Algerian diplomatic campaign against the UAE constitutes a serious and unconventional escalation in relations between the two countries, particularly after the attack on the UAE was launched in the opening editorial of Algeria's state television, following a statement by an Algerian historian regarding the relationship between the Amazigh and France. This escalation was not a direct response to the UAE but rather to a cultural and historical comment that was not directly related to Algerian politics. The matter could have been addressed through a traditional approach, such as an official statement or governmental clarification, but the Algerian regime chose to escalate the issue through official media channels. This move may reflect an attempt by the Algerian regime to divert attention away from the economic and social crises it is facing, particularly amid mounting public pressure and growing domestic demands for genuine reforms. Moreover, this escalation reflects a diplomatic tension occurring at a time when other regional players, such as Morocco, are strengthening their influence in the region, highlighting a clear decline in Algeria's regional sway. Notably, Algeria's escalation against the United Arab Emirates coincided with Iraq's preparations to host the Arab Summit on May 17. The Algerian diplomatic campaign was preceded by an online campaign led by activists on social media under the hashtag #Teboune_DoN't_Travel_to_Iraq. Some interpreted this as a signal that the Algerian president may excuse himself from attending the summit and instead send a representative in his place. They argued that the escalating crisis between Algeria and the UAE was likely to have negative repercussions on the then upcoming Baghdad Summit. Amid sharp diplomatic rhetoric and public exchanges of accusations, they suggested, Algeria may choose to reduce its level of representation at the summit or even abstain from participating altogether. Similarly, the UAE may take comparable steps or downgrade its representation in protest against Algeria's campaign. Even if both parties chose to attend the summit at some level, the overall atmosphere of the summit stood to be fraught with tension, making it difficult to envision constructive discussions on shared regional issues. Some actors could have even exploited the summit to fuel divisions or attempt mediation efforts, potentially diverting the agenda from key issues — particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza. Algeria and the conspiracy narrative after the Hirak Since the popular Hirak movement, in which the masses demanded the departure of the ruling elite viewed as an extension of the former regime led by the late Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria has adhered to a conspiracy narrative. This strategy has largely been deployed as a way of explaining away the internal and external crises the current regime faces, consistently placing blame on foreign and domestic actors allegedly seeking to destabilize the country. As a result, Algerian-French relations have recently experienced sharp fluctuations due to the accumulation of disagreements over historical memory issues, the migration file, and security cooperation. The crisis between the two countries has reached a stage of mutual expulsion of diplomats, reflecting the failure of coordination and weakened mutual trust. This diplomatic tension is merely an attempt by Algeria to divert the local public's attention to external issues, away from its escalating internal problems. Instead of addressing the economic challenges Algeria faces, the Algerian regime has chosen to escalate tensions with a country that was, until recently, considered a friend. This further isolates Algeria on the international stage and puts its interests at risk at a time when it needs more economic and diplomatic cooperation. The Algerian regime did not stop at escalating its crisis with France but also created another crisis with the Sahel countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which represents another turning point in Algeria's foreign policy. This escalation began after these countries decided to recall their ambassadors from Algeria, accusing it of downing a drone belonging to the Malian military. Such developments put Algeria in a defensive position, where it tried to justify its actions by claiming a 'violation of airspace,' but this did not prevent the rising accusations against it. Algeria also closed its airspace to these countries, further complicating relations between Algeria and the Sahel countries. Morocco expands its influence, while Algeria loses its luster These tensions come at a time when regional and international interventions in the area are increasing, with the Sahel countries beginning to view Morocco as a regional partner capable of playing an active role in enhancing cooperation and joint development. In this context, Algeria appears to be in a less influential position compared to Morocco, which is building new relationships that strengthen its development and diplomatic strategies in the region. As for the crisis between Algeria and its neighbor Morocco, it is no less complicated, as the issue of Western Sahara remains the main cause of the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Algeria continues to adopt hostile stances through diplomatic tools aimed at hindering Morocco's progress in its regional and international efforts. Algeria exploits this lingering Sahara dispute to promote its positions on the international stage, despite the regional and international developments showing a shift in the balance of power in favor of Morocco. In particular, despite Algeria's relentless efforts to undermine or slow down the increasingly pro-Moroccan momentum on the Sahara question, the past few months and years have seen a steep increase in the number of countries that have either opened a consulate in the region, endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan, or spoken emphatically in support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. When a country stumbles in the race for influence, the game doesn't stop; instead, others rise to the forefront. In this way, Morocco has continued to strengthen its role in the region through quiet diplomacy, balancing its political messages and actively participating in new regional alliances. It not only manages the Sahara issue but also works on developing development projects that benefit the Sahel countries and North Africa as a whole. This contrasts with Algeria, which finds itself trapped in positions that fail to reflect the changing regional realities. Overall, Algeria is undergoing a sensitive phase of diplomatic tensions that intersect with both its internal and external crises. The escalation with the UAE, France, the Sahel countries, and Morocco is not only a reflection of regional issues but also ongoing attempts to divert attention from the internal challenges faced by the Algerian regime. This policy could further isolate Algeria on the international stage at a time when economic and social challenges within the country are intensifying. It is crucial for Algeria to reconsider its foreign and domestic policies in an effort to restore balance and seek ways to cooperate and integrate with its neighbors and international partners, ensuring the restoration of its long lost prestige and faltering regional and international standing. Tags: AlgeriaAlgerian regime
