Latest news with #CounciloftheMoroccanCommunityAbroad
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Justice and Development Party urges voting rights for Moroccan diaspora
On the occasion of National Migrant Day, observed annually on August 10, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has called for enabling Moroccans abroad to exercise their constitutional right to vote and run for office in upcoming elections. In a statement, the party's regional office for Moroccans residing abroad urged all official institutions, authorities, and political parties to use the ongoing consultations ahead of the next legislative elections to address this issue. The statement stressed the need to «uphold the constitutional right of Moroccans living abroad to vote and run for office, ensuring its effective implementation in the next parliamentary elections». The PJD also called on the government to expedite the drafting and adoption of laws governing the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad and the Mohammedan Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad. The goal, it said, is to «restructure institutions dealing with the Moroccan diaspora based on the principles of democracy, representation, and competence, moving away from favoritism and clientelism, to enhance their engagement in national issues and strengthen their contribution to the country's development».
Ya Biladi
7 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Violence in Torre-Pacheco : Pedro Sanchez and Morocco condemn racism and call for calm
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has responded to the recent violence targeting the Moroccan community in Torre-Pacheco, near Murcia, which erupted last Wednesday. In a tweet, he declared: «Racism is incompatible with democracy. What is happening in Torre-Pacheco is a challenge for all of us». He added, «We must speak out, act firmly, and uphold the values that unite us. Spain is a country of rights, not hate». El racismo es incompatible con la democracia. Lo que estamos viendo en Torre-Pacheco nos interpela a todos. Debemos alzar la voz, actuar con firmeza y defender los valores que nos unen. España es un país de derechos, no de odio. — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 14, 2025 For its part, the Consulate General of Morocco in Murcia issued a statement saying it is closely monitoring «these unfortunate events marked by violence, incitement, and hatred against members of the Moroccan community living in the municipality of Torre-Pacheco». The consulate condemned the attacks in the strongest terms and expressed full solidarity with the community, while maintaining ongoing communication with Spanish authorities to ensure the necessary protection for those who are experiencing genuine fear and distress. The consulate also praised «the considerable efforts made by security forces and other local authorities to contain the crisis and restore calm», while urging members of the Moroccan community to exercise restraint and follow instructions from local authorities during these difficult times. The Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) also reacted via a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), condemning «all forms of violence, racism, and stigmatization». It stressed that «mutual respect, human dignity, and social cohesion must remain the fundamental principles uniting our communities». Vox Party Accused of Fueling the Violence Le Conseil de la communauté marocaine à l'étranger suit de près les événements survenus à Torre Pacheco en Espagne. Il dénonce fermement toute forme de violence, de racisme et de stigmatisation. Le respect mutuel, la dignité humaine et la cohésion sociale doivent rester les… — Conseil de la communauté marocaine à l'étranger (@CCMEOfficiel) July 14, 2025 Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska directly blamed the far-right Vox party, stating that «organized groups» were behind the unrest. He criticized Vox's rhetoric around «criminal immigration», describing it as an incitement to «illegal behavior and calls to action». The minister emphasized that «there is no connection between crime and immigration». Pedro Ángel Roca, the mayor of Torre-Pacheco, said on public broadcaster TVE that the situation has been «under control» since Sunday evening thanks to increased security reinforcements. He stressed the need to tackle crime in all its forms but warned of the risks posed by extremist groups from outside the city attempting to exploit the situation. According to authorities, several far-right groups were involved in the disturbances, including one called «Expel Them Now», which used Telegram to call for Moroccans to be driven out of town. The violence erupted last Wednesday after the circulation of a video showing an elderly man being violently attacked by three young men of North African origin, according to the victim's own account to local media. The footage sparked outrage, which far-right groups—both local and external—used to organize anti-immigrant rallies targeting people of Maghrebi origin. Con la detención en Gipuzkoa del presunto agresor del vecino de Torre Pacheco, ya son 10 los arrestados por este suceso y los posteriores incidentes. Gracias a las FCSE por su labor de investigación, prevención y contención. Seguimos trabajando por la seguridad y la convivencia. — Mariola Guevara Cava (@mariolaguevara) July 14, 2025 Mariola Guevara, the central government's delegate in the Murcia region, announced Monday via X that «ten people have been arrested so far». Among those arrested were two undocumented young Moroccan men, aged 21 and 22, who were allegedly present during the assault on the elderly man. They are being prosecuted for complicity and failure to assist a person in danger. The main perpetrator, a 19-year-old Moroccan man with legal residency, was arrested while attempting to flee to France through the town of Rentería. He has been placed in pretrial detention and faces charges of aggravated assault.
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco honors first-generation immigrants in France for their enduring legacy
The Embassy of Morocco in Paris hosted a ceremony Thursday evening to honor the pioneers of Moroccan immigration in France, recognizing their remarkable journeys and lasting contributions to strengthening ties between their homeland and host country. Thirty Moroccans who immigrated to France between 1952 and 1962 and now reside in or around Paris were each awarded a personalized medal of merit in tribute to their legacy. «We are very pleased to welcome our elders and receive them here in their home, so we can once again acknowledge their life paths, honor them, and remind them how important they are to Morocco, their country of originas, well as to France, their host country, and to the relationship between the two», said Samira Sitaïl, Morocco's Ambassador to Paris, in a speech delivered at the event. As members of the first generation of immigrants who played a decisive role in France's economic growth and Morocco's development, those honored embody the Kingdom's diverse and layered identity, the ambassador emphasized. «This diversity, part of our identity, our history, and a source of pride, is fully represented here. We are Hassanis, Muslims, Berbers, Jews, Arabs, Andalusians, and Africans, all at once», she said, highlighting the many elements that shape Moroccan national identity. The ceremony, held in coordination with similar events organized by Morocco's Consulates General throughout France, was attended by Ambassador Sitaïl, Morocco's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Samir Addahre, President of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) Driss El Yazami, Royal Air Maroc's Director for Europe and the Americas Amine El Farissi, and several figures from civil society, community organizations, and the Moroccan diaspora.
Ya Biladi
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
300,000 people grooved to the beat of the Gnaoua Festival
From June 19 to 21, music lit up Essaouira. The guembris spoke to Senegalese drums, Gnaoua voices merged with jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and for three days, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival drew over 300,000 people into a celebration rich in memory, emotion, and human connection. In the alleyways, along the beach, and in front of the stages, the crowd was as diverse as the music itself: local families, curious travelers, and young people from near and far. The mix was everywhere, on stage and in the audience. A total of 350 artists from more than a dozen countries (Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Syria, Iraq, France, the United States, Turkey, Ivory Coast, and Cuba) spoke a common language: music. At the center of it all was Morocco, alive through its Maâlems, its rhythms, and its evolving traditions. From the opening act, Hamid El Kasri and the Bakalama Company set the tone: fusion, encounter, and generosity. Until the final notes, artists from around the world made the city pulse—Cimafunk, CKay, Dhafer Youssef, Fehd Benchemsi, Khalid Sansi… each one left their mark. But the festival is also a space for thought and dialogue. The Human Rights Forum, organized with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, brought together writers, scholars, and artists around the theme of «Migrations and Cultural Dynamics». Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman moved the audience with his reminder of «the necessity to move, despite the walls». Other powerful voices resonated: poet Véronique Tadjo, historian Pascal Blanchard, filmmaker Faouzi Bensaïdi, and writer-essayist Elgas. Rare and intimate moments also allowed Maâlems to engage in dialogue with scholars through the UM6P Chair. These were unfiltered, deeply human exchanges where trance and knowledge listened to each other. The next rendezvous is set for June 25 to 27, 2026. Between the ramparts and the ocean, music will once again transcend borders.
Ya Biladi
05-06-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Addressing Morocco's medical brain drain : Driss El Yazami advocates global dialogue
Driss El Yazami, president of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), called for «an active international policy» to strengthen dialogue with global organizations and attract medical expertise, both national and foreign, to address Morocco's healthcare worker shortage. Speaking at a study day organized by the Istiqlalian group on the migration of Moroccan medical professionals, he stressed the importance of a «territorial policy involving regions and communities». The event gathered Minister of Higher Education Azzedine El Midaoui, former Health Ministers Houcine El Ouardi and Abdelouahed El Fassi, medical faculty deans, doctors, and members of the second Chamber. El Yazami advocated for «openness to foreign talents» and promoting the «Moroccan dream» as a means to strengthen ties between Moroccans worldwide and their homeland. He highlighted that physician mobility is a global phenomenon, not unique to Morocco, urging avoidance of "alarmist approaches" in favor of proactive national and international strategies. Migration, he said, «is neither a crime nor a scourge but a fundamental right and a reflection of deep social changes in Moroccan society». El Yazami noted that migration reasons extend beyond economics to include personal fulfillment, emphasizing the crucial role of Moroccan talents abroad in shaping the debate. The CCME insists that citizens abroad should be «fully integrated into discussions about Morocco's future, especially regarding health, education, and public policy».
