Latest news with #GreenMarch
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.'
Morocco World
21-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Kano, Nigeria Seeks to Attract Multi-Billion-Dollar Energy Investment from Morocco
Rabat – Nigeria and Morocco are stepping up efforts to strengthen bilateral ties through cooperation at all levels, including energy. The Kano state government announced plans to attract over $10 billion in investments from Morocco within the coming five years. The investments focus on renewable energy and solid minerals development, News Central reported today, quoting a statement from the Kano government. The statement quoted the spokesperson for the governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, who announced that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed between the two countries, encompassing different sectors on renewable energy, trade, and several other fields. 'According to Dawakin-Tofa, OCP proposed initiatives that include the establishment of fertiliser blending plants, modernised agricultural supply chains, and support programmes for smallholder farmers using advanced technology,' News Central reported. Morocco and Nigeria are already forging good bilateral ties, as the two countries are working on a mega gas pipeline project that would serve over 13 countries. The pipeline aims to benefit over 340 million people, with Morocco hosting 1,672 kilometers of the route. Several countries have signed agreements with Morocco, endorsing the project. Morocco's Hydrocarbons and Mines Authority ONHYM, signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and petroleum operators in different countries, including the Republic of Guinea, Liberia, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire. The agreements endorse the project, which is also supported by Mauritania and Senegal, as well as The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, who also shared a commitment to the realization of this strategic project. Morocco's government, as well as King Mohammed VI, have long celebrated the gas pipeline project, emphasizing its goal in bid to support accelerating socio-economic development across the continent. The monarch highlighted the project's potential in several speeches, including during the 47th anniversary of the Green March. 'This is a project for peace for African economic integration and for co-development: a project for the present and for the future generations,' King Mohammed VI said. The 5,600-kilometer-long pipeline project will span over 13 countries along the Atlantic coast, with the ambition of benefiting over 340 million inhabitants. The pipeline, of which Morocco will be home to 1,672 kilometers of, will connect the Nigerian gas to Europe through Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Investors contributing to the project are set to put in a budget of $25 billion to carry out the gas pipeline.
Ya Biladi
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Sahara : De Mistura aligns with roadmap outlined by the Trump administration
UN envoy Staffan de Mistura presented a report on the situation in Western Sahara to members of the Security Council during a closed-door session last night. According to AFP, De Mistura emphasized that the next three months represent a key opportunity to produce a regional de-escalation and separately a reenergized roadmap towards the resolusion of the Western Sahara conflict». This note of «optimism» comes just days after De Mistura's April 9 meetin g in Washington with a former member of the Trump administration. Following this encounter, and according to leaked information, UN Secretary-General Antanio Guterres has extended De Mistura's mandate for another year, through the end of 2026. An official announcement is expected in the coming days. To recall, the Italian-Swedish diplomat had expressed a desire to resign last October during a meeting of the Security Council's 15 members. The Trump Factor This development follows renewed support from the Trump-era political sphere for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. The United States has also called on all parties to engage in negotiations based on Morocco's autonomy initiative, within the framework of the kingdom's sovereignty. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio reaffirmed, in a statement following his April 8 meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, «President Trump's urging for the parties to engage in discussions without delay, using Morocco's Autonomy Proposal as the only framework, to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution». De Mistura's proposed roadmap appears to align with this approach. After the Security Council session on April 14, the Polisario Front insisted that «the Western Sahara issue remains on the United Nations agenda, despite Moroccan propaganda». Just hours earlier, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, told Medi1 TV that he hoped the 50th anniversary of the Green March, to be marked on November 6, 2025, would be celebrated «under better conditions». «As De Mistura mentioned, the coming months will be crucial for resolving the conflict», a Moroccan source close to the dossier told Yabiladi. «Morocco is actively working to have the issue removed from the UN's Fourth Committee, pointing out that it was the kingdom that originally filed the matter—before the creation of the Polisario and even before Algeria's independence—so that it would be treated as a regional dispute primarily involving Morocco and Algeria». This Moroccan push faces resistance from Algeria. Between April 2 and 10, the Algerian ambassador in Moscow held three meetings with senior Russian diplomats in an effort to counter Morocco's momentum. Algiers is relying on Moscow's support to mitigate its diplomatic losses and maintain its position. So far, Russia has not commented on the United States' reaffirmation of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara on April 8. Moscow had previously criticized former President Donald Trump's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty on December 10, 2020.
Morocco World
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Omar Hilale: 50th Green March Anniversary Set for Definitive Western Sahara Closure
Doha – 'The United States is determined to close the Western Sahara file, and we hope to celebrate the final end of this conflict at the 50th anniversary of the Green March with our Algerian neighbors,' Omar Hilale, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, said during an exclusive interview with Medi1TV on Monday. Speaking from New York, Hilale remarked that the closed-door UN Security Council meeting on Western Sahara unfolded during extraordinary circumstances, propelled by America's renewed recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the territory. 'The current international context is marked by a positive dynamic and unprecedented international efforts,' Hilale stated, expressing optimism that this regional dispute could be definitively resolved during the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Green March on November 6, a highly symbolic date for all Moroccans. The Moroccan diplomat also noted that the French position has evolved significantly, citing President Emmanuel Macron's letter from July last year stating that 'the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.' This position was reaffirmed by the Quai d'Orsay on Monday. He mapped out that more than 110 countries now support Morocco's position, demonstrating growing international backing for the North African country's autonomy initiative. Commenting on the US stance, Hilale indicated that Washington has shown 'clear and strong' language in affirming that Morocco's autonomy initiative is the only solution to resolve this dispute. This renewed American position carries 'significant impact' given the United States' permanent membership in the Security Council, alongside France, he observed. 'What distinguishes the American position this time is the clear commitment to launch discussions and contribute to finding a solution within the framework of the Moroccan autonomy proposal,' Hilale added. Speaking about the Polisario Front, Hilale argued that the separatist group lacks any democratic legitimacy and its leaders have never been elected, contrasting this with the elected representatives in Morocco's southern provinces. He revealed 'documented and verified' information confirming direct links between the Polisario Front and Iran through Hezbollah, a connection recently exposed by The Washington Post. Addressing these security concerns, Hilale cautioned about the terrorist threat posed by the Polisario, revealing that the separatist group's militias receive training in Syria with Algerian funding and support. This danger no longer falls within the realm of 'Moroccan allegations' but is now implicitly and explicitly recognized in Western circles, he added. The diplomat took aim at Algeria's persistent refusal to participate in roundtable discussions, saying it clings to 'Cold War narratives.' He mentioned that Algeria has moved beyond diplomatic and financial support by facilitating dangerous Iranian penetration that destabilizes the region and undermines UN efforts to find a lasting solution. Hilale explained that Algeria's persistence in refusing dialogue and boycotting roundtables demonstrates its real intention to prolong the conflict in service of geostrategic agendas, particularly creating access to the Atlantic Ocean through a separatist entity under its control. UN envoy puts Autonomy Plan in spotlight During the Security Council meeting, UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura delivered what he termed a 'strategic window' for the next three months to build a renewed roadmap toward a political settlement. De Mistura called for capitalizing on the current momentum, which he described as an 'unprecedented impetus,' to establish the groundwork for regional de-escalation and credible political process revival. The UN envoy specifically recalled US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statements during Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita's recent Washington visit, where Rubio doubled down on American support for Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. The Secretary urged parties to 'engage in discussions without delay, using Morocco's Autonomy Proposal as the only framework to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution.' Hilale reaffirmed that Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, remains determined to reach a final solution to this artificial conflict while respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Alexander Ivanko, head of MINURSO, also delivered a significant assessment during the closed session, directly challenging the 'liberation war' narrative promoted by the Polisario and echoed by Algeria. Ivanko affirmed that the separatists are incapable of 'causing significant damage to the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco or modifying the status quo through military means.' Read also: A Blueprint for a More Aggressive Moroccan Diplomacy in Washington Tags: autonomy planOmar HilaleWestern sahara
