Latest news with #Laftit
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Overhaul of Urban Bus Transport with $1.1 Billion National Program
Rabat – Morocco has set out on an ambitious reform of its public bus transport system, aiming to transform urban mobility across 84 cities and metropolitan areas between 2025 and 2029. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit outlined the new strategy during a session in the House of Representatives on Monday, where he described the plan as a sharp break from past approaches to urban transport management. The program begins with 37 delegated local authorities, including 18 municipalities, 12 inter-municipal cooperation bodies, and 7 regional groupings. In this first phase, major cities such as Marrakech, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Benslimane, and Fez are among the first to enter the transition. The state has earmarked MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) for the rollout. This funding covers the purchase of 3,746 new buses and the development of digital and physical infrastructure: ticketing systems, route planning and passenger information tools, parking areas, bus stops, signage, and maintenance facilities. 'This model turns the page on outdated methods,' said Laftit. He underlined three core principles: a clear separation between investment and daily operations, full public responsibility for infrastructure costs, and the introduction of tighter monitoring and performance controls. The financing structure rests on a three-way contribution: one-third from regional governments and two-thirds from Morocco's Road Transport Reform Support Fund. Contributions to this fund from the Ministries of Interior and Finance have increased from MAD 1 billion to MAD 1.5 billion ($100 million to $150 million), bringing the annual funding pool to MAD 3 billion ($300 million). The reform unfolds in three phases. In the first, six delegated authorities will oversee transport upgrades in 23 cities. Tenders have already been launched to appoint technical oversight teams, with engineering consultancies selected for cities like Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, and Tetouan. At the same time, procurement efforts for 1,317 buses are underway through local development companies. Contracts have been awarded for 968 vehicles. The remaining 349 units will be subject to a second round of bidding after initial proposals fell short of technical requirements. The government has also opened tenders for smart ticketing systems and operational support platforms. Selected suppliers will be announced before mid-June. The second phase will extend to 24 more cities under 18 additional authorities. Plans include purchasing 827 new buses and recruiting future operators through competitive bidding. In the third and final phase, the government will target another 37 cities, working with 13 local authorities. This last stage will follow the expiry of existing transport contracts, paving the way for a full nationwide rollout. While these efforts mark a promising step toward improving public transport, many Moroccans remain skeptical. Urban buses in the country have long suffered from poor conditions, overcrowding, delays, and a lack of safety. Passengers often report harassment, theft, and frequent breakdowns, while accidents involving buses continue to raise serious concerns. Despite the planned overhaul, public confidence in the system remains low, and many believe that only sustained reform and strict oversight can restore trust. Tags: MoroccoMorocco transportMorocco urban busesTransportationurban buses
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Taxis vs Ride-Sharing Apps: Morocco Pledges Reforms for Modern Transport System
Rabat – Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has responded to concerns about the ongoing, delicate challenges prompted by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing apps in Morocco. Efforts are ongoing to develop a new system for taxis, Laftit announced on Monday, noting that studies are being conducted to modernize the transport sector. Laftit's made the statement in response to MPs'' questions during a parliament session at the House of Representatives, where the minister stressed that the current taxi system is 'no longer sustainable and must be developed to meet the challenges.' He pledged a modern approach with technologies to tackle the situation, noting that the goal of a similar project is to establish a system that responds to the requirements of the current phase and meets citizens' aspirations without harming those working in the sector. Laftit's remarks come amid an ongoing delicate situation marked by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing applications, especially In-Drive. Over the past months, several reports and viral videos have documented the clashes between taxi drivers and ride-sharing app drivers. One of the latest incidents took place in December last year. Videos and eyewitness accounts of the clash documented scenes of physical violence (notably an exchange of punches and kicks) and verbal abuse. The incident began when taxi drivers chased a ride-sharing driver through the streets of Rabat, converging reports indicated, adding that the chase started when the ride-sharing driver picked up a passenger at Agdal train station. Many similar incidents have taken place over the years, dividing opinions across Morocco. Some have called on the Moroccan government to set up clear regulations overseeing ride-sharing applications operating in Morocco. In May, minister Laftit warned taxi drivers, stressing that any attempt to stop drivers working for ride-sharing apps by individuals or groups outside the competent legal authorities should be punished by law. Laftit also acknowledged that using private cars to transport people through apps without licenses is illegal, pledging that security forces are actively working to handle the situation. In March, professional taxi unions asked Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to end broadcasting an in-Drive advertisement oin public television channels, like 2M. The unions argued that the decision to air promotional content for inDrive is a flagrant violation of national laws, especially since the ride-sharing application operates without proper licensing in Morocco. It remains to be seen whether Morocco's new project will tackle the ongoing saga between the two taxi drivers and ride-sharing applications, with the goal of appeasing both sides while above all ensuring the comfort of residents and citizens. Tags: indriveMoroccan Taxis
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Morocco World
Minister: Only Authorities Can Stop App Drivers, Any Other Interference Is Illegal
Rabat – Morocco's Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has declared that any attempt to stop drivers working for ride-sharing apps by individuals or groups outside the legal authorities is illegal and punishable by law. In a written response to MP Aziza Boujreeda, Laftit said that only authorized entities like the police or judiciary can intervene in such cases. Any intervention by unauthorized parties against drivers using ride-sharing apps is considered unlawful and exposes the perpetrators to legal action, he warned. This comes as tensions continue to rise between traditional taxi drivers and ride-sharing app users in Morocco, a conflict that has been growing for several years. The core of the issue lies in the legal grey area surrounding ride-sharing services such as inDrive, Careem, and Yango, which many accuse of operating without proper licenses. Laftit confirmed that using private cars to transport people through apps without licenses is illegal, but also noted that the Ministry of Interior and security forces are actively working to handle the situation. Security authorities are conducting campaigns to stop drivers offering transport services through unlicensed apps by confiscating vehicles and referring cases to court, the minister explained. The debate surrounding ride-sharing apps was reignited in December after a dramatic incident occurred in Rabat, where taxi drivers chased a ride-sharing driver through the city's streets. The chase reportedly began when the driver picked up a passenger at Agdal train station. Four taxi drivers followed the car to Temara. Realizing he was being followed, the driver dropped the passenger and tried to escape. A shocking video widely shared online showed one taxi driver clinging to the ride-sharing vehicle as it drove off, while others used their cars to block its path. The situation turned violent with punches and kicks exchanged between the two sides. Read also: Taxis, Ride-Hailing Apps, E-Scooters, Highway Code: Morocco Revamps Transport Ahead of World Cup 2030 Police intervened and arrested five individuals involved in the confrontation. They have been charged with reckless driving, obstructing public roads, and endangering public safety. The ride-sharing driver is also facing charges for assault and illegally transporting people. All five have been placed in Tamesna Prison pending their trial. The incident drew strong reactions online, with many social media users expressing concern about the increasing frequency and violence of these clashes. A number of human rights organizations have called for the government to urgently regulate app-based transport services and protect both drivers and passengers. Earlier in December, ride-sharing app inDrive issued a statement condemning attacks on its drivers, claiming it operates legally and pays taxes in Morocco. 'We are a responsible employer committed to operating within Moroccan law,' the company said. In his written response, Minister Laftit reaffirmed that under current legislation, offering ride services without proper authorization remains illegal. He cited Law 52.05 on the road traffic code and Royal Decree 1.63.260 on road transportation, which give law enforcement and the judiciary exclusive power to manage transport-related infractions. In response to the rising competition from app-based transport, he said that his ministry is also implementing reforms to improve and modernize the taxi sector. These include limiting the number of taxi licenses one person can use, ensuring only certified professional drivers operate taxis, and requiring contracts to be signed only with registered drivers. Local governments have also created new registries to track professional drivers and ensure stable, fair contracts between license holders and drivers, Laftit added. These measures aim to reduce past abuses, such as multiple license exploitation and unauthorized individuals operating taxis. Tags: indriveridesharing appstaxis
Morocco World
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco, France Announce Creation of Joint Migration Task Force
Doha – French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelouafi Laftit unveiled on Monday in Rabat the establishment of a Franco-Moroccan working group tasked with verifying the nationality of irregular migrants in France, aimed at facilitating their readmission to their countries of origin. Following extensive talks at the Moroccan Interior Ministry, Retailleau articulated that the agreement encompasses 'a certain number of points' designed to 'improve cooperation for readmissions' between the two countries. 'This joint group will investigate whether or not certain undocumented individuals and irregular foreign nationals are of Moroccan nationality,' Retailleau elaborated. He added that 'having mixed French and Moroccan teams to conduct this identification work will dramatically change things and enhance readmission effectiveness.' In an official statement, Laftit reaffirmed 'the total commitment of the Moroccan side to work toward developing a common framework.' He proposed establishing 'a new comprehensive partnership and cooperation framework' based on 'revising all agreements' between the two ministries. The meeting, which convened senior officials from both countries, examined mutual interest issues and prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation. This aligns with the Enhanced Exception Partnership Declaration signed by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter's state visit in October 2024. Both ministers lauded the robust foundation of security and migration components in bilateral relations, which they noted is set to intensify following France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara in summer 2024. This diplomatic breakthrough, in light of the French position affirming that 'the present and future of the Sahara fall fully within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,' ended several years of tensions, particularly regarding migration issues. Read also: French Interior Minister Makes Lightning Visit to Morocco Amid Migration Talks The collaboration represents a bold departure from 2021-2022, when France had halved the number of visas granted to Moroccan nationals to pressure the country into accepting more of its citizens expelled by French authorities, causing diplomatic friction. During the discussions, Laftit outlined 'the Kingdom's holistic and humanistic approach to migration governance.' He also emphasized 'the importance of work conducted by the Permanent Morocco-France Mixed Migration Group, a reference mechanism for smooth handling of operational challenges.' The ministers concurred on 'the need to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation,' including civil protection and major event management. Their security services' collaboration has already yielded notable successes in containing terrorist threats and dismantling terrorist and criminal networks through close coordination and intelligence sharing. The meeting follows up on previous discussions during Macron's Morocco visit last October, when the French president announced an 'enhanced partnership' to combat illegal immigration and various forms of trafficking. A key focus remains the readmission of irregular Moroccan nationals whom France seeks to deport, a process often stalled by Rabat's delayed issuance of consular passes. The strengthened Morocco-France relations contrast sharply with deteriorating French-Algerian ties, as Algiers recently ordered twelve French officials to leave its territory, according to the French Foreign Minister. Tags: Abdelouafi LaftitBruno RetailleauMorocco France Relations
Ya Biladi
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
French Interior Minister Retailleau in Morocco to deepen migration and security cooperation
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is on a working visit to Morocco, which began on Sunday, April 13. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit. Migration cooperation tops the agenda, following a meeting between the two ministers during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Rabat on October 30, 2024. Discussions will focus on building on recent progress in readmissions—up by 60%—and consular travel permits, whose issuance rate rose from 26% in 2024 to 52% in 2025. According to Retailleau's team, as reported by BFMTV, the minister was received by Laftit for a dinner meeting. «Several topics will be discussed during his visit, notably migration cooperation, the fight against organized crime and terrorism, drug trafficking, and firefighting cooperation», the source said. Meanwhile, Laftit's team described the relationship with the French minister as «excellent». On Monday, Retailleau will «pay his respects at the Mohammed V Mausoleum» before holding a working session with his Moroccan counterpart. A joint press conference is scheduled to follow. His team emphasized that the visit's primary goal is «to observe these advances and to consolidate and expand upon them».
