Latest news with #TransparencyMaroc
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccan Professor Arrested for Reportedly Selling University Degrees
Rabat — A Moroccan court in Marrakech reportedly ordered the arrest of a university professor in Agadir at the local Oudaya prison in Marrakech on Tuesday. The order was issued following an investigation into the professor's involvement in a master's degree registration scandal. The investigating judge overseeing financial crimes at the Marrakech court of appeals issued the detention order after allegations emerged that the professor was selling university diplomas and certificates for money. The decision came following a thorough investigation into the case by the National Judicial Police Brigade. In addition to the professor, several other suspects are reportedly involved and went before the King's Attorney General at the same Court. Reports indicate that the attorney then referred the case to the investigating judge of the Third Chamber responsible for financial crimes. The scandal, which has shaken both academic and political circles, extends beyond just the university professor, as the case involves other suspects, including public officials. Some of the suspects have been released pending trial, but under strict precautionary measures, including the confiscation of their passports and travel bans preventing them from leaving Moroccan territory. Read also: Transparency Maroc Denounces Sextortion in Moroccan Universities Local media also reported that the list of suspects involved in this case includes prominent lawyers, university officials' children, and local elected representatives. More revelations are expected as investigations are underway in order to identify other potential members of this network that essentially turned master's degree programs into a marketplace. Not the first of its kind This is not the first time a similar university scandal in Morocco has made headlines. The incident brings to the surface the 'Sex for Grades' scandal from 2022. In this case, several Hassan I University professors were arrested in Settat, found guilty of sexually harassing female students in exchange for academic incentives. The 'Sex for Grades' scandals shook several universities and higher education institutions across Morocco. Students, NGOs, and the government took action against the problematic practice of unethically misusing power for personal gain. Tags: Degree fraudmoroccan universityUniversity professor
Morocco World
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Transparency Maroc: CNSS Data Breach Exposes Critical Flaws in Morocco's Cybersecurity
Doha – Transparency Maroc issued a statement on Monday expressing 'profound concern' over the massive data leak from the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), which has compromised the personal information of nearly two million individuals and approximately 500,000 registered businesses. 'The cyberattacks have led to widespread leaks of critical personal data in several government agencies, including the Ministry of Employment and the National Social Security Fund,' the anti-corruption watchdog stated. 'These leaks could destabilize and threaten social and national peace.' The NGO cautioned that this represents a grave violation, as 'the Constitution guarantees the protection of data, regulated by law 09-08 relating to the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.' The organization criticized the inadequate response from the affected institutions, pointing out they chose 'threat and intimidation' instead of reassuring users and offering apologies. 'The ministers concerned who chair the boards of directors have not made themselves heard,' Transparency Maroc noted. The data breach, which occurred earlier this month, is considered Morocco's most substantial cybersecurity incident to date. The attack exposed highly sensitive personal information including full names, national ID numbers, passport details, email addresses, phone numbers, salary information, and banking credentials. According to cybersecurity experts, the breach reveals serious vulnerabilities in the country's digital infrastructure. Outdated systems, inadequate staff training, and insufficient governance frameworks have all contributed to creating an environment where such attacks can succeed. Transparency Maroc has called for greater accountability and transparency regarding the incident. The organization is demanding public disclosure about 'the strategy of public authorities regarding information systems security' and the quality of personal data protection at the national level. Read also: Kaspersky: Morocco Ranks High Among Top Targets for Cyberattacks in Africa The anti-corruption group has also demanded the revelation of 'those responsible who authorized certain service providers to perform consulting, assistance, training, software and security hardware sales in addition to the audit mission, which constitutes an obvious conflict of interest.' Additionally, it sought information about 'the results of the tender offer No. 15/2021, dated August 2021, related to supporting the National Social Security Fund in complying with the requirements of Law 09-08,' which they noted should have been legally published on the Fund's website. Experts point out that the breach highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Regular security audits, staff awareness programs, and robust data classification systems are essential components of an effective defense strategy. The implementation of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence-based threat detection systems, could also help prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of Morocco's cybersecurity infrastructure despite the country's reputation for having strong digital defenses. While the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) and the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP) have been praised for their work in establishing regulatory frameworks and raising awareness, the breach demonstrates that crucial vulnerabilities remain. Transparency Maroc concluded its statement by calling on 'the government to publish the results of investigations into these important matters with full transparency in the interest of all concerned parties.'
Ya Biladi
18-02-2025
- General
- Ya Biladi
Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in Morocco slow-paced, report laments
مدة القراءة: 3' 2,946 people were killed, 5,674 were injured, and 2.8 million others in 3,000 villages were affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the High Atlas regions of Morocco on September 8, 2023. Shortly after the tragedy, the government reacted by mobilizing the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and other state actors to ensure emergency housing. Temporary relocation arrangements were put in place—an effort praised by some local actors—but since then, the coverage and quality of the solutions provided have proven insufficient, according to the annual report of Transparency Maroc. Despite the cold winter and heavy snowfall this year, many victims still have to cope with limited resources and means to protect themselves. Armed with its stated commitments, the state had announced an Integrated Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Program for the period 2024-2028, with a colossal budget of 120 billion dirhams. This program was intended to cover several areas: housing reconstruction, infrastructure rehabilitation, improving access to remote areas, and reviving local economic activities. However, Transparency Maroc notes that during the first year, public action fell short of expectations and stated promises. An ambitious reconstruction program poorly executed One of the main shortcomings of the Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Program is the abnormally slow pace of reconstruction. One year after the earthquake, disbursement rates remained very low—22% for the third tranche and just 3% for the fourth tranche of the program—while ongoing delays at construction sites continued to hinder the effective delivery of aid. Added to that, the high inflation of construction materials and transportation costs heavily weigh on the realization of projects. The government quickly adopted several legislative texts and decrees to manage the crisis. The creation of the «Special Fund for the Management of Earthquake Effects» (Fund 126) and the establishment of the High Atlas Development Agency (ADHA) were among the key measures. However, the ADHA, which was supposed to serve as the operational body responsible for implementing the program, was still not fully operational more than a year after the earthquake. Its Director General was only appointed in October 2024. The report also highlights the absence of a participatory approach. Strategic decisions, made within a few days in urgency, do not seem to have integrated consultations with local actors and the affected population. This lack of consultation contributes to a disconnection between the announced measures and the realities on the ground, increasing the frustration of the victims. Opacity and reduced access to information Another major point of Transparency Maroc's criticism concerns the transparency of public action. Data related to budget management—though presented as overall figures—remains opaque and difficult to verify. The observatory deplores the lack of regular publication of detailed reports on the use of allocated funds, preventing citizens from accessing information. This communication problem fuels a sense of injustice among the affected populations, who are often left unaware of the disbursed amounts and the criteria used for allocating aid. Beyond the figures and administrative delays, the report highlights the dramatic social impact of the earthquake. The slow pace of reconstruction has sparked a protest movement among the victims. Beyond material hardships, the consequences for education and healthcare are deeply felt. Promises to relocate thousands of students and rehabilitate school facilities have not been fulfilled, leaving the 2023-2024 school year in these areas as a «lost year», particularly for middle and high school students. In the healthcare sector, the lack of operational facilities in the affected areas exposes populations to heightened risks. Finally, the report laments that the reconstruction process is largely being carried out using concrete, contrary to royal directives advocating for buildings that reflect the region's heritage. According to official assessments, the road rehabilitation program is progressing, particularly on Road N7, thanks to funding from Fund 126. However, the Observatory has been unable to verify this data through the public procurement portal. Additionally, the distribution of direct aid has been generally successful, despite complaints about the remoteness of bank branches and high transfer fees. To date, the disbursed budget amounts to 1.7 billion dirhams. In conclusion, the citizen observation report, based on official documents and field testimonies, calls for a reevaluation of governance mechanisms and a more transparent, participatory approach to mobilization.
Ya Biladi
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in Morocco slow-paced, report laments
2,946 people were killed, 5,674 were injured, and 2.8 million others in 3,000 villages were affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the High Atlas regions of Morocco on September 8, 2023. Shortly after the tragedy, the government reacted by mobilizing the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and other state actors to ensure emergency housing. Temporary relocation arrangements were put in place—an effort praised by some local actors—but since then, the coverage and quality of the solutions provided have proven insufficient, according to the annual report of Transparency Maroc. Despite the cold winter and heavy snowfall this year, many victims still have to cope with limited resources and means to protect themselves. Armed with its stated commitments, the state had announced an Integrated Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Program for the period 2024-2028, with a colossal budget of 120 billion dirhams. This program was intended to cover several areas: housing reconstruction, infrastructure rehabilitation, improving access to remote areas, and reviving local economic activities. However, Transparency Maroc notes that during the first year, public action fell short of expectations and stated promises. An ambitious reconstruction program poorly executed One of the main shortcomings of the Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Program is the abnormally slow pace of reconstruction. One year after the earthquake, disbursement rates remained very low—22% for the third tranche and just 3% for the fourth tranche of the program—while ongoing delays at construction sites continued to hinder the effective delivery of aid. Added to that, the high inflation of construction materials and transportation costs heavily weigh on the realization of projects. The government quickly adopted several legislative texts and decrees to manage the crisis. The creation of the «Special Fund for the Management of Earthquake Effects» (Fund 126) and the establishment of the High Atlas Development Agency (ADHA) were among the key measures. However, the ADHA, which was supposed to serve as the operational body responsible for implementing the program, was still not fully operational more than a year after the earthquake. Its Director General was only appointed in October 2024. The report also highlights the absence of a participatory approach. Strategic decisions, made within a few days in urgency, do not seem to have integrated consultations with local actors and the affected population. This lack of consultation contributes to a disconnection between the announced measures and the realities on the ground, increasing the frustration of the victims. Opacity and reduced access to information Another major point of Transparency Maroc's criticism concerns the transparency of public action. Data related to budget management—though presented as overall figures—remains opaque and difficult to verify. The observatory deplores the lack of regular publication of detailed reports on the use of allocated funds, preventing citizens from accessing information. This communication problem fuels a sense of injustice among the affected populations, who are often left unaware of the disbursed amounts and the criteria used for allocating aid. Beyond the figures and administrative delays, the report highlights the dramatic social impact of the earthquake. The slow pace of reconstruction has sparked a protest movement among the victims. Beyond material hardships, the consequences for education and healthcare are deeply felt. Promises to relocate thousands of students and rehabilitate school facilities have not been fulfilled, leaving the 2023-2024 school year in these areas as a «lost year», particularly for middle and high school students. In the healthcare sector, the lack of operational facilities in the affected areas exposes populations to heightened risks. Finally, the report laments that the reconstruction process is largely being carried out using concrete, contrary to royal directives advocating for buildings that reflect the region's heritage. According to official assessments, the road rehabilitation program is progressing, particularly on Road N7, thanks to funding from Fund 126. However, the Observatory has been unable to verify this data through the public procurement portal. Additionally, the distribution of direct aid has been generally successful, despite complaints about the remoteness of bank branches and high transfer fees. To date, the disbursed budget amounts to 1.7 billion dirhams. In conclusion, the citizen observation report, based on official documents and field testimonies, calls for a reevaluation of governance mechanisms and a more transparent, participatory approach to mobilization.
