Latest News from Morocco World
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Morocco World
Police Arrest Seven in Agadir for Facilitating Baccalaureate Exam Cheating
Doha – Police in Agadir arrested seven individuals Thursday morning for allegedly facilitating cheating during Morocco's Baccalaureate exams. The suspects include two students, two private education teachers, and two university students. The operation, coordinated between the Provincial Judicial Police Service and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), began when authorities caught two Baccalaureate candidates using sophisticated wireless electronic equipment connected to communication networks inside an examination center. A simultaneous raid on an apartment in the same city led to the arrest of two private education teachers and two university students. These individuals allegedly provided exam answers to the arrested candidates through electronic equipment in exchange for money. Authorities seized mobile phones, a computer, cash, and receipts for financial transfers suspected to be proceeds from this criminal activity. The arrested suspects remain in police custody, while the two student candidates are subject to judicial investigation procedures under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office. In a similar case in Al Hoceima, the Provincial Judicial Police Service arrested a man in his twenties suspected of managing WhatsApp groups that receive and leak Baccalaureate exam answers in exchange for money through financial transfers. The public prosecutor at Al Hoceima Court of First Instance, Issa Yahyaoui, ordered the suspect's detention pending investigation. Reports indicate a growing commercial aspect to exam cheating, with accounts on social media platforms offering 'suitable prices' for 'facilitating the examination process and providing appropriate answers.' These services operate remotely, outside school walls, making enforcement increasingly difficult despite heightened security measures. These arrests come as the standard session of Morocco's unified national Baccalaureate examination began Thursday across the country. According to the Ministry of National Education, 495,395 candidates are participating this year, including 385,330 school students and 110,065 independent candidates. Strict measures, yet loopholes remain Despite strict security measures, including electronic scanners to prevent mobile phones or electronic devices from entering examination centers, news reports indicate that exam questions were seen circulating on social media shortly after the exams began. A ministry official told reporters that 'procedures are strict and firm' but acknowledged that some photos of exam papers were taken after envelopes were opened, which the official distinguished from true 'leaks' that would occur before envelopes are opened. Law 02.13 on examination fraud stipulates that those convicted of leaking exam subjects or helping provide answers face prison terms of three months to two years and fines of MAD 1,000 to MAD 20,000 ($100 to $2,000), or one of these penalties. Candidates caught exchanging information or using unauthorized electronic devices face fines of MAD 2,000 to MAD 5,000 ($200 to $500). The ministry has mobilized over 50,000 exam proctors across 1,995 examination centers containing 29,998 examination rooms. Results of the regular session will be announced on June 14, while the make-up session will be held July 3-7, with results expected on July 12. Read also: 495,000 Candidates to Sit for Morocco's Nationwide Baccalaureate 2025 Exams Tags: Baccalaureate Examscheating in baccalaureate exams
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Xlinks Pauses UK-Morocco Undersea Power Cable Project Amid Regulatory Delays
Doha – Xlinks, the British company behind the ambitious project to connect Morocco and the United Kingdom via undersea power cables, has temporarily paused its Development Consent Order (DCO) examination process. In a May 14 letter to the UK Planning Inspectorate, the company requested this halt while awaiting a crucial decision on its Contract for Difference (CfD) from the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The pause comes as the company seeks financial certainty through a CfD that would guarantee fixed electricity prices for 25 years. According to company sources close to the matter, this is 'a pause in the DCO process, not a suspension,' aimed at preventing 'misalignment of different project development stages.' The main issue holding up the project is the need for price certainty. Xlinks is seeking a guaranteed price of £77 per megawatt-hour for solar energy and £87 for wind energy produced in Morocco's Guelmim-Oued Noun region. Without this financial commitment, investors are reluctant to move forward with the necessary funding. 'Without this clear commitment on a stable price, Xlinks' financial partners are hesitant to inject the necessary investments,' the company stated. Dave Lewis, Xlinks' chairman, has expressed frustration over the delays and frequent ministerial changes in the UK's energy department. In a January interview with Bloomberg, Lewis noted that the undersea cable project could generate up to £24 billion (MAD 300 billion) in investments, with approximately £5 billion in Great Britain alone. The project was designated as a 'nationally significant infrastructure project' by the British government in 2023, highlighting its strategic importance to the UK's energy security. It aims to provide power to nine million British households and reduce CO2 emissions from the UK energy sector by 10%. Read also: Former UK Minister: Morocco Key Player in Britain's Clean Energy Mission The proposed 3,900-kilometer cable would traverse Portuguese, Spanish, and French coastal waters to connect Morocco's renewable energy facilities with the British grid. If completed, it would deliver 3.6 gigawatts of electricity generated from solar parks, wind farms, and battery storage systems. Facing continued delays, Xlinks has begun exploring alternatives. Lewis told The Telegraph in early April that if the British government's response was further delayed, shareholders might redirect resources toward other projects under development, including a potential Morocco-Germany connection. The company opted for direct negotiations with the government rather than going through a tender process, which has contributed to the delays. Political instability in the UK has further complicated negotiations. Meanwhile, competition is emerging. Australian group Fortescue is developing a similar 100-gigawatt electrical connection project between North Africa and the European Union. Fortescue's chairman, Andrew Forrest, has confirmed discussions with Ed Miliband, the British Secretary of State for Energy Security, and various European governments about installing multiple undersea cables that could transport up to 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—nearly equivalent to Germany's total annual consumption. Even with the most favorable outcome, Xlinks' complex authorization process is unlikely to conclude before 2026. While the company targets a 2030 launch date, effective service might not begin until 2031 at the earliest—a timeline that has investors increasingly concerned. The project has already received authorization from the Moroccan side, but still requires approvals from France, Spain, and Portugal, which the cables would cross. Tags: UK MoroccoXlinks project
Morocco World
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Comediablanca 2025 Opens Today: What to Expect for Day 1
Casablanca — Comediablanca 2025 is kicking off today, with the second annual Morocco's biggest comedy festival opening tonight at Casablanca's Complexe Mohammed V. The event, which was set to take place on May 30-31, was brought forward to May 29-30 to avoid clashing with a prominent match of the Wydad Athletic Club on May 31. Tonight's event, the Gala Arabophone, will see fans of comedy ushered into an evening of Moroccan and Darija comedy. The evening will start with a captivating opening ceremony, introducing Morocco's rich comedy heritage through a montage of popular Moroccan comedians and popular television sketches. For organizers, the idea is to pave the way to a nostalgic but fresh start to the event. Taking to the stage are actress and comedian Hanan El Fadili, social media star and comedian Oussama Ramzi, dynamic performer Ayoub Idri, and the satirical pair Driss & Mehdi. Up-and-coming stars Saïd & Wadie, social media stars Ghita Kitane and Simo Sedraty will also be on offer. And closing the show is comedian Mohammed Fatih, scheduled to deliver relatable and topical humour to the crowd. Ahead of the gala event, attendees are invited to explore Comediablanca Village, which opens at 17:00 and runs until the show begins at 20:00. The festival hub features artisan stalls, diverse food trucks, and cozy small stages hosting improvised performances and comedy workshops, games, creating a lively pre-show atmosphere. Tomorrow, May 30, the event extends into the evening with the Gala Francophone, top-billed by Roman Frayssinet and a roster of Meryem Benoua as a host, Mimo Lazrak, Erick Baert, and more. Today's Arabophone gala will prepare Casablanca to emerge as a beacon of humor and cross-cultural exchange. Morocco World News will offer continuous coverage from the center of the event. Tags: comedyComedy festival in Casblanca
Morocco World
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Sends Condolences to Family of Late Artist Naima Bouhmala
Doha – King Mohammed VI has sent a message of condolences to the family of renowned Moroccan actress Naima Bouhmala, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 77 following a long illness. In his message, the sovereign expressed his great affliction and deep sadness upon learning of the death of the distinguished artist. 'In this painful circumstance,' the monarch extended his sincere condolences to the deceased's family members and, through them, to the broader artistic community and her loved ones. The King described Bouhmala as 'an icon of the Moroccan screen, passionate about her art and beloved by her audience, who has left behind a rich heritage of quality theatrical and television works.' He shared in the family's grief, noting that 'divine will is undeniable.' He prayed that the Almighty would provide them comfort and count Bouhmala 'among His pious servants promised to Paradise, and to reward her abundantly for her dedication and diligence.' Born in 1948, Bouhmala was a prominent figure in Moroccan television, theater, and cinema. She began her artistic journey in theater before establishing herself in television and film, which brought her closer to Moroccan audiences. Bouhmala had a prolific career spanning decades. She was known for her facetious and teasing style, embodying her roles with unparalleled spontaneity. The actress distinguished herself in the film 'A Casablanca les anges ne volent pas' (In Casablanca Angels Don't Fly) and the series 'Hdidane.' Her other notable works included 'Moudawala,' 'Al Ikhwane,' and most recently 'L'buzz,' which is currently being screened in cinemas. The news of her death was first announced by Latefa Ahrrare, actress and director of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art and Cultural Animation (ISADAC), who wrote on social media: 'May God grant His mercy to the great artist Naima Bouhmala… May God bless you, dear friend… My sincere condolences to your family and those who loved you.' Bouhmala's death occurred on Wednesday morning in Casablanca. She was celebrated for roles often imbued with humor and tenderness, with her nuanced and sincere acting style winning over a wide audience over the years. Tags: King Mohammed VIMoroccan cinema
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Lemon Revenues Reach $2.7 Million in First Half of 2024-2025 Season
Rabat – Morocco generated a revenue of $2.7 million from lemon exports, according to new data from the agriculture-focused outlet East Fruit. The revenues were made between the first half of the 2024-2025 season, during which Morocco exported 6,100 metric tons of lemons, the report detailed. 'This marks the highest export volume for the October-March period' since the 2020-2021 season, when Morocco witnessed a four-year decline in exports due to weather challenges. East Fruit stressed the importance of lemon as part of the top citrus exported produce in Morocco, behind mandarins and oranges. The peak of exports occurred in the 2019-2020 season, when exports reached 17,000 tons, seven times less than orange exports and 23 times less than mandarin exports, the report added. Morocco's citrus industry witnessed a major milestone. Foodex in April celebrated the country's entrance into Japan's most demanding market with the first container of Moroccan citrus fruits. The entry reflects the 'competitiveness of Moroccan agricultural products and internationally recognized expertise,' the same source said. In the 2021-2022 agricultural season, Morocco's citrus exports reached a record volume of 766,500 tons — an overall increase of 40% compared to the year before. This performance covered all exported citrus products, including berries. For the 2024-025 campaign in the Moulouya irrigated area in Berkane province, Morocco's citrus sector gears up to produce at least 192,3000 tons. All this amid challenging weather conditions due principally to climate change, water shortages, and lack of rainfall. Recent rainfall in March revived Morocco's water reserves, prompting Minister of Equipment Nizar Baraka to say that the country now has a capacity of potable water that will serve Moroccans for a year and a half.
