The relationship between Morocco and the UN mission in the Sahara territory (MINURSO) was marked by persistent tensions and disagreements throughout its more than three decades of existence. Created on 29 April 1991 by UN Security Council Resolution 690, MINURSO was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire that took effect on 6 September that year. The […]
International
Russian veto on MINURSO, a sign of Algeria’s diplomatic dependence
The Russian veto that blocked a US-backed UN Security Council resolution on the Sahara issue on 30 October is being interpreted as evidence of Algeria’s growing dependence on Moscow. In a commentary published on 3 November, French Africanist historian Bernard Lugan argued that the veto amounted to a “receipt” for services rendered. According to Lugan, […]
Stellantis to Launch Fiat Fastback and Grizzly, Built in Morocco, Three Months After Kénitra Production Start
Stellantis is preparing the commercial launch of two Fiat models built at its Kénitra plant, the Fastback and the Grizzly, Aujourd’hui le Maroc reports. The announcement comes three months after a July 2026 ceremony marked the start of production on the new Smart Car platform, which the paper describes as reviving Fiat models a little […]
Algeria attempts to turn AU commission into extension of its diplomacy
Algeria is tightening its grip on the African Union Commission through its vice-president, Selma Malika Haddadi, according to a report by Africa Intelligence published on 3 November. Elected in February 2025 as AU Commission vice-president in charge of finance and human resources, Haddadi is already positioning herself for the presidency in 2029, when the post […]
Morocco Foils over 58,000 Migration Attempts in First Eight Months of 2026
Moroccan authorities have foiled 58,153 irregular migration attempts and dismantled 148 smuggling networks during the first eight months of 2026, according to Interior Ministry figures, as criminal groups increasingly used encrypted messaging platforms to organize crossings. The ministry’s 2026 performance report said authorities also rescued and assisted 8,288 people between January and August, highlighting continued […]
Moroccan Scientist Rachid Yazami’s Company Charges a Battery Cell in Seven Minutes
KVI, the Singapore company founded by Moroccan scientist Rachid Yazami, has announced a fast-charging advance, Le Matin reports. The firm says it took a battery cell from 10% to 70% in 3 minutes 42 seconds, with the temperature staying below 50°C, and from 0% to 100% in seven minutes. The paper stresses a key caveat. […]
Morocco Planning High-Level Biosafety Diagnostic Facility with Support of World Leading Scientific Bodies
Morocco is planning to establish a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) diagnostic facility capable of supporting its long-term animal health surveillance and disease response efforts. The project brings together Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), UK Pirbright Institute, Bioprevail and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to shape the next stage of development of ONSSA’s […]
Russia seeks scapegoat after terminating MINURSO
In a statement released on Sunday, Russian diplomacy blamed the United States for the end of the UN mission in the Moroccan Sahara known as the MINURSO. The commentary omits any mention of Russia’s veto that blocked the only resolution capable of extending the mission and pushing forward the peace process on the basis of […]
UN Secretary-General announces liquidation of MINURSO
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has formally acknowledged the end of the United Nations mission in the Moroccan Sahara (MINURSO) and announced the start of its liquidation. The statement, which makes no reference to a referendum, marks that the mission is now part of history. Guterres called on the parties to facilitate MINURSO’s orderly departure […]
Internationalization of Sahara Issue ends with expiry of MINURSO, Moroccan FM says
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the non-renewal of the UN mission MINURSO mandate marks a decisive shift from managing the Sahara issue under outdated rules to changing them, presenting Russia’s veto as an anticipated opportunity rather than a setback. Speaking on a special 2M broadcast on 31 October, Bourita recalled King Mohammed VI’s doctrine […]