Morocco News

A recent report by Greenpeace claims that European countries are utilizing renewable energy projects in Morocco and Egypt to "greenwash" their own economies, while leaving these nations dependent on imported fossil fuels. The report highlights how European-backed renewable projects hinder Morocco and Egypt's capacity to reduce their own carbon footprints and often result in the displacement of local populations and significant water consumption, exacerbating existing shortages. As both countries leverage their renewable potential to supply Europe with energy, they continue to import large quantities of oil and gas to sustain their economies. Following the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, European energy firms heavily invested in Egypt to access its gas reserves, further contributing to environmental degradation through excessive drilling, according to Greenpeace. Experts from the Atlantic Council stress that Egypt needs foreign investment to develop its renewable infrastructure. In Morocco, the energy sector is witnessing investments, including TotalEnergies' $10.6 billion project for green hydrogen. Greenpeace advocates for a shift in responsibility from the global north to enhance domestic renewable energy capacities rather than transferring environmental burdens to the global south.

Rachida Dati, France's Minister of Culture, made history on February 17 by visiting Western Sahara, becoming the first Western government official to enter the territory. Controlled by Morocco since the pull-out of Spanish colonial forces, Western Sahara is still recognized by the United Nations as a “non-self-governing territory” pending decolonization. Dati's trip to El Aaiún aimed to establish a French Alliance cultural and educational center, further solidifying Morocco’s claim over the region. In October 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara during a visit to Rabat, which coincided with French companies securing contracts worth €10 billion in the country. Dati stated that France remains committed to enhancing cultural cooperation, signaling continued support for Morocco amidst the ongoing conflict with the Polisario Front, which advocates for independence and has resumed hostilities after a ceasefire ended in 2020. According to officials, the French initiative reflects broader diplomatic ties as multiple countries recognize Moroccan authority in the region.

NASA's Martian probes have reported an extraordinarily active spring on the Red Planet, characterized by explosive geysers and recurring avalanches. The transition into spring follows the northern hemisphere's seasonal cycle, which coincided with November 12, 2024, according to Selina Diniega from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Due to Mars' axial tilt of 25 degrees and its longer seasons, spring brings intense geological activity. As temperatures rise, frozen carbon dioxide on the surface sublimates—transitioning from solid to gas—leading to eruptions that propel gas, sand, and dust into the atmosphere. Recent images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter highlight these dynamic phenomena, including a significant avalanche of ice and distinctive "araneidoform terrain" formations resembling spiders. Spring on Mars not only features eruptions and avalanches but also strong winds that sculpt the landscape over time. It is believed that the seasonal winds contribute to the striking spiral patterns found in the planet's polar ice caps. Diniega remarked, "The onset of spring on Mars is very active. You could even say ‘explosive’.”

As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, plans have emerged for the mass killing of street dogs, raising significant outrage from animal welfare organizations. Reports indicate that the Moroccan authorities are considering the elimination of up to three million street dogs to enhance the country’s image for incoming tourists. Controversial methods being discussed include shooting and public poisoning of these animals, which the government believes will improve urban aesthetics during the global event. This initiative echoes previous plans made for the 2022 World Cup bid, which also drew widespread condemnation and protest from various animal rights groups. Prominent figures, including renowned environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall, have expressed their dismay. In a letter to FIFA, Dr. Goodall criticized the decision as “appalling” and warned that it could result in calls for boycotts from football fans, many of whom are animal lovers. The presence of stray dogs in Moroccan cities poses challenges, including health risks and potential aggressive behavior, but many advocates argue that humane solutions, such as sterilization and vaccination programs, would be more effective and ethical. International animal rights organizations have condemned Morocco's drastic plans, urging the government to seek alternative solutions to address stray populations. As discussions continue, global attention remains focused on this controversial issue leading up to one of football's biggest events.

In Morocco, human rights organizations are raising alarms over a perceived regression in civil liberties following the recent imprisonment of several activists. Notably, Said Ait Mehdi, head of the Earthquake Victims Coordinator, was sentenced to three months in jail for "defamation" after criticizing state officials on social media regarding their slow response to earthquake relief efforts. This comes after he led protests demanding urgent reconstruction in areas devastated by a deadly earthquake in 2023, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and left tens of thousands without homes. In a similar vein, Ismail Ghazaui, a pro-Palestinian activist, received a one-year prison sentence for "inciting criminal acts through electronic means." His charges stemmed from his social media posts questioning Morocco's diplomatic relations with Israel amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Human rights advocates like Jadiya Ryadi of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights contend that these imprisonments highlight the government's tendency to silence dissent and curb free expression. Despite assurances from the Moroccan government about reconstruction efforts and funding, many victims of the earthquake continue to suffer in inadequate living conditions, facing harsh winter temperatures. The government's acknowledgment that only a limited number of homes have been rebuilt has intensified the outrage among those affected. Meanwhile, protests organized by activists have met with increasing crackdowns, reflecting a broader pattern of repression against critics of the state in Morocco.

Morocco has announced a controversial initiative to cull up to three million stray dogs in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. This decision aims to enhance the nation's tourism appeal but has sparked widespread criticism from animal welfare organizations and global activists. Reports reveal that Moroccan authorities are allegedly employing inhumane and potentially illegal methods, including the use of strychnine poisoning, public shootings, and physical violence against surviving animals. The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition has raised alarms about the scale of the killings envisioned in this operation. Notably, renowned animal rights advocate Jane Goodall has called on FIFA to intervene, threatening to suspend the tournament in Morocco if the culling continues. Legal protections against the culling of street dogs exist in Morocco; however, local reports indicate that these laws are not being enforced adequately. Animal welfare groups advocating for humane solutions, such as trap-neuter-vaccinate-release programs, are struggling against increasing obstacles amid the violence. While FIFA has yet to release an official statement, it is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and conducting inspections of the proposed World Cup venues. The international community is urging Morocco to adopt humane and sustainable practices to manage the stray dog population, aligning with global animal welfare standards.

Human rights organizations are sounding the alarm over a growing crackdown on dissent in Morocco, particularly against activists who have criticized the government's handling of earthquake recovery efforts. In recent weeks, Said Ait Mehdi, president of the Earthquake Victims Coordinating Committee, was sentenced to three months in prison for "defamation" after publicly criticizing local officials for their slow response in aiding those affected by the devastating earthquake in 2023, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives and destroyed around 60,000 homes. Another activist, Ismail Ghazaui, received a one-year sentence for "incitement" after questioning Morocco's normalization of relations with Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These cases highlight a broader trend of repression against free speech in Morocco, as described by human rights advocates who allege that the state is using legal measures to silence dissenting voices. Despite promises of reconstruction, progress has been slow, with only about 1,000 homes built so far as part of a pledged €11 billion aid program. Many survivors continue to live in precarious conditions, including makeshift shelters, as winter temperatures plunge below freezing in the earthquake-affected regions. As public demonstrations calling for rapid reconstruction intensify, activists maintain that their actions are peaceful expressions of their right to freedom of speech. However, the Morris government maintains that these protests disrupt public order, further complicating the situation in a country already facing significant human rights scrutiny.