Latest Morocco News
Sean Penn accuses Academy Awards of cowardice at Marrakech Film Festival
MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — Sean Penn on Tuesday blasted the organizers of the Oscars for being cowards who, in effect, limit the kinds of films that can be funded and made. The 64-year-old actor said at the Marrakech Film Festival that he gets excited about the Academy Awards only...
Marrakech Film Festival opens in Morocco with 'The Order'
MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — One of the Middle East and North Africa's largest film festivals opened Friday in Morocco, drawing actors and directors from throughout the world to present 70 features from 32 countries. The Marrakech International Film Festival, now in its 21st year,...
Dutch coalition survives crisis over top official resignation decrying offensive comments
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government dominated by hard-right leader Geert Wilders survived a government crisis that centered on the resignation of the finance state secretary over what she saw as denigrating comments on immigrants after Israeli fans were assaulted following a soccer...
In Africa, meager expectations and some hopes for a second Trump presidency
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — African leaders may have been quick to congratulate Donald Trump on his election, professing a desire for mutually beneficial partnerships, but there are meager expectations that his presidency will change things for this continent of over 1.4 billion people. ...
Morocco limits preaching about war in the Middle East that invokes jihad
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Politicians and activists in Morocco are questioning limitations imposed on preachers regarding what they may say about war in the Middle East during sermons. During a meeting at the country's parliament this week, socialist lawmaker Nabila Mounib bemoaned the...
UN extends mandate for UN peacekeepers in Western Sahara, with Algeria protesting over human rights
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council voted to extend the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping force in the Western Sahara for another year Thursday with Algeria refusing to vote in protest at the resolution’s failure to include a reference to monitoring human rights in the disputed north...
Moroccan authorities detain a human rights activist who accused government of 'blackmailing' France
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — A Moroccan economist known for his work defending human rights was detained after criticizing the government in remarks posted on social media during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to the North African kingdom. Prosecutors apprehended Fouad...
France announces new investments in disputed Western Sahara
A French delegation visiting Morocco with President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday unveiled investment plans in the disputed Western Sahara as part of a broader suite of agreements and partnerships between the two countries. Projects in Dakhla and the Guelmim-Oued Noun region are among...
France and Morocco announce high speed rail investments as Macron visits Rabat
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco's King Mohammed VI welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco on Monday, kicking off a state visit with a series of bilateral agreements, including major investments in renewable energy and transportation. Macron's trip to Morocco — his...
UN envoy proposes partitioning Western Sahara
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. envoy to Western Sahara suggested dividing the territory between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front as a way to settle the decades-long conflict. Staffan de Mistura proposed partition as one potential way to satisfy both sides and give...
