This operation was carried out on the freeway linking the towns of Bouznika and Mohammedia, according to the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) in a press release. The driver of a commercial vehicle loaded with the seized drugs tried to drive in the opposite direction of the freeway in order to escape the pursuit of the law enforcement officers, before leaving his vehicle and fleeing.

The searches carried out led to the seizure of 110 packages of Chira stored inside the vehicle, weighing a total of 4 tons and 168 kilograms, according to the same source.

The BNPJ has opened an investigation under the supervision of the competent public prosecution in order to arrest all the members involved in the activities of this criminal gang and reveal its national and international ramifications, the press release concludes.

The MASI.20, an index of the 20 most liquid stocks, lost 0.03% to reach 961.59 pts.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, President delegate of the Higher Council of the Judicial Power, Mohammed Abdennabaoui, and the King's Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, President of the Public Prosecution, El Hassan Daki.

The Royal Letter addressed to the Head of Government gives concrete form to the Royal decision announced by HM the King in the Speech of the Throne for the year 2022, and reflects the Sovereign's constant concern to promote women's and family issues in general.

In this Royal Letter, HM the King affirms the need to revisit the Family Code, which has had the immense advantage of stimulating a virtuous dynamic of change and establishing a new conception of equality and family balance, thus paving the way for considerable social progress, in order to overcome the inadequacies and imbalances that the experience of its judicial implementation has revealed.

The Sovereign stresses that the provisions of the Family Code must be "consistent with the evolution of Moroccan society and the requirements of sustainable development," noting that the new version will be thus “compatible with the progress made in our national legislation”.

“The desired upgrading of the Family Law must be based on the key principles and main orientations underpinning the law’s preparation, and which I set out in the speech I delivered before Parliament on 10 October 2003. These principles were reaffirmed in the State of the Nation address on 30 July 2022,” emphasizes HM the king.

In this regard, the Sovereign notes: “I am keen to ensure the amendment of the Family Law is in keeping with the purposes of the Islamic Sharia and the specificities of Moroccan society,” adding that “the virtues of moderation, open-minded ijtihad, consultation and dialogue should be observed, and the various institutions and stakeholders concerned ought to be involved”.

Therefore, adds HM the King, “the desired revisiting of the law must be limited to fixing the imbalances revealed over nearly twenty years by the implementation of the text from a judicial perspective, as well as to amending the provisions that have become outdated given the development of Moroccan society and of our national legislation”.

His Majesty the King underlines that the amended Code should retain the same reference frame and the main rationale, namely the principles of justice, equality, solidarity and harmony stemming from the pristine Islamic faith, as well as the universal values underpinning the international agreements ratified by Morocco.

“I am confident that sound, constructive reasoning is the proper way to strike a balance between the Islamic frame of reference and its purposes on the one hand, and the internationally agreed rights developments on the other,” stresses the Sovereign.

“As I have emphasized on several occasions, I cannot, as Commander of the Faithful, allow what Almighty God has proscribed, nor forbid what He has permitted,” HM the king points out.

Considering the key legal and judicial dimensions involved, the Sovereign notes, “I have decided to entrust the joint and collective supervision of the amendment process to the Ministry of Justice, the Higher Council of the Judicial Power, and the Presidency of Public Prosecution”.

In this regard, the Sovereign calls on these institutions to closely involve other bodies directly concerned by this question, particularly the Higher Ulema Council, the National Human Rights Council, and the government authority in charge of solidarity, social inclusion and the family, emphasizing the importance of opening up to a broad spectrum of civil society organizations and groups as part of a participatory approach.

HM the king affirms that the changes and amendments proposed should take into account the outcomes of the extensive consultations and hearings that will take place, in particular those involving civil society organizations concerned with human rights and the rights of women and children, as well as judges, university researchers and other parties concerned with family law matters.

“I expect the outcomes of these meetings and consultations to be drafted in the form of proposed amendments to be submitted to me in my capacity as Commander of the Faithful and guarantor of the citizens’ rights and freedoms, within a period of six months at the most. The proposed amendments are to be submitted to me prior to the preparation of the final version that will be presented to Parliament for adoption,” stresses the Sovereign.

In a statement to the press after the meeting, Akhannouch said he was honored to receive this Royal Letter, which inaugurates the process of revisiting the Family Code, this major reform project overseen by His Majesty the King, may God glorify Him.

The Royal Letter specified the party that will steer the reform operation, made up of the Ministry of Justice, the High Council of the Judicial Power and the Presidency of Public Prosecution, as well as the working methodology based on listening according to a participatory approach, in addition to a six-month period as the maximum deadline for accomplishing this mission, he said.

The Head of Government underlined that, as part of the implementation of the contents of the Royal Letter, it had been decided to hold a meeting early next week, which would be followed by meetings to listen to all the components of Moroccan society concerned by this issue.

He pointed out that this reform represents a high point for Morocco, expressing the hope that all stakeholders will make a positive contribution to it, as desired by His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful.

The unanimous decision to entrust Morocco with the organization of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON-2025) is a show of support for its efforts in its bid to host the 2030 World Cup, said Motsepe at a press conference following the CAF Executive Committee meeting, at which the Kingdom was named host of the 35th edition of the AFCON to be held in 2025.

"We are looking forward to one of the best AFCONs in 2025 in Morocco, and we will also be very happy to see Africa host the World Cup again in 2030," he said, expressing his optimism that Morocco's bid would "represent the whole of Africa on the world stage.”

"A new World Cup in Africa will be the gauge of the great progress made by the continent in the field of football and its infrastructures," he said.

Motsepe recalled the performances of African teams, notably Morocco, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, reaffirming CAF's determination to promote and develop football on the continent.

Referring to the method of designating the host countries for the 2025 and 2027 editions of the AFCON, the CAF boss affirmed that "strict and high standards have been set, which reflect our aspirations to develop our football".

The CAF Executive Committee, meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, unanimously chose the Kingdom of Morocco to host the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations, to be held in 2025. It also entrusted the organization of the 2027 edition to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, who submitted a joint bid.

The MoU, signed by Hamid Addou, Chairman and CEO of RAM, and Alioune Badara Fall, CEO of Air Sénégal, is set to strengthen long-term cooperation and foster economic, social, and cultural exchanges between the two sister countries, as outlined in a joint press release.

This collaboration promises benefits for both airlines and, most importantly, their passengers. It aims to enhance the number of available connections and diversify scheduling options and service days.

The MoU also outlines plans for an expanded commercial partnership between the two carriers through a "Codeshare" agreement. This arrangement will allow passengers to purchase tickets through either airline's sales network and travel seamlessly on both Royal Air Maroc and Air Sénégal fleets.

During the announcement, Addou emphasized that this partnership aligns perfectly with the excellent relations between the two countries, stating, "throughout the numerous preparatory meetings, we expressed our strong commitment to establishing a strategic and enduring partnership with Air Sénégal."

In response, Badara Fall stated, "Royal Air Maroc and Air Sénégal are now translating into action the desire of the highest authorities in both countries to strengthen this air bridge, covering both passenger and cargo transportation."

He added, "This South-South agreement binds us to upholding international standards for the mutual benefit of our future Royal Air Maroc/Air Sénégal passengers."

In Morocco's statement during the general debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Hilale recalled that the High Royal Instructions stipulate that the proposed amendments of the Family Code emerging from broad participatory consultations are to be submitted to HM the King for approval within a maximum period of six months.

The ambassador also noted that Morocco, in line with the High Royal Guidelines, is engaged in a virtuous all-out development dynamic, through large-scale structuring projects, at the head of which lies the new development model. These socio-economic projects relate to vital sustainable development realms, including energy transition, water, social protection and the fight against natural disasters, the diplomat pointed out.

These projects are part of an integrated vision that is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hilale said.

The ambassador also underlined the importance of strengthening the resilience of societies in a world beset by several challenges, while advocating for a global approach based on the principles of equity and of social and territorial justice with a view to achieving the SDGs.

The diplomat also stressed the need to work towards a multilateralism based on cooperation and solidarity with the United Nations at its heart.

Having left the Senegalese coast eight days ago, the would-be migrants were planning to reach the Canary Islands, according to the same source, adding that the rescued people received the necessary care before being handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for the usual administrative procedures.

Pirogue Carrying 76 Irregular Migrants Intercepted in Dakhla (Military Source)
     
Rabat - Coastal surveillance units intercepted, on Wednesday, 140 km south of Dakhla, a pirogue carrying 76 irregular migrants, including two women, all of Senegalese nationality, a military source said.

Having left the Senegalese coast eight days ago, the would-be migrants were planning to reach the Canary Islands, according to the same source, adding that the rescued people received the necessary care before being handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for the usual administrative procedures.

The meeting was attended by Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and a member of the CAF Executive Committee.

During the meeting, Lekjaa presented the Moroccan bid book, reiterating the Kingdom's commitment, in accordance with the High Instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, to consolidating South-South cooperation with African countries, on the path to achieving their development in various fields.

In this respect, he stressed that Morocco is driven by the desire to contribute to the development of African football, noting that it was on the basis of this conviction that the Kingdom applied to organize the AFCON-2025.

Lekjaa promised that the tournament would be "safe, peaceful, up to international standards and in the best possible conditions, guaranteeing a unique experience for players, fans, visitors and television viewers all over the world."

Morocco, he said, is continuing to modernize its sports infrastructures, which it is making available to Africa, in addition to exchanging its experience with the countries of the continent in organizing competitions of international stature, capable of inspiring the rising generations for a world of solidarity, justice and tolerance.

The FRMF President spoke of the developed infrastructure offered by the Kingdom for the organization of this flagship event for African football, in particular the stadiums which meet CAF requirements and are ready to host the competition, whether in Rabat and Casablanca or in Tangier, Fez, Marrakech and Agadir.

He also highlighted Morocco's extensive experience in organizing major events, not only in the sporting arena, but in all fields, thanks to a network of modern and well-developed infrastructures.

"It's still early to form a judgement. An in-depth analysis is being carried out to measure the impact of the earthquake on various sectors of activity," he said at a press briefing held at the end of BAM's third quarterly Board meeting for 2023.

In his view, the impact on growth, the budget and the balance of payments cannot be assessed now, underlining the importance of taking the necessary hindsight to be able to identify the most suitable financing component.

On this occasion, Jouahri reiterated the Central Bank's commitment to supporting the government's efforts and making its contribution to sustaining the sectors of the economy that will suffer from the effects of the earthquake.

BAM Governor also highlighted the post-earthquake situation, pointing out that the experiences of other countries hit by natural disasters have shown a recovery in economic activity, notably through boosting certain sectors such as construction and public works as well as tourism.

On Tuesday, the MASI ended with a gain of 0.28%.