thread: What's happening in Moroccan politics (and travel advisories)

  1. #1
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301

    What's happening in Moroccan politics (and travel advisories)

    Generally speaking, Morocco is an extremely safe place for travellers, however the same is not true for some of the neighbouring countries.

    For the best up-to-date safety advice check the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advisories which, if anything, tend to be ultra-cautious:
    - Morocco
    - Western Sahara
    - Mauritania
    - Senegal
    - Mali
    - Algeria

    British Embassy in Rabat website
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  2. #2
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    Al-Qaeda assassination attempt upon President of Mauritania

    This is posted as a travel advisory for anyone considering travelling south through Western Sahara to Mauritania and beyond.

    Buried by all the news coming from Egypt is the fact there was an Al-Qaeda assassination attempt on RIM President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on 1 February. According to the French Agency AFP, AQIM (Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb) claimed responsibility for the failed car bomb attack that took place on the night of February 1 in Nouakchott. More details from The Moor Next Door.

    The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website makes no mention of this (!) so perhaps they missed the news as well. The advice regarding Mali has extended the areas to be avoided.
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  3. #3
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    Will Tunisia/Egypt style unrest spread to Morocco?

    The general consensus is no, though many acknowledge the difficulties the government faces finding adequate employment opportunities for the young expanding population.

    Morocco has poverty, it also has corruption. Many people would say that Mohamed VI's father, Hassan II, was feared rather than respected, but Mohammed VI seems popular with the respect of the population and I think many people recognise that he and his government are doing an OK job given the circumstances.

    There's been quite a move towards modernisation and openness in the last 12 years and the infrastructure projects are impressive. The second tranche of the national rural roads project (NRRP2) is due to complete 15,500km of new roads by 2015, the ONE electricity supply is now available in many of the most remote places in the mountains, the ONEP potable water network now covers all towns and many villages, the Internet network is the fastest anywhere in Africa, the mobile phone network is extensive, more reservoir/hydroelectric schemes are underway, and another 1000 km of autoroutes are planned by 2020.

    Employment is, of course, a major problem and in some respect the infrastructure projects are designed to encourage people to continue to make their lives in the countryside (growing their own food and selling excess production to fund purchasing supplies) rather than move to big cities and join the jobless. Just how Morocco will find employment in the next decade for all the kids currently going through the school system I don't know.

    The View from Fez web blog has just published an interesting article from a Moroccan broadcast/publishing expert on why "Morocco largely been spared the popular angst and mass demonstrations that are becoming the norm across the Arab world."
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  4. #4
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    A campaign organised through a Facebook group is calling for national demonstrations on 20 February. The average man on the street seems unaware of this and confused by the need, many voicing pride in the relative freedom of Morocco compared to Tunisia and Egypt. The government is heading off some of the likely complaints with an additional injection of 15 billion dirhams into an economic compensation scheme intended to keep down the prices of basic commodities.

    15 Feb 2011, Rabat: At a press briefing following the weekly cabinet meeting answering a question on the claims of a group of youths calling on via internet to stage next Sunday demonstrations of protest, Communication Minister Khalid Naciri says the Moroccan government is treating the economic, political and social claims of the youths with openness, stating, "No one doubts the legality of the economic, social and political demands of these youths".

    He added that these claims are on the national agenda and "we are dealing with an open mind with both political parties and with social partners. We will listen to these claims and ensure their fulfillment” to show that “we are trying to find solutions within the framework of a constructive partnership to build a social justice and democracy,” he said.

    “We set ourselves to address the political, economic and social claims as part of the large-scale reforms initiated by HM King Mohammed VI in perfect harmony with the expectations of citizens,” he underscored, noting that “this approach, which we do not intend to change, makes the uniqueness of our country.” Naciri also said that “Morocco has an average of 24 protests and claims a day, something that allows us to compete with the largest democracies and be perfectly at ease in dealing with this kind of claims.”
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  5. #5
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    After a slow start, plans for marches on 20 February are taking off, though in true Moroccan style there is a fierce social media (Facebook, Twitter et al) argument with some groups are calling for 'pro government' marches whilst most are planning 'anti'.

    In addition to demands for judicial reforms and a level playing field for political parties, common complaints are of the degree of official corruption, and the nepotism and economic stranglehold of those close to the King or the government. Twenty human rights associations have grouped together and are pushing for the country to move towards a democratic constitution based on a foundation of the rule of law.

    In a way, the long lead up to the day of protest has already achieved much by highlighting areas of concern and giving the government a breathing space to prepare a worthy response. Much is being made of a meeting this week in which the American Bar Association highlighted Morocco's political will to fight corruption by undertaking reforms.

    The editor of Tel Quel, Karim Boukhari, writes "Morocco has the chance to be different: it is a country that needs a correction, not a rebuild... In a single sentence, Morocco does not need a revolution against this king but one with him."

    Where does the ordinary citizen stand with this? Undoubtedly many share the aims of the protesters, but there is said to be widespread concern that the march will be hijacked by troublemakers and fundamentalists. The last thing Morocco needs is for pictures of violence, looting and property destruction screened around the world.
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  6. #6

  7. #7
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    Whilst the majority of protesters on Sunday's marches were intent on peaceful demonstration, sadly there were some amongst them who had a more violent agenda. Some 33 public buildings and 24 banks were attacked, and five looters died in a fire started by other looters in one of the banks in the Mediterranean port of Al Hoceima.

    Footage from the BBC—Morocco protests: Five dead in fire
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  8. #8
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    Morocco/Algeria border to reopen soon?


    Could the dove fly?

    The border conflict between Morocco and Algeria goes back to the time of the French Protectorate when France shifted the Moroccan border westward to give more land to its colony Algeria. After Moroccan independence in the mid 1950s, continued disputes triggered the two-month Sand War which saw fighting in border locations such as Figuig. The two border crossing points of Oujda in the north and Figuig in the south were closed from 1962-1964.


    The Algerian border at Figuig

    Twelve years later, the border was closed again in 1976 following Morocco's Green March into Western Sahara (Algeria supports the Polisario Saharan independence movement) and only reopened in 1988.

    [edit: email from Chris Scott, "fyi, Figuig was open for me in 1982 and I just read a 1979 book that describes a crossing back in at Oujda in early 77, though I dare say it may have closed soon after until at least 1979."]

    After just six years the border was closed again in 1994 when Morocco accused Algeria of involvement in a Marrakech hotel shooting and then decided to impose visa restrictions on Algerian nationals. Although visa requirements were later lifted by both countries, the border was not reopened, save for one day in Feb 2009 to allow through the Viva Palestina convoy of relief aid for Gaza organised by British Member of Parliament 'Gorgeous George' Galloway.

    Talks about reopening the border have floundered on Algeria's standpoint that this should be linked to a resolution to the Western Sahara situation. Nevertheless a thawing of relations in March 2008 prompted Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to comment that reopening the border was desirable in view of what he called the "ties of sisterhood which go back a long way in the history of both countries".

    A news report yesterday from moroccoboard.com claims that President Bouteflika has taken the decision to reopen the border, after mediation by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah. This would be great news for both countries. Morocco was always a popular holiday destination for Algerians, and it would boost the economies of the areas either side of the border, especially Morocco's stalled Mediterranean development at Saïdia.



    Algerian border close to Saidia, north of Oujda


    Will it happen? Cynics might say the best indication would be any recent investment in Morocco tourist developments by Algerian generals.


    Feb 2009: jubilation as the 120-vehicle Viva Palestina convoy passes through the Algerian border
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  9. #9
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    King announces changes to constitution


    Flanked by his son Moulay Hassan and heir to the throne, Prince Moulay Rachid


    In a nationwide television broadcast at 20:00 today HM King Mohammed VI announced major changes to government and the formation of a constitutional committee to organise a referendum on the following changes.

    • In a long overdue move, Tamazight (Berber) will now be recognised as an additional official language of the nation. This recognises the country's multi-ethnic identity and is in addition to the recent easing on restrictions on children's first names to allow Berber names.

    • The Prime Minister to get additional powers. The King will lose the power to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister, who instead will be chosen by the majority coalition in parliament.

    • Reinforcement of human rights and individual liberties.

    • More emphasis on regionalisation furthering decentralisation of power.

    • Empowerment of an independent judiciary and a separation of their powers.

    The committee is to consult with trades unions and human rights associations and to report by June 2011 followed by a national referendum on the proposed changes. The reforms may not be quite as dramatic as some would like (corruption was not addressed), however following the broadcast, people took to the streets in Rabat in celebration.
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  10. #10
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    Charles and Camilla to visit Morocco on trade/climate control tour

    The British heir to the throne, Charles, Prince of Wales together with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are to visit Morocco, Portugal and Spain in a ten-day tour starting 28 March. It will be the first trip to Morocco for Camilla; Charles has been to Morocco several times before including a visit in 1996 to Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.

    More information on the BBC News website and the Prince of Wales' website

    "Their Royal Highnesses will also visit the Moroccan 1st Parachute Infantry Brigade (The Prince of Wales is the Colonel-in-Chief of the British Parachute Regiment). Outside the capital, The Prince of Wales will visit the oasis at Errachidia where he will see efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of desertification as well as the local community’s work to adapt to climate change. Their Royal Highnesses will also undertake engagements related to inter-faith dialogue and culture in the city of Fez."
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  11. #11
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    18 April 2011 « Tout sur l’Algérie » avance que l’ouverture des frontières ne saurait tarder. Selon ce quotidien électronique, les autorités algériennes seraient en train de rénover, « depuis quelques semaines », les postes de contrôles aux frontières. Jusqu’à présent, aucune décision officielle n’a été prise par les deux gouvernements.

    18 April 2011 "Tout sur l’Algérie" argues that open borders will not be long. According to the daily electronic, the Algerian authorities are trying to renovate, "in recent weeks," the checkpoints at the borders. So far, no official decision has been taken by both governments.

    http://www.afrik.com/article22699.html

    25 April 2011: Morocco and Algeria on Monday signed a landmark agreement on agricultural cooperation. The two countries have been engaged for three months in a process of normalization of diplomatic relations broken there over 30 years. Soon the reopening of the borders between Morocco and Algeria? In Rabat to Algiers as this event is raised seriously. Both capitals multiplied the signs of a warming of relations frozen for nearly three decades of simmering conflict, about the Western Sahara.

    Both countries also commit themselves to intensify their trade. The execution of the agreement will last five years. This is the first time a convention of this magnitude binds the two countries since the closure of their common border in 1994. For many observers, the sign is obvious: Morocco and Algeria have embarked on a process of normalizing relations. Their officials also suggest that evolution glib tongue. "We are neighbors and brothers and we work (...) for strengthening relations" bilateral, said Monday, Rachid Benaissa. "The continued closure of borders between two neighboring countries like Algeria and Morocco is not reasonable, the reopening of borders is necessary," said the same day, Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci, during an interview .
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  12. #12
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    14 dead in explosion in Djemma el Fna (Marrakech)

    cafe.jpg
    Cafe Argana

    It isn't clear yet whether this is an accidental gas bottle/water heater explosion, or something more sinister, but given that this is peak tourism time in Marrakech and Djemma el Fna is the top tourist spot, one has to suspect the worst.

    That's an awful lot of people dead from a single exploding gas cylinder. These things aren't that big and they tend to break into largish pieces, not enough pieces of shrapnel to kill that many people.

    In the meantime, UK Foreign Office advice is for UK Nationals to KEEP AWAY from the square at the moment.

    BBC report: BBC News - Morocco: Blast rocks Marrakesh's Djemaa al-Fna square
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  13. #13
    sallyliao
    Guest
    This is very useful to me, appreciate it

  14. #14
    Explorer
    Jan 2011
    London
    31
    Moroccans are going to the polls to vote on a series of constitutional amendments and reforms.

    The proposals, put forward by King Mohammed VI, would give the prime minister and parliament more power.

    Full story from the BBC

  15. #15
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    Algerian border to open briefly to allow cycle event to cross

    http://english.alarabiya.net/article...16/188650.html

    Jan 16, 2012: "Algerian authorities have agreed to briefly re-open... a major border crossing, known as Zouj Bghal, to allow for the passage of Moroccan cyclists competing in the 25th anniversary of a cycling tour... Algerian authorities are opening the borders only for a day."
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  16. #16
    Trailblazer
    Nov 2010
    Putney, London (Morocco in winter)
    301
    More news on the possibility of the Algerian border reopening... Maybe as early as May 2012?

    According to Magrebia, the Algerian Interior Minister is reported saying, "Reopening the border between Algeria and Morocco is a real possibility, given the thaw in relations between the two sides". More information here
    "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
    and enlarges the world in which you live,"
    Irving Mather (1892-1966)

  •