Africa Intel
🇲🇦🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪El ministro de exteriores marroquí se ha reunido con sus homólogos de Mali, Burkina y Niger al margen de la cumbre "para promover el acceso a los países del Sahel al Atlántico" organizada en Marruecos. Rabat puede conseguir así mayor influencia en…
🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪🇹🇩🇲🇦 Sahel countries commit to Morocco's infrastructural initiative
The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad expressed their countries' adherence to a Moroccan initiative launched by King Mohammed VI, which is focused on enabling the Sahel States a route to the Atlantic Ocean.
A joint communique released following the Ministerial Coordination Meeting, held in Morocco on Saturday, stressed the strategic importance of this initiative.
The ministers commended the project which reflects the values of South-South cooperation and regional co-development, the state-owned Agence Marrocane de Presse reported.
#Mali #BurkinaFaso #Niger #Chad #Morocco
@africaintel
The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad expressed their countries' adherence to a Moroccan initiative launched by King Mohammed VI, which is focused on enabling the Sahel States a route to the Atlantic Ocean.
A joint communique released following the Ministerial Coordination Meeting, held in Morocco on Saturday, stressed the strategic importance of this initiative.
The ministers commended the project which reflects the values of South-South cooperation and regional co-development, the state-owned Agence Marrocane de Presse reported.
#Mali #BurkinaFaso #Niger #Chad #Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦🇵🇸 Moroccans held another demonstration in support of Gaza
More than 10,000 demonstrators marched in Rabat on Sunday in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, denouncing a "war of extermination" and the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel.
Called by a motley crew of supporters of the Palestinian cause, including left-wing groups and militants from the Islamist Justice and Charity movement, the demonstrators marched along Avenue Mohammed V under the slogan "stop the war of extermination in Gaza, stop normalization".
Many of the protesters held up banners denouncing the "destruction of hospitals" and the "colonization" of the Palestinian territories. "Free Palestine" and "Save Gaza" were also proclaimed on placards.
Chanting slogans saluting the "resistance of the Palestinian people", demonstrators criticized US support for Israel in its war against Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
#Morocco #Palestine
@africaintel
More than 10,000 demonstrators marched in Rabat on Sunday in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, denouncing a "war of extermination" and the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel.
Called by a motley crew of supporters of the Palestinian cause, including left-wing groups and militants from the Islamist Justice and Charity movement, the demonstrators marched along Avenue Mohammed V under the slogan "stop the war of extermination in Gaza, stop normalization".
Many of the protesters held up banners denouncing the "destruction of hospitals" and the "colonization" of the Palestinian territories. "Free Palestine" and "Save Gaza" were also proclaimed on placards.
Chanting slogans saluting the "resistance of the Palestinian people", demonstrators criticized US support for Israel in its war against Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
#Morocco #Palestine
@africaintel
🇩🇪🇲🇦 German bank provides 257 million euros in loans and grants for Morocco
Rabat has concluded three loan contracts totaling 250 million euros, as well as two grant contracts worth 7 million euros with the German Development Bank. They concern financing relating to social protection, sustainable mobility, and irrigation.
Improving the living conditions of the population via a program to support the social protection project, it is around this axis that a first subsidized loan of 120 million euros, accompanied by a donation of 2 million euros has been allocated.
The second concerns the financing of the Fund to support urban and interurban road transport reforms (FART). In this context, the loan amounts to 100 million euros, backed by a donation of 5 million euros.
It will be used to promote and finance the development of a modern and climate-friendly public transport offer in Moroccan cities and towns.
#Germany #Morocco
@africaintel
Rabat has concluded three loan contracts totaling 250 million euros, as well as two grant contracts worth 7 million euros with the German Development Bank. They concern financing relating to social protection, sustainable mobility, and irrigation.
Improving the living conditions of the population via a program to support the social protection project, it is around this axis that a first subsidized loan of 120 million euros, accompanied by a donation of 2 million euros has been allocated.
The second concerns the financing of the Fund to support urban and interurban road transport reforms (FART). In this context, the loan amounts to 100 million euros, backed by a donation of 5 million euros.
It will be used to promote and finance the development of a modern and climate-friendly public transport offer in Moroccan cities and towns.
#Germany #Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦 363 kg of cocaine from sub-Saharan Africa seized in Morocco
A joint security operation between elements of the Sûreté Nationale and Customs at the El Guergarat border post, south of the town of Dakhla, resulted in the seizure of 362 kg and 950 grams of cocaine destined for Morocco from abroad.
Control operations led to the discovery of this cargo of hard drugs in the form of 16 bundles concealed meticulously in the cab and bodywork of an international goods lorry registered in Morocco.
This security operation is part of the intensive efforts being made by the DGSN to combat international drug trafficking, particularly the illegal trade in hard drugs and psychotropic substances from outside Morocco.
#Morocco
@africaintel
A joint security operation between elements of the Sûreté Nationale and Customs at the El Guergarat border post, south of the town of Dakhla, resulted in the seizure of 362 kg and 950 grams of cocaine destined for Morocco from abroad.
Control operations led to the discovery of this cargo of hard drugs in the form of 16 bundles concealed meticulously in the cab and bodywork of an international goods lorry registered in Morocco.
This security operation is part of the intensive efforts being made by the DGSN to combat international drug trafficking, particularly the illegal trade in hard drugs and psychotropic substances from outside Morocco.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦🇿🇦🇺🇳 Morocco wins vote to lead UN human rights body after showdown with South Africa
Morocco won a vote on Wednesday to lead the United Nations Human Rights Council after a heated showdown with South Africa, which said Rabat's human rights record made it unfit to preside over the body.
The Moroccan candidate, Ambassador Omar Zniber, received 30 votes, and his South African opponent, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, secured 17 in a secret ballot in Geneva.
Prior to the vote, Nkosi told that Morocco was the "antithesis of what the council stands for" and said the country's election would undermine the body's credibility.
Morocco, in turn, accused South Africa and some other African states of undermining its efforts to hold the position, a prestigious but mostly symbolic post.
#Morocco #SouthAfrica #UN
@africaintel
Morocco won a vote on Wednesday to lead the United Nations Human Rights Council after a heated showdown with South Africa, which said Rabat's human rights record made it unfit to preside over the body.
The Moroccan candidate, Ambassador Omar Zniber, received 30 votes, and his South African opponent, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, secured 17 in a secret ballot in Geneva.
Prior to the vote, Nkosi told that Morocco was the "antithesis of what the council stands for" and said the country's election would undermine the body's credibility.
Morocco, in turn, accused South Africa and some other African states of undermining its efforts to hold the position, a prestigious but mostly symbolic post.
#Morocco #SouthAfrica #UN
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Morocco's irrigated area shrinks as drought empties dams
Six consecutive years of drought have left Moroccan dams at critical levels, prompting a big drop in the area of land being irrigated, Morocco's water and agriculture ministers said.
By mid-January, Morocco's average dam filling rate had dropped to 23.2% from 31.5% a year earlier, water minister Nizar Baraka told.
Rainfall was 70% lower than in an average year, he said.
The country's second biggest dam, Al Masira, which serves the economic hub of Casablanca, is almost empty.
The worst drought in more than two decades prompted authorities to ban the use of drinking water to clean streets or irrigate parks in cities and to stop dam water being used to irrigate some key farming areas.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Six consecutive years of drought have left Moroccan dams at critical levels, prompting a big drop in the area of land being irrigated, Morocco's water and agriculture ministers said.
By mid-January, Morocco's average dam filling rate had dropped to 23.2% from 31.5% a year earlier, water minister Nizar Baraka told.
Rainfall was 70% lower than in an average year, he said.
The country's second biggest dam, Al Masira, which serves the economic hub of Casablanca, is almost empty.
The worst drought in more than two decades prompted authorities to ban the use of drinking water to clean streets or irrigate parks in cities and to stop dam water being used to irrigate some key farming areas.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇲🇦 Morocco's irrigated area shrinks as drought empties dams Six consecutive years of drought have left Moroccan dams at critical levels, prompting a big drop in the area of land being irrigated, Morocco's water and agriculture ministers said. By mid-January…
🇲🇦 Emergency plan to counter the water crisis in Morocco
The Moroccan government has presented an emergency plan to address the country's water crisis.
According to Minister of Equipment and Water, over the period from September to mid-January 2024, the country recorded a rainfall deficit of 70% compared to the average.
An allocation of $14 billion for the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program will be released.
Work has begun on the construction of a new seawater desalination station in the Dakhla region. This installation should be operational by June 2025 and provide drinking water.
At the same time, planned projects with a medium-term impact will be accelerated, in particular the dams currently under construction, the interconnection between basins, the national program of stations of seawater desalination, the program for the reuse of purified wastewater, the water saving program and distribution and irrigation networks.
#Morocco
@africaintel
The Moroccan government has presented an emergency plan to address the country's water crisis.
According to Minister of Equipment and Water, over the period from September to mid-January 2024, the country recorded a rainfall deficit of 70% compared to the average.
An allocation of $14 billion for the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program will be released.
Work has begun on the construction of a new seawater desalination station in the Dakhla region. This installation should be operational by June 2025 and provide drinking water.
At the same time, planned projects with a medium-term impact will be accelerated, in particular the dams currently under construction, the interconnection between basins, the national program of stations of seawater desalination, the program for the reuse of purified wastewater, the water saving program and distribution and irrigation networks.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Moroccan miner Managem plans $300 mln capital increase in 2024
Moroccan mining company Managem, opens new tab plans to increase its capital by 3 billion dirhams ($300 million) in the first half of this year to fund its gold, copper and cobalt expansion plans, CEO Imad Touimi said.
The decision was approved by shareholders as the company invests in gold, copper and cobalt projects to double its earnings from 9 billion dirhams by 2025, Imad Toumi told.
Managem's capital stood at almost 1 billion dirhams as of June 2023, according to the company's latest financial report.
This month, Managem started gold production at its mine in northern Sudan, which represents up to 15% of its revenue, after a halt due to the war there, he said.
It plans to start gold production in Senegal in 2025, as part of its Bamouk West African assets.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Moroccan mining company Managem, opens new tab plans to increase its capital by 3 billion dirhams ($300 million) in the first half of this year to fund its gold, copper and cobalt expansion plans, CEO Imad Touimi said.
The decision was approved by shareholders as the company invests in gold, copper and cobalt projects to double its earnings from 9 billion dirhams by 2025, Imad Toumi told.
Managem's capital stood at almost 1 billion dirhams as of June 2023, according to the company's latest financial report.
This month, Managem started gold production at its mine in northern Sudan, which represents up to 15% of its revenue, after a halt due to the war there, he said.
It plans to start gold production in Senegal in 2025, as part of its Bamouk West African assets.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Morocco arrests 30 people suspected of trafficking newborns
Moroccan authorities arrested 30 people this week in the city of Fes on multiple charges as part of a wide-ranging case involving blackmail, threats, and trafficking of newborn babies.
The North African country's state-run news agency, MAP, reported on Wednesday that the suspects — including law enforcement agents, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals — were arrested earlier this week. They are accused of working with unwed mothers to sell babies to families wishing to adopt.
Their scheme, the report said, also involved blackmail, fraud, and theft of medications that are not sold without a prescription.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Moroccan authorities arrested 30 people this week in the city of Fes on multiple charges as part of a wide-ranging case involving blackmail, threats, and trafficking of newborn babies.
The North African country's state-run news agency, MAP, reported on Wednesday that the suspects — including law enforcement agents, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals — were arrested earlier this week. They are accused of working with unwed mothers to sell babies to families wishing to adopt.
Their scheme, the report said, also involved blackmail, fraud, and theft of medications that are not sold without a prescription.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Moroccan authorities plan new laws to combat art forgeries in growing market
Morocco is planning on passing new laws and strengthening penalties to combat art forgeries in order to protect a multimillion-dollar art market that officials believe will continue to grow.
Morocco chief prosecutor launched a series of meetings with the country's Ministry of culture and the National Foundation of Museums to discuss methods and practices to better police and detect forged paintings and artworks, including handing down harsher sentences and better regulating auction houses.
"This problem is a real danger in this field," said Mehdi Ben Said, Morocco's minister of youth, culture and communication. "Moroccan paintings are now exported abroad and to combat forgery, it is essential to clean this business.
Officials valued the country's art market at roughly $2.5 million and noted paintings in particular were gaining renown throughout the Middle East, particularly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Morocco is planning on passing new laws and strengthening penalties to combat art forgeries in order to protect a multimillion-dollar art market that officials believe will continue to grow.
Morocco chief prosecutor launched a series of meetings with the country's Ministry of culture and the National Foundation of Museums to discuss methods and practices to better police and detect forged paintings and artworks, including handing down harsher sentences and better regulating auction houses.
"This problem is a real danger in this field," said Mehdi Ben Said, Morocco's minister of youth, culture and communication. "Moroccan paintings are now exported abroad and to combat forgery, it is essential to clean this business.
Officials valued the country's art market at roughly $2.5 million and noted paintings in particular were gaining renown throughout the Middle East, particularly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦🇮🇱 Thousands protest in Morocco against ties with Israel
Thousands of Moroccans have taken to the streets of Rabat calling for an end to ties with Israel, over its actions in Gaza.
Some waved placards saying “stop the massacre” and "normalisation is treason" during Sunday's march.
Politicians from across the spectrum are reported to have been among the crowds.
Morocco established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
As part of the deal, Rabat received Washington’s recognition of its claim to sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
Opposition to the agreement has grown sharply since the start of the war in Gaza.
#Morocco #Israel
@africaintel
Thousands of Moroccans have taken to the streets of Rabat calling for an end to ties with Israel, over its actions in Gaza.
Some waved placards saying “stop the massacre” and "normalisation is treason" during Sunday's march.
Politicians from across the spectrum are reported to have been among the crowds.
Morocco established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
As part of the deal, Rabat received Washington’s recognition of its claim to sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
Opposition to the agreement has grown sharply since the start of the war in Gaza.
#Morocco #Israel
@africaintel
🇲🇦🇪🇸 Morocco's King hosted Spain's Premie Minister
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI hosted Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday.
During the working visit at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the leaders discussed issues including the Western Sahara dispute, ongoing preparations to jointly host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal.
Prime Minister Sánchez reiterated his country’s endorsement of the Moroccan proposed plan for Western Sahara, emphasizing its significance in "advancing a realistic and credible resolution to the lingering territorial dispute."
In response, King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude for Spain’s constructive stance on the matter, highlighting "the importance of mutual respect and cooperation."
Additionally, Prime Minister Sánchez commended Morocco’s strategic initiatives, including efforts to promote cooperation among Atlantic-bordering African nations and initiatives such as the Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.
#Morocco #Spain
@africaintel
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI hosted Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday.
During the working visit at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the leaders discussed issues including the Western Sahara dispute, ongoing preparations to jointly host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal.
Prime Minister Sánchez reiterated his country’s endorsement of the Moroccan proposed plan for Western Sahara, emphasizing its significance in "advancing a realistic and credible resolution to the lingering territorial dispute."
In response, King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude for Spain’s constructive stance on the matter, highlighting "the importance of mutual respect and cooperation."
Additionally, Prime Minister Sánchez commended Morocco’s strategic initiatives, including efforts to promote cooperation among Atlantic-bordering African nations and initiatives such as the Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.
#Morocco #Spain
@africaintel
🇸🇴🇲🇦 Somalian military court sentences 6 Moroccans to death for joining Islamic State group
A military court in Somalia’s northeastern semi-autonomous state of Puntland sentenced to death six Moroccans believed to be foreign fighters for the Islamic State extremist group in Somalia.
The individuals entered Somalia to cause harm to Muslims and Somalis and incite unrest in the country, the presiding judge in the Puntland region, Colonel Ali Ibrahim Osman, said.
The six men, identified as Mohamed Hassan, Ahmed Najwi, Khalid Latha, Mohamed Binu Mohamed Ahmed, Ridwan Abdulkadir Osmany, and Ahmed Hussein Ibrahim, can appeal and if they are unsuccessful they will be shot to death by firing squad.
Additionally, an Ethiopian and a Somali were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, while another Somali defendant was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
#Somalia #Morocco
@africaintel
A military court in Somalia’s northeastern semi-autonomous state of Puntland sentenced to death six Moroccans believed to be foreign fighters for the Islamic State extremist group in Somalia.
The individuals entered Somalia to cause harm to Muslims and Somalis and incite unrest in the country, the presiding judge in the Puntland region, Colonel Ali Ibrahim Osman, said.
The six men, identified as Mohamed Hassan, Ahmed Najwi, Khalid Latha, Mohamed Binu Mohamed Ahmed, Ridwan Abdulkadir Osmany, and Ahmed Hussein Ibrahim, can appeal and if they are unsuccessful they will be shot to death by firing squad.
Additionally, an Ethiopian and a Somali were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, while another Somali defendant was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
#Somalia #Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦🇵🇸 Morocco secures land route to deliver aid to Gaza
A shipment of humanitarian aid from Morocco for Palestinians in Gaza began entering the besieged enclave via a land route on Tuesday, the first time the Kerem Shalom border crossing from Israel has been used for aid in five months of warfare, a Moroccan diplomatic source of Reuters said.
The 40 tonnes of aid was being delivered by truck into northern Gaza along a route that the Rabat government has been able to secure as it had established diplomatic relations with Israel, the source said.
The aid was shipped by air to Israel, before it was loaded at the crossing onto trucks operated by the Palestinian Red Crescent, which will ensure it reaches the needy in northern Gaza, the source told Reuters.
#Morocco #Palestine
@africaintel
A shipment of humanitarian aid from Morocco for Palestinians in Gaza began entering the besieged enclave via a land route on Tuesday, the first time the Kerem Shalom border crossing from Israel has been used for aid in five months of warfare, a Moroccan diplomatic source of Reuters said.
The 40 tonnes of aid was being delivered by truck into northern Gaza along a route that the Rabat government has been able to secure as it had established diplomatic relations with Israel, the source said.
The aid was shipped by air to Israel, before it was loaded at the crossing onto trucks operated by the Palestinian Red Crescent, which will ensure it reaches the needy in northern Gaza, the source told Reuters.
#Morocco #Palestine
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Ten tonnes of cannabis resin seized in Morocco
Police in Morocco say they have seized more than 10 tonnes of cannabis resin from a fishing boat in Agadir and arrested 13 suspects.
The police said they were investigating possible links with international drug trafficking networks.
Morocco, which is a major producer of cannabis, has allowed the cultivation, export and use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic and industrial purposes since 2021, but not for recreational use.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Police in Morocco say they have seized more than 10 tonnes of cannabis resin from a fishing boat in Agadir and arrested 13 suspects.
The police said they were investigating possible links with international drug trafficking networks.
Morocco, which is a major producer of cannabis, has allowed the cultivation, export and use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic and industrial purposes since 2021, but not for recreational use.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇩🇿🇲🇦 Algeria condemns Moroccan plan to confiscate embassy
Algeria has condemned a plan by Morocco to confiscate the premises of the Algerian embassy in Rabat.
Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021, accusing Rabat of supporting "terrorist groups" involved in starting wildfires in the country.
Since then there has been a reduced staff at the embassy led by a junior diplomat.
Last Friday, Morocco announced a decision to confiscate properties owned by Algeria including land, houses and offices in Rabat as part of an extension of the premises of its ministry of foreign affairs.
This has sparked anger in Algiers. "Morocco has entered a new phase in their provocative behaviour towards Algeria," Algeria's foreign ministry said.
The Algerian government vowed to respond to "this provocative behaviour with all the means deemed appropriate". It will explore "all legal avenues including within the United Nations to protect its interests".
#Algeria #Morocco
@africaintel
Algeria has condemned a plan by Morocco to confiscate the premises of the Algerian embassy in Rabat.
Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021, accusing Rabat of supporting "terrorist groups" involved in starting wildfires in the country.
Since then there has been a reduced staff at the embassy led by a junior diplomat.
Last Friday, Morocco announced a decision to confiscate properties owned by Algeria including land, houses and offices in Rabat as part of an extension of the premises of its ministry of foreign affairs.
This has sparked anger in Algiers. "Morocco has entered a new phase in their provocative behaviour towards Algeria," Algeria's foreign ministry said.
The Algerian government vowed to respond to "this provocative behaviour with all the means deemed appropriate". It will explore "all legal avenues including within the United Nations to protect its interests".
#Algeria #Morocco
@africaintel
🇲🇦 Morocco reports first legal cannabis harvest of 294 metric tons
Morocco's first legal cannabis harvest was 294 metric tons in 2023, after the country approved its cultivation and export for medicine and industrial uses, cannabis regulator ANRAC said.
The harvest was made by 32 cooperatives that brought together 430 farmers covering 277 hectares in the northern Rif mountain areas of Al Houceima, Taounat and Chefchaouen, ANRAC said.
The United Nations drugs agency says about 47,000 hectares of the Rif are devoted to cannabis output, roughly a third of the amount in 2003 after government crackdowns.
This year, the regulator is examining applications by 1,500 farmers who organised themselves into 130 cooperatives, ANRAC said.
Cultivation of the local drought-enduring landrace, known as Beldia, began this month, it said.
Although Morocco is a major cannabis producer, officially cannabis use for recreational purposes is illegal. In practice, it is tolerated.
#Morocco
@africaintel
Morocco's first legal cannabis harvest was 294 metric tons in 2023, after the country approved its cultivation and export for medicine and industrial uses, cannabis regulator ANRAC said.
The harvest was made by 32 cooperatives that brought together 430 farmers covering 277 hectares in the northern Rif mountain areas of Al Houceima, Taounat and Chefchaouen, ANRAC said.
The United Nations drugs agency says about 47,000 hectares of the Rif are devoted to cannabis output, roughly a third of the amount in 2003 after government crackdowns.
This year, the regulator is examining applications by 1,500 farmers who organised themselves into 130 cooperatives, ANRAC said.
Cultivation of the local drought-enduring landrace, known as Beldia, began this month, it said.
Although Morocco is a major cannabis producer, officially cannabis use for recreational purposes is illegal. In practice, it is tolerated.
#Morocco
@africaintel
🇺🇸🇲🇦 US approves possible Javelin missile sale to Morocco, Pentagon says
The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of Javelin missiles and related equipment to Morocco for an estimated cost of $260 million, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.
The prime contractors of the anti-tank missiles are Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp, the Pentagon said in a statement.
#USA #Morocco
@africaintel
The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of Javelin missiles and related equipment to Morocco for an estimated cost of $260 million, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.
The prime contractors of the anti-tank missiles are Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp, the Pentagon said in a statement.
#USA #Morocco
@africaintel
🇪🇸🇲🇦 Spanish and Moroccan police bust helicopter drug gang
Spanish police say they have broken up a gang specialising in night-time helicopter flights to import the drug hashish from Morocco.
The Guardia Civil said they had seized two helicopters and almost 800kg of hashish, derived from the cannabis plant, in a joint operation with Moroccan police.
They also arrested nine people, two of whom they said had expertise with night flying.
The operation, which took place in January, involved a raid on a ranch near the Spanish city of Cadiz after investigators observed a helicopter making a brief trip to Morocco and back.
Police said one gang leader had died in a car crash when he attempted to flee the scene.
#Spain #Morocco
@africaintel
Spanish police say they have broken up a gang specialising in night-time helicopter flights to import the drug hashish from Morocco.
The Guardia Civil said they had seized two helicopters and almost 800kg of hashish, derived from the cannabis plant, in a joint operation with Moroccan police.
They also arrested nine people, two of whom they said had expertise with night flying.
The operation, which took place in January, involved a raid on a ranch near the Spanish city of Cadiz after investigators observed a helicopter making a brief trip to Morocco and back.
Police said one gang leader had died in a car crash when he attempted to flee the scene.
#Spain #Morocco
@africaintel
🇨🇳🇲🇦 China EV battery maker BTR to build cathode plant in Morocco
The Moroccan government gave the green light on Friday for Chinese electric battery maker BTR New Material Group to build a factory near Tangier to produce key component cathode.
The plant, to be built at a cost of 3 billion dirhams ($300 million), will have a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes, Morocco’s investment ministry said.
The first output of 25,000 tonnes is expected in September 2026, the ministry said in a statement following the signing of the investment deal with BTR.
Moroccan officials have often pitched the north African country as a good location for EV battery factories because of its existing auto industry and renewable energy sectors, and the presence of raw materials including cobalt and phosphates.
#China #Morocco
@africaintel
The Moroccan government gave the green light on Friday for Chinese electric battery maker BTR New Material Group to build a factory near Tangier to produce key component cathode.
The plant, to be built at a cost of 3 billion dirhams ($300 million), will have a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes, Morocco’s investment ministry said.
The first output of 25,000 tonnes is expected in September 2026, the ministry said in a statement following the signing of the investment deal with BTR.
Moroccan officials have often pitched the north African country as a good location for EV battery factories because of its existing auto industry and renewable energy sectors, and the presence of raw materials including cobalt and phosphates.
#China #Morocco
@africaintel