Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
2017 - a Record Year For Moroccan Tourism
Eleven million. This is the number of visitors that Morocco should welcome by the end of 2017. A record figure revealed by Saïd Mouhid, president of the Moroccan Tourism Observatory
Said Mouhid welcomed this rebound but says, "The final figures are not yet available, but we are already sure to exceed for the first time the 11 million tourists". 2017 will also see the bar of the 22 million nights crossed and generate revenues in currency amounting to 68 billion dirham against 64 billion last year.
In detail, it is the French who are still - by far - the top contingent of tourists, with more than a third of arrivals, followed by Spaniards, Germans and British.
Nearly half of the visitors are of Moroccan origin, and Moroccans living abroad (MRE) are considered tourists.
This sustained recovery of the tourist flow is the result of actions undertaken by professionals of the sector, headed by the Moroccan National Office of Tourism (ONMT), which multiplied throughout the year partnerships with airlines , thus strengthening the country's air offer, especially domestic flights, while leveraging digital technology to promote the destination.
Marrakech, Agadir, and Casablanca are the most visited cities. "Marrakech will end the year on record performance, exceeding two million visitors," said AFP the director of the Regional Council of Tourism (CRT) of Marrakech, Abderrahim Bentbib. He attributes this "embellishment" to the launch of new airlines, to "the excellent quality-price ratio of Marrakech hotels" and the opening of new cultural projects like the "Yves Saint Laurent Museum".
As a key sector of the Moroccan economy, tourism accounts for 10% of the national wealth. In order to further strengthen this sector, Moroccan tourism promoters are betting on new markets, particularly China and Russia, with the abolition of visas. With a few tens of thousands more arrivals, Russians and Chinese still barely exceed 100,000 visitors.
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Africa of the Africans,” the 3rd Annual International Artists Gathering of Fez
“Africa of the Africans,” is the 3rd Annual International Artists Gathering of Fez and runs from January 11-14, 2018
Co-curated by local artist and founder Omar Chennafi and guest curators Neil van der Linden, and George Bajalia, the 3rd Annual International Fez Gathering of Artists in Fez celebrates the theme “Africa of the Africans.”
Artists and scholars from around the world are invited to explore the connections between Morocco and the rest of the African continent through talks, art, and music. In addition to displaying the cultural power of Africa, the event promotes awareness of the intrinsic diversities and commonalities of the continent and studies its unexplored potentials within the walls of Fez – a symbolic ancient city with a modern role. The Gathering is a leader in promoting the arts of Africa and supports the artistic community of Fez by providing it a space to exhibit artwork alongside international artists, academics, and guests.
This year’s Gathering includes the following panels: “Photography and Documentary in Africa,” “Contemporary Art in Africa,” “Ritual, Practice, and Sufism in Africa,” and “Language Exchange in Africa: Beyond Francophone and Anglophone.” Presenters will discuss the function of cultural production in the African context and how art is being used to address the current challenges on the continent. Artists joining this year’s Gathering include Mohamed Arejdal, Ramia Beladel, Meriem El Haitami , Mohamed Charkaoui, Benjamin Füglister, M’hammed Kilito, Aurelie Lierman, Eva Maria Ocherbauer, Matteo Rubbi, Frank Vellenga, and Shishani Vranckx.
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| Omar Chennafi is the driving force behind the Gathering |
Admission is free and open to the public. Participants are invited to share feedback. The entire festival will be filmed, documented and subsequently shared on social media. This coverage will include one-on-one interviews with artists and participants.
The International Fez Gathering of Artists is held in partnership with The Dutch embassy in Rabat, The Goethe-Institut in Morokko, The French Institute of Fez, the Regional Council of Tourism, American Language Centre of Fez, Café Clock, the Moroccan-American Commission for Education and Cultural Exchange, Plan-it Morocco, The Cervantes Institute, and the Confederation of African Students and Interns in Morocco.
For more information and press inquiries please contact Gwyneth Talley, Press/Media Coordinator, at fezgathering@gmail.com. Visit us online at http://www.fezgathering.com/.
Preview Program schedule
This is a preliminary schedule of the 3rd Fez Gathering program. Further theatre, concert, workshops and other performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
January 11th, 2018 Alif Riad (Invited guests) Arrival day in Fez.
18:30 Opening ceremony/reception - Alif Riad in Batha, Fez Medina. 19:00 Music Concert
January 12th, 2018 Dar Batha and other locations (Open to the general public)
19:00 Panel presentation: Contemporary Art in Africa
Panel presentation: Photography & Documentary Films in Africa Lunch provided by Café Clock Fez Fashion show: African Fashion
Exhibition opening at Alif Riad or El Kasmi gallery Music concert
January 13th, 2018
(Open to the general public)
Panelpresentation: Sufism, Religion, Rituals and their Artistic Expressions in Africa
Break Panel presentation: Language Exchange in Africa: Beyond Francophone and Anglophone Lunch provided by Café Clock Fez
Workshop:Islamic Geometry
Theatre Performance at Cinema Boujloud
Slideluck, African Potluck followed by the slide show production
Dar Batha and other locations
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Friday, December 29, 2017
Thursday, December 28, 2017
January 12th - Yennayer - Amazigh New Year
Yennayer, the celebration of the Amazigh (Berber) new year will take place on January 12th. 2018. The day heralds in the year 2968
Yennayer is a word composed of two Amazigh words; yen (yan) which means number 1 and ayer (ayur) which means month. So yennayer means the first month.
It was Ammar Negadi who created a Berber calendar in 1980, based on a landmark event in the history of the Amazigh people, an undeniable historical fact to make it the zero point of the calendar. His choice fell on the year 950 BC, which corresponds to the date when the Berber king Sheshonq I (also spelled Chichnaq or Chichneq) was enthroned Pharaoh of Egypt and founded the XXIInd Dynasty which reigned over Egypt until the year 715 BC. This Berber king had managed to unify Egypt and then invade Palestine. It is said of him that he seized the treasures of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem in 926 BC. This date is mentioned in the Bible and would be, therefore, the first date of Berber history on a written support. King Sheshonq is mentioned in the Bible under the name of Sésaq and Shishaq (שִׁישַׁק) in ancient Hebrew.
And the Algerians are joining the party
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced Wednesday his decision to consecrate Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, as a paid holiday on January 12, 2018.
It was a long-standing claim of the Amazigh movement, both in Morocco and Algeria. The new year, Yennayer, is celebrated every year on January 12, and this will be for the first time in the history of our neighbours to the East.
The announcement was made by the Algerian Head of State Wednesday at the meeting of the Council of Ministers. "In presenting its best wishes to the Algerian people on the eve of the year 2018, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced his decision to devote Yennayer day off work and paid as of January 12, the government being responsible for making the appropriate arrangements for this effect, "said a statement issued after the Council.
"This measure, like all those already taken to benefit our national identity in its triple Islamic, Arab and Amazigh component, will strengthen national unity and stability, while multiple internal and regional challenges challenge us," added President Bouteflika. , which "urged the government to spare no effort to generalize the teaching and use of Tamazight, in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Constitution." The President of the Republic has also instructed the government to accelerate the preparation of the draft organic law for the creation of an Algerian Academy of the Amazigh language, "the statement said.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Amazigh Tattoos - A Fading Tradition?
One of the most frequently asked questions received by The View From Fez concerns the Amazigh (Berber) tradition of tattooing. Although tattoos are most often seen on older women, they are making a comeback among younger women
For the more conservative Arab members of society the tattoo is said to be prohibited in the Qur’an, yet despite this, tattooing has survived for centuries in the Islamic societies of North Africa.
According to the opinion of Moroccan religious scholars interviewed in the 1920s, getting a tattoo was strictly “forbidden” since the seat of the tattoo caused injury; the pigment, impregnated with blood, remained under the wounds thus rendering the body imperfect in the eyes of Allah. Furthermore, they claimed that a tattoo was an obstacle preventing water from penetrating the skin during the ritual ablutions of purification: one of the five fundamental precepts of Islam.
However, Moroccan women considered certain tattoos as legitimate. The popular religious doctrine of Hadith, the collection of sayings of the prophet Mohammad that constitute a major source of guidance for Muslims after the Qur’an, claims that ghemaza (tattoo between the eyebrows) and siyâla (tattoo on the chin) are traditional. For example, early 20th century literature has recorded that tattoo existed in Arabia at the time of the Prophet Mohammed: “All women were tattooed and Lalla Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Mohammed, very probably wore the siyâla, which is attributed to her in Moroccan belief.” Even women living today sometimes say, “Fatima gave this [siyâla] to us,” or “Tasnida D-Lalla Fatima Zahra,” this tattoo is “dedicated to Lady Fatima Zahra.”
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| “Tasnida D-Lalla Fatima Zahra,” |
Within the Amazigh communities of North Africa, the practice of tattooing dates back to pre-Islamic times and the technique of tattooing existed since the Neolithic. They were far more than simply body adornment, having far deeper levels of significance which vary from tribe to tribe.
While the most visible tattoos are on the cheeks or chin, where it might indicate marital status or tribal affiliation, tattooing was not restricted to the face. As a protective talisman, tattoos retain elements of atavistic animism: a belief that supernatural energy (baraka) resides in all things. Amazigh tattoo designs hold the sacred energy of baraka which can be used to deal with the darker forces of life, to cure illnesses and to protect oneself against spirits called jnoun (singular: jinn). Oftentimes Amazigh tattoos were placed near body orifices (eyes, mouth, nose, navel, vagina) or surfaces believed to be vulnerable to the machinations of evil. For example, tattoos usually marked the feet to protect women from jnoun who attempted to enter the body through the earth. Other designs on the ankles, hands, and face were believed to protect individuals from the evil eye. Thus, it is not surprising that many Amazigh tattoos carry the tag of jedwel or “talisman.”
It is widely believed that one can escape the power of the jnoun by plunging an iron knife into the ground. The use of an iron needle in tattooing is thought to have a similar effect and will protect the individual.
The most common Amazigh term for tattoo is oucham (“to mark”). Tattoos were traditional or l-qayda (“custom”) and some motifs were rooted in the ancient Amazighalphabet known as Tifinagh. The Tifinagh is a figurative alphabet derived from tools used in agriculture, sea products, and constellations. Upon examining the list of extant letters, more than a dozen Amazigh tattoo motifs are common to the alphabet and these symbols generally appear on the chins of Amazigh women as siyâla.
The motifs widely recognised in the Amazigh tattoos are divided between a few categories, mainly vegetal motifs, such as the olive tree, which represents strength because of its Amazigh name azemmur, related to the term tazmat (strength); wheat, which is a display of life (because of its sheath) and death (because of the seeds being in the ground); or seeds, which are a reference to masculinity, they represent manhood and are a symbol for life and fertility; and metal objects, which make the allusion to the blacksmith, such as the hammer, which represents power, natural forces and creative power. It is a very important instrument for the blacksmith because it enables him to change the iron into various shapes; the anchor, symbolising solidity, continuity, faithfulness, balance and lucidity; the axe, which is a sharp instrument and represents anger and destruction – however, since it attacks evil forces, it is a positive symbol, associated with the lightning and rain (therefore fertility); and the arrow, a cosmic projection associated with lightning, which represents male energy and fertility.
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| Tattoos of the Rif Amazigh of Morocco, ca. 1930 |
But not all Amazigh tattoos were literal in this sense. In the early 20th century, the Rif Amazigh women of Morocco, among others, practiced tattooing as a prerequisite for marriage. When a girl was certain that she was to be married and when all arrangements for her wedding had been made, her family called in an old woman of the same awar, or sociological family, who was expert in the indelible art. If no such woman was available, one was called in from outside and if the tattooist was related to the client no fee was paid.
Next, the old tattooist began preparing her liquid tattoo pigment of lampblack and juice squeezed from the leaves of broad (fava) beans. According to Amazigh scholar Pierre Bourdieu, broad beans (ajedjig) embodied multiple referents for the Amazigh. Firstly, dried broad beans were male symbols akin to human bones. Secondly, "being a desiccated seed which, after burial in the damp womb of nature, it swells and comes up again, more numerous, in spring," the broad bean also symbolised the refuge of the soul awaiting resurrection.
This transition to a new life would be filled with discovery, but more importantly it would be marked by transformation; since after the tattooing the girl would become a woman, a sexual being who was accorded a new status that had the potential to bring her greater social recognition and fulfilment via the sanctity of motherhood. Amazigh women, as the centre of the family’s sacred identity and guardians of the family’s honour and reputation, were situated within a socio-moral universe that affirmed their importance in everyday society. They were responsible for all magical practices intended to safeguard life (e.g rites against the evil eye), and those designed to maintain the life of their children for which they were responsible - as well as the generative powers of which they are the bearers.
For those interest in discovering more about Amazigh tattooing, note that the The Dar Bellarj Foundation in Marrakech are holding an exhibition "Engraved Woman" until October 31, 2018.
This exhibition explores the tradition of tattooing. Often considered a taboo, the tradition of tattooing in Morocco is linked to a very old pre-Islamic rite. It is "mainly associated with Amazigh culture, whose function is as much ornamental as prophylactic, identity and medicinal," said a statement by Dar Bellarj. And to add that although proscribed by Islam, the practice has long endured, thanks to its symbolic strength in the field of the sacred. At a time when it seems more and more threatened, five young Maghreb artists worked on this controversial heritage and questioned him, each with his medium, his approach, his eyes, to avoid fatal amnesia.
In this exhibition, we find the work of Moulay Youssef El Kahfai, Noureddine Tilsaghani and Wassim Ghozlani, accompanied during their creative residency in Dar Bellarj of two young laureates of the Graduate School of Visual Arts in Marrakech: Maha Mouidine (graphic designer) and Marouane Bahrar (photographer).
Each of the points of view of these artists are intertwined and dialogue in the space of Dar Bellarj, next to a collection of the Berber museum of original photographs of tattooed women, loaned by the Majorelle Foundation, by Jean Besancenot, in Morocco, at early twentieth century.
In addition to the exhibition, meetings, conferences, workshops with artists and craftsmen, film screenings in the presence of the filmmakers allow to continue the mission of the Dar Bellarj foundation: to enhance the Moroccan heritage by the look and feel gesture of contemporary artists.
Created by the Swiss patrons Susanna Biedermann and Max Aliot at Riad Dar Bellarj in Marrakech, the Dar Bellarj Foundation for Culture in Morocco aims to enhance the Moroccan architectural and artistic heritage, and contribute to the influence of the living culture of Morocco. Morocco. Open to all, the Dar Bellarj Foundation offers throughout the year a program of events and cultural activities articulated around four major axes: the enhancement of tangible and intangible heritage of Morocco; support for artistic creation and crafts; the research ; the transmission. Dar Bellarj has already hosted exhibitions on earthen architecture, plaster art, embroidery of today's Morocco, Al Halqa or the "Nomadic Trace".
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Monday, December 25, 2017
Extra Security in Morocco
Security across Morocco is being ramped up in preparation for the end of year celebrations. Travellers can expect more police checkpoints and increased patrols
New security units are preparing to join national security from the end-of-year celebrations, According to the newspaper Al Massae , the head of the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), Abdellatif Hammouchi, has announced the creation of commando units working in conjunction with the judicial police. These new teams will look much like the US Rapid Response Brigades.
The DGSN is on the alert to succeed in securing these holidays. The security alert is at its highest level and a new security strategy is planned in all cities to cancel any risk of terrorist attack. Embassies, consulates, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, train stations and airports will be closely monitored by security forces. Checkpoints will also be installed at the entrance of major cities that will experience the most traffic flows.
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Friday, December 22, 2017
Rabat Zoo Announces Arrival of Baby Hippopotamus
Rabat Zoo has had the first birth of a hippopotamus, after a gestation period of 8 months
The zoological garden said in a statement that this first birth of a large mammal is the result of the adaptation of the hippopotamus species to its environment, following the actions of the zoo for the conservation of species, stating that the 16-year-old mother has been a resident of the zoo since it opened, and the birth was in the most natural conditions.
According to the same source, the baby hippopotamus received special attention from the veterinary team of the zoo, in terms of vaccination and care and it is possible that visitors will be able to see it with his mother this week in the wetland ecosystem of the Zoological Garden.
The zoological garden now has a total of six hippos that belong to the family Hippopotamidae and are part of the species of hippos common or amphibian (Hippopotamus amphibius), native to sub-Saharan Africa
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This species, which is included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is considered vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species of the World Union for the Protection of Wild Animals.
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International Storytelling Festival in Zagora
From today until December 24th the 5th edition of the International Fair of Tales takes place in Zagora. The festival focus is on the African oral heritage
Placed under the theme "Tales of Africa", this cultural event provides a rich programme with artists from Togo, Chad, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, South Sudan, Congo Brazzaville, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Palestine and China.
There are individual and collective storytelling shows, popular arts performances, theatrical plays, recreational activities for children, and an academic conference on storytelling hosted by writer and playwright Abdelkerim. Berrechid and the writer and researcher Abdelmajid Chakir.
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Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Fez to Stage International Marathon
3000 Moroccan and foreign athletes are expected to take part in the first Fez International Marathon which will be run over 42 kilometres
The race will take place on under the theme of "We Love It!".
The marathon was conceived and is the initiative of the association "Elite Running Club" in partnership with the council of the Fez-Meknes region.
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Tuesday, December 19, 2017
How Many Foreigners Live in Morocco?
According to an article in the Huffington Post, more than 84,000 foreigners reside in Morocco, or about 0.25% of the Moroccan population. The article quoted a note from Morocco's High Commissioner for Planning (HCP), published Monday, December 18, on the occasion of International Migrants Day
Based on the 2014 general census of population and housing, these figures should be revised upwards following the two massive migrant regularisation operations that occurred in 2014 and 2016.
According to the HCP, the foreign population in Morocco has increased significantly compared to 2004. More than 32,500 foreigners have settled in the Moroccan territory, an overall increase of 63.3% in ten years. In all, out of 33.8 million inhabitants, the number of foreigners residing in Morocco has reached 84,001 inhabitants, or a proportion of 0.25% of the total Moroccan population.
The majority of foreigners residing in Morocco come from African countries (41.6%) - 64.5% from sub-Saharan countries and 31.9% from the Maghreb - and from European countries (40%). Among the most represented nationalities, the French are in the lead (25.4%), followed by Senegalese (7.2%), Algerians (6.8%) and Syrians (6.2%).
15.2% of foreigners come from Asian countries (82.8% from the Middle East) and 3.2% from other continents, the majority (76.9%) from American countries.
Most foreigners (more than 95%) live in urban areas, and almost two-thirds of foreigners are concentrated in six major cities in Morocco: Casablanca (28.6%) and Rabat (14.8%). ), Marrakech (8%), Tangier-Assilah (6.1%), Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane (4.4%) and Fez (4.2% or 3509).
A rather elderly and literate population
Foreigners residing in Morocco are, for a little more than half of them, married. There are slightly more men (56.5%) than women (43.5%). The foreign population is relatively older than the Moroccan population, notes the HCP. Thus, 17.8% are under 15 years against 28.2% for the Moroccan population. 66.5% are between 15 and 59 years old (compared to 62.4% of Moroccans) and 15.7% are 60 and over (compared to 9.4%).
Foreigners have a fairly high level of literacy: 95.1% of them are literate, 84% of foreigners aged 15 and over have at least secondary level, and 51% have the higher level. Nevertheless, not everyone works: 41.3% are employed, 52% are inactive, and 6.4% are unemployed. More than half of the employed are employed in the private sector, just over 20% are self-employed, and 11.6% are employers.
Nearly one out of two households with at least one foreigner is mixed. 73.1% of the heads of these households are of foreign nationality, against 26.9% of Moroccan nationality. The average household size is 3.2 people. Finally, more than one in three foreign households own their homes. Foreigners live for the majority (47.8%) in apartments, 25.1% in modern Moroccan houses, and 20.3% in villas.
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Monday, December 18, 2017
Bull Bars to be Banned in Morocco
An surprise announcement by Morocco's Ministry of Transport has decreed that protection bars on vehicles (Bull bars) will be prohibited from 1 January 2018.
The Ministry says this change is part of a strengthening of road safety and aimed at protecting pedestrians and vulnerable road users. Such a device mounted on a vehicle will be considered as a defect as of the beginning of the new year.
It is unclear if the decree will apply to vehicles brought into the country by tourists.
And, no jaywalking!
This news comes at the same time as police have started enforcing the use of zebra crossings. The law is included on the 2010 Traffic Regulation but is still not extensively applied.
From now and on, crossing streets in Morocco outside of zebra crosses is subject to a MAD 20 to MAD 50 fine. The law has set the settlement fine at MAD 25.
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Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Moroccan Photo of the Day
Ifrane is the destination of the winter holidays in Morocco! Travellers come from all over the world to enjoy skiing in Michlifen. Ifrane is also very popular with Moroccans for nature weekends and disconnection, in all seasons, but especially in winter, when snowfalls.
See more in our series Photo of the Day
The View from Fez welcomes contributions to our Photo of the Day Series
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Amazigh Festival in Meknes
The 5th edition of the Amazigh (Berber) New Year Festival (2968) will take place from 26 to 28 January in Meknes, under the theme "The dialogue of cultures and the question of identity"
Initiated by the Centre for Shared Memory for Democracy and Peace, the event aims to strengthen cultural customs related to the Amazigh New Year celebration and to discuss issues of identity and common memory. On the menu of this festival, musical evenings dedicated to the celebration of the values of cohabitation, social justice and solidarity and respect for difference.
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Sunday, December 10, 2017
Moroccans Protest Over Trump's Jerusalem Decision
Moroccan citizens have responded in large numbers to the national demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people that began Sunday in Rabat, in protest against the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise the holy city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel
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| Photo crédit : Yassine Toumi/TELQUEL |
Organised on the initiative of the National Action Group to Support Palestine and the Moroccan Association of Solidarity with the Palestinian Struggle, this event has seen the participation of some 100,000 people according to its initiators.
All had one message: to reaffirm the consistent position of the Moroccan people of all stripes, political parties, trade unions and human rights organisations, supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their just cause.
Demonstrators, armed with Palestinian flags or wearing scarves in the colors of Palestine, marched from Bab el-Had square, near the medina, to the Parliament.
"Jerusalem, capital of Palestine!" proclaimed a banner, while protesters, including Islamist sympathizers or trade unionists, chanted slogans against Mr Trump.
"The Palestinian people have suffered a lot and they continue to suffer because of the barbaric colonization of the Israelis," indignant Moustapha, a 43-year-old protester. "We need more than ever to make our voices heard against Trump's decision to deprive Palestinians of their land," said the lawyer from Casablanca with his six-year-old daughter.
To the cries of "Trump you are disqualified!" the demonstrators, coming from several cities near Rabat, then went to the As-Sunna mosque whose minaret dominates the old Rabat.
"Palestine will always be the first cause of Muslims," says Hassan, a 28-year-old teacher from the town of Kenitra, north of Rabat, in a bus available to protestors.
Members of the Moroccan government and other figures of Moroccan political life also participated in the march.
Earlier this week, King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Committee, expressed his "deep concern" at Trump's decision, and warned against "any violation of recognized legal and historical status. "from Jerusalem.
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Saturday, December 09, 2017
Heavy Snow Forecast for Morocco
Morocco's Directorate of National Meteorology (DMN) forecasts heavy snowfalls, Monday and Tuesday, with cold weather from Tuesday to Thursday in many parts of the Kingdom
Abundant snowfalls, locally varying between 30 and 50 cm, are expected from Monday at 18:00 to Tuesday at 24:00 in the provinces of Ifrane, khénifra, Azilal, Al Haouz, Beni Mellal, Midelt, Boulemane, Figuig and the reliefs of Chichaoua , Sefrou and Ouarzazate.
The DMN is also forecasting cold weather in some areas from Tuesday to Thursday in some areas.
In Ifrane, Khénifra, Azilal, Al Haouz, Beni Mellal, Chichaoua, Midelt, Boulemane and Figuig provinces, the minimum temperatures will have to vary between -05 and 00 ° C, while the maximum temperatures will have to reach between 03 and 08C. .
The cold weather will alsoimpact the regions of Sefrou, Fes, Tinghir, Taroudante, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate, Al Hoceima, Taza, Khouribga, Ouezzane, Jerada, Taounate and Taourirte, with minimum temperatures ranging between 00 and 04 C and maximum temperatures between 08 and 13 ° C.
The country will also experience a rainy situation on Monday and Tuesday, according to the same source.
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Friday, December 08, 2017
Religious Diplomacy - Fez Meeting to Promote Moderate Islam
According to a report carried by Morocco World News, 300 Muslim scholars will meet in Fez to debate issues on promoting moderate Islam
The higher council of the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulemas (scholars) will hold a meeting from December 8 to 10 in Morocco’s spiritual capital Fez, bringing together 300 ulemas from all over the continent as part of its religious diplomacy in Africa.
In an official statement released by the foundation, the meeting will be devoted to examining the foundation’s action plan for 2018, as well as to debating major themes such as the values of moderate Islam and the shared African cultural heritage.
This regular session will see the participation of 300 Islamic scholars from 32 African countries where the foundation is represented. More than 80 women will take part of the meeting, 20 of whom are Moroccan.
The work of the Council will bring focus on two axes. The first will concern the adoption of the objectives fixed in article 4 of the Dahir, which are the preservation of the common religious and spiritual constants between Morocco and the African countries, the promotion of the authentic rules of Sharia and the principles of tolerant Islam, the revitalization of the common African Islamic cultural heritage, and the consolidation of the historical relations that bind Morocco to other African countries.
The second axis of this meeting will focus on the examination and voting of the annual draft program for the year 2018 and the process of implementation of the work of the four standing committees in accordance with article 18 of the Dahir, namely the Committee for Scientific and Cultural Activities, the Sharia Studies Committee, the Revitalization of African Islamic Heritage Committee and the Communication, Cooperation and Partnership Committee.
As part of its religious diplomacy in Africa, Morocco continues to promote its moderate version of Islam as a bulwark against extremism and establishes itself as leader, providing training for the hundreds of imams from Africa.
In 2015, Morocco created the religious institute, Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulemas, in order to promote a tolerant Islam and curb the growing threat of terrorism.
The religious institute aims to unite religious scholars and imams of the kingdom with those in other African countries in an effort to serve the interests of Islam. It advocates tolerance and promote research and studies in Islamic thought and culture.
Under the supervision of King Mohammed VI, the institute intends to inculcate the values of moderate Islam as it has always been practiced in Morocco (based on the Ashaari doctrine and the Malikite school of jurisprudence) to the new generations of imams and preachers.
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Morocco: + 9% increase in tourist arrivals
A total of 9.7 million tourists visited Morocco between January and October 2017, an increase of + 9% compared to the same period last year, says the Tourism Observatory
The number of foreign tourists (TES) increased by + 14%, while the arrivals of Moroccans living abroad (MRE) increased by 5%, says the Observatory of Tourism which has just published its statistics on the Moroccan tourism covering the first 10 months of 2017.
This rise affected the main issuing markets, in particular Germany (14%), Holland (8%) and France (7%), according to the same source. As for emerging tourism markets for Morocco, they maintain their upward trend, with China recording a 203% increase, while Japan, South Korea, the United States and Brazil posted respective increases of 40%. %, 33%, 30% and 51%. The total nights spent in classified tourist accommodation establishments recorded a 15% increase during the first 10 months of 2017 (+ 19% for non-resident tourists and + 8% for residents).
The two tourist hubs of Marrakesh and Agadir alone generated 60% of total overnight stays at the end of May, the Observatory said, noting that these two cities experienced an increase of 18% and 12%, respectively. Other destinations also performed well, especially the cities of Fez and Tangier with respective increases of 37% and 26%. Occupancy rate until the end of October 2017, reached 44%, up 4 points over the same period last year.
In addition, revenues generated by tourism activity by non-residents in Morocco amounted to MAD 59.2 billion (MMDH) at the end of October 2017, compared with MAD 56.1 billion a year earlier, an increase of 5%, 4%. During the month of October, the number of tourist arrivals at the border posts increased by 15% compared to the same month of 2016 (+ 24% for the TES and + 1% for the MRE).
With its political stability and notable economic progress, Morocco did well in the latest survey of the Intermat Construction Observatory. It is at the head of a ranking of the most attractive countries of the African continent.
The results of the analysis were previewed this Wednesday in Casablanca, at a conference dedicated to the presentation of the International Exhibition of Construction and Infrastructure, scheduled for April 23 to 28, 2018 in Paris with the participation from Morocco. Morocco has emerged as the most attractive country on the continent out of a dozen countries with high potential.
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Thursday, December 07, 2017
Moroccan News Briefs #138
Morocco Sends A Message to Trump
Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation ( DFAIT) has expressed its deep concern and strong condemnation of the US decision to recognise Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel and to transfer its embassy to this holy city.
Such an initiative is in flagrant contradiction with international legality and more particularly with the two resolutions 2253 and 2254 of 1967 of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as with the conventions concluded and the agreements between the two parties, Palestinian and Israel, the ministry said in a statement.
Morocco, whose HM King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), insists on the need to preserve the historical, legal and political status of Al-Quds and calls upon the United Nations, including the permanent members of the Security Council, to fully assume their responsibilities in order to avoid anything that might undermine that status or undermine international efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has sent a message to the President of the United States, Donald Trump. The translation is as follows:
I am pleased to address you today as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which has 57 States representing more than one billion citizens.
I would like to express to Your Excellency my deep personal concern and the great concern felt by the Arab and Muslim States and peoples, following the recurrent information on the intention of your administration to recognize Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and to transfer the embassy of the United States.
As you are aware, Excellency, the extreme importance of the city of Al-Quds not only for the parties to the conflict, but also for the faithful of the three celestial religions.
Due to its unique religious specificities, its age-old historical identity and its great political symbolism, the city of Al-Quds must remain a land of cohabitation and a symbol of coexistence and tolerance for all.
Since your inauguration, you have demonstrated a strong will and determination to restart the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides and have taken promising steps in this direction, having enjoyed the continued support of the international community, including including the Kingdom of Morocco.
The current step is likely to negatively impact the prospects of a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, knowing that the United States of America is one of the main sponsors of the peace process and enjoys the confidence of all parties.
In accordance with relevant international resolutions, including particularly Security Council resolutions, Al-Quds is at the heart of final status issues, which requires maintaining its legal status and avoiding anything that is likely to undermining its current political status.
Excellency, Mr. President,
The Middle East lives in the midst of deep crises, continuous tension and peril that need to avoid anything that may exacerbate the feelings of frustration and disappointment that are the bedrock of extremism and terrorism. to undermine precarious stability in the region and to diminish the hope that fruitful talks will be able to materialise the international community's vision of a two-state solution.
The Kingdom of Morocco, constantly striving for a just and comprehensive peace in the region in accordance with the principles of legality and the international resolutions related thereto, does not doubt the insight of the vision of your respectable administration, nor of your personal commitment peace and stability in the region and your firm determination to facilitate the relaunch of the peace process and avoid anything that may hinder or even stop it.
U.S. Mission in Morocco Issues Security Message for U.S. Citizens
The recent announcement that the United States recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem may spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent. U. S Mission Morocco reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security.
Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news for updates. Maintain a high-level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities. Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Taxi Strike in Fez
A showdown continues between taxi drivers and the authorities of the city of Fez. On strike since yesterday, the drivers of the red taxis have paralysed the traffic for the second successive day. They demand a responsible dialogue with the local authorities. They decided to ban traffic in Allal Benabdallah Avenue. This created a great inconvenience for the motorists and the inhabitants of the avenue.
For their part, taxi drivers are demanding a immediate fight against illegal transport.
A total of nearly 500 taxi drivers have joined the struggle and announced an indefinite strike.
A Plan to Plant 800,000 Trees
As part of the fight against desertification and soil erosion, a partnership agreement has been signed between the High Commissioner for Water and Forests and Rotary Club for the planting of 800,000 trees nationwide.
On Tuesday, the High Commission for Water and Forests and the Fight Against Desertification (HCEFLCD) and the Rotary Clubs of Morocco signed a partnership agreement for the planting of 800,000 trees at the national level.
Under this agreement, the HCEFLCD undertakes to ensure the supply of seedlings for the benefit of the Rotary Clubs, (10,000 trees in 2017 and 790,000 in 2018), to guarantee the technical supervision and monitoring of the plantation and to provide technical support for environmental education programs.
As for the Rotary Club, it is obliged to define through the Rotary Clubs of the Kingdom and in collaboration with the Regional Offices of the High Commission, the places of plantations and to communicate to the HCEFLCD the program of afforestation by region and by province.
Rotary will also take care of all the work and expenses related to the planting work (soil preparation, planting, watering and maintenance during the planting season) including the transportation of the seedlings from the nursery to the planting sites.
Rotary in Morocco has about fifty clubs present in all regions of the kingdom, which sponsor and carry out every year dozens of humanitarian actions. Morocco enjoys a great reputation within Rotary International, since Morocco had the privilege of organising the first summit of African Rotarians from 27 to 29 March 2018 in Marrakech, under the High patronage of HM King Mohammed VI.
The official launch of the planting operation is scheduled for 6 December at the Bir Lahmar perimeter (Maamora Forest, rural commune Ameur).
Morocco - Crime and Security Update
The number of persons brought before the courts has reached 402,384
The rate of crimes affecting the sense of security has dropped significantly over the last 4 years and Morocco has emerged as one of the safest countries in the world and the crime rate in its various forms in Morocco is one of the lowest in the world, with only 21 cases for every 1,000 citizens per year.
The Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior, Noureddine Boutayeb, who was responding to a question in the House of Representatives on the security situation in Morocco, said that this rate has generally stabilised over the past three years. He added that the rate of crimes that affect the feeling of security has dropped significantly over the last 4 years. "The national security services have resolved in 2017, until September, some 378,974 out of the 420,664 cases registered, a rate of 92.33%, one of the best at the international level, " he said and announced that the number of people brought before the courts has reached 402,384.
The Minister referred to the record of the fight against the networks of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and cross-border organised crime. The Kingdom, because of its strategic geographical position, is more and more confronted with this kind of crime. Data provided by the number two Ministry of the Interior report more than 50,000 attempted smuggling to Europe failed. According to the same source, the security services dismantled 73 criminal networks engaged in human trafficking, adding that convincing results have been achieved in the fight against drugs with the seizure, during this year, of more 71 tons of chira and more than 2 and a half tons of cocaine.
Mr. Boutayeb highlighted the excellent results achieved jointly by the security and territorial services through the "provincial security units". Those who work under the supervision of walis and governors illustrate, according to the same source, "the efforts made to strengthen the feeling of security among citizens and their confidence in the security approach adopted".
Security Capacity Development: A Priority
The Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior has said that the consolidation of the security situation is the subject of the constant high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which ensures that the Kingdom remains at the top of stable countries, noting that the government puts the development of security capabilities, human and material, at the heart of its program and spares no effort to achieve it.
The Ministry of the Interior and the security services make this subject a priority through the adoption of a precise security strategy and multi-dimensional action plans constantly updated to meet the needs and requirements of the field, the evolution of crime and changes in the regional and international situation.
It is through this strategy that the Moroccan experience has achieved positive results that have helped to support the Kingdom's development and make it a reference in terms of stability and security and a model in the way of dealing with terrorist threats, said the minister delegate.
The Moroccan experience as an international model
Morocco's strategy in its fight against drug trafficking was widely discussed in Moscow on Monday at the international conference "Parliamentarians Against Drugs" held in the Duma (lower house of the Russian Parliament).
Representatives of the Moroccan delegation have indicated that Morocco has ratified three UN conventions on the fight against drug trafficking, highlighting the efforts of the Kingdom at the regional and international levels with the key to the dismantling of many networks of drug traffickers. narcotics.
The same source also added the emphasis of the vigilance of the Moroccan authorities at the borders to prevent the trafficking of psychotropic drugs and all other drugs, noting that Morocco does not only rely on the security approach but also promotes a process social and awareness-raising, especially for young people, the first victims of these prohibited substances.
Cold Weather Continues
Here are the weather forecasts for the day of Thursday, December 7, 2017 and the following night, prepared by the National Meteorological Directorate:
- Cold weather on landforms and plateaus and generally cool on the rest of the country.
- Stable weather with clear to slightly cloudy sky over the whole country.
- Night and morning frost on the reliefs and plateaus.
- Moderate to fairly strong east sector wind over southern and Tangier provinces and east to east variable to elsewhere.
- Minimum temperatures in the order of -07 to -01 ° C on the eastern hills and plateaus, from 00 to 05 ° C on the north of the Oriental, the plateaux of phosphates and Oulmes, the South east, the Saiss and the interior of Gharb and Chaouia, from 04 to 09 ° C on the Atlantic plains north and center, Doukkala, Abda, Chiadma, Tensift and Souss and 10 to 15 ° C on the Tangerois and the south of the country.
- Maximum temperatures of the order of 07 to 12 ° C on the reliefs and the Eastern highlands, from 12 to 17 ° C on the North of the Oriental, the South-East and on the Mediterranean coast, from 17 to 22 ° C on the Saiss, Gharb, Doukkala, Abda, Tadla, Rhamna, Tensift Souss and northern southern provinces and 23-28 ° C in the extreme south of the country.
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Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation ( DFAIT) has expressed its deep concern and strong condemnation of the US decision to recognise Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel and to transfer its embassy to this holy city.
Such an initiative is in flagrant contradiction with international legality and more particularly with the two resolutions 2253 and 2254 of 1967 of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as with the conventions concluded and the agreements between the two parties, Palestinian and Israel, the ministry said in a statement.
Morocco, whose HM King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), insists on the need to preserve the historical, legal and political status of Al-Quds and calls upon the United Nations, including the permanent members of the Security Council, to fully assume their responsibilities in order to avoid anything that might undermine that status or undermine international efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has sent a message to the President of the United States, Donald Trump. The translation is as follows:
I am pleased to address you today as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which has 57 States representing more than one billion citizens.
I would like to express to Your Excellency my deep personal concern and the great concern felt by the Arab and Muslim States and peoples, following the recurrent information on the intention of your administration to recognize Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and to transfer the embassy of the United States.
As you are aware, Excellency, the extreme importance of the city of Al-Quds not only for the parties to the conflict, but also for the faithful of the three celestial religions.
Due to its unique religious specificities, its age-old historical identity and its great political symbolism, the city of Al-Quds must remain a land of cohabitation and a symbol of coexistence and tolerance for all.
Since your inauguration, you have demonstrated a strong will and determination to restart the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides and have taken promising steps in this direction, having enjoyed the continued support of the international community, including including the Kingdom of Morocco.
The current step is likely to negatively impact the prospects of a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, knowing that the United States of America is one of the main sponsors of the peace process and enjoys the confidence of all parties.
In accordance with relevant international resolutions, including particularly Security Council resolutions, Al-Quds is at the heart of final status issues, which requires maintaining its legal status and avoiding anything that is likely to undermining its current political status.
Excellency, Mr. President,
The Middle East lives in the midst of deep crises, continuous tension and peril that need to avoid anything that may exacerbate the feelings of frustration and disappointment that are the bedrock of extremism and terrorism. to undermine precarious stability in the region and to diminish the hope that fruitful talks will be able to materialise the international community's vision of a two-state solution.
The Kingdom of Morocco, constantly striving for a just and comprehensive peace in the region in accordance with the principles of legality and the international resolutions related thereto, does not doubt the insight of the vision of your respectable administration, nor of your personal commitment peace and stability in the region and your firm determination to facilitate the relaunch of the peace process and avoid anything that may hinder or even stop it.
U.S. Mission in Morocco Issues Security Message for U.S. Citizens
The recent announcement that the United States recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem may spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent. U. S Mission Morocco reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security.
Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news for updates. Maintain a high-level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities. Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Taxi Strike in Fez
A showdown continues between taxi drivers and the authorities of the city of Fez. On strike since yesterday, the drivers of the red taxis have paralysed the traffic for the second successive day. They demand a responsible dialogue with the local authorities. They decided to ban traffic in Allal Benabdallah Avenue. This created a great inconvenience for the motorists and the inhabitants of the avenue.
For their part, taxi drivers are demanding a immediate fight against illegal transport.
A total of nearly 500 taxi drivers have joined the struggle and announced an indefinite strike.
A Plan to Plant 800,000 Trees
As part of the fight against desertification and soil erosion, a partnership agreement has been signed between the High Commissioner for Water and Forests and Rotary Club for the planting of 800,000 trees nationwide.
On Tuesday, the High Commission for Water and Forests and the Fight Against Desertification (HCEFLCD) and the Rotary Clubs of Morocco signed a partnership agreement for the planting of 800,000 trees at the national level.
Under this agreement, the HCEFLCD undertakes to ensure the supply of seedlings for the benefit of the Rotary Clubs, (10,000 trees in 2017 and 790,000 in 2018), to guarantee the technical supervision and monitoring of the plantation and to provide technical support for environmental education programs.
As for the Rotary Club, it is obliged to define through the Rotary Clubs of the Kingdom and in collaboration with the Regional Offices of the High Commission, the places of plantations and to communicate to the HCEFLCD the program of afforestation by region and by province.
Rotary will also take care of all the work and expenses related to the planting work (soil preparation, planting, watering and maintenance during the planting season) including the transportation of the seedlings from the nursery to the planting sites.
Rotary in Morocco has about fifty clubs present in all regions of the kingdom, which sponsor and carry out every year dozens of humanitarian actions. Morocco enjoys a great reputation within Rotary International, since Morocco had the privilege of organising the first summit of African Rotarians from 27 to 29 March 2018 in Marrakech, under the High patronage of HM King Mohammed VI.
The official launch of the planting operation is scheduled for 6 December at the Bir Lahmar perimeter (Maamora Forest, rural commune Ameur).
Morocco - Crime and Security Update
 |
| Security: Police resolved more than 92% of cases until September |
The number of persons brought before the courts has reached 402,384
The rate of crimes affecting the sense of security has dropped significantly over the last 4 years and Morocco has emerged as one of the safest countries in the world and the crime rate in its various forms in Morocco is one of the lowest in the world, with only 21 cases for every 1,000 citizens per year.
The Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior, Noureddine Boutayeb, who was responding to a question in the House of Representatives on the security situation in Morocco, said that this rate has generally stabilised over the past three years. He added that the rate of crimes that affect the feeling of security has dropped significantly over the last 4 years. "The national security services have resolved in 2017, until September, some 378,974 out of the 420,664 cases registered, a rate of 92.33%, one of the best at the international level, " he said and announced that the number of people brought before the courts has reached 402,384.
The Minister referred to the record of the fight against the networks of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and cross-border organised crime. The Kingdom, because of its strategic geographical position, is more and more confronted with this kind of crime. Data provided by the number two Ministry of the Interior report more than 50,000 attempted smuggling to Europe failed. According to the same source, the security services dismantled 73 criminal networks engaged in human trafficking, adding that convincing results have been achieved in the fight against drugs with the seizure, during this year, of more 71 tons of chira and more than 2 and a half tons of cocaine.
Mr. Boutayeb highlighted the excellent results achieved jointly by the security and territorial services through the "provincial security units". Those who work under the supervision of walis and governors illustrate, according to the same source, "the efforts made to strengthen the feeling of security among citizens and their confidence in the security approach adopted".
Security Capacity Development: A Priority
The Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior has said that the consolidation of the security situation is the subject of the constant high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which ensures that the Kingdom remains at the top of stable countries, noting that the government puts the development of security capabilities, human and material, at the heart of its program and spares no effort to achieve it.
The Ministry of the Interior and the security services make this subject a priority through the adoption of a precise security strategy and multi-dimensional action plans constantly updated to meet the needs and requirements of the field, the evolution of crime and changes in the regional and international situation.
It is through this strategy that the Moroccan experience has achieved positive results that have helped to support the Kingdom's development and make it a reference in terms of stability and security and a model in the way of dealing with terrorist threats, said the minister delegate.
The Moroccan experience as an international model
Morocco's strategy in its fight against drug trafficking was widely discussed in Moscow on Monday at the international conference "Parliamentarians Against Drugs" held in the Duma (lower house of the Russian Parliament).
Representatives of the Moroccan delegation have indicated that Morocco has ratified three UN conventions on the fight against drug trafficking, highlighting the efforts of the Kingdom at the regional and international levels with the key to the dismantling of many networks of drug traffickers. narcotics.
The same source also added the emphasis of the vigilance of the Moroccan authorities at the borders to prevent the trafficking of psychotropic drugs and all other drugs, noting that Morocco does not only rely on the security approach but also promotes a process social and awareness-raising, especially for young people, the first victims of these prohibited substances.
Cold Weather Continues
Here are the weather forecasts for the day of Thursday, December 7, 2017 and the following night, prepared by the National Meteorological Directorate:
- Cold weather on landforms and plateaus and generally cool on the rest of the country.
- Stable weather with clear to slightly cloudy sky over the whole country.
- Night and morning frost on the reliefs and plateaus.
- Moderate to fairly strong east sector wind over southern and Tangier provinces and east to east variable to elsewhere.
- Minimum temperatures in the order of -07 to -01 ° C on the eastern hills and plateaus, from 00 to 05 ° C on the north of the Oriental, the plateaux of phosphates and Oulmes, the South east, the Saiss and the interior of Gharb and Chaouia, from 04 to 09 ° C on the Atlantic plains north and center, Doukkala, Abda, Chiadma, Tensift and Souss and 10 to 15 ° C on the Tangerois and the south of the country.
- Maximum temperatures of the order of 07 to 12 ° C on the reliefs and the Eastern highlands, from 12 to 17 ° C on the North of the Oriental, the South-East and on the Mediterranean coast, from 17 to 22 ° C on the Saiss, Gharb, Doukkala, Abda, Tadla, Rhamna, Tensift Souss and northern southern provinces and 23-28 ° C in the extreme south of the country.
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