Quarantine isolates the fasting from the atmosphere of Ramadan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience of Ramadan in Morocco has been significantly altered due to quarantine measures. Abdullah Al-Sadaawi described missing the spiritual atmosphere and family gatherings typically associated with Ramadan. Hassan Qarnfal, a sociology professor, noted the difficulty people face in adapting to the new situation, including the impact on mental health and traditional practices. A prison employee in Ouarzazate expressed longing for family and Ramadan traditions while being isolated in a hospital due to the virus. Imam Mohammed Al-Said Al-Sufyani, accustomed to leading prayers since 1993, is now leading them at home. The Ministry of Interior implemented a curfew from 7 pm to 5 am, with exceptions for essential workers. Videos of female ministry employees enforcing quarantine measures in neighborhoods have circulated, showing a softer side of the authority.

The absence of critical thinking aids the spread of rumors in Morocco

Rumors thrive in Morocco, particularly during major events like the current COVID-19 pandemic, exploiting modern technology for rapid news dissemination. Moroccan society, similar to other Arab societies, is a fertile ground for rumors due to its social fabric and religious culture. Since the virus's spread in Morocco, confusion has prevailed due to misleading news and rumors, such as market overcrowding and product shortages. Psychologist Faisal Tahiri highlights the psychological, social, and economic harm caused by rumors, which are exacerbated by the panic and anxiety among people. The lack of critical thinking, rooted in flawed religious education and teaching methods that do not develop critical capacities, contributes to the spread of rumors. The Moroccan government has recognized the legal void in this area and approved Law No. 22.20 in March to deter behaviors on social networks, such as spreading false news. As of April 2, judicial authorities have opened 81 investigations, resulting in proceedings against 58 individuals. Meanwhile, the pandemic has increased public engagement with television channels for news updates, while print newspapers have turned to electronic issues, and online sites have flourished. University professor Yahya Yahyawi criticizes some journalists for contributing to rumor-mongering, while Noureddine Miftah, editor-in-chief of the weekly Al-Ayyam, emphasizes the role of education in combating rumors and trivial content.

Infantino Proposes Holding the African Cup of Nations Every Four Years

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed that the African Cup of Nations be held every four years instead of two, in addition to establishing a professional league featuring 20 of the continent's top clubs to compete with major global tournaments. Speaking at a FIFA-organized seminar on competition development and infrastructure in Africa, held in Morocco, Infantino expressed concern over the decline of African football despite the presence of talent and passion. He outlined a development program focused on refereeing, infrastructure, and competitions, including a $1 billion investment for world-class stadiums in each country and professionalizing refereeing with FIFA support. Infantino views these reforms as a way to elevate African football and provide hope for African youth.

African Migration to Europe: Morocco Transforms from a Transit Station to a Country of Settlement

Morocco, once a transit point for African migrants dreaming of reaching Europe, has become a country of settlement due to the tightening of European borders and the Moroccan government's more tolerant stance towards undocumented migrants. Many migrants, like Hassan from Ghana, have abandoned their European dreams and settled in Morocco, finding work and integrating into society. The Moroccan authorities have been active in preventing illegal crossings to Spain, with 89,000 attempts thwarted in 2018, while over 57,000 migrants succeeded. Morocco's national strategy for immigration and asylum has regularized the status of many, with 43,000 out of 56,000 applicants receiving approval last year. Migrants work in various sectors, and while some still aspire to reach Europe, others, like Mamadou from Senegal, focus on building a life in Morocco.

Pompeo's visit to Rabat brings US-Moroccan relations back to the forefront

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Rabat for an official working visit as part of a tour that included England and Portugal, aimed at enhancing economic and security cooperation between the US and Morocco. Moroccan Prime Minister Saad-Eddine El Othmani received Pompeo, discussing trade development and investment initiatives, particularly in sectors where Morocco has had significant experiences, such as the automotive and aircraft parts industries. The talks also covered the Millennium Challenge Corporation's cooperation program and projects in education, vocational training, and empowering youth and women. The visit's objectives included discussing the political situation in the Middle East and containing Iran's growing role in the region. Morocco is the only African country with a free trade agreement with the US since 2006. Political scientist Adel Ben Hamza commented on the visit in the context of renewed global Cold War tensions and the search for new partnerships due to the unpredictability of US foreign policy under President Trump.

Builders of the 'Holocaust Memorial' in Marrakech Request Intervention of King Mohammed VI

Oliver Bienkowski, founder of PixelHELPER, has requested 100,000 euros in compensation from Moroccan authorities for the demolition of a Holocaust memorial near Marrakech or for King Mohammed VI to intervene in its reconstruction. The Moroccan authorities demolished the memorial, claiming the project lacked legal permits. Bienkowski disputes claims of Morocco being anti-Semitic and denies allegations of homosexuality made by Moroccan media, emphasizing the memorial's purpose to commemorate massacres against Jews and other oppressed minorities. He clarifies that donations form only a small part of the organization's funding.