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☆ Morocco restricts tomato exports over high domestic prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Ahmed Eljechtimi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

RABAT, March 24 (Reuters) - Morocco has restricted tomato exports since late February with a total ban in place from last week until Thursday to lower domestic prices, the head of the country's main fruit and vegetable exporters' group said on Friday. Higher-priced produce such as cherry tomatoes, which represent more than half of the North African country's tomato exports, are not included in the restrictions, Aderdour said. The agriculture minister did not respond to Reuters calls for comment and the agency in charge of food exports did not immediately answer a request for comment. However, when asked about inflation on Thursday, a government spokesperson said it was impossible to talk about exports while domestic food prices were high. Food inflation jumped to 20.1% last month, bringing general inflation to 10.1%, a level unmatched since the 1980s.

[1/3] The border fence between Morocco and Spain's north African enclave Melilla is seen along a road, December 11, 2014. Bilateral trade rose to 17 billion euros in 2022, making Spain Morocco's biggest trade partner. The disputes underscore Spain's dependence on Morocco to control migration by Moroccans and sub-Saharan Africans seeking to cross the European Union's southernmost border. Some observers say the drop in migration could prove temporary and that Spain remains too dependent on Morocco. For a sustained fall in migration, Spain needs more cooperation with Morocco when it comes to repatriating illegal Moroccan migrants, said Blanca Garces, senior researcher in migration at the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs.

[1/3] Migrants run towards the fence separating Morocco from Spain, after thousands of migrants swam across the border, in Ceuta, Spain, May 19, 2021. Spanish exports to Algeria fell 41% to 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) in the January-November 2022 period compared with a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Industry. State-owned railway operators Renfe and Adif are working with their Moroccan counterpart to develop new train lines, which could mean 6 billion euros of business. A joint declaration made no mention of Spain's enclaves in Morocco although it reiterated Spain's new position on Western Sahara. Both countries agreed to cooperate on repatriations of illegal migrants.

☆ Morocco plans to sell India 1.7 million tonnes of fertilisers in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

RABAT, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Moroccan phosphates and fertilisers producer OCP said on Sunday it plans to supply India with 1.7 million tonnes of phosphate-based fertilisers in 2023. The supply agreements were signed during a visit by Indian health, chemicals and fertilisers minister Mansukh Mandaviya to Rabat. Under the deals, Morocco's OCP will supply India with 700,000 tonnes of a nitrogen-free fertiliser known as triple super phosphate (TSP), in addition to 1 million tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP). Morocco, which has the world's largest phosphates reserves, reported a 54.8% rise in exports of the mineral and its derivatives - including fertilisers - to 108 billion dirhams ($10.6 billion) in the first 11 months of 2022. Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Turkey says Tripoli backs energy deal despite court suspension
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Law firms Turkey Law Firm FollowANKARA, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) told Turkey "not to take seriously" a court ruling that suspended an energy exploration deal that the Tripoli government signed with Ankara last year, the Turkish foreign minister said on Thursday. A Libyan court on Monday suspended the energy exploration deal that had angered other Mediterranean powers and inflamed Libya's own internal crisis. "This court ruling is not the final verdict. The government still backs the deal and they told us that they are proceeding with the necessary work and we should not take this court ruling seriously," Cavusoglu said. Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Ali Kucukgocmen in Ankara; Ahmed Elumami in Tripoli, Editing by Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ CIA chief makes rare visit to Libya
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TRIPOLI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief William Burns made a rare trip to Libya on Thursday, meeting Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah in Tripoli, the Libyan government said. Dbeibah's Government of National Unity announced the visit on its Facebook page, posting a picture of Burns and Dbeibah together. Two sources close to eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who is based in Benghazi, said Burns had also met with him. The United States has previously said it is worried about the role played by Russia in Libya's conflict, and fears continued instability in the OPEC member could impact global energy supply and give space to Islamist militant groups. The detention of Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi and his transfer to the United States prompted anger inside Libya, which has no extradition treaty with Washington, and led to recriminations from Dbeibah's political foes.

☆ Morocco complains of European parliament 'harassment' after graft probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

RABAT, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Morocco's ties with the European Union must be protected against harassment at the European parliament, foreign minister Nasser Bourita said on Thursday, following a European probe into graft allegations involving European lawmakers, Qatar and Morocco. "This partnership faces attacks in European institutions, notably at the parliament," Bourita added. Belgian authorities have charged four people linked to the European Parliament over allegations that Qatar lavished them with cash and gifts to influence decision-making. The European Union maintains a position of "zero tolerance" of corruption and will wait for the results of the decision of a judicial investigation into the case, he said. He said EU aid to Morocco would increase to 1.6 billion euros during 2021-2027 from 1.4 billion in 2014-2020.

☆ At least 20 people killed in clashes in Somaliland
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( Abdiqani Hassani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BOSASO, Somalia, Jan 1 (Reuters) - At least 20 people have been killed in Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces over several days, according to a doctor at a public hospital. Mohamed Farah, a doctor at Laascaanood Hospital, a public facility in Laascaanood, told Reuters at least 20 people had been killed and dozens injured. Protesters are demanding that Somaliland cede control of the town to Puntland and also accuse security forces of failing to end insecurity in the town. We are demanding that they leave," Adaan Jaamac Oogle, the spokesman of the protesters told Reuters. Puntland's Vice President, Ahmed Elmi Osman Karash, accused the security forces of violence.

☆ Morocco to ban arrivals from China over COVID surge
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

RABAT, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Morocco will impose a ban on people arriving from China, whatever their nationality, from Jan. 3 to avert any new wave of coronavirus infections, the foreign ministry said on Saturday. Several countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from China due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Thousands of tourists visit Morocco from China every year, usually travelling on flights that come via the Gulf. In an abrupt change of policy, China this month began dismantling the world's strictest COVID regime of lockdowns and extensive testing, putting its battered economy on course for a complete re-opening next year. But the lifting of restrictions has led to COVID spreading largely unchecked and likely infecting millions of people a day there, according to some international health experts.

DOHA/RABAT, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Moroccans slumped with disappointment on Wednesday after their team's semi-final defeat to France, but were still pumped with pride for a World Cup run that spurred tears of joy across Africa and the Arab world. In the first World Cup held in an Arab country, and one already marked by upsets, Morocco won supporters far afield as the first Arab team to reach the quarter-finals and the first African team to reach the semis. It is already an honour and we are proud to see people from different countries root for the Moroccan team," said Taoufiq Ouchikh. We lost to a world Cup champion and we dominated," said Abdelilah Sair, another fan watching in the same cafe. Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch lauded a team he called heroes that brought joy to Moroccans and made the country's name "resonate on every tongue during the World Cup".

☆ Morocco airline cancels World Cup fans flights, citing Qatar restrictions
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The CN-ROP Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737 makes its final approach for landing at Toulouse-Blagnac airport, France, March 20, 2019. "Following the latest restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform customers of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways," the airline said in an emailed statement. The Qatari government's international media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The RAM spokesperson did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

☆ Royal Air Maroc plans 30 flights to carry Moroccan soccer fans to Doha
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Doha, Qatar - December 10, 2022 Morocco fans in Souq Waqif, celebrate as Morocco progress to the semi finals after the Morocco and Portugal match REUTERS/Ibraheem Al OmariRABAT, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Morocco's Royal Air Maroc will operate 30 special flights to carry soccer fans from Casablanca to Doha for the country's Wednesday World Cup semifinal game against France, the airline said on Monday. The flights would depart on Tuesday and Wednesday, it said. To the delight of Moroccans, and not just soccer fans, the country has become the first in Africa ever to qualify for World Cup semifinals. Passengers on the promotionally priced round trips will add to thousands of Moroccans who are already attending the soccer tournament in Doha. Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Bradley PerrettOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

In an Abidjan cafe where people were watching the game and drinking beer to celebrate the win, customer Jules Goule said Ivorians were proud of Morocco's win. "Through Morocco Africa has just shown that it can compete with other continents in football," he said. As the game wound on, Morocco fans screamed "Ole, ole, ole!" In the media box, a security guard, screaming with triumph, hugged a Moroccan journalist who was weeping with happiness. But in Rabat, joyful fans thronged the streets, people poured towards the downtown square where Morocco's victories are celebrated.

☆ Soccer Moroccan fans scramble for World Cup flights
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Ahmed Eljechtimi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

RABAT, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Moroccans scrambled on Friday to get seats on the seven additional flights that state carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has announced to help soccer fans get to Qatar for the World Cup quarter final against Portugal. A source at Morocco's soccer federation said it had agreed with RAM that fans seeking tickets on the additional flights should have tickets for the Saturday match and a Hayya card - Qatar's temporary entry visa for World Cup visitors. However, several fans at a RAM office in Rabat said they were able to get air tickets with only the Hayya card and hoped to buy match tickets on arrival in Doha. Fans attending the Casablanca stadium zone need to get there three hours early for a place, one of the organisers said. "Looking at how many T-shirts I have sold, I wish the World Cup lasted forever,” said Zouhir Sabir, a shop keeper in the old centre of Rabat.

In earlier matches they had tied with Croatia and scored a surprise win over Belgium, the second-ranked team in the world. "This team can go all the way in this World Cup!" In Qatar, where the home team along with Saudi Arabia and Tunisia have already been knocked out, Morocco now carries the mantle for an Arab world that has cheered victories by Arab teams against some of the tournament favourites. FIFA and Qatar's World Cup organisers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the crowding outside the stadium. Morocco's last World Cup appearance, four years ago, ended in the group stage.

☆ New desalination plant points towards Morocco's drought response
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Ahmed Eljechtimi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/6] A view shows a desalination plant in south of Agadir, Morocco, in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on November 21, 2022. IRRIGATIONSome of the worst effects of Morocco's drought have been felt in Agadir, an Atlantic coast city of 1 million people, several hours' drive south of Casablanca. The most important one -- to supply Morocco's biggest city Casablanca -- is due to start construction next year and come on stream in 2026. All the new desalination plants, including Agadir, were meant to be powered by renewable energy. But, the Agadir plant is so far being powered directly from the national grid.

☆ See the 23-slide pitch deck used to raise $6 million by a software startup seeking to make science faster, cheaper, and more transparent
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Yeji Jesse Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The company just raised a $6 million seed round led by Hummingbird Ventures and Dimension. This frustration eventually led to the founding in November 2021 of Kaleidoscope, a New York software company focused on addressing inefficiencies in biotech. The company announced Wednesday that it had raised a $6 million seed round led by Hummingbird Ventures and Dimension. Knezevic created Kaleidoscope along with Ahmed Elnaiem and David Yen, who hail from the engineering and product-design worlds respectively. See the presentation Kaleidoscope used to raise a $6 million seed round from investors such as Hummingbird Ventures and Dimension.

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