Stories from Rabat · Morocco

Morocco loses between 600 and 700 doctors every year, according to a study by the Fondation des enseignants marocains. The data includes both medical students and established specialists. A France Info report clarified that these departures are not exclusive to France but encompass all international destinations. In France, over 19,000 foreign-trained doctors are registered with the medical order, representing 8% of total practitioners. Of these non-EU doctors, 36% obtained degrees in Algeria, 15% in Tunisia, 7% in Syria, and 6.5% in Morocco. Morocco currently has only 8 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants. This compares to 17 per 10,000 in Algeria and a WHO average of 40 per 10,000. The shortage is driven by a trend of graduates moving to France, including a 7% figure for certain demographics. A claim that one-third of Moroccan doctors move specifically to France was identified as false.

Satellite imagery shows changes in the landscape of central and northern Morocco due to recent rainfall. Data shows a trend of increasing dry years. The sector is struggling to resist drought conditions. This follows a period where agricultural productivity has been declining. Adriah noted an increasing frequency of dry years despite a relatively good year currently. The remarks were made in the context of rising biometry rates observed over the last 20 years. This precipitation is expected to benefit most sectors, though olive oil production faced delays as mud prevented tractor operations in fields. One large operator reported producing approximately 1,500 tons of oil this year despite these challenges. Long-term effects on olive trees remain a concern due to the weather conditions. Abundant rainfall in central and northern Morocco has significantly changed the landscape since January.

The US Secretary of State expressed a desire for a rapid solution to the Western Sahara conflict during a visit to Rabat on Wednesday. Washington recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the territory in 2020 in exchange for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. The desert territory is located between Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. Landt described the duration of the conflict as unacceptable. The Under Secretary is also scheduled to meet Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers on Tuesday. Lando stated the resolution cannot wait 50, 150, or 200 years. He made these remarks in Morocco following a two-day trip that included a stop in Algeria.

The 77th FIFA Congress will take place in Morocco in 2027 to hold presidential elections. Current FIFA President Gianni Infantino, an Italian, remains in his position.

A Moroccan company is planning its first fundraising round for a gas pipeline project valued at $25 billion.

A German delegation is visiting an auto parts manufacturing plant near Rabat, Morocco. The group includes parliamentary state secretary from the Ministry of Economic Affairs Stefan Roenhoff and representatives from German companies. Ulrich Ummann noted that no DAX companies have invested in Morocco yet. Ummann suggested the kingdom could leverage its advantages due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. No DAX-listed companies have currently invested in Morocco, according to the report. The visit follows the arrival of the group at Rabat-Salé Airport. The trip is intended to discuss investment capabilities and economic cooperation between Germany and Morocco.

German entrepreneurs are traveling to Morocco as both nations discuss increasing investments. Political talks are expected to focus on the migration partnership established by the German coalition government.

The Brazilian Paralympic athletics team won the Grand Prix in Rabat. The team secured a total of 57 medals, consisting of 38 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Athletes are scheduled to compete in the Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland, in May.

Morocco is focusing on explaining its situation and challenges, particularly concerning its territorial integrity, and highlighting its progress in human rights. The country is currently presiding over discussions on these matters.

Austria has expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan regarding the Sahara dispute, describing it as one of the most viable solutions. This diplomatic stance aligns with recent discussions on regional stability in North Africa. The move comes amid ongoing tensions regarding territorial sovereignty in the region.