AGP Executive Report

Historic Leadership: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government after PAM won the most seats in the Sept. 23 election. AFCON Legal Drama: CAS set an Oct. 8, 2026 closed-door hearing in Lausanne on Senegal’s appeal over the 2025 AFCON final outcome, with Morocco seeking to uphold its title. AFCON 2027 Prep: CAF is still assessing whether East Africa’s joint hosts (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) can meet stadium and infrastructure deadlines; Morocco is among reported backup options if preparations slip. Economy & Finance: Morocco’s Treasury placed MAD 2.8bn in short-term cash surpluses, while fuel prices are set to rise again (gasoline +0.44 dirham/liter; diesel +0.85). Sports & Local Impact: Morocco’s U17s beat Ghana’s Black Starlets 2-1 in Rabat, and a stray-dog attack near Ait Ben Haddou left a man dead, renewing calls for urgent local control measures. Church Watch: The Vatican appointed Mario León Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat with succession rights amid an ongoing investigation into Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero.

Historic Leadership: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government after PAM won 97 of 395 seats in last week’s parliamentary election; El Mansouri said “the work starts today” and pledged to meet citizens’ expectations. AFCON Focus: Morocco kicked off the 2027 qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Lesotho, while attention also turns to the wider qualifying chaos involving Ghana’s poor start and calls for GFA action. Security & Crime Cooperation: Morocco urged stronger African operational coordination at the UN crime congress in Abu Dhabi to tackle crime, terrorism and separatist movements through prevention, cooperation and trust. Aviation Investment: Morocco and the AfDB signed a €270m financing deal to extend and modernize airport infrastructure, targeting hubs including Marrakech, Agadir, Fez and Tangier. Ceuta Migration Tensions: Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues amid rights complaints and a probe into alleged ill-treatment of migrants by military personnel.

Historic leadership change: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 seats in the Sept. 23 parliamentary election; the 50-year-old, a former housing minister and long-time Marrakesh mayor, called it “truly historic” as coalition talks begin. Pro-Palestine pressure on Rabat’s ties: Demonstrations across Moroccan cities demanded an end to diplomatic normalisation with Israel as Rabat deepens ties with Tel Aviv, with reports of restrictions and arrests in some locations. Politics meets legal uncertainty: Moroccan lawyers are preparing election result challenges amid an ongoing professional services suspension. Economy & trade: Morocco’s agri-food exports to the EU edged up to €2.66bn in Jan–July 2026, while Morocco climbed to 54th in WIPO’s 2026 Global Innovation Index. Sports: Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in AFCON qualifiers, keeping a perfect start.

Ceuta Migration Crackdown: Spain is drafting a decree to speed up asylum decisions and deportations for migrants still in Ceuta after the July mass crossing from Morocco, including rules that would force some appeals to be filed from outside Spain and allow asylum reviews to be skipped—sparking warnings from legal experts and NGOs. EU Border Push: Brussels is also moving to strengthen EU border security after the Ceuta crisis, with proposals to expand Frontex powers, speed emergency deployments, and hit smuggling networks harder. Morocco–Spain Trade Resilience: Despite the political tension, bilateral trade keeps rising, with Spain reporting record July exports to Morocco and a total turnover of about €1.98bn. AFCON Qualifiers (Morocco): Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in the 2027 qualifiers, with Brahim Díaz scoring before halftime and Azzedine Ounahi doubling late to move to the top on 6 points. Morocco–Lesotho Focus: Coach Mohamed Ouahbi says Morocco must stay focused and respect Lesotho, with key players returning except Nayef Aguerd. Defense Deal: The US approved a $105.65m AMRAAM-related modification for Morocco, citing its major non-NATO ally status. Batteries Investment: Volkswagen, PowerCo and Gotion plan three LFP battery ventures, including a cathode materials facility in Kenitra, Morocco. Sports Diplomacy: Ghana’s Richard Quarcoo was appointed Chef de Mission for LA 2028, adding to his long sports governance track record.

AFCON Qualifiers: Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi urged patience with new players ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Lesotho, saying integration takes time and young squad members must be allowed to make mistakes while earning their place. Security & Justice: Moroccan authorities detained a Marrakech police officer (mokkkadem/brigadier rank) after a woman accused him of rape, with the officer suspended pending the judicial investigation. Economy Watch: Morocco’s budget deficit narrowed 1.6% through August to 58.6 billion dirhams as revenues rose faster than spending, according to the Economy and Finance Ministry. Public Services & Data: Morocco’s mobile subscriptions topped 58.8 million by end-June 2026, while internet subscriptions neared 42 million, per official figures. Weather: The General Directorate of Meteorology says September heat hit record levels in multiple cities, with the hottest start to September since 1981. Sports Spotlight: Morocco’s Atlas Lions are set for another AFCON qualifier push after opening with a 2-0 win over Gabon; Lesotho coach Bob Mafoso called the match a chance to improve.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s government delegate in Ceuta, Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, resigned Monday, citing pressure, insults and a campaign against him and his family after the July 30–31 influx from Morocco overwhelmed reception systems and sparked a dispute over prior intelligence. Morocco–Israel Aviation Boost: Three Israeli carriers—Arkia, Sun d’Or and Israir—are set to launch non-stop flights to Morocco this fall, with Marrakesh services starting by November and Israir also planning Casablanca routes, as ties deepen after embassy upgrades. Tangier Election Probe: Morocco’s Interior Ministry sent a central inspection committee to Tangier to investigate alleged Sept. 23 election violations at two polling stations. AFCON 2027 Focus (Morocco-linked): Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd missed the Lesotho qualifier due to recovery, forcing defensive reshuffle; meanwhile Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit for the Gambia match and urges supporters to back those available. EV Supply Chain (Morocco role): Volkswagen and Gotion agreed joint ventures including a battery plant in Kenitra, Morocco, as part of a European LFP battery push.

Morocco–Saudi Solidarity: King Mohammed VI condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and said, “Any attack on Saudi Arabia is an attack on Morocco,” stressing Gulf security is inseparable from Morocco’s. Spain–Morocco Border Tensions: Spain asked Morocco to adjust drone flight altitudes near Melilla after a drone interfered with an Iberia landing, with Spain citing aviation safety concerns. Crime & Justice at UN: Morocco reaffirmed its cooperative approach to crime prevention and criminal justice at the UN Congress in Abu Dhabi, highlighting prevention, human dignity and civil society involvement. Politics & Women’s Participation: A preliminary report on women’s participation in Morocco’s 2026 parliamentary election will be presented in Rabat on Wednesday, focusing on candidates, elected roles and barriers. Sports—Morocco on the move: Morocco opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-0 win over Gabon, and tickets for the Oct. 4 friendly vs Ghana go on sale for the Tangier match. Weather Watch: Rain and localized showers return Monday across northern and central Morocco as temperatures drop, after Sunday’s stormy conditions.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: US adviser Massad Boulos said there’s no “imminent” settlement in sight, but Washington backs Morocco’s sovereignty and its autonomy plan under UN Security Council Resolution 2797, while blaming Polisario for obstructing the UN-led process. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain is preparing an emergency decree to speed returns of migrants from Ceuta, including faster asylum processing and, in some cases, returns before all appeals end—sparking resistance inside Pedro Sánchez’s coalition. Security Cooperation: Morocco’s police arrested a 66-year-old Libyan Interpol-wanted suspect near Rabat, linked to international drug trafficking and a prison escape, with extradition steps now underway. Economy & Currency: Bank Al-Maghrib reported the dirham weakened 1.5% vs the dollar and 0.3% vs the euro over Sept 17–23; reserves stood at MAD 503 billion. Football & Sports: Morocco’s Atlas Lions arrived in South Africa for AFCON 2027 qualifiers vs Lesotho after a 2-0 opener over Gabon; meanwhile, Mazraoui’s Morocco form drew debate in the UK, and Real Madrid confirmed Mbappé’s knee hyperextension. Weather Alert: DGM issued an orange alert for Sunday thunderstorms with hail and strong winds in several northern provinces.

Morocco-Sahara Diplomacy: Guinea-Bissau reaffirmed its “clear, consistent and unequivocal” support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara, backing the autonomy plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Royal Foreign Policy: King Mohammed VI condemned repeated Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, stressing that “an attack on Saudi Arabia is an attack on Morocco,” and warned the strikes also target Islam’s holiest sites. UN Security & Justice: Morocco’s Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane was elected Vice-President of the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, highlighting reforms and rule-of-law priorities. Western Sahara Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that conditions in the Tindouf camps are deteriorating and called the long-standing status quo “intolerable.” Ceuta Migration Fallout (Spain): Thousands marched in Madrid demanding early elections and migrant returns amid the ongoing Ceuta crisis; separate reports also cite arrests linked to a recent alleged rape case on Trampolín beach. Politics & Courts (Tangier): Five suspects face investigation over alleged electoral ballot irregularities in Tangier, including polling-station officials accused of removing and later returning ballots. Trade & Logistics: Eurostat data shows sea freight dominates Morocco’s trade in 2025 by both value and weight. Sports (Rabat & Morocco): Morocco’s Hind Bennani won the Morocco Pool Tour Ladies title; Ghana’s Black Starlets began a Rabat U17 friendly series with a 2-0 win over Morocco’s U17s.

Medicine Reform: Morocco approved a first wave of price cuts for nearly 300 medicines, with reductions projected from 10% up to 70%, as the drug pricing system is overhauled to update more often and use new reference rules; officials say the reform could save over 1 billion dirhams and cut out-of-pocket costs for about 250 million dirhams. Economy Watch: The EBRD says Morocco remains resilient, forecasting 4.8% growth in 2026 and 3.9% in 2027, citing a rebound in agriculture and low inflation, while noting ongoing regional uncertainty. Politics in Focus: Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won the parliamentary election with 97 seats, while the Justice and Development Party (PJD) surged to 54 and returns to opposition; turnout fell to 38%. Diplomacy: FM Nasser Bourita held talks in New York with Saudi, Lebanese and UAE officials, and also met Russia’s Lavrov on bilateral ties and regional issues. Security & Justice: Tangier Mayor Mounir Limouri faces a reported search warrant linked to election irregularities, while Agadir police arrested a Swedish national wanted over an alleged attempted murder case. AFCON Qualifiers: Morocco beat Gabon 2-0 to start AFCON 2027 qualifying, and coach Ouahbi says the tough trip to Lesotho should help the squad adapt. Ceuta Tensions (Spain): Spain is preparing a decree-law to speed up migrant returns from Ceuta, but Sumar says it won’t back measures that expel asylum seekers before their cases are resolved.

AFCON Qualifiers (Morocco): Morocco kicked off its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat. Noussair Mazraoui opened the scoring in the 36th minute, and Sofiane Rahimi sealed it in the 84th. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team dominated and created plenty, but must be more clinical. Parliament & Politics: Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won the most seats in the Sept. 23 legislative election, taking 97 of 395, but fell short of a majority and will need coalition talks. The vote reflected youth frustration and pressure over jobs, wages, and living costs. UN & Sahara: The U.S. reaffirmed support for developing Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty, while UN discussions continued around peace and stability in the region. Media Freedom: A reported online hate campaign targeting Moroccan journalists is drawing renewed concern over intimidation and deepfake-style attacks. Economy: The EBRD forecasts Morocco growth at 4.8% in 2026, driven by a recovery in agriculture. Sports (Regional): Gabon coach said Morocco are at a very high level; other qualifiers saw mixed results across Africa. Security (Abroad): A New York man was arrested at Dulles after CBP seized 65 pounds of khat in baggage after arriving from Casablanca.

Ceuta migrant returns: Morocco’s FM Nasser Bourita told Spain’s José Manuel Albares in New York that Rabat is ready to cooperate on returning people who entered Ceuta at the end of July, with the issue framed as a Spain responsibility if returns are still not completed. Ceuta humanitarian pressure: Reports from Ceuta describe thousands still stranded after the July surge, with overcrowded facilities and people living in makeshift shelters while authorities process temporary accommodation. Western Sahara diplomacy: Morocco heads into the October UN Security Council MINURSO review with growing confidence, citing backing from allies including the US and Israel for Morocco’s autonomy plan and sovereignty over the Sahara. UN Security Council bid: Morocco formally launched its 2028-2029 non-permanent seat bid, positioning it as strategically important for the Sahara file. Politics at home: PAM signals “no red lines” on future coalition talks after winning 97 seats, while voter turnout remains a key concern after a low participation election. Football spotlight: Morocco opens AFCON 2027 qualifiers at home against Gabon, with key absences due to suspensions and injuries, and the team also retains a strong FIFA futsal ranking. FIFA governance row: Europe’s biggest leagues renewed calls for FIFA reform after Infantino’s withdrawn plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

Ceuta Migrants: Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita told Spain that if illegal migrants and minors from the late-July surge in Ceuta were not returned, the question is for Madrid—not Rabat—insisting Morocco is cooperating for the “as soon as possible” return. UN Diplomacy: Bourita also met the African Union Commission chair in New York to push closer AU-Morocco cooperation on integration and development, while Morocco’s stance on climate and sea-level rise featured in his UN engagements. Elections Fallout: Morocco’s legislative vote delivered a low-turnout shock: PAM led with 97 seats, RNI took 66, Istiqlal 65, and PJD rebounded to 54—sparking talk of voter frustration and coalition negotiations. Spain Trade Ties: Spanish agriculture minister Luis Planas defended EU-Morocco trade deals as “fundamental,” rejecting calls to suspend the association agreement amid the Ceuta dispute. AFCON 2027 (Morocco): Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou warned Morocco not to underestimate Gabon ahead of Friday’s qualifier in Rabat.

Morocco Elections: PAM won Morocco’s 2026 legislative vote with 97 seats, while turnout sank to about 38% (down sharply from 2021), and the PJD rebounded to 54 seats as the ruling coalition’s balance shifted. Election Integrity & Rights: Morocco’s human rights council flagged religious-symbol use and mosque-linked campaign activity, while authorities faced complaints and a Tangier probe after a viral ballot-box video. Western Sahara Politics: Algeria’s solidarity committee leader called the vote in Western Sahara a “poorly executed play,” as Morocco’s prison authority rejected claims linking the Gdeim Izik hunger strike to detention conditions. Economy Outlook: Bank Al-Maghrib expects growth to cool to 4.4% in 2026 and 2.9% in 2027 as the bumper harvest fades, alongside rising external pressures. Ceuta Migration: Spain reported returns of 7,533 migrants from Ceuta to Morocco since August and discussed a proposal to care for minors in Morocco with possible EU funding. Football & Diplomacy: FIFA’s Infantino promised a “culture of dialogue” after its World Cup sell-off backlash; meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi’s rape case heads to trial after France’s top court rejected his final appeal.

Morocco Legislative Election: Morocco’s parliamentary vote delivered a 38.02% turnout nationally, down from 2021’s 50.35%, with polls closing at 7 p.m. and counting underway after “normal” voting conditions except a few isolated cases; early constituency signals show PJD leading in Safi and PAM topping the women’s regional list in Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, while in Rabat-Ocean preliminary results place PAM first over PJD as parties begin celebrating ahead of later Interior Ministry briefings. Election Monitoring: International observers praised civic participation in Laayoune, calling it a “civic celebration,” with strong women’s turnout noted. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said King Felipe and Queen Letizia won’t need “authorization” to visit Ceuta, as the border crisis remains politically charged. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Paraguay reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty and work toward a UN resolution based on the autonomy plan, while Mauritius also shifted to calling autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty the “most credible solution.” Legal Spotlight: Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France after the Court of Cassation rejected his final appeal in a rape case.

Morocco Votes in Legislative Elections: Polling opened across Rabat and nationwide on Sept. 23 for the 395-seat House of Representatives, with about 15.8 million registered voters and turnout—especially among youth—expected to be a key test amid cost-of-living pressure and distrust of parties. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez said Morocco’s border control “failed” during the Ceuta crisis, while EU and regional politicians trade blame and calls to “turn off the tap” over migration cooperation. Central Bank Watch: Bank Al-Maghrib kept its benchmark rate at 2.25%, citing geopolitical uncertainty, low inflation, and a growth forecast revised down to 4.4% for 2026. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN push highlights “six guiding parameters” for advancing the autonomy plan and seeking stronger international backing. Tangier Election Probe: Prosecutors opened an investigation into viral ballot-box footage after envelopes appeared inside a transparent box. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana’s Black Stars arrived in Bouaké for the opener vs Ivory Coast, with multiple withdrawals reshaping Carlos Queiroz’s squad.