AGP Executive Report

Morocco’s Western Sahara Diplomacy: Chile and Panama have both reiterated support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, backing Rabat’s Autonomy Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2797, while also signaling closer economic and trade cooperation. Royal Religious Commemoration: In Rabat, Princess Lalla Meryem chaired a religious vigil at Assouna Mosque marking the 28th anniversary of King Hassan II’s death, with prayers for the late monarchs and for King Mohammed VI. Election Aftermath Watch: Moroccan parties are preparing legal teams to challenge parliamentary election results, with monitoring committees documenting alleged campaign and voting-day violations ahead of possible appeals to the Constitutional Court. Energy & Industry: Envision Energy says Morocco’s first large-scale battery storage system at OCP’s Benguerir site has passed initial tests, a 25MW/125MWh project aimed at smoothing solar power use and cutting peak-hour costs. Sports—Ghana Camp Update: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz added nine players after late withdrawals and medical uncertainties, with Ghana set for AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia and a friendly vs Morocco. Ceuta Tourism Signal: Spanish travel agencies report no cancellations to Morocco after the late-July Ceuta migrant crisis, though new bookings dipped briefly.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain says it’s working with Morocco to prevent another mass crossing into Ceuta this week, after social media calls to storm the border on Sept. 23, the day of Morocco’s legislative election. Spain’s foreign minister urged Rabat to take “preventive measures,” while Ceuta officials estimate thousands of migrants— including several hundred minors—still remain on the streets and in state facilities, with voluntary returns to Morocco running at 150–200 people a day. Ceuta Tensions: Protesters in Ceuta attacked a parliament member’s car with stones and eggs during a demonstration tied to an aid association, leading to police intervention and detentions. Morocco Elections & Campaigning: Moroccan parties are stepping up mobilization in markets and online ahead of Sept. 23 legislative polls, as youth unemployment and living costs stay central. Royal & Religious Event: King Mohammed VI will chair a religious evening at Rabat’s Mohammed V Mausoleum marking the 28th anniversary of King Hassan II’s passing. Sports—AFCON Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars reshuffle their AFCON qualifiers squad: Godwin Attram joins as assistant coach; Mohammed Fuseini gets a late call-up after Mohammed Kudus withdraws; Prince Adu Kwabena is a major doubt after a head injury. Morocco–France Links: The Bordeaux-Aquitaine-Morocco association was reactivated in Bordeaux to renew cultural and economic cooperation.

Ceuta Crisis & EU Border Politics: The European Parliament backed tougher EU border controls and urged closer cooperation with Morocco on Ceuta crossings, while Morocco-linked civil society in Nador warned it may mobilize after Spain’s political moves and a planned royal visit. Ceuta Street Tensions: In Ceuta, police fired shots into the air during a protest over the arrival of a Pamplona association, escalating scuffles and prompting complaints. Morocco’s Election Mood: Ahead of Sept. 23 polls, AFP reports youth apathy is high, with many 18–24 voters feeling promises won’t translate into jobs and housing. Lawyers’ Work Stoppage: Morocco’s bar association extended its professional services suspension until Oct. 7 amid a dispute over the legal profession law. Davis Cup in Rabat: Morocco swept Nigeria 4-0 in World Group II, booking a path to 2027 play-offs. Sports & Morocco Abroad: Hakim Ziyech impressed for Botafogo after an early cameo change, and Morocco’s Antoine Semenyo urged Manchester City to avoid complacency after his brace vs Sunderland.

AFCON 2027 Ticketing: Morocco’s opening qualifier vs Gabon in Rabat (Sept. 25) is now on sale via Webook, with prices from 100 to 300 dirhams and VIP options up to 20,000 dirhams. Diplomacy & Protests: A Moroccan anti-normalization group is calling for nationwide protests from Sept. 25-27 against plans to deepen ties with Israel, as officials meet in the US to upgrade relations to embassy level. Ceuta Migration Tensions: Spain warns of a potential mass crossing by illegal Moroccan migrants into Ceuta next Wednesday, amid election-day concerns and renewed border unrest. Transport & Trade Friction: Moroccan freight operators report renewed delays at the Rosso crossing (Mauritania–Senegal), alleging priority treatment for local trucks and pushing drivers toward riskier routes. Culture & Film: Morocco’s national film center selected five documentary projects for MEDIMED in Sitges, aiming for international reach. Sports Spotlight: Morocco’s Hussein Rahimi and Egypt’s Rami Rabia were named in the AFC Champions League Elite first matchday team after Al Ain’s 4-0 win over Al Nassr.

Ceuta & Elections: Spain’s Rabat-based embassy warned of social media calls for a mass attempt to enter Ceuta on Sept. 23, the day of Morocco’s parliamentary vote, saying it has not seen proof border security will weaken. Diplomacy Upgrade: Morocco and Israel agreed to upgrade ties by opening embassies and appointing ambassadors, with direct flights planned to resume by year-end. Security & Economy: Bank Al-Maghrib data shows the dirham slipped about 1% vs the dollar and 0.2% vs the euro; markets expect the policy rate to stay at 2.25% on Sept. 22. Weather Alert: Morocco’s meteorology office issued orange alerts for thunderstorms with hail and strong winds, plus hot temperatures in several provinces. Sports (Rabat): Morocco’s Davis Cup team took a 2-0 lead over Nigeria in Rabat, with doubles and singles set for Sunday. Innovation & Startups: Tamwilcom’s Innov Invest Fund earned the World Bank’s top “Highly Satisfactory” rating for backing Moroccan startups.

Morocco-France Defense Ties: Rabat and Paris kicked off CHEBEC 26 in Toulon, a joint naval drill focused on maritime security, coordination and interoperability, now also adding a cyber component. Water & Climate Readiness: Morocco’s Equipment and Water ministry is launching a sediment study on 10 major dams to update usable storage ahead of the next rainy season. World Cup 2030 Prep: ONDA has started work to ready Morocco’s airport network for the 2030 tournament, including plans for a Value Realization Office and FIFA-aligned compliance checks. Digital Administration: The Idarati national portal is getting a new version, aiming for easier access to e-services “anywhere, anytime” and a more proactive, data-guided experience. Trade & Logistics: Tanger Med again topped African and Mediterranean container performance, handling 11.1m TEUs in 2025 after the TC4 expansion. Nuclear Safety Cooperation: AMSSNuR and the IAEA renewed arrangements to strengthen radiological safety and regulatory capacity across Africa. Economy Watch: Investors expect Bank Al-Maghrib to keep its key interest rate unchanged at the Sept. 22 meeting. Sports Talent & Eligibility: Morocco’s U23 squad includes Monza right-back Adam Bakoni as he switches from Italy youth setups, while legal debate continues over whether Zamalek’s Mahmoud Bentaieb can change sporting nationality. Gender Gap: Morocco ranks 139th out of 145 in the WEF Global Gender Gap 2026, with major gaps in economic participation and literacy.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spanish police moved hundreds of migrants from Ceuta beaches to a temporary port camp, but crowds surged for limited spots and police used warning shots and force as Spain struggles to manage the aftermath of July’s mass entry from Morocco. Morocco Elections Prep: Morocco’s government urged public and private employers to let staff vote in the Sept. 23 parliamentary elections while keeping services running. Atlas Lions Football: Sofyan Amrabat denied that his absence from Morocco was about playing time, while Ghana named squads for AFCON 2027 qualifiers and a friendly vs Morocco in Tangier on Oct. 4. Davis Cup in Rabat: Nigeria and Morocco set for a clay tie in Rabat with Canice Abua facing Karim Bennani in the opening singles. Health & Environment: Kenitra residents reported breathing problems and foul odors after a landfill fire, as authorities continued firefighting and local groups criticized information gaps. FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA and CONCACAF leaders urged FIFA to pay extra funds to member federations, escalating pressure on Infantino amid the World Cup investor dispute. Weather Alert: Morocco issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, heat and strong winds across several provinces.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain has started moving thousands of migrants from Ceuta’s beaches to a new port reception camp, but chaos erupted as people rushed to secure spots; police fired warning shots and used tear gas as crowds broke into runs during the roughly 2km transfer to a site meant for about 1,700. EU Politics: EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the sharp drop in arrivals doesn’t stop far-right momentum, arguing that images from Ceuta “fuel the far right” and that returns must happen fast. Morocco-EU Diplomacy: Morocco’s EU ambassador said a European Parliament resolution avoided direct blame, while still urging Rabat and Madrid to intensify cooperation on border management and readmissions. AFCON Focus (Ghana): Carlos Queiroz named a 24-man Ghana squad for 2027 qualifiers, with Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku returning, Jordan Ayew included, and Thomas Partey out due to injury; Ghana also play a friendly in Tangier against Morocco on Oct. 4. Morocco Sports (Hakimi): PSG says Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi resumed individual training after a thigh injury, with his AFCON call-ups already in motion.

Ceuta Crisis & EU Politics: The European Parliament backed a resolution on the July surge into Ceuta, citing about 80,000 irregular crossings from Morocco (29–31 July) and up to 11,000 people refusing to return, while Morocco’s EU envoy Ahmed Reda Chami said the text contains no accusations and called for “open, frank, and calm” dialogue. Football & Ceuta Solidarity Row: Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté faced backlash after partially concealing “Todos somos caballas” messages on pre-match t-shirts ahead of Elche, turning a migration dispute into a political football storm. Diplomacy Upgrade: After US talks in New York, Morocco and Israel agreed to upgrade missions to full embassies, exchange ambassadors and restore direct flights before year-end. AFCON 2027 Build-Up: Morocco confirmed a friendly vs Ghana on Oct. 4 in Tangier as both sides fine-tune squads ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Infrastructure Boost: Morocco and the AfDB signed €405m for high-speed rail on the Kenitra–Marrakech axis and the Cap Compétences 2030 vocational training program. Migration Reality Check: IOM reported fewer sea arrivals to Europe in 2026, but deaths and disappearances remain alarmingly high.

Ceuta Crisis & EU Politics: The European Parliament backed a motion condemning Spain’s handling of the late-July Ceuta migrant influx, urging the “swift return” of people without EU right to stay and calling for faster Morocco-Spain cooperation on returns and readmissions, with an estimated 5,000–15,000 still in the enclave. Football Diplomacy Fallout: In Spain, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr and Ibrahima Konaté faced backlash after partially rolling up a “We are all Ceutans” shirt; Mbappé later said he meant to honor both Ceuta residents and migrants who died. Atlas Lions Call-Ups: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi named a 30-man squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers vs Gabon and Lesotho, plus a friendly vs Ghana on 4 October in Tangier; he denied any rift with Sofyan Amrabat, saying selection hinges on playing time and readiness. Morocco–Israel Upgrade: Morocco and Israel agreed to upgrade ties to full embassy level and exchange ambassadors after talks in New York, with direct flights expected to resume before year-end. Transport & Industry: Morocco secured €405M in AfDB financing for rail infrastructure and human capital, while Tangier welcomed new manufacturing capacity with Veritas opening a facility.

Diplomacy Upgrade: Morocco and Israel agreed in New York to elevate their liaison offices into full embassies and exchange ambassadors, with the U.S. hosting the trilateral meeting; they also pledged to finalize investment-protection and double-taxation deals by end-2026 and expand direct flights, including those operated by Moroccan airlines. Ceuta Football Row: In Spain’s LaLiga spotlight, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr and Ibrahima Konaté partially concealed a “We are all Ceutans” message on shirts tied to the Ceuta migration crisis, saying they want solidarity with victims without “prioritizing one form of suffering over another.” Security Ranking: Morocco topped Africa and placed among the world’s top 20 in the Global Public Security Index (2025-2026), scoring highest on counterterrorism. Transport Boost: Morocco’s high-speed rail link between Marrakech and Agadir moved forward after a decree declared it a public utility project, with an estimated cost around 55 billion dirhams. Sports—Local: Wydad signed Burkina Faso defender Issoufou Dayo on a one-year deal, strengthening their back line ahead of 2026-27. Public Alert: Morocco’s Public Prosecutor’s Office warned of fake SMS/phone scams about “traffic fines,” stressing official notices come only by mail.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says the bloc will propose an “emergency response” tool after the July crisis, while Spain’s port authorities warn a migrant camp at Ceuta’s port could cost up to €600m through 2027. Morocco-Spain Political Tension: Spain’s Ceuta debate keeps escalating in the Spanish Senate and Congress, with accusations flying over contacts with Rabat and the handling of returns. World Cup 2030 Row: Morocco’s PM Aziz Akhannouch rebukes RMFF chief Fouzi Lekjaa for election-style claims about hosting the final in Casablanca, as FIFA still hasn’t decided the venue. Climate Policy: Morocco opens public consultation on a draft law to regulate climate action and a national carbon market, including a registry to prevent double counting. Agriculture Research: APNI and Australia’s ACIAR launch EXCEL Africa to boost climate-responsive crop nutrition and agronomy in Morocco and Ghana. Cybersecurity: Revolut confirms a data breach after hackers used fake government requests, affecting nearly 700 customers, with Morocco’s regulatory approval for operations still pending. Sports & Culture: Wheelchair tennis in Toronto sees Morocco’s Adil Boutahil win; and the International Mugham Center opens its new season with Azerbaijani traditional music.

Ceuta Crisis: Morocco-linked migrant rush into Spain’s Ceuta keeps escalating, with Spain deploying a military response as tens of thousands try to cross—while EU officials press for returns and housing plans for up to 10,000 migrants spark local anger. Football & Solidarity Row: At Real Madrid’s LaLiga match vs Elche, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr and Konaté were seen obscuring “Todos somos Caballas” shirts before removing them, reigniting backlash over how players show support amid the Ceuta fallout. Sahara Tensions: Morocco’s Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries face renewed accusations from Sahrawi officials over claims of drug-flooding and an “electoral charade” in occupied territories. Judicial Cooperation: Morocco’s top court leadership met the Netherlands’ prosecutor general to deepen legal and judicial ties. Security Ranking: Morocco placed among the top 20 in the Global Public Security Index 2025-2026, scoring strongly in counterterrorism and cybersecurity. Agriculture & Industry: OCP and UM6P opened a women-in-agriculture conference in Benguerir, while Morocco’s sardine landings jumped nearly 66% through August.

Ceuta Crisis at EU level: Spain’s migration shock from the July 30-31 crossings keeps driving politics in Brussels and Strasbourg, with the EU pushing for the rapid return of irregular migrants to Morocco while Spain’s parties clash over responsibility and next steps. Morocco’s diplomatic push: Rabat’s mission to the EU and NATO sent MEPs an email saying it commits to readmit affected people, including Moroccan citizens and unaccompanied minors—prompting demands to turn words into action. Ceuta court process: In Ceuta, a court instruction chamber has stepped back and sent the related case to Spain’s National Court, linking it to the main investigation over the massive entry. Football and tensions: Atlas Lions winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli hit back at threats after wearing a shirt supporting Ceuta residents, saying it was social support and not an apology. Energy investment: OCP Green Energy switched on a 25 MW/125 MWh battery storage system in Benguerir to stabilize renewable power for industrial needs. Sports diplomacy: Morocco’s Nawal El Moutawakel was elected ISSA vice-president for 2026-2029, boosting the country’s role in international sports governance. Trade and visas: The EU published a Schengen visa list covering 51 African countries, including Morocco, and Morocco’s sweet pepper exports to the UK rose 60% in the latest marketing year.

Health & Training: Morocco’s first university robotic surgery program in Casablanca has graduated 76 surgeons and operating-room nurses, training staff from across Morocco plus partners from Tunisia, Djibouti and Cameroon, with support from France’s University of Lorraine. Morocco-Spain Tensions: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez rejected claims he was blackmailed by Morocco over the Ceuta migrant crisis, saying there’s no solid proof—while a Spanish court judge pushed a separate Ceuta Government Delegate case into a wider National Court probe. Public Opinion on Ceuta: A new CIS survey says over 73% of Spaniards value ties with Morocco and more than 82% back stronger border security, with many respondents believing foreign actors try to stir misunderstandings. Energy & Industry: OCP Green Energy activated Morocco’s first large-scale lithium battery storage system at Benguerir (25MW/125MWh), aiming to cut peak-hour electricity costs and better match solar output to demand. Sports: Hakimi’s AFCON qualifier availability is in doubt after a right adductor injury at PSG; meanwhile, Sofiane Boufal signed for Libya’s Al-Ittihad, and Racing Santander named Moroccan striker Yasser Zabiri August Player of the Month.

Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Spain’s intelligence and security services issued multiple alerts before the July mass entry from Morocco into Ceuta, but Madrid’s political fight is now centered on what was known and whether it was enough to prevent the scale of the tragedy. Digital Rights & Platforms: TikTok says it removed 530,652 videos in Morocco in Q1 2026 for guideline violations, with most taken down before user reports and thousands restored after appeals. Infrastructure Update: Work on the Driouch–Nador West Med highway section is over 95% complete, nearing a first direct link between the port complex and Morocco’s motorway network. Economy & Health: Morocco’s pharmaceutical trade deficit is projected to widen to 13.4 billion dirhams by 2030 as imports keep outpacing exports, even as customs cuts aim to ease medicine shortages. Education & Diplomacy: Morocco and the OECS marked a first-ever graduate recognition ceremony in Rabat for students trained under a South-South scholarship programme. Weather Watch: Morocco braces for up to 44°C early this week, with possible thunderstorms and strong winds in several regions. Sports (Rabat focus): Morocco will name its squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho next Thursday, with the Gabon match in Rabat on 25 September.