China blocks Meta's acquisition of AI agent Manus
via Le Matin1 min read
China's National Development and Reform Commission has blocked Meta's acquisition of Manus, an autonomous AI agent developed by the Beijing-based startup Butterfly Effect. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, had announced an agreement to acquire Manus in late December 2025. Analysts had previously warned that regulators might halt the deal. In March, the Financial Times reported that Beijing had prohibited the two co-founders of the Chinese startup from leaving China. The Chinese agency stated in a press release that it had "issued an investment ban decision regarding the acquisition of the Manus project by foreign investors" and "requires the parties concerned to cancel this acquisition operation." Meta responded via email, stating that the transaction was "fully compliant with current law" and that the company expects an "appropriate outcome" to the issue. Manus gained public attention in March 2025 after a demonstration video went viral on social media, and it quickly gained popularity among businesses through an invitation-only access.
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Youssef Allakouch has been elected as the new Secretary General of the UGTM. In his address, Mr. Allakouch emphasized the need for strong commitment from the working class in both public and private sectors to defend legitimate worker demands and continue the fight for rights and achievements. He called for social vigilance and sincerity in addressing challenges from global economic changes and their impact on economic and social conditions. Mr. Allakouch stated that the UGTM aims for a societal project focused on dignity, staying close to workers' concerns across various productive and service sectors, including factories, administrations, and public and private establishments. He stressed the importance of a clear set of demands, prioritizing worker dignity, while being ready to adapt to new changes in the world of work. He also highlighted that achieving comprehensive and sustainable development requires a balance between economic imperatives and societal needs to ensure the preservation of citizens' rights and the defense of the homeland and national constants. The extraordinary congress also included the reading and adoption of moral and financial reports by the former Secretary General of the UGTM.
Must ReadThe 22nd edition of the "African Lion" exercise officially commenced with an opening ceremony held on Monday at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Staff in Agadir. The event was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commander of the US Army Southern Europe and Africa Task Force SETAF-AF. They presented the overall concept and activities of this year's exercise to representatives from participating countries. Major General Benlouali stated that the event is a strategic step in strengthening the constructive military partnership between the Royal Armed Forces FAR and the US Armed Forces, as well as with their counterparts from allied and friendly nations. He added that the exercise aims to enhance partnership and integration in planning, elevate operational readiness, improve operational performance, expand cooperation, and refine expertise across various specialties. Brigadier General Cederman emphasized that partnership is the foundation of "African Lion," with clear objectives: to increase readiness, strengthen interoperability, and improve the ability to execute joint missions in complex environments, building forces capable of responding quickly and effectively to common challenges. More than 5,000 armed forces personnel from approximately 40 participating and observer countries are taking part alongside the FAR and US Armed Forces in these maneuvers. The "African Lion 2026" exe
FUS de Rabat, the Moroccan representative in the Basketball Africa League, started its Sahara Conference campaign with a dominant performance. Facing JCA Kings from Côte d'Ivoire, FUS de Rabat demonstrated strong defensive discipline, limiting their opponents to 55 points. The team's tactical maturity and the electric home crowd contributed to this solid start. In their second game against the Maktown Flyers, FUS de Rabat showcased its offensive power, achieving over 90 points with fast play and precise shooting. The team's effective rotation management maintained a high tempo throughout the game. As the sole leader after two rounds, FUS de Rabat approaches upcoming matches against ASC Ville de Dakar and Club Africain with confidence, aiming to maintain its strong position in the Moroccan leg of the BAL.
The 16th round of Botola Pro D1 saw significant shifts in the standings. Maghreb de Fès MAS defeated Renaissance de Zemamra 2-1, with goals from Soufiane Benjdida and Soulaïman Allouch, taking the top spot with 34 points. Raja Casablanca delivered a strong performance, beating FUS de Rabat 4-1, with goals from Adam Ennafati, Pape Sakho, Houdaïfa El Mahssani, and Mohamed Abu Zrayq, placing them second, just one point behind MAS. AS FAR drew 2-2 with Union Yaacoub El Mansour, dropping to third place with 32 points. Renaissance de Berkane RSB secured a 2-1 home victory against Olympique Dcheira, moving to fifth place with 30 points. Additionally, Raja Club Athletic announced a new 100% digital ticketing system for access to the Mohammed V Sports Complex, requiring fans to use the Raja Ticketing by Tadakir application for QR code entry, aiming to enhance fan experience and security.