Late marriages, rising divorces: what societal transformation reveals in Morocco
via Le Matin5 min read
Ghizlane Mamouni, a lawyer and president of the Kif Mama Kif Baba association, highlights that official statistics on marriage and divorce in Morocco, while showing a decline in marriage and an increase in divorce, do not fully capture the country's evolving societal realities. She criticizes the absence of data on children born out of wedlock and single mothers, viewing this as a deliberate omission rather than an oversight. Mamouni argues that the term "the family" in the singular is outdated, advocating for an understanding of "families" to include single-parent households, single mothers, and unrecognized unions. She interprets the growing disinterest in marriage as a significant social signal, suggesting that the institution of marriage, as currently structured, no longer suits many individuals. Mamouni points to legal inequalities within marriage concerning guardianship, property division, polygamy, and inheritance, stating that women should not be expected to enter a legal framework that exposes them without providing protection. She also emphasizes the economic vulnerability of women, citing a 19% activity rate, which makes it difficult for them to leave conflictual or violent marriages. Mamouni views female celibacy not as a social anomaly but as a choice for autonomy, particularly for educated and independent women. She also welcomes the increase in divorces, especially when they allow individuals to escape violence or loneliness, attributing this partly to the 2004
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The introduction of "Free Max" has surprised the Moroccan telecom market. This offer, providing unlimited mobile internet in 135 countries including Morocco, marks a new competitive phase, according to IT and telecom expert Khalid Ziani. While technologically unchanged, Ziani states it represents a "true revolution" commercially, particularly concerning data roaming. Previously, travelers to Morocco typically deactivated mobile data, purchased a local SIM, and subscribed to limited-duration and volume top-ups. Free Max disrupts this by allowing subscribers to use their plan without changing numbers, duration constraints, or volume limits. Ziani estimates that out of 6 million French visitors to Morocco annually, approximately one-third, or 1.5 to 2 million people, could become Free customers. This shift challenges the economic model of Moroccan operators, for whom roaming has been a significant revenue source. Ziani describes roaming as a "cash cow" for Moroccan operators, noting their historical reluctance to enter international roaming agreements, unlike countries such as Tunisia or Senegal. He believes this "protected territory" is now open. An agreement between Free and the three Moroccan operators involves wholesale billing for data consumption, making roaming significantly cheaper. Ziani suggests this could lead to a potential 20% loss in total roaming revenue from Free customers upon launch. He anticipates a domino effect, with other French and international operators
The Mohammed VI University Hospital in Rabat, part of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health, has deployed PET-MRI technology. This system, developed by United Imaging, combines metabolic imaging from Positron Emission Tomography PET with high-precision morphological imaging from Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI into a single examination. This "one-stop shop" approach simplifies the patient's journey by centralizing both modalities on one platform, reducing appointment times, and improving the clarity of results for medical teams. The technology has numerous clinical applications, including the diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, certain cancers breast, prostate, lymphomas, pediatric indications, autoimmune pathologies, and cardiovascular diseases. Professor Imad Ghfir notes that this technology allows for a more detailed exploration of lesions, more rigorous disease staging, and more relevant therapeutic strategies, positioning Morocco as an emerging hub for medical innovation, training, and research. Professor Nabil Moatassim Billah highlights that combining these imaging modalities enhances diagnostic precision while reducing patient radiation exposure. Adil Mesfioui emphasizes that PET-MRI improves the patient care pathway and the quality of medical procedures. This initiative marks Morocco's integration of advanced equipment into its healthcare system, reflecting a broader transformation driven by innovation and the pursuit
Driss Lachgar, First Secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces USFP, delivered a political address in Marrakech, emphasizing the need for profound electoral reforms and territorial justice. Ahead of the party's national congress, Lachgar stressed the importance of reforming political practices and governance mechanisms. He explained that preparations for the national congress involve extensive organizational mobilization, including provincial congresses, to renew party structures and foster debate on national issues. These meetings occurred during a challenging period for political action, yet the party maintained its focus on "territorial justice" and electoral system reform. Discussions highlighted the need to combat electoral corruption and ensure equal opportunities for political actors, aiming for elections that accurately reflect citizens' will. Lachgar noted that the recent Royal Speech outlined two major directives: electoral system reform and anti-corruption efforts, alongside strengthening territorial justice for balanced development. He mentioned that the Ministry of Interior has consulted with political forces on electoral reform, revealing both convergences and divergences. The USFP has clearly stated its positions, supporting some proposals and rejecting others deemed contrary to democratic reform. Lachgar insisted on strengthening anti-electoral corruption measures, including prohibiting candidates involved in illegal practices to restore public trust.
The Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers has announced the launch of the application process for national and international observers for the independent and neutral observation of the election of members of the House of Representatives, scheduled for September 23, 2026. This decision is based on articles 11 and 161 of the Constitution, Law No. 30.11 on the conditions and procedures for independent and neutral election observation, and Law No. 76.15 on the reorganization of the National Human Rights Council CNDH. The Commission, chaired by Amina Bouayach, president of the CNDH, set the timeline for the observation process. Applications for accreditation opened on April 27, with a deadline of May 22 for submission. Files will be reviewed by June 17 at the latest. Eligible organizations include national institutions authorized by law to conduct election observation, active civil society associations recognized for their work in human rights and promoting citizenship and democracy, and international non-governmental organizations interested in election observation, recognized for their independence and objectivity. Applications can be submitted by downloading the accreditation form from the Commission's website observationelections.cndh.ma or the CNDH website cndh.ma and sending it via email to email protected, or by submitting a sealed envelope to the CNDH office in Rabat by 4:00 PM GMT+1 on Friday, May 22, 2026. National observers must not be candidat