🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Mali reaffirms support for Morocco's territorial integrity and autonomy plan for the Sahara
via Le Matin4 min read
Mali has reiterated its support for Morocco's territorial integrity and the autonomy plan for the Sahara, considering it the only credible and realistic solution to the regional dispute. This position was expressed in a joint communiqué following the 4th session of the Moroccan-Malian Joint Cooperation Commission, co-chaired by Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, and Abdoulaye Diop, Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The communiqué also referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025. This stance follows Mali's official withdrawal of recognition for the "rasd" separatist entity on April 10, 2026. The session, held in Bamako from July 21 to 24, also saw Mali reaffirm its commitment to King Mohammed VI's Royal Initiative, which aims to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. Both nations expressed their desire to revitalize their strategic partnership, enhancing economic, commercial, and cooperative relations. They lauded the sustained pace of bilateral cooperation and the potential for diversification in promising sectors. The ministers highlighted their commitment to sharing experiences and expertise, particularly in agriculture, energy, health, education, and training. They also emphasized strengthening exchanges between Malian and Moroccan economic operators, noting the business forum held alongside the session. The two countries welcom
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Must ReadKing Mohammed VI has issued instructions for the Mohammed VI Professional Training Complex to be handed over to Malian authorities. Located in Bamako, the complex spans 5,200 m2 and was built by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sustainable Development. It offers professional training designed to meet employment market needs, focusing on practical skills, a blend of theoretical and practical training, and youth employment integration. The facility will accommodate nearly 1,000 trainees annually across 21 fields, including 12 in construction and public works, and 9 in tourism, hospitality, and catering. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, stated that this royal initiative reflects King Mohammed VI's commitment to Malian and African youth. He added that it embodies the King's vision for active South-South cooperation based on solidarity, shared expertise, local capacity building, and sustainable human development for African populations. Oumou Sall Seck, Mali's Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training, conveyed the deep gratitude of General of the Army Assimi Goita, President of the Transition, Head of State of the Republic, to King Mohammed VI for this significant gesture, which highlights the historical ties of brotherhood and solidarity between Morocco and Mali. She emphasized that the initiative addresses Mali's strategic need for skill development and human capital strengthening in key sec
Sofyan Amrabat, following a mixed season with Real Betis, is a target for two Saudi Pro League clubs, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad. Al-Qadsiah has reportedly made an official offer of approximately 20 million euros to Fenerbahçe for the Moroccan midfielder, who is under contract until June 2028. Al-Ittihad has also entered the race, offering a substantial salary package estimated at nearly 5 million dollars per season, which would make Amrabat one of the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia. Real Betis, where Amrabat played this season, cannot compete financially, despite coach Manuel Pellegrini's desire to keep him. Amrabat's season at Real Betis, on loan without a purchase option after a stint at Manchester United, saw him play 23 matches across all competitions. While his physical impact and defensive contributions were noted, his time in La Liga was hampered by injuries, including a tibia issue and ankle surgery. A move to the Saudi Pro League could also impact his position in the Moroccan national team, where competition is increasing due to emerging talents like Ayyoub Bouaddi and his recent physical setbacks. Amrabat, a key player in Morocco's 2022 World Cup campaign, would need to maintain high performance and fitness levels to secure his place under Mohamed Ouahbi if he moves to Saudi Arabia.
Must ReadThe Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS has scheduled a closed-door hearing for October 8, 2026, in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address the dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations CAN final. Representatives from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation FRMF, the Confederation of African Football CAF, and the Senegalese Football Federation FSF are expected to attend. The dispute originated from a CAF Appeals Jury decision on March 17, 2026, which declared Senegal forfeited from the final and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing Senegal's violation of articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. Senegal's appeal, registered with CAS on March 25, seeks to overturn this decision. Morocco views this hearing as the final step toward confirming its continental title, awarded based on competition rules. The CAS stated that the parties did not agree to an expedited procedure, so the process is following the usual timeline. The hearing will be held behind closed doors as the parties did not request a public session. The arbitral panel will begin deliberations after hearing all parties, but no decision will be rendered on the day of the hearing. CAS has not indicated when a decision will be announced and has cautioned against misinformation, stating that only information published through its official channels should be considered reliable.