Morocco Roundup: FIFA World Cup, Global Hunger Index, Ancient Libraries

Activists protest law that could allow Israeli soldiers become Moroccan citizens

Activists in Morocco are protesting a proposed citizenship law that would grant Moroccan citizenship to descendants of Moroccan Jews, primarily those who immigrated to Israel. Critics argue the law could allow Israeli soldiers, some of whom are of Moroccan descent, to gain citizenship, raising security concerns. A petition to extend citizenship was submitted to the Moroccan parliament but has garnered fewer than 300 signatures out of the required 20,000. The proposal has sparked controversy amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with some pro-Palestine groups viewing it as a "Zionist attempt" to influence Moroccan institutions. While the Jewish community in Morocco, consisting of around 2,000 individuals, largely remains apolitical, community leaders have condemned violence in Gaza and criticised the citizenship proposal as discriminatory.

Morocco to double green electricity production in preparation for World Cup

Morocco plans to double green electricity production in Western Sahara to 2.7 gigawatts by 2027, ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The project, costing approximately 21 billion dirhams ($2.1 billion), aims to enhance wind and solar capacity with local and foreign investment. Morocco’s control over the region is disputed by the pro-independence Polisario Front, but recent foreign support has encouraged investment in the territory's energy infrastructure. Current green power capacity is about 1.3 gigawatts. A related 3-gigawatt cable project connecting the region to central Morocco has garnered interest from private investors, with France pledging support. The plans will likely face opposition from Polisario, which critiques Morocco's exploitation of the region's resources.

Thousands of dogs massacred in brutal clean-up ahead of World Cup

Animal welfare groups warn that thousands of stray dogs in Morocco are being massacred ahead of the country's bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The International Animal Coalition reports that three million dogs are at risk as brutal clean-up efforts intensify, with dogs being poisoned, shot, or trapped. The killings have reportedly escalated since FIFA's announcement in 2023, leading to fears that a potential ratification in December 2024 could give Morocco a "green light" to proceed with the planned cull. Les Ward, chair of the coalition, criticised FIFA for ignoring evidence of these inhumane practices and called for Morocco to be suspended as a co-host. This is not a new issue; similar mass killings of stray dogs occurred before previous World Cup events, drawing international condemnation.

Morocco improves Global Hunger Index ranking

Morocco has improved its Global Hunger Index (GHI) ranking thanks to agricultural policies like the Green Morocco Plan and Generation Green, which focus on modernising agriculture and improving food distribution. However, the global food security crisis persists, with many regions, particularly Africa, facing severe hunger due to conflicts, climate change, and economic instability. The UN’s Zero Hunger goal for 2030 remains out of reach as issues worsen in countries such as Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar.

Qatar organises study on Ancient Libraries in Morocco

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is hosting a study day titled “The Ancient Libraries of Morocco: From Preserving Manuscripts to Beacons of Knowledge” on November 13, 2024, as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture celebrations. The event will explore the historical development, challenges, and significance of ancient Moroccan libraries and their role in facilitating knowledge transfer and intellectual exchange. The session will be conducted in Arabic with English interpretation available.