Morocco Roundup: Jailed anti-Israel activist, migrant boat intercepted, heat waves

Anti-Israel activist jailed for 5 years

Moroccan activist Abdul Rahman Zankad has been sentenced to five years in prison for criticising Morocco's decision to normalise relations with Israel. He was found guilty of insulting a constitutional institution and incitement as well as fined $5,000. According to Memo, authorities detained the activist affiliated with Morocco’s Al Adl Wal Ihsane in March 2024 following his Facebook posts discussing the conflict in Gaza and Rabat's recent move to forge diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. The banned association Al Adl Wal Ihsane condemned the ruling, stating it reflects authoritarianism and tyranny in the state. The sentencing has raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in Morocco.

Boat with 54 irregular migrants intercepted

The Royal Armed Forces intercepted a boat with 54 irregular migrants near Dakhla, Morocco on April 10. This is part of a larger trend, with approximately 6,600 individuals attempting to cross to the Canary Islands in January alone. The migrants were identified as sub-Saharan and Asian and were found 186 kilometres south of Dakhla, Morocco World News reveals. Despite efforts to curb migration, the Canary Islands route has seen a tenfold increase in irregular migrant arrivals in January, with Morocco, Algeria, and Bangladesh being the main origins of these migrants. The escalating unrest, economic stagnation, and political upheaval in the Sahel region have exacerbated the situation, prompting many desperate individuals to seek entry into Europe via the Spanish archipelago.

Unprecedented heat waves

Morocco is set to experience a heatwave and strong winds in multiple provinces, with temperatures expected to reach 35 to 42 degrees Celsius in some areas. The country has been investing in water infrastructure to mitigate the effects of water shortages caused by consecutive heat waves. The lack of rainfall has left dams at less than 40% capacity. However, the government is working to accelerate the construction of desalination plants, with several set to open in the coming years, Morocco World News suggests.

Video game market to witness 9% growth rate

Between 2024 and 2027, the video game industry in Morocco is anticipated to grow steadily at an annual rate of 9.39%. This growth trajectory is forecasted to lead to sales reaching $227.3 million in 2024 and escalating to $297.5 million by 2027, reports Morocco World News. With 8.4 million users expected in 2027, downloadable games represent the largest segment of the market. The industry's major revenue sources are in-game purchases, in-game consumer spending, and subscription fees. The market is catching the attention of global leaders in the gaming and e-sports sectors, with potential investment prospects being explored.

Drug trafficking attempts thwarted

On April 10, 2024, Moroccan national security forces, in collaboration with customs services stationed at the Beni Ansar centre in northeastern Morocco's Nador province, effectively intercepted an international trafficking attempt involving psychotropic drugs. They seized over 1,400 psychotropic tablets and arrested a 56-year-old Spanish national in connection with the case. According to Morocco World News, the suspect has been detained for a judicial inquiry overseen by the Judicial Police Brigade in Nador and the relevant public prosecutor's office. The ongoing investigations aim to determine whether this transnational criminal activity has consequences at local or global levels. To uphold social order, Moroccan police deploy additional forces for security operations during national holidays such as Eid Al Fitr.