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Africa North

New Morocco council to revisit social charter

2011-02-25

[Maghrebia] Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Monday (February 21st) inaugurated a long-awaited advisory body to the government. The creation of the Social and Economic Council (CES) is enshrined in the constitution but was delayed for years. "We intend it to be a new, open space, capable of enhancing what the state can offer institutions in terms of structures and bodies which will foster constructive dialogue, responsible expression and a positive reaction to the aspirations of various social categories across different generations," the king said at the opening ceremony in Casablanca. I'm not sure what that meant, but it sounds like fun. The sovereign rejected calls for replacing the Chamber of Councillors with the CES or merging the two bodies. "We are not inclined to allow this council to become some kind of third chamber," he said. The new body comprises 99 members, including representatives of charities and union groups, as well as scientific experts and intellectuals. It aims to draw up a new social charter, based on major contractual partnerships. The CES holds consultative powers and is tasked with proposing solutions to major socio-economic problems, such as the needs of the labour market. "It is intended to serve as a permanent space for social dialogue and the best place for thinking across different fields of economic, social and environmental activity," Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi said in a press statement. "Before bringing draft bills before parliament, the government will seek the views of the council and take them into account." Former Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa was appointed as the council chairman. The CES activities will make it possible to respond to the aspirations of the people, particularly young people, in terms of competitiveness, work, equal opportunities, governance and civil society, he said. Through its judgments and proposals, the council will support the reforms upon which Morocco has embarked, Benmoussa pledged. "The representation of business leaders, employees and civil society within the council is a guarantee of the effectiveness of its actions in the interest of everyone and the promotion of balanced economic development," said Moroccan Business Confederation chief and council member Mohamed Horani. Another CES member, Abdelmaksoud Rachdi, commented that the body will open up new areas for consideration of the major economic and social directions taken by the country.

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Africa North

Morocco rejects dialogue with jailed Islamists

2010-03-19

[Maghrebia] The Moroccan government will not hold talks with jailed Islamists, Communications Minister and government spokesperson Khalid Naciri told Magharebia in an exclusive interview on Monday (March 15th). "What part of '20 years' didn't you understand?" Naciri told Magharebia that the Islamists' request for a reconciliation dialogue was "not on the government's agenda". When many Islamist detainees arrested under the Terrorism Act recently released letters and statements disavowing their terrorist ideology and affiliation, they hoped to convince Moroccan authorities to accept their calls for dialogue. Since the 2003 Casablanca bombings, Moroccan authorities have tracked down Islamist terrorists and arrested more than 1,000. The government's latest position may represent less flexibility than was evident last May, when then-minister of the interior, Chakib Benmoussa, said that there were are certain ways in which Salafia Jihadia prisoners could get out of jail -- including by royal pardon -- if they showed remorse and changed their thinking. The most recent overture to imprisoned Islamists came in the form of a "Fairness Initiative" proposed by jailed Moroccan cleric Mohamed Abdelouahab Rafiki, also known as Abu Hafs. The letter containing the proposal was distributed by Forum for the Dignity of Human Rights in a press conference held last week. The forum's head, Mustafa Ramid, said in a March 15th interview with Magharebia that the "initiative reflects the importance of the national interest, which means the necessity of opening the files of hundreds of prisoners". "[I]n our opinion, even if there are terrorists amongst them, there are also innocent people who must be identified and released," said Ramid. "In addition, the government should review the cases of people who repented." "Terrorism is not just a criminal behaviour; it's primarily an ideology, belief and conviction that must be abolished and defeated through dialogue," added the human rights leader. "The most important party qualified for dismantling terrorist thinking ... is the circle of Islamist prisoners." In an interview with daily newspaper Ettajdid published on March 5th, Abu Hafs said: "We are a group of innocent people who are denying all accusations, and requesting to be released. We made mistakes and we admit it."

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Africa North

Morocco changes 5 ministers in cabinet reshuffle

2010-01-05

[Al Arabiya Latest] Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Monday made a partial cabinet reshuffle, replacing interior and justice ministers to "give greater momentum to major development projects and structural institutional reforms," the royal council said in a statement. Former Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa was replaced with Taieb Cherkaoui and Mohamed Naciri was appointed new justice minister, instead of Abdelouahed Radi. Other changes involved the ministries of Tourism and Handicrafts, Relations with Parliament and Modernization of Public Sectors. After holding various positions within the judiciary, the new Interior Minister Cherkaoui, 60, was appointed in August 2008 president of Morocco's Supreme Court. The king paid tribute to outgoing ministers, stressing in particular the role of Abdelouahed Radi "in the action he has taken to head the Ministry of Justice, and for his sincere commitment to the comprehensive reforms in the judicial system."

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Africa North

Morocco: Islamist sentenced to life in jail

2009-07-29

[ADN Kronos] A Moroccan court on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment the leader of an Islamic extremist cell. Abdelkader Belliraj was convicted of forming a criminal gang with the aim of carrying out terrorist attacks and murders. The court also found Belliraj, aged 50, guilty of possession of explosives, harming the security of the state and theft. A Moroccan-born Belgian national, Belliraj denies all charges against him. His lawyer has said he will appeal the sentence. More than 30 people who were arrested with Belliraj in February last year and tried with him received prison sentences from two to 30 years. They included six Islamist politicians, schoolteachers, a telecoms engineer, a hotel manager and a TV reporter. During the trial, Belliraj's lawyer argued he had made visits to militant groups for Belgium's intelligence services. Morocco's intelligence service claims Belliraj was the author of six assassinations in Belgium between 1986 and 1989, killings that Belgian police failed to solve. Belliraj was planning to attack government ministries, senior army officers and Moroccan Jews, according to interior minister Chakib Benmoussa.

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Africa North

PAM party victory stuns Moroccan political establishment

2009-06-20

[Maghrebia] The victory of the newly created Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) party in the June 12th local elections continues to make waves in Morocco, drawing a mixture of reactions ranging from surprise to indignation. While the PAM's leadership attributed their victory to views and methods that were attractive to voters, more established political parties accused the authorities of pulling the strings of the party, which was founded in June 2008 by a childhood friend of the King. "This party used any means at its disposal to earn its position, starting with the number of its candidates. It fielded candidates who have no political scruples whatsoever," Ismail Alaoui, secretary-general of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) said. Alaoui believes it unlikely that the PAM will have any major impact on the political arena and has likened it to "the Constitutional Union (CU) when it was first formed and the National Rally of Independents (RNI) of the 1970s". The Socialist Union of People's Forces (USFP) also cast doubt on the PAM's success. Hassan Tarik, who works at the party's headquarters, said that the PAM, which was founded by the ruling élite, will not fool the Moroccan public. Driss Lachguer, who also works at the USFP's central office, agreed, arguing that it is illogical for a newly created party to come first ahead of the other parties. Political science professor Mohamed Kanzidi said that it was too early to judge the true position of the PAM, noting that it fared particularly well in rural areas, while the Justice and Development Party (PJD) won in the cities. He also noted that it had won over several members with election experience. Responding to a question on the reasons for PAM's victory, Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa pointed to the composition of the party, which has candidates who took part in the 2003 election and won 10% of the vote and 9% of seats. "It was also the largest party in terms of the number of candidates it fielded," Benmoussa said on June 13th. The PAM's central office played down the criticisms levelled at it. The party's secretary-general, Mohamed Cheikh Biadilah, said that it was the failure of the other parties that has driven them to react in this way towards his party. "It's a cultural thing. Moroccans always tend to pin the blame on others instead of taking responsibility themselves," he said at a press conference held on Wednesday 17 June to announce the party's achievements. The PAM leader said that his party's views won voters over because they focused on the future. He also attributed the victory to party policies that targeted the local needs of each region. Meanwhile, some politicians saw the PAM victory as a breath of fresh air. Popular Movement MP Fatima Mustaghfir said that the PAM took on a test and passed it with flying colours after the disappointment of the partial elections. "Moroccans are hoping for change. The PAM's win is a message from voters to the parties", she said.

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Africa North

New party wins Morocco local polls

2009-06-14

A new party led by a politician close to the monarchy has won the most seats in Morocco's local elections, while an Islamic party registered a modest score, the interior minister has said. Around 30 parties stood in Friday's polls to elect nearly 28,000 members to 1,500 municipal councils. The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) was formed last June by Fouad Ali el-Himma, a close friend of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan monarch. Late last month, PAM pulled out of the country's governing coalition ahead of the local elections and aligned itself with the opposition. It won 6,015 seats, giving it 21.7 per cent of the national vote, ahead of the governing Istiqlal (Independence) party with 5,292 seats and 19.1 per cent, Chakib Benmoussa said on Saturday. The local elections were seen as a test for the government of Abbas el-Fassi, the prime minister. His Istiqlal party's second place finish meant a certain reaffirmation of the government, which had been accused of not having a solid programme despite the Moroccan economy having weathered the global crisis fairly well. The moderate Islamic Justice and Development Party (PJD), which scored its best result in 2007, picked up only 1,513 seats, putting it in sixth place. The national turnout was 52.4 per cent, below the 54 per cent recorded in 2003 local elections but well above the 37 per cent figure for legislative polls in 2007. Morocco's next parliamentary election is due in 2012.

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Africa North

Controversy surrounds royal pardons for Salafi prisoners in Morocco

2009-05-27

[Maghrebia] Over the past few months, a number of Salafi prisoners in Morocco have sought royal pardons. Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa was asked during an oral questions session in parliament on Wednesday (May 20th) to clarify the government's position on the issue. Benmoussa replied that there are certain ways in which Salafia Jihadia prisoners can get out of jail -- including by royal pardon -- if they show remorse and change their thinking. The minister confirmed that some Salafi prisoners have sought pardons through the Human Rights Advisory Council (CCDH) and the General Office of the Prison and Reintegration Authority. "These requests are currently being considered in accordance with the applicable procedures," he commented. Benmoussa's statement -- the first ever made by a minister on the subject -- has stirred up controversy in Morocco, particularly because royal pardons slated for some Islamists after the 2003 Casablanca attacks were cancelled in 2006 when Hassan El-Khattab's ring was dismantled. "The strategy of granting pardons has its limitations and will not achieve the goal of combating terrorism," commented Party of Justice and Development MP Mustapha Ramid. Instead, he said, dialogue will "help some people renounce their terrorist beliefs [and] thus serve as examples to young people with terrorist leanings and prevent them from making mistakes". Ramid added that a distinction should be made between terrorists and those innocent people detained under anti-terrorism laws. Pardons, he said, should be granted based on well-defined criteria to ensure that people who do not deserve to be released under amnesties will stay behind bars. Indeed, the Interior Minister has said that any dialogue with Salafia Jihadia prisoners must comply with well-defined rules and regulations that take account of Morocco's unique circumstances. He stressed that no comparisons should be made with other countries in this regard, particularly in terms of dialogue concerning religion. Political science professor Mohamed Kanzidi says that the factors of particular relevance to Morocco relate not only to abandonment of the doctrine of violence advocated by Salafis, but also to acceptance of the monarchy. "Some of them are for the monarchy, while others have reservations about the idea of the King being a commander of believers," he commented. Kanzidi added that the authorities must be careful to distinguish between the different categories of Islamist prisoners, since the acts of terrorism that have occurred in Morocco have led to a large number of arrests. "While some continue to have fundamentalist ideas, others are prepared to engage in dialogue as they have changed their views," he argued. Prisoners in the latter category should be eligible for pardons, he believes. The president of the CCDH had recommended in June 2008 that Islamist prisoners acknowledge their mistakes and renounce terrorist activities, Kanzidi said. The Dignity for Human Rights Forum, which has submitted 90 applications for pardons to the CCDH, said that the Interior Minister's statement is proof that the CCDH initiative remains valid.

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Africa North

Moroccan authorities concerned over Iranian religious intervention

2009-03-20

Strained relations continued this week between Morocco and Iran, this time over the issue of Shi'ism in Morocco. The kingdom broke diplomatic ties with Iran March 6th over aggressive comments the latter made towards the nation of Bahrain. Minister of Foreign Affairs Taieb Fassi-Fihri said that Moroccan authorities have "recognised activism by [Iranian] authorities, and particularly by its diplomatic representatives in Rabat, aimed at changing fundamental religious values in Morocco, attacking the very foundations of the Moroccan people's ancestral identity, and attempting to threaten the uniqueness of Muslim practices and the Sunni Maliki faith in Morocco". "We were aware of the existence of Shi'ite activism in Morocco," he continued, "but given that relations between the two sides were on an even keel, we did not want to rock the boat." Now that relations between Morocco and Iran have reached their present state, the problem can be addressed in the open, he added. Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa confirmed that Iranians have been proselytising in Morocco since 2004, through various cultural centres and the circulation of a number of publications. Dozens of young Moroccans are now in Iran, studying Shi'ism at that country's expense. Former Iranian Ambassador to Rabat Valid Ahmadi told the press that these students were "small in number" and that there was no need to pay the matter any attention. "It would be pointless to want to change certain constants, such as religious adherence," Ahmadi said, refuting accusations that Iran is actively proselytising. "The accusations about involvement in Moroccan internal affairs are unfounded and we reject them out of hand," confirmed Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Monouchehr Motaki. Moroccan observers have had mixed reactions to the issue. While some have echoed the position taken by officials, others play down the effects of Shi'ism in Morocco, stressing that it is simply a reaction to the recent deterioration in relations between Morocco and Iran. Moroccan MP Abdelbari Zemzemi said he has seen evidence of a Shi'ite movement in Morocco going back a decade or more. "The danger of Shi'ism lies in the division it could create at the heart of the Nation, as is happening in Iraq," Zemzemi said. "Iran's objective is to export its culture throughout the Islamic world and among Muslim expatriates... This can divide societies." Others express a more immediate concern. "There is a section of Shi'ites who call for combat and pay no attention to dialogue," said Hassan Benadir, a specialist in Islamic issues. "That's the real danger, because we have seen a number of cases of Shi'ite terrorists of Maghreb origin." "Amongst others, I could mention the now-disbanded Moroccan terrorist network 'Ansar El Mahdi', which had Shi'ite connotations... As for the Belliraj network, the interior ministry indicated it was in contact with Hezbollah," he added. Despite the current alarm, many think the question of Shi'ism in Morocco is being overstated. Ahmed Ramzi, a specialist in Islamic movements, stressed that the Shi'ite presence in Morocco is still rather marginal, as it is not a structured or organised movement. Political expert Mohamed Darif suggests that Morocco is pushing back, because "relations between Tehran and Algiers are getting stronger and stronger, to the detriment of Moroccan interests, particularly where the Sahara issue is concerned". Ties between Morocco and Iran, never stable, have been severed in the past, such as in 1979 when the Shah was overthrown. Normal relations were not restored until 1991..

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Africa North

Rice urges end to Western Sahara dispute

2008-09-08

Wrapping her multi-leg tour in North Africa, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held talks in Morocco Sunday on issues including terrorism, where an Al-Qaeda-linked group has claimed attacks. Rice met her Moroccan counterpart Taieb Fassi-Fihri as part of the last leg of her tour of the region, which has included a landmark meeting with Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi. "It is quite clear that there are problems of terrorism and need for counter-terrorism cooperation among the partners here, among the states here, and we, the US," Rice told reporters later in the day. Western Sahara conflict Besides terrorism, Washington's top diplomat discussed the conflict involving Western Sahara, where the Polisario Front has been seeking independence. Rabat has objected to independence and has proposed autonomy for the territory on the North West African coast. Before the visit, Morocco had expressed hope Rice could help break the impasse over Western Sahara. "The US looks forward to supporting the UN effort there to find a mutually agreed agreement," Rice said. Morocco and Polisario have been engaged in UN-sponsored negotiations over the former Spanish colony's future since June last year. During a visit the previous day to Algeria, Rice had also discussed that country's cooperation in the fight against terrorism in talks with President Abedelaziz Bouteflika. She reiterated that Washington needed close counter-terror cooperation in the region, which is periodically hit by violence blamed on al Qaeda. An estimated 125 people were killed in a surge of violence in Algeria in August in attacks by al Qaeda's North Africa wing and clashes between the army and militants. Rice's route within Algeria was the subject of heightened security precautions, after a jihadist on an Islamist website urged the North African branch of Al-Qaeda to assassinate Rice during her regional tour. In July, Morocco's MAP news agency reported that 35 alleged recruiters for Al-Qaeda operations in Algeria and Iraq were arrested by police in Morocco. Upon arrival in Morocco on Saturday, Rice met Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi, Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa and Yassine Mansouri, the head of military intelligence during a dinner. Rice, due to leave for home later on Sunday, also lauded close ties between Morocco and the United States and said: "I can think of no better way to end my trip."

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Africa North

Failed Meknes suicide bomber sentenced to life

2008-07-14

The latest verdict in a Moroccan terrorism case was handed down Thursday (July 11th) -- this time concerning notorious Meknes bomber Hicham Doukkali, the young engineer who attempted to blow himself up with a butane cannister near a bus packed with tourists on August 13th, 2007. He was sentenced to life in prison, while accomplice and fellow engineer Hassan Azougar was given a ten-year prison term. The pair had been charged with "conspiracy to prepare for and commit acts of terrorism connected with a personal plan with the aim of undermining public order by means of terror, violence and the manufacture, storage and use of explosives to endanger the lives and safety of others". Investigations after the Doukkali's arrest led to the apprehension of four engineers in Meknes, Salé and Tinjdade: all worked with the failed bomber for the regional tax office. Last June, the case against three of them collapsed. Moroccans have been closely following the verdicts handed down in terrorism cases, and many have hailed the security policy being pursued by the state. However, they have also called for officials to respect personal freedoms and the law by not mistakenly accusing innocent people. The Interior ministry says that the measures taken by the authorities to tackle terrorism comply with the judicial regulations passed by the legislature and that they are still subject to review by the courts to ensure freedoms will be respected and public order upheld. The Moroccan government has employed a tough security strategy since the suicide bombings in Casablanca on May 16th, 2003. Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa says terrorist forces still pose a significant threat, meaning the government and all sectors of society must remain vigilant. The government has set about overhauling institutions engaging in the fight against terrorism to make them more efficient. It has also stepped up international co-operation efforts with regard to the campaign against terror. According to officials, information gathered by Moroccan intelligence and shared with foreign security services has made it possible to stop a number of terrorist rings before they were able to strike. Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi says the government's response to terrorism includes a commitment to development policies to tackle unemployment and underemployment, create the necessary conditions for growth and improve living standards. Political Science professor Ahmed Belarbi told Magharebia that the Moroccan authorities have succeeded thus far with its security strategy, but says terrorists could still "strike at any moment" no matter how vigilant the authorities are.

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Africa North

Morocco nabs terror cell targeting Jews

2008-02-22

Morocco said Thursday it has dismantled a terrorist network that raised funds through holdups and jewelry thefts in Europe and was plotting to assassinate Cabinet ministers, army officers and Jews in the North African kingdom. Thirty-two suspected terrorists were arrested in the operation, including Muhammad Mirwani, who heads the unauthorized "Umma Party", and Hizbullah's Al-Manar satellite TV correspondent in Morocco, Abd Al-Hafid Sriti. The official MAP news agency also reported Wednesday night that the North African kingdom banned an Islamist political party, Al Badil Al Hadari (Civilized Alternative), because some members were linked to the network. MAP said authorities discovered a vast stash of weapons while dismantling the network, which they believe is linked to Al-Qaida and local terror groups. Among those arrested was CA General-Secretary Mustafa Mutasim. The Moroccan police said it had evidence proving a link between the CA and Al-Qaida. Investigations by the Moroccan security authorities are said to have proved that Belliraj had contacts with Al-Qaida in Afghanistan, Morocco, and Algeria between 2001 and 2005, Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa said at a news conference on Wednesday. Benmoussa added that there were attempts in 2002 to arrange for training in Hizbullah training camps in Lebanon. He said some of the network members had been trained to handle weapons and explosives thanks to relations established by Abd Al-Qadir Belliraj with international terror organizations.

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Africa North

Conservative party in Morocco win

2007-09-09

Could also be titled "Islamists lose in Morocco," but it's al-Jizz. The conservative Istiqlal (Independence) party, a partner in Morocco's ruling coalition, has won most seats in parliamentary elections, according to provisional results released by the government. The polls, the second of King Mohammed VI's nine-year reign, saw 33 parties vie with dozens of independents for seats in the 325-member lower house. Istiqlal won 52 seats, including those assigned to a national women's list, ahead of the Islamist Justice and Development party (PJD) with 47 seats, Chakib Benmoussa, the interior minister, announced in Rabat on Saturday. Final official figures will be released on Sunday evening. The Popular Movement (MP) and the National Rally of Independents (RNI) won 43 and 38 seats respectively, followed by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) with 36. The USFP is the dominant party in the ruling coalition, with Istiqlal as a junior partner.

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