DIPLOMACY
King Mohammed VI Orders $328 Million Aid Programme for Flood-Hit Regions
On High Royal Instructions from Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government has rolled out a major aid and support programme valued at approximately $328 million (MAD 3 billion) to assist communities affected by exceptionally severe weather conditions over the past two months.
The extreme weather, which particularly impacted the Gharb plain and Loukkos regions, caused widespread flooding and large-scale displacement across several provinces.
According to a press release from the Office of the Head of Government, His Majesty, mindful of safeguarding citizens’ safety and improving their living conditions, directed authorities to implement an urgent and comprehensive response plan, alongside the necessary regulatory measures required in such circumstances.
In line with these instructions, the Head of Government issued a decree declaring the weather conditions a catastrophic event. The most affected communes in the provinces of Larache, Kénitra, Sidi Kacem and Sidi Slimane have officially been designated disaster areas.
The aid and support programme, equivalent to roughly $328 million, was designed following an in-depth field assessment and a detailed evaluation of the economic and social repercussions of the disaster.
The breakdown of the package includes:
- $85 million (MAD 775 million) for rehousing affected families, compensating for loss of income, rehabilitating damaged homes and small businesses, and reconstructing collapsed houses.
- $25 million (MAD 225 million) in in-kind assistance and reinforced emergency interventions to meet immediate and essential needs.
- $33 million (MAD 300 million) in targeted support for farmers and livestock breeders.
- $186 million (MAD 1.7 billion) allocated for the rehabilitation of roads, hydro-agricultural infrastructure and basic public service networks.
The statement further emphasised that the King has instructed the government to ensure the programme is executed in an exemplary, swift and responsible manner, enabling affected citizens to return to normal living conditions as quickly as possible.
Official figures indicate that the severe weather caused flooding across more than 110,000 hectares of land and displaced nearly 188,000 people in the four affected provinces.
The large-scale intervention underscores Morocco’s commitment to rapid recovery and long-term reconstruction following one of the most significant weather-related disruptions in recent years.
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Pep Guardiola said he will continue to use his platform as Manchester City manager to speak up for victims of global conflicts and violence.
Guardiola was speaking at a pre‑match press conference ahead of City’s League Cup semifinal second leg against Newcastle United, five days after he voiced support for children in the occupied Palestinian territories at a charity concert in Barcelona.
“Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the information in front of our eyes watching more clearly than now,” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday in Manchester.
“The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened in Russia, what happened all around the world – in Sudan, everywhere,” he said, referring to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
“What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It’s our problems as human beings. It’s our problems.”
He said society must work collectively to improve.
“Look what happened in the United States of America, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed. Tell me how you can defend that,” Guardiola said. The fatal shootings of the two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents sparked widespread protests in the United States.
“When I see the images, I am sorry it hurts. That is why in every position I can help speak up to be a better society, I will try and will be there. All the time. It is for my kids, my family, and for you.
“There is no perfect society, nowhere is perfect, I am not perfect, we have to work to be better.”
-Reuters
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The European Union has commended the role of King Mohammed VI of Morocco in efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, highlighting his leadership as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee and his contribution to the search for a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a joint statement issued after the 15th session of the Morocco–EU Association Council held in Brussels, the EU expressed clear support for the work of the Al-Quds Committee and praised the Moroccan monarch as a champion of peace and a credible, trusted actor in advancing a two-state solution to the conflict.
The statement also underscored Morocco’s constructive and forward-looking role in regional cooperation initiatives. Discussions during the Council session focused on key developments in the shared neighbourhood between Morocco and the EU, with particular attention given to the initiative for the benefit of the African Atlantic countries.
Launched by King Mohammed VI in 2022, the African Atlantic Initiative brings together 23 African countries with Atlantic coastlines. The project seeks to structure the African-Atlantic space as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, to enhance regional stability, fostering shared development, and promoting deeper economic integration.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the political dialogue held during the Association Council meeting reaffirmed the relevance of the King’s strategic vision and Morocco’s growing role as a central actor in promoting peace, stability and shared development across its region.
The Morocco–EU Association Council was co-chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the European Union’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas.
The session also featured the participation of the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šujka, alongside several European foreign ministers, including those of Spain, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Malta, as well as senior representatives from all EU member states.
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Coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the passing of the renowned renewer of Sufi practice, the late Sheikh Hamza bin Abbas al-Qadiri al-Boudchichi, the Sheikh of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order, Dr Moulay Mounir al-Qadiri Boudchichi, has sent a message of support, loyalty and endorsement to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Commander of the Faithful.
In a message issued on behalf of the followers of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order in Morocco and across the world, Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi expressed profound gratitude, love and allegiance to the Moroccan monarch, praising his steadfast commitment to the promotion of moderate Sunni Sufism as a cornerstone of spiritual harmony and social stability.
Speaking to the press, the Sheikh described the anniversary as a significant spiritual moment and an opportunity to acknowledge the continuous royal care and high patronage extended by King Mohammed VI to Sufism rooted in moderation, balance and openness.
“This spiritual commemoration allows us to express our deep appreciation for the constant support that His Majesty has granted to moderate Sunni Sufism, which plays a vital role in reinforcing the values of spiritual peace, social equilibrium and human coexistence,” Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi said.
He added that the followers and adherents of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order, both within Morocco and in the diaspora—particularly in Europe—are united in reaffirming their unwavering support for the King’s efforts to advance Morocco’s development and enhance its spiritual and cultural influence at regional and international levels.
The Sheikh also commended King Mohammed VI’s pioneering role as Commander of the Faithful in strengthening the institution as a guarantor of religious and doctrinal unity, a safeguard of moderation and tolerance, and a global advocate for intercultural and interfaith dialogue.
According to Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi, these royal efforts have positioned the Moroccan religious experience as a model admired and emulated worldwide.
He further noted that the message reflects the deep spiritual and historical bond between the Qadiriyya-Boudchichiyya Sufi Order and the Alawite Throne, reaffirming the order’s enduring commitment to serving Morocco’s religious and national values under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whom he prayed God would preserve and grant continued success.
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