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China and Russia Poised to Recognize Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara as France Steps Up Energy Financing

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China and Russia Poised to Recognize Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara as France Steps Up Energy Financing

Rabat, July 2, 2025 – A new analysis by the Migration Research Institute, titled “Morocco at Crossroads” and published on June 24, 2025, underscores the Kingdom as “the most stable country in the entire Maghreb.” The report highlights Morocco’s resilience amid regional upheaval—citing decades of institutional reform, infrastructure investment, and a measured foreign policy under King Mohammed VI—and signals that Moscow and Beijing may soon join Washington, Paris, and London in recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Since December 2020, when the United States formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory under President Trump’s administration, Morocco has methodically secured endorsements from other major powers. In July 2024, President Emmanuel Macron declared that France now regards Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as the “only basis” for resolving the conflict reuters.com. Most recently, on June 1, 2025, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the United Kingdom’s formal backing of Rabat’s autonomy plan as the most “credible, viable and pragmatic” solution to the decades-long dispute.

The “Morocco at Crossroads” report further forecasts that China and Russia—the only two remaining permanent members of the UN Security Council yet to take a public stance—are “highly likely” to approve Morocco’s claims “in the coming months,” effectively cementing near-unanimous Security Council support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Parallel to these diplomatic developments, France is deepening its economic engagement with Morocco through major energy investments. In April 2024, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire confirmed that Paris is ready to finance a 3 GW high-voltage subsea electricity link from Casablanca to Dakhla—designed to channel Saharan solar and wind power into Morocco’s national grid—and to explore cooperation on solar, wind, green hydrogen, and nuclear projects. Moreover, French Trade Minister Franck Riester has indicated that Proparco, the private-sector arm of the Agence Française de Développement, could underwrite both the Casablanca–Dakhla power link and the construction of a Morocco–Europe gas pipeline, further integrating Moroccan energy resources with European markets.

Together, these moves reinforce Morocco’s emergence as a linchpin of regional stability and energy transition—leveraging its strategic geography to bridge African and European markets while navigating great-power competition with skillful diplomacy and targeted infrastructure financing.

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🇲🇦 Six Moroccan Players Featured in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

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🇲🇦 Six Moroccan Players Featured in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

July 4, 2025 – Moroccan football continues to rise on the global stage, with six standout players competing in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Representing elite clubs including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, and Bayern Munich, these Moroccan internationals and prospects reflect the depth of talent fueling Morocco’s golden generation.


🇪🇸 Real Madrid

  1. Brahim Díaz – A dynamic attacking midfielder, Díaz has become a key figure at Real Madrid. Since committing to the Moroccan national team in 2024, he’s delivered standout performances in La Liga and on the international stage. His vision, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him a major threat in the final third.
  2. Youssef Lekhedim – A rising defensive talent in Real Madrid’s squad, Lekhedim represents the new wave of Moroccan youth making its way through elite European academies. His inclusion in the tournament squad signals both Real Madrid’s faith in his development and Morocco’s future in defense.

🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

  1. Achraf Hakimi – Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, Hakimi leads PSG’s defense with pace, composure, and attacking flair. A standout in both the Champions League and early Club World Cup matches, Hakimi was named to the tournament’s Best XI.

🇸🇦 Al Hilal

  1. Yassine Bounou – Morocco’s legendary goalkeeper, now starring for Al Hilal, made headlines after a heroic 10-save performance that knocked out Manchester City. Bounou’s leadership and big-match presence earned him a spot in the Club World Cup Best XI.
  2. Abderrazak Hamdallah – The powerful striker, brought in on a short-term transfer, has added much-needed firepower to Al Hilal’s attack. Known for his finishing and aerial threat, Hamdallah is key to the Saudi club’s semifinal ambitions.

🇩🇪 Bayern Munich

  1. Adam Aznou – A promising young left-back with excellent technique and speed, Aznou is part of Bayern Munich’s first-team setup and has already debuted for Morocco’s senior national team. His role in this tournament marks a significant step in his rising career.

🌍 Morocco’s Football Power on Display

These six Moroccan players aren’t just representing—they’re dominating headlines at the Club World Cup. From veterans like Hakimi and Bounou to rising stars like Aznou and Lekhedim, Morocco’s football reputation continues to surge at both club and international levels.

Their performances are further proof that Morocco is no longer just a participant in global football—it is now a serious contributor to its elite class.


🏆 Quarter-Final Fixtures Featuring Moroccan Players

  • Al Hilal vs. Fluminense – Bounou and Hamdallah aim to carry the Saudi giants into the semifinals.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund – Featuring Brahim Díaz and Youssef Lekhedim.

PSG vs. Bayern Munich – Achraf Hakimi faces Adam Aznou in a battle of speed and technique.

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Liberia Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Declares FM Nyanti

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Liberia Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Declares FM Nyanti

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reaffirmed her country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara during a joint press conference following a meeting today with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.

✍️ Key Highlights

  • Strong Support for Territorial Integrity
    “Morocco’s territorial integrity is a matter of principle for Liberia,” Nyanti declared, asserting that the Sahara region is an inseparable part of the Kingdom . Liberia’s full endorsement extends into its upcoming term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2026–27.
  • Backing the Autonomy Plan
    She described Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only “credible, serious and realistic solution” to the Western Sahara conflict and pledged continued support from Liberia’s delegation at the UN .

🌐 Diplomatic Significance

  • UN Security Council Influence
    Liberia’s forthcoming role on the UN Security Council elevates its diplomatic influence. Nyanti confirmed that the country will actively advocate Morocco’s stance during its term.
  • Positive Momentum under King Mohammed VI
    Commending Morocco’s efforts and global outreach, Nyanti praised King Mohammed VI’s leadership for turning international attention toward the autonomy plan.

Minister Bourita, underscoring the value of Liberia’s stance, noted that this reinforcement of unity has strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations.

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Launch of Women’s AFCON in Morocco: Excitement and Controversy Ahead

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Launch of Women’s AFCON in Morocco: Excitement and Controversy Ahead

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – The long‑awaited 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is finally set to kick off in Morocco on July 5, after an unprecedented 19‑month delay. The nation, hosting for the second straight time, will welcome 12 teams across five Moroccan cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Oujda, and Berkane—culminating in a thrilling final scheduled for July 26 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

🎉 Hosts Set the Stage

Morocco will open the tournament in Rabat, facing Zambia in Group A. As co‑hosts and runners‑up in the previous edition, the Atlas Lionesses enter under a renewed spotlight. Former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, now guides the Moroccan side with high expectations for a home‑grown triumph.

🌟 Top Contenders

Defending champions South Africa—clinching their first WAFCON in Morocco in 2022—return to defend the title amid internal unrest, including coaching contract delays and player salary disputes. Nigeria’s powerhouse Super Falcons aim to maintain dominance, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, buoyed by stars Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are poised to make a major impact.

⚠️ Off‑Field Turbulence

The tournament enters the field overshadowed by governance and scheduling challenges. CAF’s decision to delay the competition by over a year—prompted by scheduling overlaps with the Paris Olympics—has drawn sharp criticism from multiple federations, accusing African football’s governing body of creating uncertainty and disrupting team momentum.

Furthermore, several teams have raised complaints regarding payment issues. South Africa has been preparing without a finalized coaching contract, while players from Zambia and Nigeria have reportedly not received promised bonuses. These controversies threaten to dampen spirits ahead of kick‑off .

🏗️ Infrastructure & Legacy

Morocco, known for its top‑tier stadiums and event organization, has once again invested in world‑class facilities. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and venues in Casablanca and Berkane have undergone upgrades to provide optimal conditions for athletes and fans alike. Morocco’s repeated hosting duties underscore its commitment to advancing African women’s football—both in capacity and visibility.

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