Country Reports

Football as an instrument of Moroccan politics

Between the pitch and the world stage

When millions of eyes are focused on a football field, a sporting event is transformed into a global presentation area. At the end of 2025, Morocco will become the center of continental attention with the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations. It is a significant trailblazer for the even bigger stage of the 2030 World Cup. Both tournaments offer the Kingdom the opportunity to present itself not only as a host, but also as an economically dynamic state. The two major events are already providing catalysts for billions of euros in investments in transport infrastructure, tourism and digitalization. Nevertheless, the political instrumentalization of sporting events also brings challenges. The decisive factor will be whether Morocco can use the political results of the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup to consolidate confidence in its economic potential in the long term and to resolve social tensions.

Morocco's Youth Before the 2026 Election

Between Lack of Political Participation and New Forms of Engagement

Elections will be held in Morocco in September 2026. The political activities are gradually geared towards the elections. Protests by young adults a year before the elections have once again increased the nervousness of the established parties. Frustration and a lack of development opportunities are repeatedly mentioned, although the country is facing positive economic development. But success seems to be insufficiently received by the young population. The result seems to be frustration and mistrust of parliamentary structures. By 31 December 2025, first-time voters must have registered on the electoral lists to participate in the elections. The four million first-time voters make up about 15 percent of the population eligible to vote and could thus become an important factor.

Resolution 2797

A historic step in the Sahara conflict

On 31 October 2025, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2797 on the Western Sahara conflict. In Morocco, thousands of people celebrated on the streets, as the resolution represents a historic change of course. For the first time, Morocco's autonomy plan is explicitly supported as a fundamental solution to the conflict. The neutrality of the United Nations is thus shifting in favor of the Moroccan position. In Morocco, this step was celebrated as a diplomatic success; King Mohammed VI spoke of a "new and victorious chapter" on the way to a final solution to the Sahara question.

Unlocking the Sahel: Morocco’s Advance as Bridge- Builder and Agenda-Setter

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Morocco’s Defense Modernization: Strategic Investments in Security

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Morocco Through Donald Trump’s First 100 Days in the White House

Navigating the Trump Administration’s Second Term

Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term has sparked strong reactions worldwide, with some hailing him as a hero destined to reshape the world, while others fear he will lead it to ruin. Regardless of where one stands, one thing is certain: Trump is a polarizing figure who always defies expectations. From surviving an assassination attempt to defying predictions of imprisonment and reclaiming the presidency after a failed re-election bid, his first term proved to be a whirlwind of surprises. As he begins his second term, the world watches closely, particularly Morocco, which faces both opportunities and challenges in navigating the unpredictable path Trump’s administration may take, especially with his “America First” doctrine shaping global relations and foreign policy.

Between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean: Morocco's maritime security strategy

Complex transnational challenges for the country's maritime security

The geopolitical developments in the Red Sea and Morocco's geostrategic position as an interface between Africa, Europe and the Americas pose complex transnational challenges for the country's maritime security. While Morocco benefits economically from the emerging importance of its ports, Morocco's sea areas are threatened by illegal migration, terrorist activities and international drug trafficking. Through a strategy of regional cooperation, Morocco seeks to use its Atlantic and Mediterranean identity to lower trade barriers while protecting itself from dangers. However, measures taken by the Moroccan navy make it clear that cooperation with both European and African states is indispensable for an effective security strategy.

Presidential Elections 2024 in Mauritania

A pillar of hope in the Sahel region

Presidential elections are due to be held in Mauritania on June 29, 2024. Despite general expecta-tions that the incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani will be re-elected, political tension remains, including for partners in Europe. This is because Mauritania has gained in importance for the EU in recent years in the Sahel region, which is experiencing coups. The European Union has concluded security and migration cooperation agreements with the only democratically elected government in the Sahel region. The desert state therefore plays an important role as a connecting country between the countries of the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa.

Nahrungsmittelsicherheit im Nahen Osten und Nordafrika

Zwischen Notstand und Pragmatismus: Der Fall Marokko

Unmittelbar nach dem russischen Angriffskrieg in der Ukraine rückte der Nahe Osten und Nordafrika erneut ins Zentrum der Aufmerksamkeit. Abermals befürchtete man umwälzende Krisen in der Region, nicht wegen innerer Spannungen und Konflikte, sondern wegen der großen regionalen Abhängigkeit von Nahrungsmittelimporten der Kriegsparteien Russland und Ukraine.

Die Gleichberechtigung der Frau in Marokko

Stagnation oder Fortschritt?

Nach Jahren der Verzögerung verabschiedete das marokkanische Parlament am 14. Februar 2018 ein neues Gesetz, durch das Gewalt gegen Frauen härter bestraft werden soll. Diese Reform ist die neueste auf dem langen, holprigen Weg Marokkos zu mehr Gleichberechtigung und Schutz von Frauen. Die Voraussetzung für wirkungsvolle Reformen ist jedoch eine drastische Veränderung in der Mentalität der marokkanischen Gesellschaft.