AGP Executive Report

Electoral Reform: Morocco is changing its 2026 election rules to boost women’s representation, reserving certain regional constituencies for female candidates and guaranteeing women at least 90 of the 395 House seats before other results are counted. Transport Regulation: New Official Gazette rules for electric scooters set a 25 km/h cap, make helmets mandatory, and restrict circulation outside built-up areas unless dedicated cyclist lanes exist, with additional lighting and warning requirements phased in after a grace period. Sahara Diplomacy: The U.S. and the UN are coordinating to push a lasting Sahara political solution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797, with talks framed around Morocco’s autonomy plan. Ceuta Migration: Spain reports thousands of migrants returning to Morocco and more than 800 being moved to a new temporary facility in Los Rosales, as the Ceuta crisis keeps driving political pressure. Human Rights & Development: Morocco’s CNDH tells a UN Human Rights Council panel in Geneva that the right to development needs a cross-cutting approach, including measurable indicators to track gaps in access to rights. Sports Governance: Morocco’s football dispute over the 2030 World Cup final venue continues as FIFA maintains no decision yet, while Spain and Morocco keep trading claims.

Sahara & Spain Citizenship: Spain’s Congress approved a bill creating a special Spanish nationality route for Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during Spanish rule (and certain descendants), with Morocco warning it could inflame political tensions even as Rabat stresses the law doesn’t change the territory’s status. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Morocco’s rights league says it has filed a report to UN mechanisms over alleged abuses tied to attempts to cross into Ceuta and Melilla, as Spain and Rabat trade accusations over intelligence and responsibility. Elections Watch (Sept. 23): Campaigning rules are now set, including HACA guidance on equal media coverage and airtime allocation, while analysis highlights how parties often select “notables” with networks and resources rather than program-driven candidates. Rabat Budget & Social Policy: PAM’s Fouzi Lekjaa unveiled a 350 billion dirham economic and social program to 2031, targeting purchasing power, pensions and tax changes. Digital Economy: Morocco launched a Startup Catalytic Fund framework to mobilize nearly MAD 2.5 billion for digital startups under Digital 2030. Church in Rabat: Pope Leo XIV appointed Spanish priest Mario León Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, setting up succession after a Vatican-linked investigation.

World Cup 2030 Row: Morocco’s PM Aziz Akhannouch has ordered RMFF chief Fouzi Lekjaa to stop election-style promises that the 2030 final will be in Benslimane, stressing the venue must be discussed with co-hosts Spain and Portugal; FIFA meanwhile reiterated no decision has been taken yet, keeping the Bernabéu and the planned Hassan II-area stadium in contention. Spain-Morocco Diplomacy: Morocco rejected renewed Spanish political and media accusations, saying relations should rest on mutual respect, dialogue, economic partnership and security cooperation, while calling for a thorough investigation into last July’s Ceuta events. Ceuta Crisis Fallout: New reporting says Spain’s CNI warned Ceuta authorities on July 29 about a possible “land and sea” attack linked to social media calls, as violence in Ceuta’s migrant settlements continues with multiple stabbings and injuries. Trade & Logistics: Nador West Med’s West Med Container Terminal cleared live trials for commercial operations, strengthening Morocco’s Mediterranean transshipment role. Regional Security/Foreign Policy: Morocco reaffirmed support for Yemen’s unity and sovereignty amid Houthi escalation near Bab al-Mandeb.

World Cup 2030 Row: Morocco’s PM Aziz Akhannouch sharply rebuked federation chief Fouzi Lekjaa after he publicly claimed the final would be played in Benslimane/Casablanca, saying Morocco should not make electoral promises before FIFA and co-host allies Spain and Portugal agree; FIFA Response: FIFA reiterated that the final venue decision is still pending “in due course,” despite competing claims from Morocco and Spain; Ceuta Intelligence Fallout: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez released documents saying its CNI warned Ceuta authorities a day before the late-July migrant surge about a possible “land and sea attack,” and that Morocco was also informed; Elections Watch: Morocco’s Interior Ministry reported 1,850 candidate lists and 7,288 candidates for the Sept. 23 legislative vote, with women at 36.47% of candidates; Diplomacy: Morocco’s FM Nasser Bourita reaffirmed support for Yemen’s unity and sovereignty in talks with Yemen’s FM Afrah Al-Zouba amid Houthi escalation near Bab al-Mandeb.

Morocco–Spain Tensions: Rabat issued a strongly worded response to Spain over the Ceuta migrant crisis, rejecting claims of Moroccan involvement and warning that turning the kingdom into an electoral scapegoat risks “recurring tensions.” Ceuta Fallout: Spain’s government delegate’s chief of staff in Ceuta resigned after saying he received a National Intelligence Centre warning on 29 July—one day before the mass arrival—adding fresh pressure on what Madrid knew and when. World Cup 2030 Row: Morocco’s PM Aziz Akhannouch criticized RMFF chief Fouzi Lekjaa for election-style promises about hosting the final, while FIFA reiterated the venue decision is not final; Lekjaa meanwhile doubled down on Benslimane/Hassan II Stadium. Diplomacy & Regional Politics: Algeria cut ties with the UAE, citing “provocative and hostile” actions, deepening a wider regional rift that also touches Western Sahara alignments. Security & Tech: A hacker group, Jabaroot, claimed a leak of 70,000 names tied to Morocco’s police and intelligence; Morocco denied it. Environment: A new report warns 45% of migratory bird species are in decline, with only 9% adequately protected across their full cycle.

Ceuta & Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s Foreign Ministry rejected claims of Rabat’s involvement in the July mass migrant crossing into Ceuta, saying there is “no evidence” and questioning why migrants and unaccompanied minors are not being returned. Spain’s Sahrawi Nationality Move: Spain’s parliament backed a citizenship law for Western Saharans born during Spanish rule, a step that could inflame tensions with Rabat amid the Ceuta fallout. Algeria-UAE Rift: Algeria severed ties with the UAE and ordered a closure of Algerian airspace to UAE-registered aircraft from Sept. 11, escalating a broader regional dispute. World Cup 2030 Politics: Morocco’s football federation chief Fouzi Lekjaa said the final will be in Casablanca’s Benslimane (Hassan II Stadium), but FIFA reiterated the venue is still undecided. Defense & Security: The Netherlands approved Morocco’s purchase of two drone ships to boost mine countermeasures and anti-submarine capabilities. Election Campaign: Morocco kicked off its 2026 parliamentary election campaign as parties compete for 395 seats. Sports & Tech Crossovers: Hakim Ziyech signed for Botafogo through 2028; and AFRICOM highlighted Morocco-linked defense innovation at a U.S. conference.

Legislative Election Kickoff: Morocco launched its 2026 parliamentary campaign on Thursday, with 27 parties competing for 395 seats on Sept. 23; youth unemployment and economic inequality are expected to dominate, with voting participation among 18–24s still very low. Ceuta Fallout in Spain: Spain’s Ceuta migrant crisis continues to spark political firestorms, as declassified Spanish intelligence documents reportedly show warnings of “mass entries” before the July surge, while Pedro Sánchez faces renewed opposition attacks. World Cup 2030 Venue Fight: Morocco’s football federation chief Fouzi Lekjaa says the 2030 final will be played at the Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, escalating the public contest with Spain as FIFA has yet to officially confirm. FIFA Leadership Shake-up: The French Football Federation withdrew support for Gianni Infantino ahead of the March 2027 FIFA election in Rabat, adding pressure to a presidency already under heavy scrutiny. Rail Security Upgrade: ONCF launched a tender for a national surveillance and AI plan by 2030, aiming to expand its camera network to about 6,000 units. Education Timing Update: Morocco’s Education Ministry set a nationwide 8:00 AM school start time from Sept. 20 after the clock change. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Morocco’s probity authority INPPLC signed an MoU with Hong Kong’s ICAC to deepen institutional cooperation against corruption.

Ceuta Crisis Fallout: Spain released declassified intelligence showing its CNI warned Morocco’s DGST/DGED and Ceuta officials on July 29 about social-media calls for an “assault by fence and sea” the next day, including plans to exploit Morocco’s Throne Day—fueling fresh accusations that Madrid downplayed prior warning before the late-July surge of over 70,000 crossings. EU Solidarity & Border Tech: The European Commission approved €114.7m emergency aid for Spain to reinforce Ceuta’s external borders, including surveillance gear and support for screening and returns, as protests continue. Morocco’s Position: Ceuta’s government delegate says he received no official CNI warnings, calling the messages “informal communication,” while Spain’s opposition escalates pressure on PM Sánchez. Regional Security: King Mohammed VI condemned Iran’s “criminal” missile attacks on Jordan and reaffirmed full solidarity. IAEA Syria File: The IAEA board closed Syria’s nuclear “non-compliance” case, with Morocco among states backing the resolution. Domestic Morocco: PAM’s youth minister Bensaid told a Marrakech rally young Moroccans want jobs and training, not privileges, as taxi professionals protest reported cuts to transport support.

Morocco’s Sahara diplomacy: Guinea reaffirmed its “Moroccanness” stance and backed autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the only solution, including by opening a consulate in Dakhla. Ceuta pressure on EU ties: Ceuta mayor Juan Jesús Vivas urged the EU to review cooperation with Rabat after the July mass irregular entry, calling for stronger EU border support and even special status for Ceuta/Melilla. UN nuclear watchdog: The IAEA board closed its long-running probe into Syria’s past secret nuclear activities, with Morocco among the states backing the resolution. Press freedom row in Spain: Spain’s interior minister faced backlash after reports of a confidential ministry dossier profiling hundreds of journalists by political stance. Business & investment: Aya Gold & Silver published an updated Boumadine PEA for Morocco, while Mint signed an MoU to expand education robotics in Morocco via an exclusive distributor. Sports spotlight: Achraf Hakimi earned another Ballon d’Or nomination; and Morocco’s Ziyech arrived in Brazil for a Botafogo move amid warm local chants.

AI Strategy Rollout: Morocco moved from planning to implementation under “Morocco AI 2030,” targeting MAD 100bn in GDP value by 2030, 50,000 jobs, and 200,000 trained AI talents, with a sovereign AI marketplace and JAZARI Institutes driving adoption. Sahara Diplomacy: In Geneva, a group of 40 states reaffirmed support for Morocco’s “full and complete” sovereignty over the Sahara, backing UN Security Council-led negotiations and the autonomy initiative. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain is set to declassify National Intelligence Centre reports on the Ceuta migration crisis, while Morocco refused to take back a Lebanese man suspected of terror links after he entered Ceuta. Election Politics: The Left Alliance launched a September 23 legislative election program of 431 measures worth MAD 500bn, centering youth disillusionment linked to Ceuta and calling for the return of Ceuta and Melilla. Security & Military: Morocco discussed training-focused military cooperation with Liberia in Rabat, and a Moroccan drone strike reportedly hit vehicles of Sahrawi gold prospectors near the buffer zone, wounding two. Central Banking Recognition: Bank Al-Maghrib governor Abdellatif Jouahri received an “A-” grade in Global Finance’s 2026 central bank rankings.

Morocco–Canada Economic Push: Rabat and Ottawa are stepping up ties with a Montreal summit on 19 September aimed at turning business interest into investment deals and partnerships. Sahara Diplomacy in Geneva: A group of 40 states reiterated support for Morocco’s “full and complete” sovereignty over the Sahara, pointing to UN Security Council-led negotiations based on the Autonomy Initiative. Ceuta Border Fallout in Spain–EU Politics: Spain’s handling of the July mass crossings into Ceuta is escalating into legal and parliamentary conflict, with Spain’s National Court investigating possible crimes and Spain’s Senate preparing to challenge three ministers over refusal to appear. Western Sahara Decolonization Pressure: Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali urged the UN to “accelerate” decolonization, warning that lack of response to the occupation could destabilize regional security. Energy Costs Watch: Morocco’s diesel prices could climb further, with industry citing global gasoil volatility and Middle East tensions. Morocco’s Global Footprint: Africa50, based in Casablanca, says it wants to more than double infrastructure project backing to at least $20bn over five years. Health Policy Signal from Abroad: Spain’s “Casa 47” housing portal faces criticism over how public homes are allocated, as the country tackles its rental crisis.

Ceuta Crisis Escalation: Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares ruled out any talks with Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla, as the dispute intensifies after July’s mass crossings and renewed Rabat claims. Ceuta Security & Politics: Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente questioned the “impartiality” of a judge overseeing the migration probe, while fears grow of a second “invasion” after calls to march to “liberate” the enclave. Ceuta Returns for Minors: Spain says it has identified about 2,000 minors in Ceuta and will prioritize family reunification, while expanding triage and accommodation capacity. Cross-Border Crime: Spain reported seizing over three tonnes of cocaine from a vessel that left Gibraltar bound for Morocco, highlighting illicit maritime routes. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali urged UN action in a letter, as Morocco’s push for faster decolonization and international engagement continues. Morocco’s International Standing: Morocco won the Arab League’s Permanent Information Committee presidency and took part in France’s Lumière Summit. Domestic & Social Policy: Morocco opened the 2026-27 school year for 8.2 million students, and launched a major mental health plan. Economy & Business: Rabat Business School entered the Financial Times global top 10, and Morocco reported a shift to a $3bn surplus trade balance with Spain in 2025. Healthcare Expansion: AKDITAL opened its first hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Ceuta Crisis in Focus: A Spanish court-linked probe is escalating after Spain’s National Court said it will criminally investigate the July 30-31 mass migrant entry into Ceuta, including whether it was planned and what role Moroccan security forces may have played, while Spain’s political fight intensifies as Vox authorises a criminal complaint against PM Pedro Sánchez and interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and a new poll shows 89% of Spaniards blame Morocco for the crossings. Public Opinion & Diplomacy: The same polling points to sharply negative views of Sánchez’s handling and rising PP-Vox momentum, as Madrid continues to reject Rabat’s claims over Ceuta and Melilla and Rabat pushes back on “disinformation” narratives. Morocco’s Domestic Push: Morocco’s Health Ministry unveiled a Mental Health Plan 2030, citing 6.5 million people living with mental disorders and a major treatment gap, with plans to expand beds, hospitals, psychologists and a legal framework for the profession. World Cup 2030 Build-Up: Morocco is mobilising nearly $20bn (about 200bn dirhams) for transport, hospitality and stadium upgrades ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Blue Economy Watch: Scientists warn of a possible sardine threat linked to pilchard herpesvirus after die-offs in the region, with calls for stronger monitoring without alarmism. Regional Security Drills: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 began in Tunisia, boosting maritime cooperation among North African, European and U.S. forces. Business & Trade Links: A Mauritanian employers delegation heads to Casablanca for the Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum, while Morocco also continues to position itself as a regional investment hub.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska heads to Ceuta this Thursday to meet local authorities and security chiefs after fresh clashes and renewed political pressure over how the July surge was handled, with Madrid also expected to declassify pre-crisis reports. EU Response: The EU plans to send a technical mission to Ceuta this week to assess conditions and decide what extra support is needed. Diplomatic Tension: Spain’s parliament debate continues to hinge on whether Morocco orchestrated the crossings; Pedro Sánchez insists there is no “solid evidence,” while critics argue Madrid’s stance is shielding Rabat-related failures. Security Incidents in Ceuta: Spanish police report arrests of more than 20 people over an alleged attack on soldiers, as violence and strain persist around remaining migrants and makeshift camps. Human Rights in the Sahara: Sahrawi civilian prisoners report repeated denials of medication and basic assistance, with one planning a hunger strike to protest prison treatment. Regional Security: NATO warships dock in Algeria for a joint naval drill, underscoring wider North Africa military coordination. FIFA Politics (Rabat Link): FIFA confirmed Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in 2027, with the vote set for FIFA’s 77th Congress in Rabat amid UEFA-led legal and governance backlash. Morocco Domestic Politics: USFP election platform promises wage and minimum pension increases and steps to consolidate pension systems. Digital Governance: Morocco’s digital transition minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni wins an Africa Excellence Award for AI and digital sovereignty, as the government pushes administrative modernization. Economy & Defense: Morocco imported over $1bn in advanced US aerospace products in the first seven months of 2026, reflecting continued aviation and military modernization.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is set to travel to Ceuta this Thursday to meet local authorities after fresh disputes over how the enclave’s migration crisis is being managed, with the government expected to declassify reports on the July surge of over 70,000 crossings. Border Politics Under Fire: The row is also being amplified by US President Donald Trump, who again accused Spain of having “ZERO control” of its border and warned the country could be “ruined,” while Portugal said the crisis posed no immediate Schengen threat. Ceuta Infrastructure: Spain’s government defended temporary port tents for migrants, saying they will be dismantled once the emergency ends. Morocco’s Banking Overhaul: Morocco’s banking sector is preparing for major change after a new banking law, including a resolution mechanism and stronger crisis tools. Football & National Pride: Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi underwent successful surgery after a serious leg injury and could be out 6–7 months; separately, Hakim Ziyech is reconsidering a Botafogo move amid concerns over pitch conditions. Sports Spotlight: Soufiane El Bakkali finished second in the Diamond League steeplechase final in Brussels. Energy Narrative: Noor Ouarzazate’s solar megaproject is highlighted for turning Sahara heat into power even after sunset via thermal storage.

Ceuta Border Fallout: US President Donald Trump renewed attacks on Spain over “zero control” at the border with Morocco, calling the Ceuta situation “sad” and blaming Spain’s handling after the July surge of migrants. Election Law & Online Safety: Morocco adopted new legal provisions ahead of the Sept. 23 legislative vote, criminalizing the spread of fake news and sharing images or statements without consent, with penalties of two to five years and fines. Sahara on the International Stage: The UN General Assembly approved a resolution on more accurate world maps that keeps Western Sahara shown separately from Morocco, while Denmark reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan. Digital Governance: Morocco and ESCWA signed an MoU to speed up digital transformation and public administration modernization, including AI and innovation. Mobility Rules: New regulations define electric scooters and assisted-pedal bicycles and exempt public security vehicles from certain speed-monitoring requirements. Ceuta Humanitarian Pressure: Spain temporarily took control of port land in Ceuta to set up migrant care facilities, with tents and services planned until Dec. 31. Sports & Politics Collide in Spain: The Ceuta crisis continues to fuel anti-Moroccan rhetoric in Spain, even as Portugal says the episode posed no immediate threat to Schengen.