Morocco
Paris shifts its position on Western Sahara

Algeria
French grain trade struggles to reimpose itself in Algiers

Despite the thaw in relations with Paris, French wheat exporters have little hope of a near-term resumption of trade with their former leading international customer.

Morocco
Engie readies right-hand man for OCP megaproject

Rik de Buyserie, Engie's former Australia manager, has arrived in Casablanca and, although negotiations are in the works that are likely to see him appointed as regional director, he has already taken up the reins of its collaboration with OCP Group.

Morocco
French Justice Minister Darmanin to visit the kingdom

Gérald Darmanin, France's justice minister, will travel to Morocco in mid-February for a two-day visit. A meeting with Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has already been confirmed.

Palace Intrigues
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Lalla Hasnaa

Intrigues big and small – every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

CongoGabon's Freemasons let Sassou play host

GabonOligui Nguema's half-brother offers Fally Ipupa concert for festive season

MoroccoMohammed VI's sister, Lalla Hasnaa, offended by French absences at diplomatic gala

Morocco
French Senate president due in disputed Western Sahara in February

"Friend of Morocco" Gérard Larcher will visit the contested territory in the south of the kingdom next month to check on the progress of development projects.

Morocco
Paris and Rabat honour each other at respective agricultural trade fairs

Designated as guest of honour at the Salon International de l'Agriculture in Morocco, to be held from 21 to 27 April, France will in turn be showcasing Morocco at this year's Salon International de l'Agriculture and Sommet de l'Elevage.

Morocco
President of French National Assembly due in Rabat

Yaël Braun-Pivet, is due to make an official visit from 11 to 13 December.

Morocco
French senate to host new delegation of Moroccan VIPs

The gathering is due to take place on 18 November after years of tension between the two countries.

Morocco
Engie promotes French culture minister's niece to strengthen rapport with Rabat

Now an official partner of Morocco's OCP and Nareva, Engie has appointed Sanaa Nahla to head its institutional relations in Casablanca. Nahla has 15 years experience at the French energy firm and is also French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati's niece.

Morocco
Paris farming show may showcase Rabat in 2025

For the first time in its history, the Paris International Agricultural Show may showcase another country next year. The organisers, who are close to France's leading farming union FNSEA, hope Emmanuel Macron will make an announcement in Morocco's favour during his forthcoming trip to Rabat.

Morocco
Agriculture at top of agenda for Macron's visit

The Moroccans and French are currently coordinating the announcements that will be made when the French president visits the kingdom. Paris will be the guest of honour at the next International Agricultural Show in Morocco.

Morocco
Western Sahara: MEPs challenge Josep Borrell

In a letter sent to the head of European foreign affairs on 10 September, a dozen MEPs condemned the change in policy on Western Sahara brought about in July by Emmanuel Macron.

Morocco
Bruno Le Maire exploits diplomatic thaw to talk business in Rabat

French economy minister Bruno Le Maire is due to take part in April's Morocco-France 2024 Business Forum organised by Medef International and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises.