General Information on Morocco

[romablade1889]

Thought you might find this useful. Received it from the insurers of my consulting business (www.innovativo.eu)...

Political
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Mohammed VI, who came to power in July 1999, after the death of his father King Hassan II. He subsequently implemented a process that has begun to modernise Morocco socially and economically. Under Mohammed VI the Moroccan government has taken steps to curtail Muslim extremism which is seen as undermining the democratisation process.

There are three main political groupings in the country. These are the secular parties (who form the 'opposition' to the power of the monarchy), the Islamist parties (who remain on the fringe of Moroccan politics and can best be described as an as yet unknown and unproven variable) and, lastly, the king. The monarchy retains near absolute political power in the country. The king is able to veto bills of parliament, amend them without consultation and issue laws unilaterally. The king, therefore, is the most powerful individual and through his proxies acts independently of the government.

The legislature is divided between a lower (directly elected) and upper chamber (elected through various regional, local, and professional councils). Parliamentary powers were extended under successive constitutional revisions in 1992 and 1996. The lower chamber of parliament may dissolve government though a successful vote of no confidence. The king is the head of state and elects the prime minister and certain cabinet ministers. The most recent legislative elections took place on 27 September 2002. The next election is due to be held in 2007. No date has yet been set.

Historical background
Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, after a long nationalist struggle that began in the 1920s. King Hassan II had been the key political figure in the country since independence and was in power, despite several attempted coups, from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was succeeded by his son, who was crowned Mohammed VI.

Economic
Poverty in Morocco is a serious problem for the authorities, who have identified the issue as a contributing factor to poor domestic security. Policies are being implemented to spur on growth and employment. In 2004, the government instituted measures to boost foreign direct investment and trade by signing a free-trade agreement with the US (this came into effect in 2006) and by privatising state-owned assets. Major industries include phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction and tourism.

Corruption
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index for 2005 gave Morocco a 3.2 rating, on a par with China and Senegal. In relation to figures taken in 2004, corruption levels remain unchanged. The CPI rates countries by perceived levels of corruption among public officials with the least corruption receiving the highest score, i.e. 10. In 2005, 159 countries were assessed for the index.

General crime
Crime is a growing problem in Morocco's urban centres and on its beaches, with widespread cases of purse-snatchings, aggressive panhandling, mugging, pickpocketing and petty theft. There have also been reports of an increase in violent crime in recent months, including a number of shooting incidents. Reports indicate that criminals are becoming more brazen and confrontational. The key crime hot spots for foreign visitors are in the medina/market areas, parks, transportation centres, at ATMs and on beaches. Travellers should avoid unlit and run-down areas. Trains and taxis are generally safe, although normal precautions should be adopted to secure one's valuables. There have been some reported problems on the bus service. Women should also take care if travelling alone in Morocco. There have been reports of verbal abuse, and some women who have responded to the abuse have been attacked. It is advised that any verbal assault be ignored.

There are a number of scams that travellers should be aware of before travelling to this region:


There have been reported cases of harassment from deviants acting as tourist guides at popular tourist areas in Tangiers, Fez, Marrakech, Agadir and Essaouira.


Some tourists have been befriended by locals who offer them drugged food and drink.


Thieves sometimes bump into lead vehicles, robbing the occupants when they stop to inspect the damage.


Travellers in the Rif Mountains have been known to be tricked into carrying hashish/cannabis/marijuana.

For more, please see our security advice pages.

Terrorism
The threat of terrorism in Morocco is considered high and has remained so since the 2003 bombings in Casablanca.

Moroccan authorities have been on high alert since the 16 May 2003 Casablanca bombings. On that day, suicide bombers belonging to the Salafiya Jihadiya movement (an offshoot of the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group) targeted the Belgian Consulate, the Safir Hotel, a Jewish community centre, a Jewish cemetery and a Spanish restaurant and left 45 people dead (including the 12 bombers) and approximately 100 injured. In the wake of the attack approximately 2,000 suspected terrorists were arrested by the local authorities. Of this number, 900 have been successfully prosecuted under counterterrorism laws, and according to a statement of 15 May 2006 by the Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa, 50 terror cells have been broken up. These cells had planned to attack domestic and southern European targets.

Despite these moves by the Moroccan police, terror cells are still believed to be operating in the kingdom. These cells are believed to be receiving funding and weaponry through smuggling routes in the Sahel region, strategic guidance from al-Qaeda and logistical support from the Salafist group in Algeria. The Sahel area has been identified by European, US and local authorities as a potential training ground for extremist elements. Efforts by these parties to secure this area are made difficult by the size of the Sahel, a lack of resources to combat the scourge of terrorism and a lack of political will. However, with the aid of the US through the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative (TSCTI), Morocco and other North African countries have moved to act against extremism in the region. Further action is being planned by European and North African states later this year (2006) to further anti-terrorism initiatives in the Sahel.

Socially, the Moroccan government has moved to promote religious moderation and tolerance and through the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to counter extremist ideology within Koranic schools and mosques. It has also stepped up efforts to combat poverty and improve the economic conditions of Morocco's poor. The Salafiya Jihadiya group, which is responsible for the 2003 attacks, is known to actively recruit from the marginalised and unemployed youth in local communities. Moroccan authorities believe, therefore, that its two-pronged initiative to counter poverty and Islamic extremist doctrine will reduce the motivation for many young men to join extremist groups.

These efforts have paid dividends. There have been no successful terrorist attacks in Morocco since 2003. However, the continued arrest of Moroccan citizens in Europe and Morocco, in connection with terrorist-related activities, continues to highlight the threat of terrorism in the country. Credible threats also continue to be received from terror groups. On 25 October 2005, Salafiyah Jihadiyah called for Jihad against the Moroccan government in an internet statement.

Possible terrorist targets include Western interests, Western individuals, government infrastructure and personnel and diplomatic representations. Travellers are advised, therefore, to maintain a high level of vigilance in public places and to report any suspicious persons or packages to the local authorities.

Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative (TSCTI)
The US is keen to bolster government forces throughout North Africa, as there are fears among US military experts that fighters will return from Iraq with newly acquired skills in bomb-making and guerilla tactics. Estimates show that a quarter of foreign insurgents in Iraq hail from North Africa. The US-led initiatve the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative (TSCTI) is a programme currently being implemented with a number of North African countries, including Morocco. The aims of the programme are to coordinate regional security responses to terrorism and to equip local forces with the necessary skills to counter terrorist groups, particularly in the Sahel area.

Conflicts
A UN-supported ceasefire has been in place in the Western Sahara since 1991 and has attempted to bring about a peaceful compromise in the disputed territory. However, sporadic incidents of terrorism, civil unrest and clashes between Moroccan security forces and pro-independence protesters still occur. King Mohammed visited the Western Sahara in November 2001 - the first monarch to visit the region for a decade. Although he was greeted with cheers by some of the population, the Polisario Front Movement, which has been demanding autonomy for Western Sahara for over 25 years, called the king's visit unlawful and provocative. On 5 August 2005, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announced the appointment of Francesco Bastagli to the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). It is hoped that his appointment will pave the way for a referendum in the disputed territory sometime in the near future. The mandate of MINURSO has been extended to 31 October 2006 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1675.

Civil unrest
Demonstrations in Morocco occur frequently, and usually centre around domestic issues; however in 2003 about 100,000 people met in Rabat to protest the impending war in Iraq – chanting anti-US, anti-British and anti-war slogans. While permits are required to hold a march or demonstration there have been incidents of smaller protests occurring without government permission. Travellers are advised to avoid all public gatherings and to remain cognizant of the current level of tensions in Moroccan politics and society. For more on what to do if caught up in a demonstration, click here.

Organised crime
Morocco is considered as the world's main cannabis exporter. The main smuggling route for Moroccan cannabis bound for Western Europe is across the Straits of Gibraltar to Spain, from where it travels overland to distribution points throughout Europe. Another route is by yacht from Morocco or southern Spain to northern Europe. Although a major anti-smuggling campaign began in 1995, production has continued to increase as demand across Europe rockets. Please note that travellers in the Rif Mountains have been known to be tricked into carrying hashish/cannabis/marijuana.

Areas to avoid

Ongoing tensions between Algeria and Morocco over the Western Sahara secessionist issue have led to the closing of their shared border. Travellers should not attempt to cross it at any point
The south of the country should also be avoided. Unexploded ordnance and landmines in Western Sahara and Mauritania left over from the armed conflict between the Polisario Front and Morocco have claimed numerous lives and led to injuries. A UN initiated ceasefire is in affect in the region. Travel to the area is restricted; if you wish to travel here permission can be gained from the Moroccan Embassy
Algeria has a very active terrorist underground and we advise against approaching this border. Militants in Algeria launched daring raids into Mauritania in early June 2005. These actions show that militants linked with al-Qaeda operating in Algeria have the means to carry out attacks extra-territorially. There have also been several kidnappings of foreigners in Algeria in recent years – some of whom were moved across the border into Mali
Visitors travelling through the Rif mountains, a major cannabis growing area, may find themselves harassed or tricked into becoming drug mules. Caution is advised in this region
There have been a number of incidents where tourists have been held hostage in Asilah for several days and forced to make credit card purchases or withdraw cash

Travel logistics

Government travel warnings
The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to state that there is a high threat from terrorism in Morocco. The FCO warns that Morocco has a poor road safety record and that accidents are frequent, especially on busy major routes. Although violent crime is not a problem in Morocco, it is growing.

The US State Department warns that the potential remains high for violence against American citizens and interests in Morocco, although several attacks have been thwarted. Potential targets include areas in which Westerners congregate or places that might offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos and places where alcohol is served. Demonstrations occur frequently, usually associated with domestic issues; these should be avoided. The border area close to the Western Sahara should be avoided, as landmines litter the area and make travel dangerous. The mountainous Rif region on Morocco’s northern coast is a hashish producing area, and tourists should be careful not to become tricked into committing drug offences. The border with Algeria is closed. Crime is moderately high in urban areas.

Entering the country
All visitors require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Although some nationalities do not require visas for short stay tourist trips (such as US & UK passport holders) visas may be needed by other nationalities and this should be checked with the Moroccan representatives in their own country before departure.

Upon entry, visitors should ensure that their passports are stamped as some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country when officials noticed they did not have entry stamps. This also applies to arrival by boat and entry to the country should therefore only be done at a recognised port.



Please note that the Algerian/Moroccan border remains closed.
If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, the registration number will be entered in the immigration computer. If you are not in possession of the same vehicle when leaving Morocco, you will be refused exit and detained.

Air travel
Morocco has a number of airports, one of the primary international airports is Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport (webpage is in French only). Mohammed V airport is located 30km south of Casablanca and has a number of facilities. There are ATMs, restaurants, bureaux de change, duty free shops, a shopping complex and post office. There are also a number of transport options available, including car hire agencies. There is a shuttle bus and taxi service that operate between the airport and Casablanca. A shuttle train service also operates from the airport arrivals hall to Casablanca port and the city centre, a journey of approximately 45 minutes. For more information one can contact the information desk on +212 (0)2 253 9040.

Marrakech-Menara Airport is located 6km south west of Marrakech. Facilities at the airport include banks and bureau de change, shops, restaurants, car hire and tourist information. Taxis are available for transport to the city, and journey time is about 15 minutes. The airport is contactable on + 212 (0)4 444 7865.

Many countries have a list of blacklisted airlines, on which they will suggest their citizens do not fly. Often such blacklisting comes in response to a series of fatal crashes or a number of mechanical problems. Being blacklisted is not necessarily enough for a carrier to improve its safety standards or to stop it from operating and we would suggest that all travellers review our list and discuss concerns with their travel agent.

Getting around
Traffic drives on the right. Although roads are generally in good condition in the north and north west the country, they are of a poorer quality in rural areas; traffic signage and signals are sometimes broken or not in place. Accidents are common occurrences in Morocco, especially along busy major routes and on narrower secondary roads. The main road from Agadir to Marrakesh via Imi’n Tanoute and Chichaoua has been reported as being particularly dangerous. Caution should be practised when overtaking, especially where there are no hard shoulders. Driving in mountainous regions (especially in winter) and in the south requires the use of a 4x4; particular care should be taken in the mountains where roads are steep, narrow and dangerous. If you are involved in a minor accident you should fill out a 'Constat Amiable' form. One can get these forms from tobacconists or from insurance booths when arriving at the port in Tangier.

Petits taxis (small taxis) in urban areas are plentiful and have metered fares. Taxi drivers generally expect a ten percent tip. Grand taxis (larger taxis), usually Mercedes cars, are used for travel to areas outside of towns. All fares should be agreed upon prior to departure.

When travelling by train, be wary of invitations by strangers. There have been several incidents on the train heading south from Tangiers when travellers have been invited to disembark at Asilah, but instead of receiving hospitality, victims are held hostage for several days and are forced to withdraw cash or make credit card purchases.

Health advisory
According to the World Health Organisation, no vaccinations are required for any international traveller, but other medical institutions do recommend vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. There is a very limited malaria risk that may exist from May to October in rural areas (principally Al Hoceima, Taounate, Khourigba and Taza provinces), but no cases have been reported since 2000. Rabies is present, but vaccinations are only really required if you will intentionally be dealing with animals.

We strongly recommend that comprehensive medical insurance be purchased before your trip – that includes the service of repatriation in the case of dire medical emergencies. While medical facilities are available in urban centres, this is not the case in rural areas – where medical services are often very basic, or non-existent.

It is recommended that only bottled water be drunk – as the tap water is not always purified and can cause illness.


Natural hazards
Although large earthquakes are not common in Morocco, on 24 February 2004, an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale, hit northern Morocco, extensively damaging the coastal town of Al-Hoceima and its surrounding villages. Approximately 600 people were killed, and hundreds more injured. To make matters worse, residents of Al-Hoceima began rioting on 26 February, unhappy with the government’s response to the crisis. Relief trucks were looted and the governor’s residence attacked before the military intervened; several people were reported injured. Protest action had apparently started a day earlier when crowds blocked the main road that links the city with the Moroccan interior, disrupting all traffic.

The rainy season extends from November to March and flash floods can be severe especially in the High Atlas Valley area.

[shak]

I was offered Saadia before it was launched. My main reasons for turning it down was.

1) Its very close proximity to Alegrian border.

2) Lack of infra structure in the area. I was told that it will all come. As I had dealt with Fadesa in the past and not had any confidence in the statement/claims that they made.

I am glad that romablade has brought the issue of Alegeria into the forum.

I take a view of the political situation in Morocco but than if I had to bring Algeria into the equation the situation changes. We might get some protection/guarantee from the Moroccan govt as they have a vested interest in the success of vision 2010. What vested interest Algeria would have ????