We begin our review of Wednesday’s newspaper articles with “Al-Alam,” which reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the outbreak of the “Monkeypox virus.” Some countries have started imposing temporary quarantine measures, while others are preparing to take this step. However, the situation in Morocco appears relatively reassuring, as no significant developments have been recorded regarding the spread of the virus.
Expert Opinions
Moulay Mustapha Ennaji
In this context, Moulay Mustapha Ennaji, Director of the Virology Laboratory at Hassan II University in Casablanca, explained that “Monkeypox” differs significantly from “COVID-19,” as the latter is airborne while the former is transmitted through contact and sexual relations. Ennaji added that this disease is widespread in Africa, particularly in the Congo, which recently received thousands of vaccine doses to combat the virus.
Taib Hamdi
Dr. Taib Hamdi, a researcher in health policies and systems, stated that there is no cause for concern for Morocco and many other countries, but he emphasized the need for precautionary measures such as monitoring, vigilance, and awareness. Hamdi added that major countries with resources should provide African countries affected by “Monkeypox” with the vaccine to curb the spread of the disease.
Events and Conferences
In “Bayane Al-Yaoume,” we read that the National School of Commerce and Management in Oujda, affiliated with Mohammed I University, will host an international conference on October 10-11 titled “Atmospheric Pollution, Governance, and Sustainable Development.” The conference aims to highlight the links between air pollution and economic development and explore possible solutions for adaptation and resilience.
Infrastructure Criticism
In another report, the newspaper highlighted criticism from local affairs enthusiasts and human rights activists in the southeastern region regarding “deep infrastructure flaws” revealed by recent rains, which had remained hidden during years of drought. They stated that the floods that hit the region exposed weaknesses in the infrastructure, as newly constructed roadways suffered significant cracks, leading to the isolation of residents and difficulties in rescue efforts.
Political and Judicial Developments
“Al-Massae” reported that the President of the Meknes Municipality, Jawad Bahji, sought help from his party leadership after failing to pass the agenda of an extraordinary session called by the Minister of the Interior. Fifty-one councilors, including the president’s party colleagues, boycotted the session, with only nine councilors attending, prompting regional authorities to hold a second session in the president’s absence.
The same newspaper mentioned that the National Brigade of Judicial Police in Marrakech referred the director of the Regional Agricultural Credit Fund in Safi and several of its employees, along with a judicial expert, to the public prosecutor after they were implicated in granting loans worth 1.5 billion centimes based on fake guarantees.
“Al-Massae” also reported that the Fes-Meknes Academy stressed the need to respond firmly to the transgressions of student parent associations. The academy’s director stated during a press conference that “student involvement in these associations is optional and should not become a burden on parents and guardians.”