The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

Ministers tour key city in neglected region

Al-Hoceima is in the Rif -- a long-neglected ethnically Berber region that was at the heart of a 2011 movement for reform that saw King Mohammed VI cede some of his powers.

A Moroccan boy holds a flag during a demonstration against corruption, repression and unemployment in the northern city of Al-Hoceima on May 18, 2017

Al-Hoceima is in the Rif -- a long-neglected ethnically Berber region that was at the heart of a 2011 movement for reform that saw King Mohammed VI cede some of his powers.

It has witnessed a wave of protests since the death in October of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, 31, who was crushed in a garbage truck as he tried to protest against the seizure of fish he had caught out of season.

A flurry of government ministers have visited Al-Hoceima in recent months, promising projects to boost the local economy.

On Monday, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit and seven other cabinet members toured the city where they visited construction sites and held talks with local officials, an AFP journalist said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Aziz Akhannouch was also seen touring the port, the city's main economic hub.

"There are solutions for all the problems," Akhannouch said, pledging the government's support to fishermen in the region.

But such promises appear to fall on deaf ears in the region, where weeks of public anger have led to the creation of a new movement demanding economic inclusion for the Rif.

On Thursday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Al-Hoceima led by Nasser Zefzafi, who heads the movement known as Al-Hirak al-Shaabi (Popular Movement).

Zefzafi has repeatedly said his group would continue to "resist" until authorities "respond to our demands" for the economic and social development of the region.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

DJ Joe Mfalme detained for 14 more days

DJ Joe Mfalme detained for 14 more days

Explosive blows up hotel next to police station, deaths reported

Explosive blows up hotel next to police station, deaths reported

ADVERTISEMENT