Day: April 21, 2024

A 37-years-old police officer is expected to appear in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court on Monday for allegedly setting a police vehicle on fire. Namibian Police Force crime investigations coordinator for the ||Kharas Region, Deputy Commissioner Nikodemus Mbango in a crime report on Sunday said the officer allegedly drove the vehicle in the field and set it on fire with the intent to commit suicide. The alleged suicide attempt took place on Saturday between 04h00 and 06h00 in the Industrier residential area at the southern town. 'It is s alleged that the member was agitated by the fact that he found his girlfriend kissing with another man and the argument erupted between them and it is for this reason that he opted to commit suicide. It is further alleged that, the suspect went into the vehicle, closed the doors rolled up the windows, and after he felt the heat of the flames he got out and tried to extinguish the burning vehicle,' said Mbango. He added that the suspect was found by friends who alerted the police. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Rabat - Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, held, here Saturday, talks with his peers from several African countries participating in the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa, on the ways to promote cooperation in the agricultural field. These meetings with the ministers of agriculture of South Sudan, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Sao Tome, Zambia and Somalia, focused on the ways to share the Moroccan experience, particularly within the framework of the 'Green Generation' strategy, with these friendly African countries, Sadiki told MAP. The discussions also tackled themes relating to climate change adaptation, water scarcity management through water-saving techniques, modernization of canals and irrigation systems, choice of appropriate agricultural systems, the development of production chains, as well as the industrialization and valorization of agricultural production. The talks were also an opportunity to present the Moroccan experience in organizing professionals, particularly small producers and farmers within the framework of cooperatives, he said, noting that African ministers expressed their wish to benefit from Morocco's support in this area, and to benefit from national expertise in logistics, marketing of agricultural products and agri-food industries, attractiveness of investors in the agricultural sector, and support young people from rural areas to strengthen their interest in the sector. For their part, the African officials expressed, in similar statements, their countries' will to benefit from Moroccan experience in the areas of water management, fertilizers, modern technologies and professional training in order to strengthen the sustainability of agricultural systems in their countries. In this regard, they expressed their admiration for the great advances made by Morocco in the agricultural sector and for the significant investments made in irrigation and water management, which allowed the Kingdom to i ncrease agricultural production, consolidate food security, and export agricultural products to different countries around the world. The ministers also praised the good organization of the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa, stressing that their meetings with Moroccan officials were an opportunity to discuss best practices in the field. Held under the auspices of the Kingdom of Morocco, the three-day conference offers a major opportunity for African countries to discuss practical and concrete solutions for food security and improved agricultural production, and to define priorities with the FAO for the next two years, with the aim of achieving transformative and sustainable change in agri-food systems across the continent. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Marrakech - The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on Saturday launched its 'ICESCO Cultural Week' in Marrakech, under the theme, 'Marrakech: City of Heritage, Art and Culture'. Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this event, which runs until April 26, is part of the event 'Marrakech, the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024'. The launch of this event, which highlights the heritage of the Red City and the singularity of its culture, was marked by the organization of a visit to the Museum of Intangible Heritage in JemSa El Fna square which welcomed the first scientific conference with the participation, in particular of representatives of ISESCO, the president of the National Foundation of Museums (FNM), Mehdi Qotbi, in addition to a number of senior officials, academics and high-level figures from the fields of thought, culture and art. On this occasion, Qotbi expressed his joy at the launch of this cultural initiative from the Museu m of Intangible Heritage in JemSa El Fna Square, located at the heart of this historic square where colors and scents mingle harmoniously with lights and sounds in a carefully measured blend. In a statement to MAP, FNM President underlined that culture is an essential component that builds bridges of communication between people for better mutual understanding. For his part, ISESCO Director-General, Salem Bin Mohammed Al Malik, in a speech read on his behalf by Head of ISESCO Culture and Communication Sector, Mohamed Zine El Abidine, stressed the attention the Organization accords to Marrakech, manifested in its selection as Culture Capital in the Islamic World, to highlight its cultural manifestations, art expressions and tourism potential which has made it an international destination. The ICESCO official added that the Organization has inscribed a number of Marrakech cultural elements on its Islamic World Heritage Lists, including the Jamaa El Fna Square, Malhun, orange blossom water distillation techni ques, and Dakka Merrakshia. This cultural event was also marked by a collective visit to the ancient medina to explore the soul, splendor and magnificence of this historic site. A visit which crisscrossed the winding streets passing by traditional artisans and maallems or even the Confluences museum "Dar El Bacha" where the public followed the explanations provided by the museum curator, Salima Ait Mbarek. This event, whose cultural activities will continue until April 26, also feature conferences and scientific meetings relating to research on the cultural history of the city of Marrakech. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Rabat - Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, called, here Saturday, for collective and collaborative action to raise the complex challenges facing the African continent, including food security, environmental sustainability and rural development. 'By acting together, significant and lasting progress can be made for the future of African agriculture,' Sadiki underlined at the closing of the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa. On this occasion, Sadiki highlighted the in-depth and fruitful discussions that took place during the conference, noting the importance of implementing the resolutions adopted and catalyzing the necessary change in Africa's agri-food systems. He said that this high-level conference, chaired by Morocco, marked a significant step in South-South cooperation, highlighting the African continent's commitment to the transformation of food systems to face growing climate challenges. With the participation of 40 ministers and delegations, discussions focused on strategies to strengthen farmers' resilience and adaptation to environmental changes. Held under the auspices of the Kingdom of Morocco, the three-day conference offered a major opportunity for African countries to discuss practical and concrete solutions for food security and improved agricultural production, and to define priorities with the FAO for the next two years, with the aim of achieving transformative and sustainable change in agri-food systems across the continent. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Rabat - HM King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the members of the national futsal team who won, on Sunday in Rabat, the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2024). In this message, HM the King expresses to the members of the national futsal team His warm congratulations for winning the 7th Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by the capital of the Kingdom, with hospitality and unparalleled organization. The Sovereign also expresses His great pride in the firm determination shown by the members of the national team to win, for the third time in a row, this continental title, driven by exemplary patriotism and serious commitment to promote Moroccan football and sport. Reiterating His congratulations to the members of the national team and all technical and administrative executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, His Majesty the King prays the Almighty to grant them greater success and awards during the 2024 World Cup in Uzbekistan, and in their sustained efforts to climb the hi ghest steps of the podiums on continental and international levels. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse