Editing History of Morocco (section)

===Reign of Mohammed VI (since 1999)===
With the [[Death and funeral of Hassan II of Morocco|death of Hassan II]] in 1999, the more liberal Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed took the throne, assuming the title [[Mohammed VI of Morocco|Mohammed VI]]. He enacted successive reforms to modernize Morocco, and the [[human-rights]] record of the country improved markedly.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Mohamed VI, King of Morocco |encyclopedia=Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations |year=2007 |publisher=Gale}}</ref> One of the new king's first acts was to free approximately 8,000 political prisoners and reduce the sentences of another 30,000. He also established a commission to compensate families of missing political activists and others subjected to arbitrary detention.<ref name="LOCprof" /> In 1999, the [[First Sahrawi Intifada]] took place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sahrawis campaign for human rights and independence in the first intifada, Western Sahara, 1999-2004 {{!}} Global Nonviolent Action Database |url=https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/sahrawis-campaign-human-rights-and-independence-first-intifada-western-sahara-1999-2004 |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Western Sahara Since the Arab Spring |url=https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/western-sahara-since-arab-spring/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=ACCORD |language=en-GB}}</ref> Internationally, Morocco has maintained strong ties to the West. It was one of the first Arab and Islamic states to denounce the [[9/11 terrorist attacks]] on the United States.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schmickle |first=Sharon |url=http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2010/12/kaplans-morocco-distinctive-duo-realizing-dream-they-live-politics-and-proto |title=The Kaplans in Morocco: Distinctive duo realizing a dream as they live politics and protocol 24/7 |publisher=MinnPost |date= 17 December 2010|access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref>

In September 2002, new legislative elections were held, and the [[Union Socialiste des Forces Populaires|Socialist Union of Popular Forces]] (USFP) won a plurality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MOROCCO: parliamentary elections Majliss-annouwab, 2002 |url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2221_02.htm |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=archive.ipu.org}}</ref> International observers regarded the elections as free and fair, noting the absence of the irregularities that had plagued the 1997 elections. In May 2003, in honor of the birth of a son, the king ordered the release of 9,000 prisoners and the reduction of 38,000 sentences. Also in 2003, [[Berber-language]] instruction was introduced in primary schools, prior to introducing it at all educational levels.<ref name="LOCprof" /> In March 2000, women's groups organized demonstrations in [[Rabat]] proposing reforms to the legal status of women in the country. 200,000 to 300,000 women attended, calling for [[Polygamy in Morocco|a ban on polygamy]], and the introduction of civil [[divorce law]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/13/world/moroccans-and-women-two-rallies.html?ref=morocco |title=Moroccans and Women: Two Rallies |work=The New York Times |date=13 March 2000 |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> Although a counter-demonstration attracted 200,000 to 400,000 participants, the movement was influential on King Mohammed, and he enacted a new ''[[Mudawana]]'', or family law, in early 2004, meeting some of the demands of women's rights activists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/moroccan-feminist-groups-campaign-reform-moudawana-personal-status-codeislamic-family-law-19 |title=Moroccan feminist groups campaign to reform Moudawana (Personal Status Code/Islamic family law), 1992–2004 &#124; Global Nonviolent Action Database |publisher=Nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref>[[File:قطار البراق يقف في محطة طنجة المدينة.jpeg|thumb|[[Al-Boraq]], the first high speed rail service on the African continent.<ref>{{Cite web|last=2019-11-21T15:37:00+00:00|title=Africa's first high speed line covers its costs|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/africas-first-high-speed-line-covers-its-costs/55192.article|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Railway Gazette International|language=en}}</ref>]]

In July 2002, a [[Perejil Island crisis|crisis broke out]] with Spain over a small, uninhabited island lying just less than 200 meters from the Moroccan coast, named [[Perejil Island|Toura or Leila by Moroccans and Perejil by Spain]]. After mediation by the United States, both Morocco and Spain agreed to return to the status quo, under which the island remains deserted.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2139911.stm |title=Europe &#124; Solution to island dispute 'closer' |work=BBC News |date=19 July 2002 |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1402005/Battle-of-Parsley-Island-ends.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1402005/Battle-of-Parsley-Island-ends.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Battle of Parsley Island ends |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=20 July 2002 |access-date=22 November 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In May 2003, Islamist [[suicide bomber]]s simultaneously [[2003 Casablanca bombings|struck a series of sites in Casablanca]], killing 45 and injuring more than 100 others.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bright |first1=Martin |last2=Harris |first2=Paul |last3=Bouzerda |first3=Ali |date=2003-05-18 |title=Horror in Casablanca as al-Qaeda toll hits 41 |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/may/18/alqaida.terrorism2 |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2008-04-08 |title=Morocco: 9 Imprisoned for Casablanca Blasts Escape |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/world/africa/08briefs-9IMPRISONEDF_BRF.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Moroccan government responded with a crackdown against Islamist extremists, ultimately arresting several thousand, prosecuting 1,200, and sentencing about 900. Additional arrests followed in June 2004. That same month, the United States designated Morocco a major non-[[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] ally, stating that it was in recognition of its efforts to thwart international terrorism.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-06-04 |title=US rewards Morocco for terror aid |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3776413.stm |access-date=2023-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Memorandum on Designation of the Kingdom of Morocco as a Major Non-NATO Ally {{!}} The American Presidency Project |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/memorandum-designation-the-kingdom-morocco-major-non-nato-ally |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=www.presidency.ucsb.edu}}</ref> In May 2005, the [[Second Sahrawi Intifada]] took place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sahrawis campaign for independence in the second intifada, Western Sahara, 2005-2008 {{!}} Global Nonviolent Action Database |url=https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/sahrawis-campaign-independence-second-intifada-western-sahara-2005-2008 |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-12-11 |title=Western Sahara: Historical Timeline 1884–2014 - Cultures of Resistance Films |url=https://culturesofresistancefilms.com/ws-timeline/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |language=en-US}}</ref> On 1 January 2006, a comprehensive bilateral [[free trade agreement]] between the United States and Morocco took effect.<ref name="LOCprof" /> The agreement had been signed in 2004 along with a similar agreement with the [[European Union]], Morocco's main trade partner.<ref name=EUTradeComm>{{cite web|url=https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/southern-neighbourhood_en|title=Southern Neighbourhood: EU trade relations with its Southern Neighbourhood. Facts, figures and latest developments.| publisher=European Commission| author=Directorate-General for Trade| date=2022| access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref>

In February 2011, [[2011–2012 Moroccan protests|thousands of people rallied]] in Rabat and other cities calling for political reform and a new constitution curbing the powers of the king.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-20 |title=Thousands in Morocco march for rights |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/thousands-in-morocco-march-for-rights-2247511.html |first=Souhail|last=Karam|access-date=2022-04-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> Two months later, a [[2011 Marrakesh bombing|bombing in Marrakesh]] occurred, killing 17 people – mainly foreigners.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-04-28 |title=Morocco: Marrakesh bomb strikes Djemaa el-Fna square |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13226117 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chrisafis |first=Angelique |date=2011-04-28 |title=Moroccan tourist cafe terrorist attack leaves at least 15 dead |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/28/marrakech-tourist-cafe-terrorist-attack |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bomb blast hits popular cafe in Morocco, killing 15 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42797238 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=NBC News |date=28 April 2011 |language=en}}</ref> It was the deadliest attack in Morocco in eight years. The [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb|Maghrebi arm of al-Qaeda]] denied involvement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-05-07 |title=AQIM denies responsibility for fatal Marrakesh bombing |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20110507-al-qaeda-islamic-magrheb-denies-responsibility-fatal-marrakesh-bombing-morocco |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-10 |title=Moroccan court hands down harsher sentences for cafe bombers |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20120310-morocco-al-qaeda-marrakech-bomb-cafe-french-tourist |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> In July 2011 King Mohammed introduced a [[2011 Moroccan constitutional referendum|constitutional referendum]] proposed in order to placate "[[Arab Spring]]" protests.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-07-02 |title=Morocco approves King Mohammed's constitutional reforms |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13976480 |access-date=2022-04-13}}</ref> In article 5 of the 2011 constitution, [[Standard Moroccan Amazigh|Amazigh]] was recognized as an official language.<ref>{{Citation |last=Ottoway |first=Marina |title=The New Moroccan Constitution: Real Change or More of the Same? |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2011/06/the-new-moroccan-constitution-real-change-or-more-of-the-same?lang=en |publication-date=20 June 2011 |publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Morocco's Constitution of 2011 |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Morocco_2011.pdf |publisher=constituteproject.org |translator-last=William S. Hein & Co}}</ref>
[[File:ⵍⵃⵉⵔⴰⴽ ⵏⴰⵔⵔⵉⴼ.jpg|thumb|Hirak Rif protests|left]]In October 2016, large-scale protests erupted after a fish seller in [[Al Hoceima|al-Hoceima]] was crushed to death in a rubbish truck as he tried to retrieve fish confiscated by police. The protests became known as the [[Hirak Rif Movement]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-24 |title=Morocco profile - Timeline |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14123260 |access-date=2022-04-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Masbah |first=Mohammed |date=2017-11-07 |title=A New Generation of Protests in Morocco? How Hirak al-Rif Endures |url=https://www.arab-reform.net/publication/a-new-generation-of-protests-in-morocco-how-hirak-al-rif-endures/ |journal=Arab Reform Initiative |language=en}}</ref> The [[2016 Moroccan general election|2016 election]] witnessed the victory of the [[Justice and Development Party (Morocco)|Justice and Development Party]] (PJD), attaining a plurality of seats for a second consecutive time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-08 |title=Morocco PM's party wins election |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37594542 |access-date=2023-04-21}}</ref> On 30 January 2017, Morocco rejoined the [[African Union]] as a member state, 33 years after leaving.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Morocco rejoins the African Union after 33 years |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/1/31/morocco-rejoins-the-african-union-after-33-years |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Ben |date=2017-01-31 |title=Morocco rejoins African Union after more than 30 years |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/31/morocco-rejoins-african-union-after-more-than-30-years |access-date=2023-04-04 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Morocco rejoins African Union after 33-year absence – DW – 01/31/2017 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/african-union-re-admits-morocco-after-33-year-absence/a-37342982 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> The [[2018 Boycott in Morocco|2018 consumer boycott]] targeted the market-dominating fuel, bottled water, and dairy brands.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-05-30 |title=Morocco consumer boycott has big business in its sights |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/morocco-protests-idUSL5N1SP35Z |access-date=2023-02-20}}</ref>

The [[COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco]] was first confirmed on 2 March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Morocco: Health ministry confirms first COVID-19 case March 2 /update 2 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2020/03/morocco-health-ministry-confirms-first-covid-19-case-march-2-update-2 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Morocco: Health ministry confirms first COVID-19 case March 2 /update 2 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasraoui |first=Safaa |title=Coronavirus Pandemic: A Timeline of COVID-19 in Morocco |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/03/296727/coronavirus-a-timeline-of-covid-19-in-morocco |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=moroccoworldnews |language=en}}</ref> Eight days later, on 10 March 2020, Morocco recorded its first COVID-19-related death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Morocco announces 1st coronavirus death |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/morocco-announces-1st-coronavirus-death/1761051 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref> On 10 December 2020, President [[Donald Trump]] announced that the United States would officially recognize Morocco's claims over Western Sahara as part of the [[Israel–Morocco normalization agreement]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Relations With Morocco |url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-morocco/ |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kestler-D'Amours |first=Jillian |title=US recognised Morocco's claim to Western Sahara. Now what? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/11/us-recognised-moroccos-claim-to-western-sahara-now-what|date=2020-12-11 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> which saw Morocco reestablishing diplomatic relations with Israel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Morocco, Israel: 6 decades of secret ties, cooperation |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/morocco-israel-6-decades-of-secret-ties-cooperation/2083157# |website=aa.com.tr}}</ref> A joint declaration between the three countries was signed on 22 December 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Joint-Declaration-US-Morocco-Israel |url=https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Joint-Declaration-US-Morrocco-Israel.pdf |website=www.state.gov}}</ref>

On 17 May 2021, [[2021 Morocco–Spain border incident|an incident occurred between the borders of Spain and Morocco]], part of a diplomatic crisis between both nations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ellyatt |first=Holly |title=Spain and Morocco in diplomatic crisis after 8,000 migrants enter Spanish territory |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/19/spain-and-morocco-clash-after-thousands-of-migrants-enter-ceuta.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=CNBC |date=19 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kassam |first=Ashifa |date=2021-05-18 |title=More than 6,000 migrants reach Spain's north African enclave Ceuta |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/17/record-1000-migrants-reach-spains-north-african-enclave-ceuta-in-a-day |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Reasons Behind the Spanish-Moroccan Crisis |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/reasons-behind-spanish-moroccan-crisis |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=The Washington Institute |language=en}}</ref> On 24 August 2021, neighbouring Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing Morocco of supporting a separatist group and "hostile actions against Algeria". Morocco called the decision "unjustified".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Hamid Ould |title=Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with Morocco |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/algeria-says-cutting-diplomatic-ties-with-morocco-2021-08-24/#:%7E:text=Speaking%20at%20a%20news%20conference,on%20the%20Western%20Sahara%20issue |work=Reuters |date=25 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2021 Moroccan general election|2021 election]] was held on 8 September 2021, which witnessed an [[electoral wipeout]] of the PJD, having lost more than 90% of its seats and ending in eighth place.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Alami |first1=Aida |last2=Casey |first2=Nicholas |date=2021-09-09 |title=Islamists See Big Losses in Moroccan Parliamentary Elections |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/08/world/africa/morocco-elections.html |access-date=2023-04-05 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2021-09-09 |title=Morocco elections: Islamists suffer losses as liberal parties gain ground |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/09/islamists-suffer-losses-as-liberal-parties-gain-ground-in-morocco-elections |access-date=2023-04-05 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The [[National Rally of Independents]] won a plurality of seats in the elections, and [[Aziz Akhannouch]] was later named the 17th [[Prime Minister of Morocco]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moderate parties win big in Moroccan elections – DW – 09/09/2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/morocco-moderate-parties-rout-ruling-islamists-in-elections/a-59128306 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> On 24 June 2022, [[2022 Melilla incident|a migration incident]] occurred resulting in the deaths of 23 migrants.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2022-06-25 |title=Melilla: death toll from mass incursion on Spanish enclave rises to 23 |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/25/eighteen-killed-as-throng-of-migrants-storms-spains-melilla-border-from-morocco |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-27 |title=Melilla migrant deaths spark anger in Spain |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-61956104 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>

On 3 May 2023, King Mohammed VI declared [[Yennayer|Amazigh New Year]] as an official national holiday to be celebrated yearly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahhou |first=Jihane |title=Amazigh New Year Becomes Official National Holiday in Morocco |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/05/355284/amazigh-new-year-becomes-official-national-holiday-in-morocco |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=moroccoworldnews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-03 |title=King Mohammed VI declares the Amazigh New Year an official holiday |url=https://en.hespress.com/63411-king-mohammed-vi-declares-the-amazigh-new-year-an-official-holiday.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=HESPRESS English - Morocco News |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 8 September 2023, a 6.8 magnitude [[earthquake]] hit Morocco killing more than 2,800 people and injuring thousands. The [[Epicenter|epicentre]] of the quake was around 70&nbsp;km southwest of the city of [[Marrakesh|Marrakech]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Timeline: The Deadly September 8 Earthquake in Morocco |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/09/357589/timeline-the-deadly-september-8-earthquake-in-morocco |website=moroccoworldnews.com}}</ref>