The beginning of reading the articles of some weekly newspapers from “Al-Ayyam”, which published that while Morocco is preparing to host the biggest continental championships, a question is surfacing that is imposing itself urgently: What is the secret of this increasing preference for foreign influencers and journalists, in contrast to the continued restrictions on local journalists?

The latest manifestation of this restriction is the exclusion of several journalists and photographers from the list of accredited media outlets covering the event. According to the same source, during major sporting events, the picture is clear: Moroccan and foreign influencers receive invitations that include attending closed training sessions and prime seats in the official stands, while local professional journalists often find themselves waiting in line, trying to access information or secure a seat in the stands, despite years of experience and accumulated field coverage.

As for foreign journalists, Al-Ayyam adds, some benefit from generous invitations, comfortable accommodations, and secure transportation, only to leave laden with material ready for publication. Ironically, some of this material amounts to little more than superficial complaints: a missing bicycle in the fitness center, an unavailable chair in the massage room, or a swimming pool smaller than a member of the technical staff expected… minor details that suddenly transform into headlines presented as indicators of major organizational problems.

According to the same source, as the start date of the Africa Cup of Nations on December 21st approaches, a number of pages and accounts on social networks have begun to increase their criticism of Morocco, to the point that some observers have pointed to warnings about the entry of “influencers” from specific Arab nationalities, whose goal seems to be to spread discord and stir up disputes, which adds a new dimension to the challenges of the media management of the tournament.

For its part, “Al-Usbu’ Al-Sahafi” reported that the local residents of the workers’ neighborhood in Azghanghan, in the Nador region, highlighted an unacceptable environmental scene that is repeated daily near the vicinity of the “Ahad” primary school, which is represented by the dense accumulation of piles of household waste, and the remarkable growth of random weeds, which has turned the area into a “black spot” that distorts the general view, especially at the entrance to the city overlooking the coastal road.

The residents appealed to the local authorities and the municipal council for immediate and urgent intervention to address the situation in a radical way, by finding quick solutions to this environmental problem, especially in light of the ongoing preparations to receive a number of government officials expected to visit the Nador region, which requires addressing this phenomenon that distorts the urban area.

In another report, the same weekly stated that rice producers in the Sidi Qasim region are experiencing a difficult situation in the current agricultural season, due to the lack of solutions and the increasing number of problems in the absence of dialogue by the supervising ministry.

According to local sources, farmers are experiencing significant technical and financial difficulties that threaten the continuity of agricultural activity during the current season, due to the delay in releasing the irrigation water necessary for agriculture. This has greatly affected the product in the recent period, as a result of the deterioration of irrigation canals, since the water leaks from them before reaching the fields.

“Al-Usbu’ Al-Sahafi” also reported that local community activists in Meknes called for the real revitalization of the historic Al-Hadim Square in the city center, by lifting the siege on it and opening the Bab Mansour gate, which is an important tourist site, questioning the vision for the optimal redevelopment and marketing of this square, and pointing to the dim public lighting near Bab Mansour, as the square does not stand out clearly, nor does it show its diverse features, stressing the need to reconsider the placement of good lighting equipment and strengthen it, and to work on covering all the features of the square, even the deep ones.

Civil society activists proposed a set of recommendations to promote and improve the historic square, including the creation of an agency that includes all actors, officials, authorities and civil society in order to manage and protect Al-Hadim Square, in charge of its affairs and facilities, whether lighting, restoration or toilets, while addressing the phenomenon of the occupation of public property in it.

And to “Al Watan Al Aan”, which published that approaching the topic of gains from Morocco’s organization of the Africa Cup of Nations requires a broad perspective that does not reduce the matter to circumstantial financial calculations, nor confine it to immediate societal euphoria, but rather goes beyond it to research into the deep structure of the national sports project, and its ability to transform into an economic, social and symbolic lever that goes beyond the limits of the tournament itself.

According to the same platform, sports have become one of the most important tools for building a national image, and therefore Morocco, through organizing the “CAN”, seeks to present itself as a safe country with stable institutions, capable of achievement, and able to bring the world together within its space.

In the same context, Jamal Al-Muhafez, head of the Maghreb Center for Studies and Research in Media and Communication, stated that Morocco’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations and the organization of the 2030 World Cup are part of a clear strategic direction that seeks to consolidate the leadership of Moroccan sports, as well as enhance the Kingdom’s cultural influence at the continental and international levels, because global sporting events constitute an opportunity to strengthen the soft power that sports represent.

Mohammed Akdira, a professor of higher education and an expert in public policy, governance and sports management, stated that organizing major sporting events is also an opportunity for cultural and historical outreach and strengthening the national sports system.

Younes Al-Kharashi, a sports journalist, stated that with these major sporting events we will leave a legacy for the future that our children and grandchildren will be proud of.

Hassan Al-Basri, a sports journalist, stated that the sports media is required to accompany the achievement and promote the spirit of “Tamghrabit”.

Abdelrahim Bourkia, a researcher specializing in the sociology of sport and urban cultures, said: “I call for engaging in sociological studies to ensure that sport is used to diagnose and fix societal problems.”

Saadallah Yassine, a governance researcher and former director of the Mohammed V Complex, believes that sports today, especially football, are no longer just competitions for entertainment and enjoyment, a role that cannot be taken away from them, but have become an effective tool for creating shared social spaces that promote cultural and national values and support Morocco’s image internationally.

Student Bouya Zaidna Maouelainine, head of the regional branch of the Sahara Forum for Dialogue and Cultures in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, stated that public investments per capita in the southern provinces amounted to more than 12,000 dirhams, compared to a national average of no more than 5,000 dirhams. However, the citizen still felt a lack of fair distribution of wealth and job opportunities, and this paradox puts public policies before the challenge of productivity and harmony with the actual needs of the population.

“Al Watan Al Aan” also wrote that with the climate changes that Morocco has witnessed in recent years – from droughts to the decline in dam reservoirs and water stress – smart agriculture has become a strategic option to ensure food security and sustainable production. After it was offered as a technical luxury limited to large farmers, it has now become an urgent necessity imposed by a more turbulent climate reality.

In the same context, Adel Saeed, an expert and agricultural engineer, confirmed that the initial indicators for the current agricultural season are encouraging, despite the great difficulties that farmers face in terms of irrigation, agricultural savings, and marketing. He also called for simplifying support procedures and keeping pace with small farmers to ensure national food security.

The same expert added that one of the most important obstacles is also the clear shortage of qualified labor, and the agricultural sector entering what resembles “the aging of farmers”, which is a dangerous factor that threatens food security in the future.