Women’s Rights Stir Controversy
March 30, 2000
Half a million Muslim ultraconservatives march in Casablanca to oppose government’s extension of women’s rights. 250,000 supporters of women’s rights march in Rabat.
Morocco Meets Climate Goals
November 30, 2001
Morocco reaches agreement on climate control to set mandatory targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Muhammed VI Visits Western Sahara
November 30, 2001
Moroccan King Mohammed VI tours Western Sahara, stirring controversy with Sahrawi opposition groups.
Morocco and Spain Dispute Over Island
July 1, 2002
Morocco and Spain agree to U.S.-led negotiations concerning a dispute over the island of Perejil in the Mediterranean Sea. Previously, Moroccan troops planted a flag on the uninhabited island, and Spain responded by sending soldiers to take the island back.
Terror in Morocco
February 1, 2003
Through May, Casablanca jails three al-Qaeda members, eliciting a wave of terrorist bombings that kill more than 40 people.
Morocco Named Major U.S. Ally
July 8, 2004
Morocco is designated by the U.S. as a major non-NATO ally, with a free trade agreement following.
Morocco Deports Hundreds of African Migrants
September 11, 2005
The government deports hundreds of African migrants who attempt to cross illegally into Spanish enclaves.
Spain Visits its Enclaves
January 30, 2006
Spanish Premier visits Spanish enclaves in Morocco, the first time a Spanish leader visits the territories.
Suicide Bombings in Morocco
March 30, 2007
Multiple waves of suicide bombers attack Casablanca through March and April.
Istiqlal Wins Elections
September 30, 2007
Parliamentary elections favor conservative Istiqlal Party.
Casablanca Terrorists Arrested
April 28, 2008
Two Moroccan terrorists involved with the Casablanca bombings are arrested in Spain.
Al-Qaeda Leader Jailed
July 31, 2009
Alleged al-Qaeda leader in Morocco, Abdelkader Belliraj, is imprisoned for life for committing six murders in Belgium.
Arab Spring in Morocco
February 28, 2011
Through July, thousands of protesters call for parliamentary reforms. King Mohammed VI updates constitution, but demonstrations continue to press for deeper reforms.
PJD Wins Elections in Morocco
November 30, 2011
New parliamentary elections are won by the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD).
Western Sahara Protests
November 30, 2011
Security forces assault a protest camp in the disputed territory of West Sahara, triggering violent demonstrations.
Moroccan Coalition
January 31, 2012
New coalition led by the Justice and Development Party begins office. Months later tens of thousands of protesters rally and accuse the PJD of not delivering on their platforms.
Cancels Military Exercises with US
April 30, 2013
Morocco cancels joint military exercises with the U.S. as latter supports UN monitoring of human rights in the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
New Moroccan Government
October 31, 2013
King Mohammed VI appoints a new government after discovery of internal failings of the JDP.
Morocco Won’t Cooperate
February 28, 2014
Halts French judicial cooperation after Paris accuses Morocco’s intelligence chief of complicity in torture.
Migrant Camps Destroyed
February 28, 2015
Government officials destroy migrant camps near Spanish enclave of Melilla as migrants attempt to enter Europe.
IS in Morocco
March 31, 2015
The government reports its involvement in the breaking up of Islamic State support networks that have spread to Morocco.
Morocco Protest
March 30, 2016
As many as one million Moroccans protest after UN Secretary-General refers to Moroccan involvement in the Western Sahara as “occupation.”
Protests Erupt over Fish Vendor’s Death
October 30, 2016
Protests erupt across Morocco after the death of a fish vendor who was crushed by a garbage compactor, while trying to save swordfish that was allegedly confiscated by police. He became the face of the protest movement over the long-standing economic and social marginalization of the Rif region.
Prime Minister dismissed
March 15, 2017
King Mohammed dismisses head of government Abdelilah Benkirane from his post as prime minister after five months of failed negotiations to form a coalition government.
Diplomatic ties cut with Iran
May 1, 2018
Rabat severs ties with Iran over its alleged funding and support of the Polisario Front in Western Sahara.
Moroccans protests U.S. embassy move
May 20, 2018
Over 10,000 Moroccans took to the streets to protests the United States’ decision to move their embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
