Morocco: CHAN football championship January 13 to February 4

Event

Morocco is hosting the 2018 African Nations Championship football tournament (CHAN) from January 13 to February 4. Football matches are scheduled during this period in various cities, including Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangier. Fans are expected to gather in large numbers during the tournament; violence during these rallies cannot be ruled out, with clashes possible between opposing sides. Increased security measures are being implemented for the event, with at least 2000 police officers deployed for each match.

Context

The African Nations Championship is a football tournament played by African teams that takes place every two years, alternating with the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). The first CHAN tournament was hosted by Côte d'Ivoire in 2009.

Moroccan authorities will be on high alert against the threat of terrorism in the country, which generally rises during high-profile events such as the CHAN tournament. While Morocco has not experienced any major attacks in recent years, the overall threat remains high due to the regional context as well as the high number of Moroccan nationals that have left to join extremist groups abroad (and the risk that they could carry out attacks upon their return). Several attacks have been carried out on Moroccan soil in the past decade, notably a 2011 bombing at a café in Marrakesh that killed 17 people.

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to avoid all gatherings as a precaution and to expect a heightened security presence and crowded conditions in cities hosting matches. Remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious objects or behavior.