Think Forward.

La richesse archéologique incommensurable du Maroc et la réécriture de l'histoire... 3044

Le Maroc vient de décider de se doter d’un nouveau musée de l’archéologie et il voit grand ; Ce sera le plus grand du genre en Afrique, d'une superficie de 25000m2. C’est à la fois énorme et flatteur. Certains vont parler de démesure ou n’en verront pas simplement l’utilité. A cela il faut vite rétorquer: détrompez-vous. Si le Maroc a toujours été considéré comme très intéressant au plan archéologique, cet intérêt n’a jamais été aussi grand sinon depuis les dernières trouvailles: celle du plus ancien fossile d’homo sapiens à Jbel Ighoud, non loin de Safi; celles des plus anciens actes et soins chirurgicaux à Tafoghalt, proche de Berkane; celles des vestiges de l’âge du bronze tout récemment mise à l’évidence du côté de Wad Laou, sur le site préhistorique dit KachKouch, pas loin de Tétouan ; celles de la nécropole au sud de Tagounite du côté de Zagora ; celles des parures datées entre 142 et 150 mille ans, mises à nues dans la grotte Bizmoune du côté d’Essaouira ; Celles de l’exploitation agricole de 12 ha du côté de Oued Beht, une dimension jamais connue en Afrique du nord, datant de la fin du Néolithique, témoignant d'une grande richesse et d'un savoir-faire très évolué. La liste est extrêmement longue. Penser maladroitement que les recherches et les fouilles archéologiques soient un luxe ou l’affaire de quelques experts pour leur plaisir est absolument erroné. L'importance de la recherche archéologique pour l'écriture de l'histoire n’est point discutable. Elle est fondamentale. Les vestiges et traces du passé permettent de compléter, de corriger et ou de confirmer les récits historiques. Les fossiles, les structures, les artefacts découverts sur les sites archéologiques sont autant de témoignages tangibles, offrant une vision objective et nuancée des civilisations disparues notamment quand elles n’ont pas laissé de traces écrites. L’archéologie renseignent sur les modes de vies, sur la culture, sur les croyances et les interactions humaines, sur les techniques utilisées et le degré d’évolution des civilisations disparues. Elle est essentielle pour préserver et s'approprier le patrimoine national et partant celui de l’humanité. Elle permet de jalonner l’évolution humaine et permet d’expliquer ce que nous sommes aujourd’hui. La transmission des connaissances étant capitale, la recherche archéologique permet de mettre à la disposition des générations que nous sommes et celles futures, des indices indiscutables de fierté et d’identité. Elle est ainsi incontournable pour l’écriture et la réécriture de l’histoire, qu’elle nettoie des biais que certains historiens peuvent y avoir insérés çà et là par méconnaissance ou manque d’évidence et ceux que des idéologues pour des raisons plus ou moins louables, peuvent y avoir volontairement introduits comme orientations ou aspects fallacieux. Les trouvailles au Maroc remettent justement en cause ce que des générations successives ont appris de leur histoire et de leur origine. S’il est prouvé que Le rôle des populations locales dans les échanges et dans la construction de la civilisation méditerranéenne était fort important, on continu hélas à colporter une histoire biaisée ignorant justement ces apports et évidences archéologiques, aujourd’hui prouvés sans ambiguïté. Depuis 1985, le Maroc s’est doté d’un Institut National des Sciences de l’archéologie et du Patrimoine (INSAP). Et ce n’est ni pour rien ni par hasard que la recherche archéologique est ici étroitement liée au patrimoine. Qui dit patrimoine dit preuves tangibles quand il s’agit de patrimoine matériel et preuves transmissibles, s'il s’agit de patrimoine immatériel. Il se trouve que le Maroc est immensément riche des deux. Ce ne sont pas les chercheurs de l'INSAP qui vont contredire les propos ici développés ou encore Ibn Khaldoun que nous vénérons sans pour autant en respecter la doctrine. Il est aujourd’hui fondamental de revisiter le narratif qui lie l’origine des populations marocaines à une quelconque migration venue d’ailleurs et encore moins de l’est du pays ; comme il est temps de mettre l’accent sur l’évolution de ces populations et leurs apports indéniables à la civilisation méditerranéenne et donc du monde. Les populations d’ici n’ont pas subi les civilisations de la région, ils y ont contribué amplement et largement et cela doit être enseigné dans nos écoles. Faire fi de cette vérité crée des carences notamment de perception identitaire. Les nations ont besoin de référentiel historique pour s'épanouir. Certains se le construisent à partir de rien, alors qu’au Maroc il est là et s’impose à l'évidence. Ce sont des vérités on ne peut plus limpides. Elles doivent constituer la base de notre référentiel identitaire. Les problèmes dont souffre une certaine frange de la population notamment les jeunes en quête d’identité et qui hélas aujourd’hui sont happés par des idéologies importées pouvant embrasser un extrémisme dangereux; ne peuvent trouver de solutions que par la mise en œuvre d’un travail de réécriture de l’histoire de façon objective, basée sur les faits et les preuves historiques, des plus lointaines au plus proches. Les jeunes, à l’adolescence et au début de l’âge adulte notamment, se posent des questions profondes sur ce qui ils sont, ce qu’ils veulent devenir et quelle place ils occupent dans le monde. Ce questionnement, s’il est influencé par nombreux facteurs dont bien évidemment la famille, la culture, les amis, les expériences personnelles et l’environnement social, il est aussi impacté de façon incontournable par l’histoire du pays. Plus cette histoire est lointaine dans le temps, plus elle est motif de fierté et de sérénité. Dans ce monde en constante évolution, où les réseaux sociaux et les pressions de tous genres jouent un rôle conséquent, cette quête d’identité peut être complexe et parfois source d’angoisse. Le désarroi peut aiguillonner vers un réconfort d'ailleurs. Certains peuvent aller jusqu’à penser remonter un temps imaginaire et se construire un monde romanesque, édulcoré par des idéologues servant des causes évidemment invraisemblables. L’investissement dans un musée d’archéologie aussi important est donc venu à temps combler un déficit culturel extrêmement sérieux, réunissant en un lieu accueillant, de dimension respectable, des tas de preuves de la richesse de l’histoire du Maroc. Les historiens eux, devraient se saisir de la question identitaire pour justement pallier les insuffisances et éliminer les biais; Certains s’y sont déjà mis ardemment de façon individuelle et militante. Il faut cependant impérativement que les institutions se saisissent vigoureusement de la question. L’Education Nationale en premier, se doit de prendre la mesure de l’importance de la révision des cursus et contenus des cours d’histoire enseignés dans nos écoles; sans omettre de former un nombre conséquent de spécialistes pour améliorer la recherche dans un domaine aussi cardinal.
Aziz Daouda Aziz Daouda

Aziz Daouda

Directeur Technique et du Développement de la Confédération Africaine d'Athlétisme. Passionné du Maroc, passionné d'Afrique. Concerné par ce qui se passe, formulant mon point de vue quand j'en ai un. Humaniste, j'essaye de l'être, humain je veux l'être. Mon histoire est intimement liée à l'athlétisme marocain et mondial. J'ai eu le privilège de participer à la gloire de mon pays .


8100

33.0

Agentic AI Beyond Benchmarks: Meta-Agents & the Future of AI Evaluation with Khalil Mrini 356

I recently sat down with Khalil Mrini to talk about his work and international experiences. He has spent time in Marrakech, Switzerland, India, and the United States, each place influencing his perspective in different ways. We also mentioned his visit at the UM6P, his experience of the university, students and innkvative AI curriculum. Khalil presented his new paper on agentic AI. The paper focuses on the use of autonomous agents to evaluate and benchmark other agents: essentially, systems that can test one another’s capabilities. He described how this approach could provide a more dynamic and optimal method for measuring progress in AI research. We ended the conversation by discussing AI ethics. Our exchange raised open questions about responsibility, transparency, and how the field can ensure that increasingly autonomous systems align with human values.
youtu.be/zE7PKRjrid4

A Historical Triptych: How Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are Forging the Success of the 2030 World Cup 457

The assignment of the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosting rights to the unprecedented trio of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain marks the opening of a new chapter in the history of international and sporting relations. The joint organization of this event confirms an unparalleled dynamic, engaging the three nations in a triangular cooperation whose efficiency will be the decisive marker of this global event's success. This trilateral partnership transcends mere logistical collaboration to become a true lever for strategic development. The question is no longer whether bilateral relations are ready, but how their integration into a strengthened trilateral framework will guarantee the success of a mega-event poised to connect, for the first time, two continents through the medium of sport. Historical ties and geographical proximity provide a fertile ground for a remarkable intensification of relations between these three partners. The announcement of their tripartite bid has, in fact, elevated the need for harmonized coordination in the logistical, economic, and security domains to the level of a strategic imperative. I. The Political and Economic Foundations of Enhanced Cooperation The alignment around the 2030 project is not fortuitous; it is rooted in deep political and economic considerations that mutualize the interests of the three countries. •⁠ ⁠The Imperative of Convergence suffers no ambivalence: Spain and Portugal, while operating within the structural framework of the European Union, recognize Morocco as an essential strategic partner, a genuine gateway and pivot to the African continent. This dynamic is not unilateral; the Kingdom is consolidating its Euro-African anchor with heightened clarity through this same alliance. The World Cup deadline, far from being a simple calendar constraint, acts as a powerful lever, forcing the acceleration—often judged too slow—of regulatory, customs, and security convergence processes among the three capitals. Crucially, the political will displayed at the highest level—symbolized by the direct monitoring of Moroccan commitments by His Majesty King Mohammed VI—stands as a decisive catalyst, ensuring the establishment of a unified and enduring policy line, even in the face of contingencies and fluctuations in political majorities within the allied states. •⁠ ⁠Mutualization of Investments and Benefits: On the economic front, the World Cup represents an unprecedented opportunity to boost trade and investment. The trilateral agreements directly influence the planning of major works: the goal is no longer to build isolated infrastructures, but integrated networks (ports, air links, potential high-speed rail connections) designed for interoperability. The harmonization of tourism offerings and incentivizing fiscal regimes for sponsors and investors is crucial to maximize shared benefits. The success of coordination in the logistical, economic, and security domains will not be merely a performance indicator; it will be the symbol of a collective capacity to manage a complex event on a transcontinental scale. II. Managing Complexities: The Challenges of Co-Development An event of this magnitude, operated by three sovereign states, naturally generates frictions and coordination challenges that require first-rate diplomatic and technical management. •⁠ ⁠The Challenge of Global Security and Integrated Transport: The primary obstacle is the creation of a unified security space for the millions of supporters on the move. This demands real-time information sharing, coordination of law enforcement agencies, and the harmonization of emergency protocols. Concurrently, the transport system must be conceived as a single network. The transit of teams and supporters between Europe and Africa must be fluid, reliable, and ecological, necessitating targeted investments in airport capacity and maritime services. •⁠ ⁠The Cultural and Civilizational Vector: Beyond sport, the World Cup is a diplomatic platform. The secondary, but fundamental, challenge is to move beyond simple technical organization to present an ideal model of intercultural coexistence. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal must invest in promoting their cross-cultural heritages, consolidating the values of peace and mutual respect. This involves qualifying national institutions not only in logistics but also in public management and global media interaction, to avoid the pitfalls of fragmented or sensationalist coverage. III. The Structuring Influence of Bilateral Agreements on Logistics The influence of existing agreements between the three countries is vital for infrastructure development. The current stage is characterized by high anticipation from the private sectors and sports observers, who are watching for the concrete acceleration of construction projects. The overall efficiency of the operation—whether considering the pre-event phase, execution during the tournament, or the post-realization legacy—rests entirely on the solidity of the triangular commitment. The transformation of infrastructures, from stadiums to training centers and reception areas, must be carried out in a spirit of normative alignment. In conclusion, the 2030 World Cup is not merely the sum of three national organizations; it is a project of strategic co-development. The strong historical relations uniting the Kingdom of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, amplified by a constant and high-level political will, constitute the decisive element for transforming this bid into a resounding success, offering the world a precedent of successful integration between two shores.

Law 30-09: A “Tree with Bitter Fruits” Hindering the Development of Moroccan Sports 459

While Morocco’s recent performances on the international stage—particularly in football—demonstrate its growing dynamism, the legal framework governing the sports sector seems unable to keep pace with this evolution. Conceived in the wake of the 2008 Royal Letter and enacted in 2010, Law No. 30-09, which was meant to modernize the national sports system, now reveals—fifteen years after its delayed implementation—serious limitations. Marked by internal inconsistencies, deficient enforcement, and pervasive state interference, the law ultimately undermines its original purpose: to professionalize Moroccan sport and align it with international standards. I. Excessive Requirements and Forgotten Sanctions Born from a clear political will to reform Moroccan sport and provide it with a modern legal framework, Law 30-09 has quickly become a rigid and impractical instrument. One of its most emblematic—and controversial—provisions is the obligation imposed on certain sports associations to establish sports corporations (Sociétés Anonymes). While the intent was to ensure sound governance, fiscal transparency, and executive accountability, practice has revealed the limits of this approach. •⁠ ⁠A disproportionate constraint. Most associations lack the financial and organizational capacity to comply with such structural obligations. •⁠ ⁠A flawed and inapplicable framework. The law establishes three non-cumulative conditions triggering the obligation to form a sports company. Only the first has been clarified by regulation, while the other two—relating to turnover and payroll—were never defined by governmental decree. As a result, the rule remains largely inoperative, especially since the penalties for non-compliance are systematically ignored. •⁠ ⁠An unfinished reform. Even among the few clubs that have complied, the parent association still holds the majority of the share capital. This structural lock prevents the opening of capital to private investors, thus maintaining dependency on the old associative model rather than promoting professionalization. II. The Persistent Shadow of the State: An Interference Contrary to Autonomy Principles By its very nature, sport is a sphere of autonomy, an ethos enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution and in the regulations of international organizations such as FIFA. Yet Law 30-09 establishes the supervising ministry as the true guardian of the sector, concentrating significant and often excessive powers: •⁠ ⁠An extensive right of scrutiny. The ministry approves statutes, grants accreditation, and confers authorization to national federations. •⁠ ⁠A pronounced power of interference. The administration may impose standard contracts and, more seriously, revoke authorization or dissolve a federation in the event of a “serious violation.” Such prerogatives contradict the spirit of the Constitution, which reserves this power to the judiciary. •⁠ ⁠Institutional omnipresence. A state representative must sit within the governing bodies of both the national federations and the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM), reinforcing state oversight at the expense of autonomy. This predominant executive control contradicts the principles of independence that underpin both national constitutional law and the global sports governance model. III. The Ambiguous Status of Athletes: The Law’s Major Omission Beyond institutional deficiencies, Law 30-09 exposes a serious legal vacuum regarding the status of athletes. The professional athlete’s contract is treated as an ordinary employment contract—an assimilation that raises significant difficulties. •⁠ ⁠The legislator had to create several exceptions to the Labour Code (five-year fixed-term contracts, exclusivity clauses, conditions for unilateral termination), resulting in an incoherent hybrid regime. •⁠ ⁠Although classified as “employees,” professional athletes do not enjoy the social protection and retirement benefits normally afforded to workers. •⁠ ⁠As for amateur athletes, their status remains completely unaddressed by the law. The provisions aimed at supporting athlete training and post-career reconversion are equally deficient. They are neither mandatory nor widely implemented, few training centers exist, and many athletes lack the educational background needed to benefit from such programs. IV. The Need for a Moroccan Sports Code Faced with these structural weaknesses, a piecemeal revision of the law is no longer adequate. The codification of sports law—through the adoption of a comprehensive Moroccan Sports Code—is now an imperative step toward supporting the country’s international ambition. Drawing inspiration from the French model, such a reform would serve several key purposes: 1.⁠ ⁠Clarifying and consolidating the dispersed legal texts, regulations, and case law to facilitate specialization among legal practitioners. 2.⁠ ⁠Correcting inconsistencies by redefining the jurisdictional competences of the State and creating a sui generis legal status for professional and amateur athletes. 3.⁠ ⁠Modernizing the legal framework by integrating fiscal and social regimes specific to sports entities and individuals. Despite its initial promise of modernization, Law 30-09 has become a “tree with bitter fruits.” Instead of fostering professionalism, it has constrained the sector and amplified its institutional fragility. Only a complete codification—reflecting Morocco’s socio-economic realities and the principles of good governance—can ensure a coherent, autonomous, and sustainable framework for the country’s sports development.