Team of the week: leadership transition and the Sahara file on the fast track

Sunday 08 February 2026 - 19:26

By: Sahili Aya

Team of the week: leadership transition and the Sahara file on the fast track

Before delving into the details of this week’s selection and the roles of its main actors, it is important to highlight an exceptional national moment.

Morocco has experienced, over the past few days, a state of maximum alert due to floods and severe climatic disturbances. In this context, state institutions operated as a single, unified body, without individual grandstanding or personal showmanship. What stood out this week was not a list of names, but a fully integrated system: local authorities, security services, civil protection, the army, technical departments, and coordinated public communication.

The state apparatus demonstrated remarkable efficiency, driven by a collective action mindset. Interventions were swift, coordination was tight, and human losses were almost nonexistent despite the gravity of the situation. These are not minor details, but rather clear indicators of institutional maturity that deserve special recognition. They form the backdrop against which politics, transitions, and major national stakes must be understood.

Within this general context, the “Walaw” platform continues its weekly analysis through its “selection of the week,” an approach based on the positioning and roles of each actor, evaluated according to performance and impact on unfolding events.

This week was largely dominated by several key developments: the leadership transition within the National Rally of Independents (RNI) during the El Jadida congress, government management amid a delicate climatic situation, the ongoing floods and the national mobilization that accompanied them, as well as rapid diplomatic developments concerning the Moroccan Sahara file, particularly through the Madrid negotiations under American sponsorship. A moment in which Morocco is no longer reacting, but rather setting the pace and shaping the agenda.

Tactical formation: 4-3-3

A balanced setup combining institutional solidity, government coordination, and diplomatic and economic momentum, while taking into account climatic and social challenges.

Goalkeeper

(1) Abdellatif Hammouchi: the permanent safeguard
Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance
He retains his place in consecutive selections, maintaining the highest level of security vigilance during the flood crisis. A discreet but decisive presence, marked by solid coordination and zero tolerance for any breach that could undermine internal stability in a sensitive period.

Defensive line – sovereign solidity

(2) Nasser Bourita: a decisive diplomatic fullback
Minister of Foreign Affairs
An active and decisive diplomacy on the Sahara issue. In Madrid, under U.S. sponsorship, he strongly imposes Morocco’s rhythm, consolidates alliances, and strengthens the external front at a time when files are moving at high speed.

(3) Abdelouafi Laftit: an unbreakable central defender
Minister of the Interior
Precise management of national alert and mobilization against natural disasters. His ministry led a well-organized field and communication effort, backed by reliable data, helping to avoid human losses and reinforcing the image of a present and structured state.

(4) Lhoussaine Youabd: the scientific defender
Head of Communication at the National Meteorology Directorate
A notable return with clear and responsible scientific explanations regarding climatic disturbances. A measured discourse linking warning with awareness, helping to raise preparedness levels among authorities and citizens without exaggeration or understatement.

(5) Mustapha Baitas: the communication defender
Government Spokesperson
A disciplined media presence, closely following flood developments, confirming the absence of casualties and highlighting government mobilization and royal attention, reassuring public opinion in a sensitive moment.

Midfield – rhythm and continuity

(6) Rachid Talbi Alami: the organizer
Speaker of the House of Representatives
A central figure in managing the RNI congress: presiding over proceedings, launching activities, and overseeing a politically emotional moment. A silent message that internal political transition can be both humane and institutionally orderly.

(8) Mohamed Chaouki: the new playmaker
New President of the National Rally of Independents
His election brings new momentum to the party in a phase of renewal. A smooth transition, without vacuum or turbulence, confirming the logic of an institutional party rather than one driven by personalities, with a clear ambition to prepare for a second term.

(10) Aziz Akhannouch: the central influencer
Head of Government
Despite not running for party leadership, he dominated the congress with an emotional farewell speech. A clear message: leaving the party presidency does not mean leaving the political scene. He departs leaving behind a stable organization and strong morale for the new team.

Offensive line

(7) Ryad Mezzour: the shield against speculation
Minister of Industry and Trade
A strong intervention at a sensitive moment marked by floods and the approach of Ramadan. A clear and direct message against abusive price hikes, accompanied by strict monitoring measures to protect citizens’ purchasing power.

(9) Zineb El Adaoui: the guardian of accountability
First President of the Court of Auditors
A weighty report presented to Parliament, highlighting financial irregularities and calling for stronger institutional discipline, with a clear warning against any political exploitation of audit reports.

(11) Fatim-Zahra Ammor: the tourism spearhead
Minister of Tourism
A strong return with a clear vision for 2026, focused on diversification, sustainability, and turning tourism into a lever for confidence and growth despite climatic and political transitions.

Consistent figures (5)

Abdellatif Hammouchi, Nasser Bourita, Abdelouafi Laftit, Aziz Akhannouch, and Mohamed Chaouki: a continued presence reflecting steady performance in security, diplomacy, internal affairs, and political leadership.