Attack in Morocco Leaves 15 Dead

People gather in Djemma el-Fina Square, after the explosion. (Reuters)

A deadly explosion killed at least 15 people today in a Marrakesh Café that was popular with tourists. The café is located  in Djemma el-Fina Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The main square of Marrakesh, Djemma el-Fina attracts tourists and locals alike and was packed with people at lunchtime when the explosion occurred. At least 10 of those who died in the blast were French nationals and President Sarkozy condemned the attack as “odious, cruel and cowardly.”

Moroccan officials say the explosion was caused by a bomb but that it is too soon to say who is behind the attack.  Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered a speedy inquiry into the attack.

During recent upheavals throughout North Africa, Morocco has remained relatively peaceful, indeed today attack was the country’s deadliest in eight years.

“We are all deeply saddened by the events in Marrakesh, and our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” says SFCG Morocco Country Director, Emma Reilly. “We hope that the Moroccan government’s response to this tragedy will reflect the great progress it has made towards democracy over the last decade, and that this terrorist attack will not be allowed to derail the current process of constitutional reform.”

King Mohammed VI has pressed for reforms since taking the throne and when Moroccans demonstrated earlier this spring, they called largely, not for regime change, but for more reforms and a faster timeline.  The king responded with an announcement of constitutional revisions; voting on proposals is intended to take place in June.