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Rabat – A Russian diplomat and his wife were trapped in a violent altercation near a luxury hotel in Casablanca’s Avenue des FAR last weekend. Police intervened as the incident, involving a taxi driver and a driver from a ride-hailing app, escalated into a public dispute, converging reports have indicated.
According to the Assabah newspaper, the altercation reportedly stemmed from tensions between traditional taxi drivers and ride-hailing services, marking a troubling escalation in an ongoing rivalry.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. as the Russian couple, who had been staying at one of Casablanca’s most prestigious hotels, attempted to leave using a Russian ride-hailing app frequently used in Morocco.
Ride-hailing apps operating in Morocco, such as InDrive and Yango, are famously known for being Russian-founded platforms.
The diplomat, who had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with Morocco’s agriculture minister in Rabat, was reportedly enjoying a leisurely stay with his wife before the chaos erupted.
While en route, the couple’s vehicle was pursued dangerously by another car, believed to be operated by a taxi driver.
The situation escalated rapidly as a large number of taxi drivers joined in, blocking the road and surrounding the couple’s vehicle. The scene turned violent as taxi drivers reportedly assaulted the ride-hailing app driver.
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Attempts by the Russian diplomat and his wife to de-escalate the situation were met with physical harm, leaving both injured amid the chaos. Sources cited by Assabah described the scene as “awful and dangerous,” noting the alarming nature of the confrontation.
Taxi drivers have always accused these apps of creating unfair competition that threatens their livelihoods. While they claimed the incident involved only a verbal dispute, reports of violence and injuries tell a different story.
This incident sheds light on the broader ongoing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and app-based transportation companies in Morocco.
Taxi drivers have long argued that the sector urgently needs regulation to protect their interests. In response, ride-hailing companies advocate for fostering innovation and creating a competitive environment that benefits consumers. Despite being illegal, many applications continue to carry out their services across Morocco.
The rivalry has sparked widespread debate, with some calling for compromise to ensure fair competition while respecting the livelihoods of traditional drivers.
While it has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of a foreign diplomat, this latest clash also highlights the pressing need for a balanced approach to modernizing Morocco’s transport sector while addressing the grievances of long-standing service providers.
