Hollow Showcase: Morocco’s BRICS Ambitions Reek of Theatrics Amidst a Deteriorating Economy- Dossier
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Morocco finds itself at a crossroads of dire economic challenges and a population facing the harsh reality of hunger and dwindling prospects. As the BRICS organization, an emerging powerhouse on the global economic stage, expands its influence, Morocco’s request to join stands as a striking contrast. The BRICS group, comprised of Russia, South Africa, Brazil, India, and China, has gained prominence as a formidable contender against established entities like the Group of Seven. However, Morocco’s bid to become part of this league seems incongruent with the organization’s focus on strong economies and burgeoning development. The stark juxtaposition becomes more evident considering Morocco’s current state of economic turmoil, marked by staggering inflation rates, dwindling economic growth, and widespread unemployment.
The surprising aspect of Morocco’s plea for BRICS membership lies in its contradiction to the prevailing narrative perpetuated by the Makhzen regime. This regime, both through its official channels and media arms, had previously downplayed the significance of the BRICS organization and underestimated the possibility of Algeria seeking membership. Instead, Morocco had seemingly aligned itself with what it perceived as the stronger ally, the “Zionist entity,” in its geopolitical maneuvers. This shortsighted perspective disregarded the dynamic shifts in international dynamics and alliances, potentially leaving Morocco isolated in times of gravitas. The apparent unawareness of the potential consequences of such misaligned allegiances is evident in Morocco’s endeavor to join a group that prizes economic prowess and development, qualities that are at odds with its current predicament.
The economic state of Morocco is a testament to the governance challenges it faces, with an economy marred by corruption and inefficiency. The Central Bank of Morocco’s report underscores the failures of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s leadership in addressing the nation’s pressing concerns. The inflation rate has surged to its highest since 1992, clocking in at 6.6 percent in 2022, while economic growth has remained meager at 1.3 percent. This lackluster economic landscape was exacerbated by a staggering 12.9 percent contraction in agricultural value added, paralleled by a subdued 3 percent increment in the value added of non-agricultural sectors, particularly in domains like construction, public works, and extractive industries, with manufacturing sectors experiencing a profound deceleration. Unsurprisingly, the ramifications cascaded onto the labor market, resulting in the loss of a staggering 24 thousand jobs within the Moroccan economy in the year 2022 alone. The unemployment rate surged to an alarming 32.7 percent, magnifying the severity of the crisis as employment opportunities dwindled to encompass a mere 10.7 million, a notable 2.1 percent drop when compared to the pre-pandemic reference year of 2019.
At a sectoral level, the agricultural sector experienced a notable loss of 215,000 jobs, marking a significant decline in its contribution to overall employment, falling below the 30 percent threshold for the first time. The financial landscape also displayed its own set of challenges, as the bank’s records unveiled a fiscal deficit of 5.2 percent in the year 2022. This figure, while concerning, managed to surpass expectations by remaining lower than the 5.9 percent target established in the gross domestic product ambit of this year’s financial legislation.
Running in tandem with the fiscal shortfall, the importation of goods encountered a remarkable surge of 39.5 percent, primarily driven by augmented energy expenses and a surge in semi-finished products procurement. These circumstances led to an exacerbation of the trade deficit, amplifying it to 23.2 percent of the gross domestic product. Concomitantly, the ratio of exports covering imports witnessed a downturn, descending from 62.3 percent in the preceding year to 58.1 percent in the most recent period.
Amid the intricate web of economic challenges spanning inflation, unemployment, and fiscal deficits in Morocco, an additional vexation surfaces in the form of pervasive corruption within the business milieu. The Central Bank’s assertion that the efforts to combat this phenomenon remain feeble adds yet another layer of concern to the already intricate economic landscape.
Moroccan Food Security Held Hostage by Agricultural Barons and Zionist Entity
The intricate interplay between Morocco’s Makhzen regime and its agricultural landscape has raised a pressing concern – the nation’s food security is perilously compromised. Rather than prioritizing the welfare of its citizens or safeguarding the future of the nation, the Makhzen regime seems beholden to other interests. This is particularly evident in their approach to agriculture, a sector that holds the key to sustaining the populace. Unlike the global trend towards achieving self-sufficiency before venturing into exports, the Moroccan authorities seem to have inverted priorities. Curiously, their focus on exports overshadows the critical issue of ensuring domestic food security for Moroccans. As a glaring testament to this skewed approach, one need only look to the ongoing drought crisis plaguing the nation. Inexplicably, amidst this scarcity of water, the government continues to promote water-intensive agricultural practices that cater more to profits than the sustenance of its people. Shockingly, over seventy-five percent of the country’s dwindling water reserves are channelled into agriculture, feeding crops that do little to enhance domestic food security. This shortsightedness becomes apparent in regions like Zagora in southern Morocco, where water scarcity compounds due to structural drought. Here, the paradox is stark – the watermelon crop guzzles ten times the water the population consumes for sustenance, a harsh reminder of the disconnect between agricultural pursuits and the genuine needs of the Moroccan populace.
In a world where nations are strategically maneuvering to attain food self-sufficiency and reduce vulnerability to external pressures, Morocco’s policies emerge as a stark outlier. The nation’s dependence on a small group of powerful agricultural magnates, colloquially referred to as the “barons” of agriculture, holds its food security hostage. The Makhzen regime’s reluctance to curtail the dominance of these barons, who thrive on water-intensive cash crops that cater more to international markets than local needs, further jeopardizes the nation’s stability.
Poisoning the Region with Drugs: A Malicious Scheme for Economic Gain
Amidst the absence of viable solutions to bolster the Moroccan economy, a sinister plan has emerged within the Makhzen, involving the cultivation of cannabis, commonly referred to as “al-Kif.” This plan extends to collusion with international drug trafficking networks, with the objective of disseminating these narcotics throughout the region, particularly towards Algeria. The Algerian People’s National Army’s vigilance has thwarted potentially disastrous consequences for Algerians. Weekly updates from the People’s National Army recount the ongoing battle against the influx of these toxic substances originating from Morocco.
The Moroccan Minister of the Interior, Abdelwafi Laftit, disclosed that since the legalization of cannabis-related activities in 2021, a total of 195 licenses have been issued. However, this move has sparked strong opposition and calls for the repeal of the law due to the severe repercussions that could reverberate across various societal layers.
Someone has primarily granted these licenses in the Rif region, situated in the northern part of the Kingdom of Morocco, particularly near Al Hoceima within the Taounate province. This strategic move has been met with skepticism, seen by many as an ill-conceived attempt to “legitimize” the drug trade. Despite the efforts of over 150 human rights associations actively engaged in drug control, the Makhzen remains resolute in legalizing the trade and issuing licenses, thereby exacerbating the peril of widespread substance distribution across Europe and neighboring nations.
The Moroccan Agency for the Legalization of Activities Related to Cannabis, deemed a “strategic” public institution by the Makhzen, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. As of May, this agency had approved 195 licenses in the Taounate province for various agricultural cooperatives and specialized cannabis-manufacturing companies. The revelation of the Interior Minister shed light on the extent of cannabis production, highlighting the government’s intentions. These revelations came in response to a query raised by Parliamentarian Noureddine Kochibel on behalf of the National Rally of Independents in the Moroccan House of Representatives.
In May 2021, Moroccan Parliament ratified a draft law submitted by the Ministry of the Interior, effectively legalizing the cultivation and use of cannabis. This legislative initiative aimed to regulate all aspects related to cannabis, from cultivation and production to transportation, marketing, and international trade, by subjecting them to a licensing system.
The town of Al Hoceima emerges as a poignant backdrop in this narrative – a town that once served as the epicenter of a social revolution that unsettled the Makhzen regime. The uprising laid bare the government’s policies toward a region characterized by marginalization, social disparities, and systematic oppression. Reports, both local and international, reveal the diversion of drug revenues by Rabat to influence countries and individuals, bolstering the illegal occupation of Western Sahara.
Under the guise of “medical reasons,” the legalization of cannabis cultivation and exploitation has benefited various stakeholders, including “Zionist companies” that entered the agricultural sector following the normalization of relations in 2020. Critics of this normalization have sounded the alarm over the potential alliance between the Makhzen and Zionist interests in cannabis production, foreseeing dire consequences for the global community, particularly the African region, given the utilization of drug proceeds.
Fragile Political and Social Situation in Morocco Amid Economic Collapse
The economic turmoil in Morocco has unleashed a domino effect, echoing through the fabric of both its political and social spheres. With the country’s economic stability eroding, the repercussions have sparked discontent and unrest among its populace.
The World Bank’s recent classification of Morocco as a nation in the red zone, grappling with surging food prices, serves as a stark indicator of the widespread turmoil that has engulfed the Kingdom. The spiraling cost of living has left Moroccan families grappling with deteriorating conditions, exacerbated by persistent high prices and the government’s increasing reliance on borrowing.
A grim reality unfolds as the Kingdom of Morocco finds itself positioned on the undesirable list of nations grappling with a substantial rise in prices, ranging from 5 to 30 percent, as assessed by international bodies. The specter of inflation looms large, with food prices soaring at an alarming rate. In the span of just under a year, food inflation escalated from a modest 4.3 percent in January 2022 to an alarming 14.4 percent by November of the same year.
These troubling statistics form the backdrop against which the pent-up frustrations of Moroccan citizens have erupted. Protests reverberate through the streets of various cities, echoing a collective outcry against the exorbitant cost of living, sky-high prices of essential commodities, and the dwindling purchasing power of the working class. Moreover, criticism has been directed towards Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whose ownership of a major fuel distribution company makes him a focal point of contention amid skyrocketing fuel costs.
The Moroccan government’s inability to navigate the multifaceted crises has profoundly eroded public trust. This erosion is palpably reflected in the stark data released by the Moroccan High Commission for Planning. The household confidence index, a measure of public sentiment, has plummeted during the fourth quarter of 2022, hitting its lowest level since the commencement of comprehensive research on family well-being in 2008.
The Mysterious Health Condition and Political Intrigues Surrounding Morocco’s King Mohammed VI
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has recently garnered attention due to both his enigmatic public appearances and his deteriorating health condition. Despite his attempts to convey an image of detachment from political affairs, his statements and actions have raised questions about the true nature of his involvement. This was evident in his recent speech on the occasion of Throne Day, where he addressed significant international matters such as the Palestinian cause and Moroccan-Algerian relations. However, skeptics argue that these statements might not reflect his genuine understanding of the situation, suggesting that he may merely be reading prepared scripts.
His health struggles, which have been widely discussed in foreign media, add another layer of complexity to the political landscape. Various sources have reported on his deteriorating condition, citing the presence of a disease called “sarcoidosis,” an immune system disorder characterized by inflammatory cell growth in different parts of the body. This has led to specific dietary restrictions and a need to avoid excessive sun exposure. Despite efforts to downplay the severity of his illness, foreign media outlets have highlighted the king’s significant weight loss and ongoing health challenges.
Intriguingly, as the king’s health remains a focal point of concern, a behind-the-scenes power struggle for succession has begun to unfold. The Regency Council has undergone modernization to enable ruling in the king’s absence, fueling speculation about a potential transition of power. This has coincided with an open rivalry between the king’s 19-year-old son, Hassan III, and his brother, Moulay Rachid. Both factions have garnered support from influential quarters within the government, army, and security services, intensifying the dynamics of this familial power struggle.
The uncertain state of King Mohammed VI’s health has rekindled discussions about the future of the Moroccan monarchy and its potential impact on both domestic and international affairs. As the succession battle continues to simmer, there are implications not only for Morocco’s internal stability but also for the broader geopolitical interests at play. The preference of some foreign actors, particularly the king’s Zionist allies, for a smooth transition of power to his son underscores the significance of Morocco’s political trajectory in the context of regional dynamics.
Empty Display: Morocco’s BRICS Aspirations Reek of Showmanship
When scrutinizing the voluminous queue of 23 requests vying for entry into the BRICS consortium, a discerning eye recognizes that the evaluation process hinges on a meticulous assessment of economic robustness, social coherence, and political equilibrium within aspiring nations. Against this backdrop, Morocco’s conspicuous endeavor to join the ranks of this league appears to be a calculated ploy by the Makhzen regime, aimed at projecting an illusion of ascendancy as a potent regional and international player. This façade, however, is underscored by a realization that such ambitions are destined to languish at the secretariat level, if not outright dismissed. It’s within this context that we must label Morocco’s overture for BRICS membership as nothing more than an insubstantial show-off, emblematic of grandeur without substance.
Translated with adaptation from: Sh24h.info
