Moroccan Army Exposed: Chaos, Corruption, and Criminal Activities Unveiled by Dissident Officer
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a shocking revelation, a dissident officer from the Moroccan army, Issou Abdelilah, has come forward to expose the rampant corruption and criminal activities taking place within the institution. In an interview with the Echorouk News channel, Issou shed light on the alarming state of affairs, including the smuggling of drugs from South America through Western Sahara to flood Algeria with this substance and European countries. The officer’s testimony provides a disturbing glimpse into a system where everything, from positions to promotions, is bought and sold.
A System Built on Corruption
According to Issou, the Moroccan army operates on a pay-to-play basis. To gain entry into the army, individuals must pay a fee, and further payments are required for promotions and advancement within the ranks. The situation worsens in the southern regions, where officers profit by stealing supplies meant for soldiers. These stolen goods are then sold back to the soldiers, who are forced to purchase items with their meager wages. Corruption extends even to the clothing of Moroccan soldiers, forcing them to either buy their own uniforms or wear civilian clothes.
Discrimination and Injustice
The dissident officer reveals a clear bias in the system, where punishment is meted out selectively. Issou points out that the Moroccan army suffers from rampant corruption, and this deeply rooted issue affects every aspect of its operations. When he refused to sign documents that involved the embezzlement of army supplies, he faced retaliation. Despite his respect for the hierarchy, he was met with rejection when he sought a meeting with the official above his rank. Frustrated, Issou attempted to resign legally, but his request was arbitrarily denied.
Disturbing Orders and Atrocities
Issou’s revelations extend beyond corruption, shedding light on shocking orders and atrocities committed within the Moroccan army. He recalls being instructed to bomb areas where Sahrawis brought their camels to graze, but he chose to warn them instead to save lives. The officer also exposes cases of mass rape of women within the bathrooms of El-Ayoun and Smara, although such acts are now perpetrated by the police rather than the army. These heinous acts are committed by individuals with financial obligations, while some engage in them on a regular basis.
Tragedies and Injustice Against Sahrawis
Issou recounts witnessing grave injustices and human rights abuses perpetrated against the Sahrawis, including torture and intimidation. Young Sahrawi children have had their bones intentionally broken for participating in peaceful demonstrations to defend their rights. Those who refuse to suppress Sahrawi civilians face imprisonment or expulsion from the army. The officer paints a grim picture of a military institution that tramples upon the rights and dignity of a marginalized population.
Desertion and Escape
The dire situation and lack of justice have led many soldiers to desert the Moroccan army. These disillusioned individuals seek refuge in Europe, fleeing from the harsh realities they experienced within the military. Their flight underscores the urgency to address the systemic corruption and human rights violations within the Moroccan army.
