Morocco… A Collapsing Economy, a Suffocating People, and a Delirious King!! -Dossier
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS – Morocco finds itself ensnared by the oppressive grip of the Makhzen regime, hurtling towards an abyss of unimaginable consequences. The once-promising economy now languishes in a deplorable state, and the hollow promises peddled by Makhzen officials about attracting foreign investments have transformed into terrifying nightmares for the populace. Despite the semblance of foreign affairs bearing fruit, the internal situation remains mired in disarray, and the nation’s diplomatic and political landscape remains unstable. Under the Makhzen regime, crises have only intensified, providing fertile ground for the venomous influence of the Zionist entity to infiltrate the very fabric of Moroccan society, seeping into its economic and social arteries. The nation faces a critical juncture, desperately in need of change and visionary leadership to break free from this perilous trajectory and pave the way for a brighter, unified future.
Under the leadership of billionaire Aziz Akhannouch, the government has failed to address the growing concerns of the Moroccan people. In an official report, the Central Bank of Morocco acknowledged Akhannouch’s defeats and the worsening economic situation, with indicators painting a grim picture of the country’s future.
Inflation rates reached a staggering 6.6 percent in 2022, the highest since 1992, causing prices to soar and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. Economic growth remained stagnant at a mere 1.3 percent, while the agricultural sector suffered a significant contraction of 12.9 percent. Non-agricultural sectors, including construction, public works, and extractive industries, also experienced a slowdown, further exacerbating the economic crisis.
The labor market took a severe hit, with 24 thousand jobs lost in 2022, leading to an alarming unemployment rate of 32.7 percent. The total employment volume declined to 10.7 million, down by 2.1 percent compared to 2019, the reference year before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
In a significant blow to Morocco’s economy, the once-prominent agriculture sector lost 215,000 jobs, shrinking its share in total employment to less than 30 percent for the first time. The fiscal deficit reached 5.2 percent in 2022, lower than the target of 5.9 percent set by the year’s finance law.
Moreover, imports of goods surged by 39.5 percent, driven by increased energy costs and the need for semi-finished products. This further widened the trade deficit to 23.2 percent of the gross domestic product, while the percentage of exports covering imports declined from 62.3 percent in 2021 to a mere 58.1 percent last year.
Adding to the economic woes, the Central Bank’s report highlighted the rampant bribery plaguing the business climate, with little progress in combating this detrimental phenomenon. The deeply rooted corruption only serves to exacerbate the already dire economic situation, leaving the population to bear the brunt of the consequences.
Furthermore, Morocco’s internal crises have not improved, and its diplomatic and political situation remains unstable. The Makhzen regime’s inability to effectively address these challenges has allowed the poison of the Zionist entity to spread, impacting various aspects of the country, both economically and socially.
The issue of Moroccan food security is held hostage by the interests of the ruling Makhzen regime and the powerful agricultural barons, with little regard for the well-being of the Moroccan people or the country’s future. While most countries prioritize achieving self-sufficiency in food production and then consider exports, the authorities in Morocco seem more focused on maximizing exports, neglecting the essential aspect of ensuring food security for their citizens.
Moroccan food security… hostage to the barons of agriculture and the Zionist entity
The current approach to agriculture in Morocco is concerning, especially during times of severe drought. Instead of adopting sustainable farming practices that conserve water and prioritize crops essential for domestic food security, the agricultural sector consumes a large portion of water resources, mainly for crops that do not directly benefit the Moroccan population. As a result, over three-quarters of water reserves are depleted by agriculture, leading to an alarming scarcity of water in many regions, such as Zagora in the south, which suffers from structural drought.
Water, a precious resource essential for human survival, is being squandered on crops like watermelon, which consume ten times more water than what the local population requires for drinking and daily needs. This misplaced allocation of resources exemplifies the skewed priorities of the ruling elite, who prioritize profits for large-scale farmers at the expense of ensuring the basic needs of the people.
The lack of consideration for food security is a grave concern for the well-being and stability of Morocco. It perpetuates a system that benefits a privileged few at the expense of the broader population, deepening social disparities and exacerbating regional inequalities. Addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in the government’s agricultural policies, placing the welfare of the Moroccan people at the forefront, and taking urgent steps to ensure sustainable and equitable food production for the nation’s future.
Agricultural Normalization with the Zionist Entity: Occupation by Proxy
In a move that has sparked controversy and raised concerns among the Moroccan people, the normalization of agricultural relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv has been unfolding for years, long before the tripartite Abraham agreement. This agricultural normalization, while ostensibly aimed at research and development, has been marred by secret investments and partnerships that benefit the Zionist entity at the expense of Morocco’s water security and its people’s allegiance to the Palestinian cause.
In the year 2000, when Rabat had just announced the severing of its relations with Tel Aviv, an intriguing development took place as a delegation from the Zionist entity ventured into Morocco. Comprising 24 companies specializing in agriculture and plant fertilization techniques, this delegation was officially invited by none other than the Moroccan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services—an institution closely tied to the government. Surprisingly, the five-day visit included influential businessmen and directors from Moroccan companies, raising eyebrows and speculation about the underlying motives behind the collaboration.
During this visit, the Moroccan government, led by the Minister of Agriculture at the time, Ismail Al-Alaoui, strangely distanced itself from the Zionist delegation, claiming no involvement in the matter. However, their assertion appeared to contradict the evident reality of Zionist-established farms scattered on the outskirts of Moroccan cities such as Meknes, Agadir, and El Hajeb. This contradiction fueled suspicions and sparked discussions about the true extent of government involvement in the alliance.
As time passed, further Zionist delegations continued to make their way to Morocco, ostensibly focusing on agricultural research, irrigation, and exchange programs aimed at training local personnel. Nevertheless, a cloud of uncertainty surrounded these visits as rumors circulated about the necessity of acquiring new seeds annually. The covert nature of these developments only added to the intrigue and speculation surrounding the deepening ties between Morocco and the Zionist entity in the realm of agriculture.
In 2008, alarming revelations came to light indicating that a significant portion, approximately 80%, of tomato seeds in Morocco were sourced from the Zionist entity through intermediary companies. Reports indicated that smuggling activities played a substantial role in this seed marketing operation. In fact, Zionists entered Morocco via France and Agadir airport, carrying bags of tomato seeds, which they then sold to Moroccan producers at exorbitant prices, reaching approximately 200,000 dirhams, equivalent to around 20,000 dollars. This deeply concerning situation has sparked widespread opposition to the Zionist penetration of the country. As the pace of normalization between Rabat and Tel Aviv gains momentum, the voices of dissent grow stronger, with the Moroccan people vehemently asserting their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. They adamantly refuse to compromise on the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and the independence of their homeland. Furthermore, there are growing concerns that Morocco’s water security is at risk, as it seems that the proliferation of Zionist products, such as “avocados,” may be enabling these controversial practices.
Morocco’s water security and the investment by the Zionist entity in the avocado cultivation sector
The issue of Morocco’s water security and the investment by the Zionist entity in the avocado cultivation sector have sparked significant concerns and debates. The scale of the project undertaken by the Zionist company Mehadrin, covering 500 hectares of fertile western plains, is nothing short of colossal. The projected production of 10,000 tons of avocados annually may bring financial gains, but it comes at an enormous cost for Morocco’s already strained water resources.
According to reputable references, the water-intensive nature of avocado production is staggering. Producing just one kilogram of avocados requires a mind-boggling 1,000 liters of water. This is significantly higher than the water consumption of other crops like tomatoes and oranges. With an estimated annual drainage of 10 billion liters of water, the avocado project exacerbates Morocco’s water crisis. The country has been grappling with a scarcity of rainfall and recurring droughts, resulting in dwindling water reserves in dams and severe shortages of potable water in rural areas. Presently, the per capita share of water has plummeted to a critical level of 606 cubic meters per person, alarmingly close to the internationally recognized water scarcity rate of 500 cubic meters per capita.
The implications of this avocado venture extend beyond water scarcity. The potential deterioration of soil quality due to intensive avocado farming may have serious consequences for Morocco’s already limited arable land. Reclaimed land, accounting for approximately 12% of the country’s total area, could face degradation, further threatening food security and rural livelihoods. Avocado cultivation appears to be a misfit in Morocco’s agricultural landscape, where traditional crops like grains, citrus, olives, almonds, apples, and apricots have long been the backbone of the sector.
As the per capita share of water in Morocco declines, alarmingly approaching the internationally recognized water scarcity rate, the decision to prioritize avocado production for export to the occupied Palestinian territories and Europe raises ethical questions. The allocation of precious water resources to cultivate avocados primarily for foreign markets at a time when local communities are struggling to meet their basic water needs seems unjust and unsustainable.
The avocado industry in Morocco, controlled by the Zionist company, has been primarily oriented towards exports, particularly to Europe, under the “Made in Morocco” label. This strategy has raised concerns among observers, who suspect that Zionist producers are exploiting tax exemptions offered by countries with free trade agreements with Morocco. Consequently, the higher-quality avocados are destined for foreign markets, while fruits of inferior quality, unsuitable for export, find their way into the Moroccan market. This manipulation by Zionist producers not only raises questions about the fairness of trade practices but also impacts the availability of premium avocados for local consumers.
The Zionist company’s investment in avocado production in Morocco stems from its desire to boost overall avocado production. However, this move comes amidst a surge in global demand for avocados. Unfortunately, the occupied Palestinian territories, where the entity originally operated, face challenges such as water salinity and the arid desert landscape. These environmental conditions resist the Zionist presence and hinder the desired increase in avocado production. Consequently, the company decided to extend its agricultural activities to Moroccan lands, leveraging the more favorable conditions to ensure a steady supply of avocados for its expanding market demand.
The future of avocado production appears to be exceptionally promising based on the predictions of the 2021–2030 Agriculture Outlook by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization. According to the report, avocado production is expected to surge dramatically, surpassing 2010 levels by more than three times and reaching an impressive 12 metric tons by the year 2030. This surge indicates a significant shift in global avocado consumption and trade, positioning avocados as the leading tropical fruit in terms of international trade.
A contrasting perspective arises concerning the impact of avocado production in Morocco and the “Zionist entity.” The CEO of “Mehadrin,” Shaul Shelach, revealed a grand plan that seems to have different consequences for the two regions. Shelach’ strategy for avocado cultivation in the southern hemisphere and Latin America hints at the vast potential for successful avocado harvesting in these regions, possibly leading to economic gains and advancements in the Zionist entity.
Conspiracy Unveiled: The Makhzen Occupation Collaborates with the Zionist Entity to Exploit the Wealth of the Sahrawi People
The occupation led by the Makhzen, in collusion with the Zionist entity, represents a dire threat to the prosperity and well-being of the Sahrawi people. The Makhzen’s objective, with the support of various Zionist companies, is to exploit the wealth of the occupied Western Sahara and exhaust its valuable resources. The American website MintPress News (MPN) has extensively reported on the presence of several Zionist companies operating in the region under the Makhzen regime. Among them are NewMed Energy, Ratio Petroleum, Selina Group, Halman-Aldubi Technologies, and a limited company initiating an aquaculture project in the Western Sahara.
In particular, the Western Sahara Resources Monitoring International Observatory (WSRW), citing MPN, has highlighted the alarming activities of NewMed Energy and Ratio Petroleum. These companies are actively engaged in oil and gas exploration, and their operations directly benefit both the Makhzen and the Zionists. The extraction of these crucial resources serves as a means of further entrenching the occupation and exploiting the land and its people.
WSRW board member Eric Hagen told MPN, “These are resources that will deplete and disappear under occupation before the conflict is resolved, and that is very worrying for the Sahrawi people. So what these (Zionist) companies are doing now is kind of the worst of the worst.”
The ramifications of these exploitative practices are far-reaching and deeply troubling for the Sahrawi people. With no regard for the consequences, the Makhzen and their Zionist partners are systematically depleting and pillaging the valuable resources of the occupied territory. This reckless behavior only exacerbates the already precarious situation for the Sahrawi people and threatens their livelihoods and future.
Eric Hagen, a board member of WSRW, expressed grave concerns over the situation, asserting that these resources are being extracted and depleted under occupation well before any resolution to the conflict is reached. This unscrupulous exploitation of resources by the Zionist companies perpetuates the suffering and hardship endured by the Sahrawi people, undermining any prospect of a just and equitable resolution to the long-standing conflict.
Besides, the revelation of an intensified commercial presence of Zionist companies in Western Sahara following the Makhzen normalization with the Zionist entity has raised concerns. This increase in activity can be traced back to the recognition of Morocco’s alleged “sovereignty” over Western Sahara by the administration of former US President Donald Trump. This controversial decision provided an opening for these companies to exploit the resources of the occupied desert regions. One significant example of this exploitation is the agreement signed in September 2021 between the Moroccan National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) and Ratio Gibraltar, a subsidiary of the Zionist oil company Ratio Petroleum. This deal granted permission to explore for oil and gas off Dakhla, a city situated in the occupied Western Desert.
Further alarming is the involvement of NewMed Energy, a subsidiary of the Zionist Delek Group, which entered into a commercial agreement in December 2022. Collaborating with Gibraltar-based ONHYM and Adarco Energy, they embarked on oil and gas exploration off Boujdour, another occupied city. Notably, the Delek Group enjoys backing from various European and American investors, raising questions about their involvement in such controversial ventures.
The relationship between the Zionist entity and the Moroccan regime has been a well-kept secret for decades, as confirmed by MintPress News. Despite their cooperation being conducted discreetly, there is evidence of their collaboration, such as the purchase of drones by the Moroccan occupation army from the Zionist entity in 2014. These drones, which were only obtained in 2020, are reportedly intended for use against the Polisario Front.
The alliance between the Zionist entity and Morocco did not end with the 2014 drone purchase. In both 2021 and 2022, Morocco continued to acquire military equipment from the Zionist entity, including drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering in Western Sahara. Additionally, they acquired kamikaze drones and the Barak MX anti-aircraft and missile system. These acquisitions suggest a strategic plan on the part of the Zionist-Makhzen alliance to maintain control over Western Sahara and suppress any resistance from the Saharawi people.
One alarming aspect of this collaboration is its apparent aim to exploit the wealth of the Saharawi people to their maximum advantage. By deploying advanced military technology acquired from the Zionist entity, the Moroccan regime seeks to tighten its grip on the disputed territory and prevent the Saharawi people from gaining independence. It is evident that the ultimate goal of this partnership is to ensure the continued occupation of Western Sahara, perpetuating the suffering of the Saharawi people and stifling their aspirations for self-determination.
Uncharted Reign: A King Beyond the Political Horizon and the Fierce Battle for His Heir
Politically, the situation in the kingdom is shrouded in uncertainty, with a king who appears detached from the realities of his own country. King Mohammed VI has made a point of distancing himself from the ongoing events and asserting his unawareness of the developments taking place. This was particularly evident in his recent speech on Throne Day, where he not only touched upon the sensitive topic of normalization with the Zionist entity in Morocco but also claimed that the Moroccan stance on the Palestinian cause remains steadfast. However, his statements seem dubious, raising questions about the authenticity of his words. It is unclear whether he truly comprehends the gravity of his statements or if he is merely reading from a prepared script handed to him.
Furthermore, the king proclaimed the relations between Algeria and Morocco as “stable.” However, this assertion seems perplexing to observers, as it appears the king’s definition of stability differs greatly from the global perspective. Some speculate that the monarch may not fully comprehend the significance of his words, leading to the speculation that he might have been reading from a prepared statement without truly grasping its content.
Adding to the uncertainty is the issue of his successor, which has triggered a war of succession within the Makhzen. With the king’s health condition now widely reported by foreign media, the matter of succession has become a subject of increasing concern and speculation. The kingdom finds itself in a delicate position as its future leadership remains uncertain amid a potential power struggle.
The Spanish “MUI” website highlights his ongoing struggle with a disease called “sarcoidosis,” a complex immune disorder that hampers his ability to maintain a proper diet. The ailment causes the growth of small groups of inflammatory cells in various parts of his body, leading to frequent tumors in his lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. This diagnosis necessitates adhering to a specialized diet and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the French-language “Afrik” website points out that the King’s health has become increasingly fragile in recent years. His heart problems, which have already resulted in two surgeries, are further compounded by a severe immune system disorder. Speculation arises as to whether the King’s recent announcement of a “normal flu” is genuinely unrelated or could be linked to symptoms of his underlying “sarcoidosis” condition.
The Moroccan king’s health condition has become a prominent topic of discussion in Spanish newspapers, with a particular focus on the details of his illness. Reports note that Mohammed VI is facing challenges related to an irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing, likely stemming from his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, he has also undergone surgery to remove a benign tumor from one of his eyes. This has raised concerns about his ability to carry out his duties as the reigning monarch effectively.
As a result of the king’s ailing health, the Regency Council has undergone modernization to ensure its readiness to govern in the absence of Mohammed VI. Amidst this backdrop, a complex power struggle has erupted between the supporters of the potential heirs to the Alaouite throne. The 19-year-old heir, Hassan III, son of Mohammed VI, is vying for succession against his brother, Moulay Rachid. Each faction has garnered backing from influential forces within the Government Brigades, the army, and the security services, intensifying the conflict.
The developments in Mohammed VI’s health have reignited the war of succession between his son and brother. This has not gone unnoticed by Foreign Minister Bourita and his Zionist allies, who are believed to prefer Mohammed VI’s son to take the throne. This alignment is likely driven by their desire to maintain a tight grip on the situation in Morocco!
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