Morocco’s King Builds Overseas Palace Amid Drought and Poverty Woes
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- King Mohammed VI of Morocco has sparked controversy by adding another residence to his already extensive collection, situated overseas against the backdrop of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This move comes at a time when Morocco is grappling with severe drought and escalating poverty levels.
Morocco in the Grip of Devastating Drought
Morocco’s landscape heavily relies on its agricultural sector, constituting nearly 12% of its GDP. However, the country is currently facing a crisis, enduring five consecutive years of drought that imperils both the nation’s food security and economic stability.
The drought not only affects agriculture but also endangers the water supply for the population. The available water per capita has significantly decreased over the decades, plummeting from 2,500 cubic meters in 1960 to a mere 650 cubic meters today. Projections for 2030 are even more alarming, foreseeing a further decrease to 500 cubic meters per capita if the current situation persists.
Despite substantial investments in dam construction, with 150 large dams storing a total capacity of 19 billion cubic meters, these water reserves are now critically low, some even completely dry. Water rationing measures for households have been implemented in certain regions, casting uncertainty over the future of many agricultural sectors. This water crisis is exacerbating existing poverty, intensified by soaring inflation, particularly affecting food and fuel prices.
Increasing Poverty and Inequality
According to the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), poverty rates in Morocco have risen over the past two years, impacting 3.2 million Moroccans. Notably, this crisis appears to spare the affluent class, further deepening societal inequalities.
Morocco is ranked among the most unequal countries globally, as per the Global Inequality Report published in March 2023. Half of the country’s income is concentrated in the hands of only 10% of the population, including the privileged courtiers of the royal court and the royal family.
King Mohammed VI: Expanding Overseas Residences
Amid this precarious social backdrop, King Mohammed VI is making headlines for different reasons. Reports from Moroccan online news outlet Le Desk suggest that the sovereign is currently constructing an opulent residence in Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean.
This new property echoes a trend dating back to at least 2018, where the king, whose royal holding controls numerous economic activities in Morocco, spends more time abroad than within his own kingdom. In addition to multiple properties in Morocco, he owns several residences abroad, notably in France and Gabon, his two favored destinations.
A Luxurious Residence in Zanzibar
The new royal residence in Zanzibar is said to be a renovation of a palace once owned by an Omani sultan on the island. Construction is nearly complete, and the king could soon move into his new abode. The General Company of Works in Morocco ‘Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc’ (SGTM) is overseeing the construction, deploying a team of experts to manage the project.
This recent acquisition of overseas property sharply contrasts with the distress experienced by certain parts of Morocco. Citizens affected by earthquakes continue to suffer in precarious conditions, while their king acquires an additional residence abroad.
The story of King Mohammed VI’s construction of a new residence in Zanzibar sheds light on the controversial priorities of the Moroccan monarchy. While the country grapples with drought, poverty, and widening inequalities, the king continues to expand his overseas property portfolio. This situation raises questions about the monarchy’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens and prompts scrutiny of the country’s resource management and wealth distribution.
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