Bilal, a Moroccan resident, looks forward to the next World Cup in his homeland, yet his joy is overshadowed by the looming changes in his neighborhood. The Moroccan royal family is leveraging the upcoming World Cup to accelerate urban redevelopment projects, particularly in the L’Océan district of Rabat, where many residents are set to lose their homes.
The L’Océan area, situated along the Atlantic coast in Morocco's capital, presents a stark contrast to its former self. Once a vibrant neighborhood filled with Art Deco architecture, it now resembles a war zone, with rubble strewn where multi-story homes once stood. The few remaining palm trees and streetlights stand as lonely sentinels amidst the destruction. A temporary construction fence with the slogan "Rabat, City of Lights" blocks access, signifying the ongoing transformation.
As the 2030 World Cup approaches, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, Portugal, and South America, the Moroccan authorities are seizing this opportunity to propel their urban planning agenda forward. The excitement surrounding the recent World Cup victory against the Netherlands is palpable, but it is marred by the knowledge that many residents will have to vacate their homes as part of a broader redevelopment strategy.
Bilal, who works as a communication manager and has spent his entire life in L’Océan, describes a community in distress. He recalls the arrival of bulldozers during Ramadan 2024, which marked the beginning of an aggressive demolition campaign. Just five months prior, residents were celebrating Morocco's successful bid for the World Cup, but the mood quickly shifted as news spread that local authorities were contacting neighbors to inform them of impending demolitions.
The plight of the L’Océan residents has been documented by the Association Marocaine des Droits Humains (AMDH). Reports indicate that officials are pressuring residents to sell their homes at prices significantly below market value. Many have refused, leading to forced evictions. Bilal recounts how his aunt, upon witnessing the destruction, is often brought to tears, embodying the anxiety that has gripped the remaining community members. “It’s not the same neighborhood anymore,” Bilal laments, reflecting on the pervasive fear that their homes could soon be targeted.
The situation has fostered an environment rife with speculation and misinformation, with residents hearing rumors of imminent demolitions. Bilal describes this climate as a "paradise of fake news," where uncertainty reigns and official communications are sporadic at best. The local authorities have only gradually revealed their redevelopment plans, which include a comprehensive urban overhaul intended to modernize the city and improve living conditions. However, detailed proposals and models, typical of such large-scale projects in other nations, are conspicuously absent.
Hakim Sikouk from the AMDH estimates that around 20,000 residents will be affected by the planned evictions in L’Océan and surrounding neighborhoods, asserting that the lack of transparent communication is a tactic to isolate residents and quash potential protests. Meanwhile, as Morocco prepares for its first home World Cup, significant developments are underway in Casablanca, including the construction of the world’s largest stadium, necessitating further displacements.
While the government touts these urban transformations as essential for addressing substandard living conditions, Bilal and his neighbors see a starkly different reality unfolding. They are left grappling with the emotional toll of uncertainty and the loss of their homes. “Rabat, the City of Lights” may soon shine brighter than ever, but the human cost of this progress weighs heavily on those left in its shadow.
As reported by nzz.ch.
