Nationwide Mobilization Against Intensive Grazing
The ongoing protests against intensive grazing practices and land conflicts have reached the heart of Morocco, with a significant demonstration planned in Rabat, the capital. The coordinating group, "Akal for the Defense of Local Populations' Rights to Land and Resources," has announced its intention to escalate its protest efforts after a series of mobilizations in the southern regions and Souss area. Scheduled for April 26, 2026, this sit-in aims to highlight what the organization describes as the "expropriation of land and resources from local communities" by networks associated with intensive grazing and agricultural investments.
Concerns Over Land Pressure and Cultural Displacement
According to the organization, several provinces, notably Sidi Ifni, Tiznit, Taroudant, Chtouka Aït Baha, and Tata, are severely affected by increasing pressure on communal lands amidst ongoing land-related projects, mining operations, and forest management initiatives. The protests draw a clear distinction between what Akal terms "investment grazing" and traditional grazing practices, condemning the substantial influx of livestock into certain areas, which jeopardizes natural resources and disrupts local ecological balances. The coordination also raises alarms about the potential displacement of local populations and the encroachment upon their socio-cultural identities. Furthermore, the collective criticizes Law No. 113.13, which governs grazing practices, deeming it inadequate and discriminatory as it seemingly favors certain stakeholders at the expense of local communities. They hold the government responsible for any escalation in tensions and demand protective measures for residents, their lands, and natural resources, particularly the argan ecosystem. The organization calls for an end to practices that it believes benefit specific lobby groups while undermining the rights of local populations.
As reported by h24info.ma.
