2023-09-13 19:04:34
Nearly 3,000 dead: this is the new toll – still provisional – from the earthquake which shook a mountainous region of Morocco last Friday. King Mohammed VI yesterday visited injured people in a hospital in Marrakech, before donating blood. But five days after the disaster, questions remain about the attitude of the Moroccan authorities. Why does Morocco not accept international aid offered by certain countries, including Belgium and France?
Omar Brouksy is a Moroccan journalist and academic, author of a first noted book, “Mohammed VI Behind the Masks” (New World editions, 2014). He remains one of the rare independent voices in Moroccan journalism. Despite the “risks”, he agreed to answer our questions.
Why is relief arriving so painfully in the villages of the Atlas hard hit by the earthquake?
We have witnessed an incredible mobilization of the Moroccan population – I mean the population. The real problem that arises is that of delivery because of the failing infrastructure. This problem does not arise in cities like Marrakech or Agadir, which have also been affected, because there is infrastructure, roads, hospitals. But the regions where the epicenter of the earthquake took place have always been abandoned and isolated. This problem is known since it dates from independence. Today, we have the impression of discovering these regions, what we call “the other Morocco”.
Why does Morocco not accept the aid offered by certain countries?
Frankly, it’s incomprehensible. You should know that it is the Palace which decides in such circumstances, all other institutions disappear. There are two countries where I can understand this refusal for political reasons, Algeria and France, even if humanitarianism should prevail over all political considerations. On the other hand, for other countries I don’t understand. I think Morocco wants to show its sovereignty and decide who can give or not, I think there is a question of pride. However, the priority is to save people under the rubble. For that, you need resources and professionals. This choice by the authorities is therefore not very rational. These are things we don’t understand here.
How to explain the silence of King Mohammed VI since the disaster?
Each head of state has his own way of communicating. For the king of Morocco, it is known: he is someone who has not been well trained in communication. He never held a press conference, he never spontaneously addressed the people. When the earthquake struck on Friday at 11 p.m., he was in Paris on a private trip. He came back the next day, he held a meeting, there was a press release but afterwards, radio silence. This may seem surprising in many countries but here in Morocco, we are not surprised. It’s a kind of code. We know that no politician will dare to travel to the field before the green light from the Palace or the visit of the King. It’s unimaginable.
We hear few dissenting voices about Mohammed VI, as if we could not criticize the government under penalty of reprisals. Is that the case ?
Obviously, there are three taboos in Morocco, three red lines: the monarchy, the Islamic religion and the question of Western Sahara. You can criticize the Prime Minister, the ministers, whatever you want, but when it comes to the monarchy, you have to be very careful and turn on the engine of self-censorship.
Are you taking any risks by answering this interview?
Yes. Fellow journalists are in prison. Everything is possible.
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