Why kick Moroccan reforms?

Moves towards more open democratic government in Morocco have been underway for some time. As have the changes to media and freedom of speech. All of which should be welcomed. Yet it seems some people are not happy. Maybe it is time to remind them that democracy is a fragile thing, something to be nurtured and steps in the right direction should be encouraged - not put down.

After months of good press reports on the reforms in Morocco, it seems that some of the country's detractors are raising their heads. Most noticeable was the British Economist which published a rather shoddy piece of writing that skipped over the facts and seemed aimed at simply needling King Mohammed VI with an unflattering photograph. One can forgive criticism, but shoddy journalism, not properly researched, is another story.

A case in point was the Economist's take on Nadia Yassine. The description so whitewashed her as to make her sound benign. Any writer worth their salt would have quickly discovered her platform is a recipe for returning Morocco to the Dark Ages. Yet the Economist blandly states... Nadia Yassine is so the most egregious example of this judicial revanchisme is the case against Nadia Yassine, daughter of the leader of a banned Islamist group, Adl Wal Ihsane (Justice and Charity). She is on trial for insulting the monarchy after making an off-the-cuff comment to a magazine asserting that Moroccans “would not die if we didn't have a king”. The media-savvy Ms Yassine is now using the trial to publicise her fierce criticism of the regime, denouncing its “superficial democratic reforms” and advocating her Sufi-inspired brand of Islam “as an antidote to violence”. She is demanding the abolition of Article 19 of the constitution enshrining the king's role as Commander of the Faithful.

You can read our take on Ms Yassine here: What to do about Yassine?

Another entrant in this kick Morocco flurry was headed " New Gender Law Upsets Everyone." The writer was Abderrahim El Ouali from the Inter Press Service News Agency, and who opines: A new family law intended to promote the rights of women seems to have pleased neither men nor women.The new family law, which has been in effect two years now, has given women several new rights, particularly with alimony, but less than those provided for under an earlier plan.On the other hand, many men say they do not have the means to pay alimonies being granted under the new provision.

It may come as a surprise to Mr El Ouali - but not every new law is perfect and that massive and brave change does not come overnight. Many of the people I know think the new family law is very much a step in the right direction. Certainly more can be done. But we will progress better working together rather than grumbling from the sidelines.


Tags: Morocco Fes, Maghreb news