Compulsory Military Service Returns to Morocco

Morocco's new draft law on military service, was adopted Monday in the Council of Ministers, chaired by King Mohamed VI. The entry into force of the new compulsory military service is scheduled for next October

The law applies to young people between 19 and 25 who do not pursue their studies, do not have a stable job and are not handicapped. The measure applies to men and women, without any distinction of sex. The old military service regime only applied to men.

The bill, number 44.18, provides for the exclusion from military service of persons with disabilities and those who financially support their families. Students may be exempted during their university training but will be called after the end of their studies. Any attempt to escape this service is punishable by up to 6 months in prison.

The previous regime of military service, established in 1966, was abolished indefinitely. However, the ability to bring it back is clear in the Constitution of 2011, as it has been specified in the constitution of Morocco since 1962," says the political scientist Mustapha Sehimi. In article 38, the supreme law states that "All citizens contribute to the defence of the homeland and its territorial integrity against any aggression or threat".

The duration of compulsory military service will be 12 full months, as against 18 previously.

In addition to military training and exercises in weapons handling and other equipment, military service will be extended to aspects related to vocational and technical training as well as participation in major structural projects in the country.

All in addition to learning the rules of life within the army (discipline, autonomy, teamwork, rigour, sense of values, citizenship, etc.). The goal is not just to leave reservists able to defend their homeland if necessary, but to train the citizens of tomorrow. Military service aims through its recovery to train young people and prepare them for a fruitful active life to serve and contribute to the development of their homeland.

Funding for this project is part of the state budget and should feature prominently in future finance laws. It is hardly mentioned in the 2019 budget so everything suggests that the budget must be reviewed.

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