Response to Le Monde: towards a balanced understanding of the Moroccan model in the Maghreb

1. Introduction: for contextualised journalism
2. Economic modernisation and infrastructure: achievements in comparative perspective
3. Human development and social cohesion: transformative initiatives
4. Legal reforms and political balance: a gradualist model that modernises while respecting the moderate Islam of Moroccans
5. International cooperation: Morocco as a strategic bridge
6. Future prospects: challenges and opportunities
7. Conclusion: for a balanced journalistic analysis

Introduction: for contextualised journalism

The recent series of articles published by Le Monde on Morocco has caused deep disappointment among those of us who have historically valued its journalistic rigour. Faced with coverage that seems to favour sensationalism over contextualised analysis, it is necessary to present an assessment based on verifiable facts, concrete achievements and regional comparisons that demonstrate Morocco's substantial progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. To this end, it is necessary to favour a more balanced analysis that takes into account the different trajectories of the Maghreb countries.

1. Economic modernisation and infrastructure: achievements in comparative perspective

Advances in strategic infrastructure:

• Al Boraq High-Speed Train: Morocco has the first high-speed line in Africa, connecting Tangier and Casablanca, and construction has already begun on the new line from Casablanca to Agadir via Marrakesh, revolutionising transport and logistics. This flagship project contrasts with less developed railway systems in neighbouring countries.
• Tangier Med Port: now one of the largest logistics hubs in the Mediterranean and Africa, with a trade volume that far exceeds that of its Maghreb neighbours, attracting massive investment and strengthening African port cooperation.
• Dakhla Atlantic Port: as part of its strategic vision for Western Sahara, Morocco is promoting the port of Dakhla Atlantic, an investment of more than $1.2 billion designed to transform the region into a key logistics centre. This port, capable of handling up to 35 million tonnes per year, will not only compete with the ports of the Canary Islands, but will also serve as the cornerstone of a ‘transatlantic development plan’ that seeks to connect Morocco and the Sahel countries (such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso) through economic corridors, facilitating their access to the Atlantic and promoting intra-African trade.
• Renewable energy: Morocco has committed to projects such as the Ouarzazate solar complex, positioning itself as an African leader in energy sustainability, while other countries in the region remain more dependent on fossil fuels.

Economic and tourism growth:

• Tourism: Morocco has experienced significant tourism growth, far exceeding the figures of neighbouring countries that continue to struggle to recover their tourism sectors.
• Economic diversification: unlike the dependence on hydrocarbons that characterises some neighbouring economies, Morocco has developed sectors such as automotive, aeronautics and technological agriculture, reducing its vulnerability to external shocks.

2. Human development and social cohesion: transformative initiatives

Fight against poverty and exclusion:

• National Initiative for Human Development (INDH): this structural programme has improved the lives of millions of Moroccans by building schools, hospitals and health centres in marginalised areas, representing a comprehensive approach that deserves greater attention in its coverage.
• Focus on youth and gender: Morocco has created regional youth and gender consultative bodies, integrating civil society into development planning, a model that contrasts with more centralised approaches in other countries in the region.

An open state and citizen participation:

• Regional open government plans: several Moroccan regions have adopted action plans for transparency and citizen participation, such as those of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, a few kilometres from Europe, and those of Marrakesh and Rabat.
• The Minister of the Interior is fighting corruption with measurable goals, representing a significant advance in regional governance that deserves recognition.

3. Legal reforms and political balance: a gradualist model that modernises while respecting the moderate Islam of Moroccans

Evolution of the legal framework:

The transformations of the Family Code (Moudawana) in 2004 and 2024 represent a path of gradual evolution in a specific cultural context, placing Morocco at the forefront of women's rights in the region. These reforms, personally promoted by King Mohammed VI, reflect a gradual but constant social project that balances modernity and tradition.

Management of political alternation:

The Moroccan case offers a remarkable example of political alternation management, allowing the participation of the PJD (Justice and Development Party), which represents many Islamist groups and sensibilities, within a stable constitutional framework between 2011 and 2021. This process contrasts with different regional experiences, such as those in Algeria and Tunisia, but is equally valid to analyse in its specific context, avoiding the conflicts that have marked other nations in the region.

4. International cooperation: Morocco as a strategic bridge

Partnership with the European Union:

The strategic cooperation between Morocco and the European Union is an aspect worthy of in-depth study. From trade agreements to cooperation on innovation and, above all, migration management, this relationship shows how an African and Maghreb country can establish multidimensional collaboration with Europe, benefiting both parties.

Continental projection and diplomacy:

Morocco has reaffirmed its role as a key player on the African continent, promoting integration and development initiatives that benefit the entire region. Its reintegration into the African Union and its active participation in continental initiatives reflect a pragmatic and constructive diplomacy. A key example of this decisive diplomacy is the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for the Sahara in 2007. This initiative, which seeks to establish regional autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, has been endorsed by numerous countries, including the United States, France, Spain, Germany and Portugal, which consider it a ‘serious, realistic and credible’ basis for a solution. Although rejected by the Polisario Front and Algeria, the proposal demonstrates Morocco's commitment to a peaceful and negotiated solution, under the umbrella of the United Nations, to a conflict that has been deadlocked for decades.

Humanitarian leadership: the role of King Mohammed VI in Gaza

Under the personal leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has demonstrated exceptional humanitarian commitment to the conflict in Gaza. The King, in his capacity as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has:

• Established a humanitarian airlift to send medical and food aid to the people of Gaza.
• Set up a Moroccan field hospital in Gaza that has treated thousands of wounded.
• Promoted diplomatic initiatives to achieve a ceasefire and a peaceful solution.
• Mobilised specialised medical assistance, sending teams of Moroccan surgeons and doctors.
• Coordinated with international organisations to ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian aid.

These efforts reflect Morocco's ongoing commitment to the Palestinian cause and the Kingdom's active role as a humanitarian mediator in the region, under the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King.

5. Future prospects: challenges and opportunities

Morocco faces significant challenges on its path to development, including:

• The need to reduce social and regional inequalities.
• The drive towards the digital transformation of the economy and administration.
• The sustainable management of water resources in the context of climate change.
• The strengthening of the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
• Modernising laws to allow for more individual freedoms in a conservative society.

However, the country has significant advantages in addressing these challenges:

• A strategic geopolitical position between Europe and Africa.
• Stable institutions and continuous leadership.
• A young and increasingly well-educated population.
• Strong and diversified international alliances.

Conclusion: for a balanced journalistic analysis

Dear journalists at Le Monde, I invite you to consider a more comprehensive journalistic approach that examines the different trajectories of the Maghreb countries in a comparative perspective. An analysis that considers both the achievements and challenges of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and other African and Islamic countries would allow your readers to form a more nuanced view of the region.

Under the leadership of Mohammed VI, Morocco has developed a unique model that combines progressive reforms with institutional stability, achieving significant advances in infrastructure, human development and international cooperation. While challenges remain, as in any developing country, the achievements of the last two decades are undeniable and deserve to be analysed rigorously and in context.

Morocco's wealth lies precisely in its diversity and in the different models of development that are emerging in each region. Journalism that captures this complexity, avoiding simplifications and generalisations, would better serve international understanding of a region that is crucial for Europe.

I hope that future coverage will reflect this plurality of experiences and recognise Morocco's progress within its regional context, honouring the tradition of journalistic rigour that has always characterised your prestigious media outlet.