Marrakech reborn: resilience that defies time

Today, Marrakech offers the world more than just a story of reconstruction: it offers a lesson in leadership and governance in times of crisis. Less than a year after the devastating Al-Haouz earthquake, the red city has achieved what in many countries takes several years: 85% progress in housing rehabilitation, a figure that will exceed 90% by the end of September and 96% in the next two months. In a global context where promises are often diluted by bureaucracy and slowness, this result is a message of efficiency and determination.

The secret of this success lies not in improvisation, but in a strategy clearly designed from the early hours after the disaster. The authorities coordinated a comprehensive census of victims, removed thousands of tonnes of rubble and granted building permits in unusually short timeframes. This planning allowed work to begin in February 2024 and be supervised on a daily basis, achieving a difficult balance between speed and technical quality, especially in the application of anti-seismic standards.

But the true value of this operation cannot be measured in figures alone. Each family that regains its home is a symbol of restored dignity. Monthly financial aid prevented social collapse and allowed the victims to avoid falling into the trap of chronic precariousness that often accompanies disasters. In the medina, the rebuilt houses respect traditional Moroccan architecture, preserving the soul of the city and reinforcing its cultural and tourist appeal.

The case of Marrakesh goes beyond a mere humanitarian response: it is a narrative of national resilience. The revival of the Foundouks, the return of artisans and merchants, the recovery of the city's economic pulse... all this makes this reconstruction an opportunity to strengthen local identity and consolidate community resilience.

Internationally, the Moroccan experience offers something that large global organisations are eagerly seeking: a replicable model for post-crisis reconstruction. Fast, inclusive and aligned with international standards, this approach could inspire countries still grappling with the effects of earthquakes, floods or hurricanes. Morocco demonstrates that adversity can become a driver of progress, if there is political will, intelligent planning and a sustained commitment to the population.

Marrakesh has not only risen again: it has raised the bar. Its example should encourage governments around the world to rethink the way disasters are managed, to put people at the centre and to transform pain into opportunity. Because what is being rebuilt today in the red city is not just stone upon stone: it is trust, social cohesion and the future.