Twenty-Three Years After Our First Civil Society Demands: A Call for Action for Moroccans Abroad

By Latifa CHAKRI

Twenty-three years after our initial civil society claims in 2002, the situation of Moroccans Abroad (MDM) highlights a striking paradox. In stadiums and on screens, they proudly display the national colors, acting as ambassadors of a national team celebrated for its “champion” title—symbolizing heart and passion and galvanizing collective pride on a global stage, both within the Muslim world and across the African continent. Yet, in the political and institutional arenas, these same Moroccans find themselves sidelined, deprived of effective participation in the major decisions shaping the nation’s future.

Unwavering Loyalty, Absence of Institutional Return Due to Lack of Trust and Recognition

The attachment of MDM to their homeland is unwavering. Whether they are in Morocco or thousands of kilometers away, they continue to contribute to national prosperity through record financial remittances, investment, and a pivotal role in cultural and sporting promotion. However, their presence in internal processes remains almost nonexistent. Since the adoption of the 2011 Constitution, which establishes their rights in numerous articles, no organic law has been passed to transform these principles into reality.

An Underutilized Economic Pillar

The numbers speak for themselves: MDM remittances account for between 6% and 8% of GDP and, along with tourism, help cover more than 77% of the country’s trade deficit. In 2024, these remittances exceeded 115 billion dirhams, confirming their vital role in the Moroccan economy. Nevertheless, this economic strength has not found an equivalent in terms of institutional integration. Even contracts within embassies and consulates are often awarded to Moroccans from the homeland rather than those from the diaspora.

Political Mobilization Going in Circles

Despite their strategic role, MDM suffer from limited political mobilization, reduced to mere exploitation. They are celebrated during national and sporting events but remain absent from forums where public policy is decided. Political parties often seek to “capitalize” on their image and influence, rarely valuing their expertise and voices.

The Mohammedia Foundation

In this context, the Mohammedia Foundation emerges as a significant innovation: a “one-stop-shop” uniting high officials and administrations to address the needs of MDM. The idea is relevant for simplifying administrative procedures, akin to a modernized “Hassan II Foundation.” However, the founding text for this new institution has yet to be finalized.

In principle, the Foundation is not meant to solve the core issue: the absence of institutional inclusion mechanisms. Without clear legislative reforms, this noble initiative risks being merely a band-aid for a deeper demand.

A Victory to Build Beyond the Stadiums

If the Moroccan diaspora can resonate globally when rallying behind a national team composed almost entirely of football professionals from their ranks, with an adequate legal and institutional framework, they could play a “champion’s” role in Morocco’s development and governance. But this requires more than mere tributes or unfulfilled promises; it necessitates a robust political will to fully integrate these millions of citizens into internal processes—especially as many African countries are already advancing in integrating their diasporas.

To move from slogans to action, several concrete measures must be taken:

1. Promptly adopt organic laws related to the representation and political participation of MDM, as outlined in the 2011 Constitution.
2. Establish a “Region 13” with representation from civil society, independent of partisan logic, to avoid divisions and clientelism.
3. Enhance the governance of institutions dedicated to MDM, with appointments based on competence, transparency, and international experience, rather than political affiliation.
4. Open local jobs within consulates and embassies to MDM based on-site, valuing their knowledge of local contexts and populations, though this appears to face a longstanding veto.
5. Implement a permanent consultation mechanism between the diaspora and Moroccan institutions, ensuring real listening and follow-up on submitted proposals.

Morocco cannot claim to have a solid international influence strategy while excluding its own citizens abroad from institutional engagement. Just like in football, one does not win a match by leaving the best players on the bench—and those who are fiery enough to earn a red card. Adopting a coercive stance is the gentlest way to organize this integration, which remains an underutilized lever of soft power.