Morocco of Civilization - Governance: Indicators Unworthy of the Kingdom and Hindering the Development Model for the Revolution of the King and the People

Aziz Rabbah - Tuesday, November 26, 2024

I have followed with neutrality and interest the fabricated dispute between the government and the National Authority for Integrity and Anti-Corruption, which has escalated to the point where the government has attacked and questioned the authority, just as it has done with other constitutional bodies such as the planning system and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council.

Some ministers have gone so far as to discredit the authority and its reports, even questioning the appointment process of the heads of these bodies by His Majesty the King.

I had hoped that the authority’s report, which highlighted a decline in governance and a rise in corruption and bribery, would have sparked a national dialogue and public discussion, led by the media, official institutions, and non-governmental organizations. In such a setting, arguments would be countered with counterarguments. Instead, the government has responded by preparing counter-reports rather than rejecting the report outright and undermining the authority’s work. This is especially troubling given that the authority is a constitutionally independent institution with a council composed of experienced representatives from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, its president is known as one of the most dedicated advocates for integrity, and I can attest to this despite my differences with him in ideology and approach.

The government has every right to defend its work and achievements and to reject any national or international report, but it must do so with evidence and arguments. Only then can seriousness, transparency, and advocacy reach the highest levels worthy of Morocco today and its aspirations.

We must acknowledge that the forces of corruption, particularly bribery, are extremely powerful, with their own strategies, resources, media, and networks. Corruption has infiltrated most sectors, institutions, bodies, administrations, political parties, associations, companies, and even families. The question is: Has it increased, as stated in the authority’s report, or has it declined, as the government claims? We may differ on this, but we must recognize that the corruption/bribery network is an organized and far-reaching entity. Because of it, rights have been lost, appointments have been influenced, some of the most dishonorable individuals have risen to positions of power, laws and procedures have been distorted, services have declined, contracts and jobs have been manipulated, investments have been hindered or fled, companies have gone bankrupt, degrees and certificates have been forged, reports and articles have been fabricated, people's reputations have been falsely accused, political parties, unions, and associations have been sabotaged, families have been torn apart, money has been smuggled, drugs have proliferated, budgets have been squandered, and innocent people have been imprisoned.

Every year, corruption and bribery cost millions of dirhams, reduce economic growth rates, and worsen development indicators—at a time when we desperately need progress to remain among emerging countries, address major social and security challenges, and spread confidence and satisfaction among citizens.

We are all responsible for this—especially public officials, both past and present—and I exclude no one. Responsibility comes from participation, approval, silence, negligence, or hesitation. We are accountable before God, our nation, and the future of our people. Therefore, we must rise to the challenge, fulfill our duty, and make amends for past shortcomings.

We need a revolution of the King and the people against the forces of corruption and bribery, regardless of the cost. The elite must take responsibility in leading this movement and give back to the nation that has given them so much—especially those who believe they are immune from the effects and consequences of corruption.

Today, we may think that only others are suffering from it, but soon, it will reach our own circles and interests. Corruption is relentless, insatiable, and shameless. Even if we, as individuals, manage to escape its harm, should it not pain us to see our nation being destroyed and betrayed?

Is there anything more valuable than our homeland?