Akhannouch Explains Sheep Imports and Livestock Support Measures

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has defended Morocco’s decision to import sheep, saying the measure responded to five consecutive years of drought and a shrinking national herd. Speaking in Khémisset Province, he linked the livestock crisis to declining water resources and pasture, as well as pressure from slaughtering.

According to Akhannouch, the government faced a possible shortage of animals for Eid al-Adha in previous years. It therefore chose to import sheep from abroad in what he described as unusually large quantities, aiming to maintain supplies in the domestic market.

The state offered importers a financial incentive of 500 dirhams for each imported sheep, provided they submitted customs documents confirming the number of animals brought into Morocco. Akhannouch said the operation resulted in around 800,000 sheep entering the Moroccan market.

He rejected accusations that the government had avoided responsibility and said it was prepared to engage with any initiative investigating the imports and support programme. A proposed fact-finding committee did not ultimately meet. Akhannouch said the identity of the importers or beneficiaries was less important than ensuring support reached those entitled to it and protecting the national herd. He acknowledged that limited irregularities might have occurred.

During the same visit, Akhannouch presented government projects in Khémisset Province. He cited nearly 100 billion centimes in health investment, including a local hospital and two provincial hospitals, as well as projects in education, roads and sports infrastructure. He said these investments aimed to improve local development, bring services closer to residents and create economic opportunities and jobs for young people.