Aziz Akhannouch defends Morocco sheep import decisions

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has defended the government's decision to import sheep and provide subsidies to breeders, citing the need to combat the effects of consecutive years of drought. Speaking at a communication meeting in the Romani and Ain Jawhara regions, Akhannouch explained that the imports were a necessary measure to maintain the national herd and ensure sufficient supply for Eid al-Adha as local numbers declined due to water scarcity and lack of pasture.

Akhannouch noted that approximately 800,000 sheep were imported under a program that included a subsidy of 500 dirhams per head to encourage importers to bolster the national market. He emphasized that the primary goal was to ensure that support reached both citizens and livestock breeders to preserve the profession during difficult climatic conditions.

Addressing calls from the opposition for a fact-finding committee regarding the sheep import file, the Prime Minister stated that the government does not fear accountability. He asserted that the administration is prepared to present all relevant data and documentation to competent institutions, maintaining that the decisions were practical responses to an exceptional crisis rather than routine administrative actions.