Morocco’s “Thirst Marches” Expand as Human Rights Activists Sound Alarm over Water Crisis

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The Kingdom of Morocco is witnessing a surge in protests, aptly named the “thirst marches,” as citizens unite against a dire water crisis. Human rights activists are raising their voices, warning of the imminent threat posed by water scarcity and the government’s prioritization of water-intensive agricultural exports over the basic needs of the population. These protests come at a critical juncture, with concerns growing about the possibility of “thirst revolutions” that could destabilize the nation.

Nationwide Protests Denounce Water Crisis

Reports from local media indicate that the “thirst marches” have spread across significant parts of Morocco, with residents of “Douar Sidi Ali” in the province of Essaouira taking to the streets to protest the acute shortage of drinking water and the denial of access to water supply projects. Similar demonstrations have erupted in various areas of the Pullman region, where residents are demanding urgent action to address their water needs. Frustrated by official neglect, protesters are threatening to escalate their actions to force the government to find a sustainable solution to the deepening crisis.

In the town of “Tsiwant” in Pullman, citizens rallied despite soaring temperatures and long distances to draw attention to the lack of drinking water and irrigation, which is imperiling their livelihoods as their trees wither away.

Meanwhile, residents of “Almis Mermoucha” in the same province have also taken to the streets, decrying the looming specter of thirst that threatens their community. In a poignant statement, protesters expressed that they had resorted to public demonstrations after their patience had run out while waiting for the government to address the water supply issue.

Further south, in the Midelt province, residents of Ait Bassou organized a protest march, symbolically carrying empty plastic containers to underscore their demand for accessible drinking water. They highlighted the grave consequences of the water shortage, including the potential outbreak of health epidemics and the devastation of livestock and herds.

In the Khemisset region, residents have mobilized to demand government intervention in preventing the excessive exploitation of well water by a powerful figure in the region for an agricultural project, which has led to a dangerous decline in the water table, putting both the population and livestock at risk of dehydration.

Warnings of “Thirst Outbreaks” Stemming from Agricultural Policies

Voices of concern continue to echo throughout Morocco, with human rights activist Saeed Al-Anzi emphasizing the critical danger posed by water scarcity to Moroccan society. Al-Anzi issued a stern warning, saying, “Thirst revolutions are inevitably coming in light of water depletion, driven by extensive agricultural investments focused on exports at the expense of water and food security for Moroccans.”

Al-Anzi denounced the excessive water consumption associated with certain agricultural products, such as avocados, watermelons, potatoes, and Medjool dates, and called upon the government to halt this depletion. He urged the prioritization of agricultural policies that safeguard the nation’s food security and warned of the impending threat of “thirst revolutions” if such actions were not taken promptly.

Exporting Groundwater Amidst the Crisis

Ironically, despite the ongoing thirst crisis, a Moroccan newspaper recently published an article revealing that Morocco continues to export its groundwater. The article highlighted the significant revenues generated by the Kingdom’s exports of Moroccan berries, even as the nation grapples with the severe drought crisis.

The Moroccan Democratic Nahj Party “Democratic Way” has raised concerns over the involvement of foreign investors, particularly from the Zionist entity, who have been granted extensive land for water-intensive agriculture like avocados and strawberries. This expansion of modern, water-consuming agriculture has exacerbated the thirst crisis by draining water resources and causing massive evaporation due to high temperatures.

The Moroccan Democratic Nahj Party has urged the government to reconsider export-oriented agriculture, advocating instead for a focus on agricultural practices that address the essential food needs of the population and the expulsion of foreign investors whose activities contribute to the destruction of precious water resources.