Drought Sparks Calls to Cancel Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice in Morocco

The annual needs of Moroccans for the sacrifice of Eid Al-Adha are estimated at some 3 million head of livestock. A demand that is difficult to meet due to the adverse effects of the persistent drought of recent years on the livestock sector. A few months before the celebration of Eid Al-Adha, professionals in the sector are worried. They hope for rainfall to rebuild the herd and contain the rise in prices of red meats.

The import of livestock, decided by the government to meet local demand and reduce the prices of red meats, has not produced the expected results. On the contrary, it has aggravated the situation and encouraged speculation, deplored Fouzi Lekjaa, the Minister of Budget, noting that this measure has not benefited the underprivileged families nor contributed to the stabilization or the drop in prices.

Faced with the situation, it is recommended that the government take urgent measures and cancel the ritual of the sacrifice of Eid Al-Adha for this year, as was the case in 1981 and 1996. In addition, the ulemas should further raise awareness among citizens about the symbolic nature of this ritual, by reminding them, for example, that the Prophet Muhammad slaughtered two sheep: one for him and his family, the other for the poor of his community.