Moroccan Diaspora Council Urges Recognition of Dual Loyalties for Expats

Last Saturday, as part of the 4th edition of the Trophées Marocains du Monde (TMM), Driss El Yazami pleaded for more understanding in favor of Moroccans living abroad. "We must learn to accept and manage this dual belonging of Moroccans living abroad, which is a wealth for the host countries and the country of origin, and not a problem at all," he stressed.

"We must adapt to the transformations experienced by Moroccans living abroad. These Moroccans, especially those born there, belong to two societies: their host countries and their country of origin, Morocco," he added. This is why he insists on the need to "be attentive and listen to the expectations of these Moroccans living abroad, but also to change the perceptions and images we have of this community in order to strengthen our partnership".

Regarding the Trophées Marocains du Monde, Driss El Yazami, who is the President of the Jury for this edition, said he was "very happy" and "very proud" to participate in this annual event, which "confirms the transformations experienced by Moroccans living abroad, particularly the rise in their socio-cultural level with the emergence of skills in all fields".

For this post-Covid-19 edition, six trophies were awarded to Mounir Satouri (Green MEP) in the "Politics" category, to Mohamed El Bachiri (co-author of the book "A Jihad of Love") in the "Civil Society" category, to Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (choreographer, opera director, dancer, actor, set designer and composer) in the "Art and Culture" category, and to Jalil Benabdellah (CEO of SD Tech + fine powders +) in the "Business" category. Trophies were also awarded to Samira Fafi (holder of a Doctorate in Pharmacy specialized in medical biology and a Doctorate in Science from the University of Grenoble) in the "Scientific Research" category, and to Amira Tahri, five-time world kickboxing champion, in the "Sport" category.

A tribute was paid to researcher Moncef Slaoui, who contributed to the discovery of the coronavirus vaccine, and to singer Neta Elkayam, an icon of Judeo-Moroccan music. For Driss El Yazami, the TMM constitute an opportunity that can help set up a network of Moroccans living abroad. The aim would be to facilitate exchanges between them, establish and consolidate links with the country of origin, and be able to identify their expectations in order to help them as best as possible.