Morocco Launches Aggressive Campaign to Reclaim Usurped Public Lands from Mafia Networks

This strategy aims to strengthen the mechanisms for protecting public assets and to recover the usurped lands, said Mohamed El Kharmoudi, Director of State Property, as quoted by Assabah. In this context, strong actions targeting illegal occupants, including local authorities, private companies and public institutions, have been carried out. All pending cases have been resolved, either by regular allocation, or by sale or rental in accordance with the law, it is specified.

Investors who have usurped public land properties are not spared. Some 2,755 hectares have been recovered and reallocated to new project holders. As for the occupants of douars and slums, they will be formally notified to vacate the premises under penalty of legal proceedings, with three-year lease contracts, without the possibility of renewal. This regularization operation will be part of the urban restructuring programs.

The private domain of the State has reached 5,471,635 hectares in 2024, an increase of 30% compared to 2023. These public assets are concentrated in the regions of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, the publication points out. Furthermore, 54,530 hectares will be mobilized to support strategic ministerial sectors, and 421 hectares dedicated to public facilities and social services. Similarly, 2,800 hectares will be devoted to the development of airport, railway, hydraulic and sports infrastructures.