Morocco Sees Sharp Rise in Divorce Rates Amid Social and Economic Challenges

Health crisis, social and intellectual disparities between spouses, immaturity of some young couples, lack of communication, violence against women... These are the factors that explain the increase in the number of divorces in 2020 and 2021. In total, 135,724 divorces were pronounced in 2021 against 76,936 the previous year, reports La Vie éco. It has been found that the number of divorces has increased since the entry into force in 2004 of the Moudawana. This is the introduction of new provisions easing divorce procedures and above all granting more freedom to women to request divorce. In 2005, 28,232 divorces had been recorded, while 270 divorces per week were pronounced in 2017, due to the amendments made to the Family Code.

According to professionals in the sector, the Covid-19 pandemic is the cause of the current increase in divorces. "During the lockdown, families and couples, in particular, were under a lot of pressure, notably due to the promiscuity and the drop in income. This has not failed to create conflicts that have unfortunately led to separations," explains Asmaa Mouden, a lawyer specializing in family law and president of the "Chmel" network created in 2017 and bringing together thirty listening and support centers for women in difficult situations.