Morocco: what is behind the demolition of homes and businesses in Imsouane?

Like the fishing villages south of Agadir, Imsouane is not spared from the operations to destroy homes and businesses. The operation started on January 18 on the Imsouane beach. Divided into two parts by a small rocky cape (Imsouane North and Imsouane South), this beach extends over a total length of 1,300 m, with an area of 202 ha for Imssouane North and 308 ha for Imssouane South. The day before, the authorities had orally given the residents of the beach 24 hours to leave, "without prior information, warnings or discussions," say the residents in a statement. The main residences, small inns, small surf clubs and restaurants, all located on this small beach, have been targeted.

This massive destruction has led to the launch of a petition that has obtained more than 17,000 signatures. "The existence of these inhabitants is intimately linked to the very fabric of Imsouane. Their houses and businesses are an integral part of what makes this city unique. In addition, many residents depend on tourism for their income, a thriving industry thanks to the unique appeal of places like the old town of Imsouane," says the author of the petition. The destroyed habitats and businesses will make way for new seaside resorts. A threat detrimental to the area, according to the author of the petition. "We are convinced that the demolition of Imsouane to make way for new seaside resorts is a detrimental measure that threatens to erase the very essence that attracts surfers and tourists to this gem of the coastline," he assures, inviting other people to join the initiative so that together they can ask "the competent authorities to immediately stop these destructive projects and make a declaration in favor of tourism that helps local businesses to thrive."

This project is part of a plan to redevelop the area, we were told at Hespress. For now, no details have been provided on the project. "Is it a project in favor of the area, while preserving its culture and heritage, or is it aimed at freeing up the area for hotel giants? Questions that remain, for now, unanswered. In 2021, the Regional Council had created the Souss-Massa Regional Tourism Development Company (SDR), to develop new tourism products in Imsouane. The idea was to better organize tourism investments in the area, taking into account its specificities, while improving the accommodation capacity of this exceptional seaside destination. At the time, the authorities had stressed that the commune of Imsouane, with its activity concentrated at the level of the beaches, its fishing, its traditional agriculture, its beekeeping and its niche trade, has important natural potentials, constituting a favorable framework for its development.