King Mohammed VI Urges Moroccan Citizens to Refrain from Eid Sheep Slaughter

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has advised citizens against the customary sheep slaughter during Eid al-Adha this year, amidst a severe decline in the nation's sheep herd attributed to ongoing drought conditions.

King Mohammed VI has appealed to Moroccans to abstain from the traditional practice of slaughtering sheep during the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebration, a significant moment for Muslims that honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This year’s plea roots from alarming statistics that showcase a nearly 40% reduction in the sheep population over the last decade, largely due to seven years of drought impacting agricultural productivity.

The Minister of Religious Affairs delivered the king’s message on national television, highlighting the financial and emotional burden that performing the sacrificial rite could impose on families, particularly those with lower incomes. Current official data indicates that meat prices have surged, prompting the import of 100,000 sheep from Australia in a bid to stabilize supplies.

The agriculture minister, Ahmed Bouari, elaborated on the severe conditions affecting livestock management, stating that water availability has been prioritized for other essential sectors like transportation and industry. Consequently, many agricultural practices, including those crucial for livestock maintenance, are facing stringent regulations and rationing.

This situation is reminiscent of 1966, when the late King Hassan II made a similar appeal during a period of prolonged drought, reflecting a historic challenge within the agricultural sector. In recent measures to curb rising prices, the Moroccan government has lifted import taxes and VAT on various livestock and meat products to alleviate the financial strain on consumers.