Amazigh organization condemns Moroccan MP for undermining linguistic diversity in parliament
The civil society group Agraw for Amazighity has strongly condemned remarks made by Member of Parliament Omar Mahmoud Benjelloun on behalf of his parliamentary caucus during the debate on the government program in the House of Representatives, demanding an unequivocal public apology.
In a statement released by its executive bureau, the non-governmental organization explained that the lawmaker initially addressed the budget allocated for implementing the official status of the Amazigh language before narrowing Morocco’s linguistic pluralism down to Arabic alone. The organization denounced this stance as exclusionary and fundamentally at odds with constitutional principles that enshrine the country’s linguistic diversity.
Consequently, the organization urged the lawmaker to pledge never to repeat such statements and to clarify his stance regarding royal patronage of the Amazigh language. It also held his political party and parliamentary group politically accountable for the speech, while calling on the leadership of the House of Representatives to ensure respect for linguistic diversity in parliament and to initiate disciplinary proceedings if warranted.
The organization further advocated for legislation criminalizing all forms of discrimination and anti-Amazigh bias. It also called for accelerating the full official implementation of the Amazigh language according to transparent budgets and clear timetables. In addition, the group denounced mockery targeting the head of government’s pronunciation, marked by Marrakshi Darija, reaffirming its rejection of any contempt shown toward regional accents and local speech patterns.
The NGO concluded its statement by emphasizing that promoting and rehabilitating the Amazigh language constitutes “a non-negotiable national and constitutional duty.”
Statement of Condemnation
Agraw for Amazighity followed with deep indignation the speech delivered by MP Omar Mahmoud Benjelloun on behalf of his parliamentary group during deliberations on the government program in the House of Representatives. In his remarks, the lawmaker questioned the budget allocated for granting official status to the Amazigh language before reducing Morocco’s shared official linguistic foundation to the phrase: “our official language, namely the language of the letter Dhad, the Arabic language.” Such rhetoric carries unacceptable exclusionary undertones, directly undermining the linguistic pluralism guaranteed by the Kingdom’s Constitution.
The organization emphasizes that the Amazigh language is a cornerstone of Morocco’s unified identity, an official state language, and the common heritage of all Moroccans without exception. This principle was reaffirmed by King Mohammed VI in his historic 2001 Ajdir address, reflecting enduring royal care for the Amazigh language that culminated in its constitutional recognition in 2011.
Consequently, the organization Agraw for Amazighity declares the following:
First: It condemns the exclusionary and discriminatory nature of this speech, rejecting any attempt to restrict Moroccans’ shared official linguistic heritage to a single language or to diminish the status and constitutional standing of the Amazigh language.
Second: It considers funding allocated to the Amazigh language a legitimate constitutional right essential to remedying decades of marginalization, rejecting any questioning of its legitimacy. It calls for expanding resources to match actual needs, implementing affirmative action and equity measures, and accelerating the language’s integration into education, the judicial system, public administration, the media, and public services.
Third: It demands an explicit public apology from MP Omar Mahmoud Benjelloun, a formal pledge to refrain from exclusionary discourse, and a clear statement of his position on royal patronage of the Amazigh language and the funding required for its effective operationalization.
Fourth: It holds his political party and parliamentary caucus politically responsible for the speech delivered on their behalf. It calls on them to publicly condemn these exclusionary statements, state an unambiguous position on Amazigh rights and the funding of its officialization, and take appropriate measures to prevent such lapses from recurring.
Fifth: It calls on the speakership of the House of Representatives to uphold linguistic and cultural pluralism within parliament and to enforce the disciplinary sanctions set out in its rules of procedure whenever necessary.
Sixth: It urges the enactment of legislation criminalizing anti-Amazigh bias and all forms of discrimination—including racist acts, incitement to hatred or violence, discriminatory slurs, and denial of rights based on Amazigh language or identity—with clear penalties, redress for victims, and full protections for freedom of expression, criticism, and academic research.
Seventh: It calls on the government and parliament to expedite the implementation of the Amazigh language’s official status, linking budget allocations to concrete programs and deadlines while ensuring transparency and accountability for accumulated delays.
Eighth: It strongly condemns mockery directed at the head of government’s pronunciation, influenced by Marrakshi Darija, and rejects any disparagement of regional accents and local speech patterns. Moroccan Darija remains the mother tongue of a vast majority of citizens and an essential pillar of their linguistic identity and heritage, which should never serve as a pretext for ridicule or discrimination.
Agraw for Amazighity reaffirms its dedication to defending the linguistic and cultural rights of Moroccans, holding political and institutional actors accountable, and combating any discourse that disparages the Amazigh language or perpetuates discrimination among citizens.
Respecting and fully recognizing the Amazigh language remains an inalienable national and constitutional duty.
For the Executive Bureau of Agraw for Amazighity
National Coordinator: Rachid Bouhaddouz
Arabic version | French version
