Rabat — Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has reiterated his recent remarks, urging Aziz Akhannouch to step down as a Head of Government.

Benkirane made his remarks on Saturday during a speech at the opening session of the PJD's National Council’s regular meeting.

The speech included sharp criticism against the current cabinet running under Akhannouch, who he accused of “falling into a conflict of interest, torn between money, power, and privilege.”

Akhannouch has been facing criticism from the opposition party for his alleged involvement in a conflict of interest case.

The case involves a recent seawater desalination contract in the Casablanca-Settat region. The bidding process was overseen by the National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), whose board Akhannouch chairs. 

The contract was awarded to a consortium that includes Afriquia Gaz, a company owned by Akhannouch, which was the grounds in which the PJD  accused the prime minister of violating the law to serve his interests. 

“It is time for this government to step down and leave,” PJD quoted Benkirane as saying during his Saturday speech.

The former head of government also accused Akhannouch of “violating the rights” of over 130,000 widows, who had been receiving MAD 700 to MAD 1,050 (approximately $70 to $100) per month under a family support program.

“Now they only receive 500 dirhams,” PJD said, adding that Akhannouch will be “held accountable for this before God.”

“I feel pain for the widows who have been deprived of support because of an indicator. This must be reviewed from a human perspective,” Benkirane said, adding that Akhannouch is not doing politics but rather “an act of contempt and oppression against the citizens.”

Benkirane and Akhannouch frequently use their parties’ events as opportunities to bring up each other’s allegations and promote their own government’s accomplishments. 

In September of last year, Akhannouch  responded to Benkirane’s remarks, saying  that “insult and slander in politics are expressions of political failure.”

For Benkirane, however, this government “does not care about the people.”

“The tactics it used in the 2021 elections, aligned with the conspiracy that brought it to power, are the methods it will likely use in the 2026 elections,” Benkirane said.

He said that “no government has ever faced public discontent to the extent that this government has.”

Morocco, co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, has sparked global outrage after announcing plans to cull up to three million stray dogs. The country’s bid to enhance its tourism appeal in time for the prestigious tournament has ignited widespread condemnation from animal welfare organisations and activists. 

(Also read: Stray dog first to cross border after Romania joins Schengen, border officials cheer. Watch adorable video)

Inhumane methods draw criticism

Reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Moroccan authorities are resorting to inhumane methods to manage the growing stray dog population. These include the use of highly toxic strychnine to poison dogs, shooting them in public spaces, and in some cases, allegedly beating the surviving animals to death with shovels. These brutal tactics have drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups worldwide, who are calling for immediate action.

Global outrage and calls for FIFA intervention

The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition has raised alarm over the potential killing of up to three million dogs as part of this campaign. Renowned primatologist and animal rights advocate, Jane Goodall, has condemned the brutal methods used, urging FIFA to intervene. In an open letter to the football governing body, Goodall called for the suspension of Morocco’s hosting duties if the culling continues, demanding that FIFA take immediate action to halt the killings.

Legal protections overlooked

Although Morocco has legal frameworks in place that prohibit the culling of street dogs, reports indicate that authorities continue with these actions, often without legal intervention. Local law enforcement has been accused of turning a blind eye to the violence, further complicating the situation for animal welfare organisations. These groups, which promote humane alternatives such as trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) programmes, are facing increasing obstacles as they battle to manage the growing number of strays.

Strain on shelters and resources

The violence has contributed to overcrowded shelters, placing immense strain on resources. With shelters overwhelmed by the influx of animals, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, leaving local organisations struggling to care for the animals and provide sustainable solutions.

FIFA monitoring the situation

FIFA has yet to release an official statement on the issue, but sources suggest the organisation is closely monitoring the situation. Inspections are reportedly being carried out at the proposed World Cup venues in Morocco to assess the situation and ensure that any action taken aligns with international standards.

A global appeal for humane solutions

As the global community watches closely, there are growing calls for Moroccan authorities to adopt humane, sustainable approaches to managing the stray dog population.

Doha - Career diplomat Aimee Cutrona assumed duties as Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Morocco on Sunday, ushering in new diplomatic leadership as the United States prepares for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration today.

Cutrona, a senior Foreign Service officer who has served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Rabat since July 2022, steps into the role following Ambassador Puneet Talwar’s scheduled departure after more than two years of service.

Before her tenure in Morocco, she served as the Director of the Office of Levant Affairs at the Department of State and held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Levant Affairs in Washington, DC.

The diplomatic transition coincides with President-elect Trump’s second inauguration, which will take place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasted freezing temperatures of -6 degrees Celsius.

The change in venue was a disappointment for Trump’s supporters, who have flocked to the US capital by the thousands, as the inauguration ceremony is usually open for public viewing.

During the five-hour confirmation session, the 53-year-old Secretary of State-designate emphasized opportunities in “counter-terrorism and economic development” in the region.

The stance aligns with Trump’s historic 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory.

This position was amplified by Congressman Joe Wilson, who chairs the US-Morocco Caucus in the House of Representatives, describing Morocco as “an essential partner of the United States for 250 years.”

This position received further institutional backing as the CIA recently updated its official maps to show Western Sahara as an integral part of Morocco.

The agency’s website now explicitly states that “in 2020, the US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over all of Western Sahara.”

During his confirmation hearing, Rubio specifically touched upon Morocco’s progress, stating, “to the north, of Morocco, where we are seeing substantial advances, thanks to the Agreements [Abraham Accords], but also thanks to a relationship that continues to build.”

The bilateral relationship traces back to 1777, when Morocco became the first nation to recognize the newly independent United States.

Today, Morocco holds the status of Major non-NATO Ally and remains the only African nation with a US free trade agreement.

The partnership encompasses regional security, economic cooperation, and development initiatives, with Morocco increasingly positioned as a key partner in regional stability and global trade.

As Cutrona begins her tenure at the embassy, she brings extensive diplomatic experience from previous postings in Bahrain, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Qatar, and Egypt. Her diplomatic career began in 1999 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

She holds a master’s degree in international relations and conflict management from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and is a graduate of Smith College.