In a controversial development, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, is facing a wave of intense criticism after approving the import of nearly 2.7 million tons of waste from six European countries to Morocco.
This decision has sparked a major uproar on social media platforms, where many users expressed their anger, asserting that “Morocco is not Europe’s dumping ground.”
The import details include 1.5 million tons of waste from the United Kingdom, 970,896 tons from France, 20,000 tons from Italy, 30,054 tons from Spain, 60,000 tons from Sweden, and 100,000 tons from Norway. This waste includes household refuse and used tires.
The “ECOLOMAN” group (Environmental Platform of Northern Morocco) issued a statement expressing its strong condemnation of this decision, pointing out that it contradicts the Moroccan Constitution, which guarantees a healthy environment and sustainable development.
The statement also noted that this importation violates several laws, including the National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development (Framework Law No. 99-12) and Law No. 28-00 on waste management and disposal.
It’s worth noting that this issue recalls the major controversy that erupted in 2016 when Hakima El Haite, then Minister of Environment, approved the import of 2,500 tons of Italian waste.
In light of these developments, observers are questioning the implications of this decision on Morocco’s environment and the extent of its compatibility with the kingdom’s commitments to sustainable development.