King of Morocco Urges Nation to Forgo Eid Sheep Sacrifice Amid Severe Drought

As Morocco faces a significant decrease in sheep population and soaring meat prices, King Mohammed VI has requested that citizens not partake in the customary Eid al-Adha sacrifices this year, citing economic challenges and the impact of prolonged drought.

King Mohammed VI has made a poignant appeal to the Moroccan populace, urging them to refrain from the traditional practice of sheep slaughter during Eid al-Adha, which is slated for June. This year’s request arises against the backdrop of a staggering 38% decline in the country's sheep herds over the past decade, attributed predominantly to severe drought conditions.

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, where Muslims typically slaughter sheep or other livestock, distributing the meat among family and the needy. Yet, the ongoing drought has drastically reduced the livestock population and driven up meat prices. In response, Morocco is resorting to importing 100,000 sheep from Australia to alleviate the scarcity.

In a televised address read by the minister of religious affairs, the king articulated that continuing with the sacrificial rite under current circumstances poses significant hardship for many, particularly for low-income families. He highlighted historical precedents, recalling a similar appeal made by his father, King Hassan II, during a drought in 1966.

Morocco's agriculture minister, Ahmed Bouari, elaborated on the ongoing situation in a recent interview, noting that water scarcity has led to stringent regulations and rationing in certain irrigation areas, adversely impacting agricultural sectors. The government has taken steps to alleviate some economic pressures by lifting import tax and VAT on livestock to help stabilize meat prices across the nation.

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