International Organization Accuses High Commissioner Amidst Advertising Controversy
Language Controversy Erupts as Morocco Prepares for 2024 Census
Morocco is gearing up for its general population and housing census in 2024, but the endeavor has sparked controversy. The World Amazigh Assembly (AMA), an international organization, has publicly expressed concern over statements made by Ahmed Lahlimi, Morocco’s High Commissioner for Planning.
The controversy stems from Lahlimi’s press conference on August 29th, 2024, where he outlined the upcoming census. The AMA alleges that Lahlimi’s statements revealed a disregard for the Amazigh language, recognized as an official language of Morocco alongside Arabic in the 2011 constitution. They claim that Arabic was prioritized in the census communication, sidelining the Amazigh language and its speakers.
This isn’t the first time language has been a point of contention in Morocco. The country boasts a rich linguistic landscape, with various languages and dialects spoken. While the 2011 constitution recognized Amazigh as an official language, its implementation across various sectors has been a continuous process.
The AMA’s accusations highlight the challenges of navigating linguistic diversity, especially in the context of a national census. Accurate and inclusive data collection hinges on clear communication that resonates with all segments of the population. When one group perceives their language as marginalized, it can lead to feelings of exclusion and raise questions about the census’s accuracy and representativeness.
This situation underscores the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to national projects like a census. Ensuring that materials are available in all official languages, and that communication strategies are inclusive, is crucial for fostering trust and participation.
As Morocco moves forward with its 2024 census, addressing these concerns will be vital. Open dialogue and collaboration between government bodies and organizations like the AMA can help ensure a more inclusive and representative census that accurately reflects the linguistic diversity of Morocco.
