Former Moroccan Mayor’s Trial for Land Fraud Postponed
Marrakech, Morocco – The trial of Omar Khafif, the former mayor of Akfay, a town on the outskirts of Marrakech, has been postponed until November 14th. Khafif, along with nine other defendants, faces accusations of manipulating and profiting from communal land, known as “terres collectives” in Morocco.
These lands, often referred to as “soulaliyate” lands, are a significant part of Morocco’s social and economic fabric. They are communally owned, often by tribes, and are intended for collective use. However, the management and allocation of these lands have been historically prone to corruption and mismanagement.
The investigating judge at the Marrakech Court of First Instance decided to release Khafif and the other defendants on bail after their initial questioning. The details of the accusations against Khafif and his co-defendants remain unclear. However, land fraud cases involving public officials are not uncommon in Morocco.
The Moroccan government has been actively trying to address corruption and promote transparency in land management. In recent years, there have been efforts to reform the legal framework governing “soulaliyate” lands, aiming to protect the rights of communities and prevent exploitation.
The outcome of Khafif’s trial could have significant implications, potentially setting a precedent for future cases related to land fraud and corruption within Morocco’s communal land system. The trial will be closely watched by human rights groups and organizations focused on land governance and transparency.
