Morocco PM Aziz Akhannouch criticized for using Darija in message to Atlas Cubs

Aziz Akhannouch is facing criticism from defenders of the Arabic language. They are upset over the congratulations written in Darija, Moroccan Arabic, that the head of government posted on social media to celebrate the Atlas Cubs' bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Fouad Abou Ali, president of the National Coalition for the Arabic Language in Morocco, argued that the prime minister's use of dialect in his message «contravenes the provisions of the Moroccan constitution». He called on Aziz Akhannouch to «respect the constitution».

Article 5 of the fundamental law, dated July 1, 2011, states that «Arabic remains the official language of the State. The State works to protect and develop the Arabic language and to promote its use. Similarly, Amazigh is an official language of the State, as a heritage shared by all Moroccans without exception».