King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on citizens to forgo the traditional practice of sheep slaughtering during this year’s Eid al-Adha, citing the severe drought that has drastically reduced the country’s livestock population. The request, delivered via a message read by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq, on state television Al Oula, comes as Morocco faces a significant decline in livestock due to the prolonged drought.
Eid al-Adha, a religious festival in June, is typically marked by the sacrifice of sheep or goats, symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. However, the King highlighted the country’s pressing climatic and economic challenges, which have caused Morocco’s cattle and sheep numbers to drop by 38% since 2016.
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The King emphasized that continuing the tradition during this difficult period would place a significant burden on many citizens, particularly those with limited incomes.
Morocco has seen a 53% reduction in rainfall this year compared to the historical average, leading to pasture shortages and a sharp rise in meat prices. In response, the government has taken steps to address the situation, including signing an agreement to import 100,000 sheep from Australia and suspending import duties and value-added taxes (VAT) on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat to stabilize domestic prices.
These efforts are aimed at easing the financial strain on Moroccan families and ensuring food security during the ongoing drought.
