The leader of Morocco’s Justice and Development Party, Abdelilah Benkirane, has sparked anger among Amazigh activists by rejecting the formation of a political party based on Amazigh identity, calling it a “divisive” move. S
peaking during a May Day rally, Benkirane argued that Moroccan parties should unite all citizens, not split them along ethnic lines, warning against turning Morocco into a “new Kurdistan.”
The Amazigh group “Mouvement de Fidélité pour l’Alternative Amazighe” condemned Benkirane’s remarks, calling them “false accusations” aimed at sidelining Amazigh political voices.
Activists like Abdellah Boushtart and Ali Mourif criticized Benkirane for “inciting public sentiment” and exploiting his political position, arguing that forming an Amazigh party is a legal right under Morocco’s constitution.
They also rejected claims of ethnic separatism, describing the Amazigh movement as inclusive and part of Morocco’s political pluralism. The controversy reflects deep ideological divides between Islamist and modernist forces in Morocco’s evolving political scene.
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