Ignoring Royal ban on eid sacrifice could worsen Morocco’s meat crisis, experts warn

Many Moroccans are still planning to sacrifice a sheep for Eid al-Adha, despite the royal ban not to do so this year, a move meant to protect the country’s shrinking livestock population. This rising desire to go ahead with the sacrifice has sparked real concern among professionals in the meat sector.a

Sources from the industry told Hespress that the state of the markets over the past weekend looked worrying. They say the government’s decision might be helping regular citizens in the short term but could hurt local farmers in the long run.

Bouazza Kherrati, president of the Moroccan Consumer Rights League, told Hespress Eng that “insisting on celebrating Eid al-Adha through sacrifice this year will lead to dire consequences for both consumers and livestock producers.”

Even with the official call to avoid sacrificing animals this year, some importers are still bringing in sheep from abroad. 

According to Kherrati, a widespread refusal to comply with the royal decision could send meat and livestock prices soaring, worsening an already fragile situation in the domestic market.

“The royal decision is not just a suggestion, it is a strategic, protective decision that must be treated with the same seriousness as a binding law,” he said. “In times of national crisis, such as the current one affecting our livestock resources, citizens must prioritize the long-term well-being of the country over short-term traditions.”

Kherrati said that he’s not against the action of “temporary laws or executive decrees that would penalize individuals or entities who choose to disregard the royal guidance.”

He said that this is not about limiting religious freedom, but about ensuring food security and market stability for all Moroccans.

“Sacrificing this year is not an act of piety, it is an act of economic sabotage against small farmers and the national herd,” he stated.

Despite the rumours saying that anyone who sacrifices a sheep on Eid al-Adha this year could face fine, legal experts said that these rumors are false. 

Experts said that no law bans the sacrifice, and no one will be punished for doing it. 

Chouaib Lemsahal, a lawyer, said that “one can’t be punished for going against a general recommendation if it’s not written in the law.”

Amidst the ongoing confusion and rumours about sacrifices and rising prices, Morocco is currently relying more on meat imports from Uruguay and Brazil. Calves are being brought in regularly, but sources say this won’t be enough to keep prices stable in the long run.

At the same time, Morocco’s imports of red meat from Europe have nearly stopped due to high prices there.

Right now, red meat costs between MAD 70 and 85 per kilo in big slaughterhouses. But if meat is brought in from Europe, the price could shoot up to MAD 100 or even 110.

Kherrati warned that  “If we do not act collectively and responsibly now, next year’s Eid may be completely out of reach for the average Moroccan.”