A coalition of Amazigh cultural and legal associations has filed a lawsuit against the Moroccan government, accusing it of failing to fulfill its legal obligations regarding the nationwide rollout of Amazigh language instruction in early and primary education.
The lawsuit, filed before the Administrative Court in Rabat, targets the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports.
The plaintiffs argue that the ministry has violated Organic Law No. 26.16, which outlines the integration of the Amazigh language into education and key sectors of public life, mandating a full rollout within five years of the law’s publication.
The associations, represented by Amazigh activist and attorney Ahmed Arahmouch along with lawyers from various bar associations across Morocco, are challenging two ministerial memoranda (Memo No. 028X23 dated May 23, 2023 and Memo No. 152X24 dated April 19, 2024).
These documents extend the timeline for full Amazigh language instruction in primary schools to the 2029–2030 academic year, with only 50% coverage targeted by 2024–2025.
The plaintiffs argue that this extension is unlawful, as Article 31 of the organic law mandates full implementation within five years, or by September 26, 2024, at the latest. They accuse the ministry of overstepping its authority and infringing upon legislative powers by unilaterally modifying the timeline, a role constitutionally reserved for the Parliament.
The complaint also cites Decree No. 2.24.328 (issued February 2, 2024), which outlines the competencies and organization of the education ministry. The lawsuit contends that the memoranda violate this decree as well as the principle of separation of powers.
The civil society groups argue that the education ministry lacks both the legal and constitutional authority to delay implementation, and that its actions represent a failure to uphold Morocco’s international human rights commitments.
The plaintiffs reference recommendations from the UN Human Rights Committee (December 2016) and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, both of which urged Morocco to accelerate the integration of Amazigh in education and public administration.
The legal filing calls on the court to annul both memoranda, declare them legally void, and order immediate enforcementof the original legal deadlines. The associations are also requesting that all related legal consequences be applied to the ministry and that court costs be borne by the defendant.
Fifteen organizations have joined the suit, including the Confederation of Amazigh Cultural Associations in Northern Morocco, the National Federation of Amazigh Associations, and several teacher and legal advocacy groups from cities such as Nador, Tangier, Meknes, Khemisset, Agadir, and Marrakech.
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