The Moroccan government has decided to seize several properties and plots of land owned by Algeria in Rabat.
The decision was made at the suggestion and consultation of the Ministries of Economy and Finance and the Interior.
The properties will be used for public purposes, specifically to expand the service offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A draft decree published in the Official Gazette on March 13, 2024, identifies three properties that have been earmarked for expropriation.
The first property is called “Kabbalia” and has an area of 619 square meters. The second property is called “Zanzi” and has a total area of 630 square meters. It includes a two-story house, offices on the ground floor, and other facilities. The third property is called “Villa de Soleil Levant” and has an area of 491 square meters. It includes a single-story villa and various amenities.
The draft decree explains that the expropriation of the properties is necessary for “public utility purposes, namely the expansion of administrative buildings for the benefit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, in the commune of Rabat, and the expropriation of the properties necessary for this purpose.”
This decision, according to the document, is in accordance with Law No. 81-7, relating to expropriation for public utility purposes and temporary occupation, issued in implementation of the Royal Decree No. 254-81-1(May 6, 1982), and in accordance with Decree No. 382-82-2 (April 16, 1983), implementing Law No. 81.7 .”
Based on Law No.81.7, the government adheres to a well-defined procedure before resorting to property seizure. The first step involves publishing an official announcement in the Official Gazette. This ensures public awareness and allows potentially affected parties to be informed.
Next, a thorough property appraisal is conducted to determine its fair market value. This serves as the basis for the compensation offered to the owner by the state.
However, the law grants the owner a 60-day window to object to the expropriation or challenge the offered compensation if deemed insufficient.
Should the owner disagree with the initial valuation, they have the legal right to file a lawsuit requesting a professional expert appraisal.
This independent assessment serves as a vital check and balance, ensuring a fair market price is offered for the property. Both the state and the owner can appeal the expert’s valuation until a final, binding judgment is reached.
In cases where the expropriated property remains unused after a project’s cancellation, the original owner retains the option to repurchase the property at the original sale price to the state.
This provision aims to mitigate some of the disruption caused by expropriation potentially and allows the former owner the chance to reclaim their land.
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