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Moroccan Minister Warns of ‘Alarming’ Situation Due to Water Scarcity, Drought

A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)
A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)
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Moroccan Minister Warns of ‘Alarming’ Situation Due to Water Scarcity, Drought

A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)
A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)

Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka warned that the water situation in the kingdom is “alarming” and that it is likely to endure drought this year.

Speaking at parliament on Monday, he said agricultural production will consequently be “below average” this year.

He added that the sharp drop in rainfall since 2018 has decreased the levels of water in the kingdom’s dams to 33.7%.

The kingdom's dam reservoirs are currently holding 5.44 million cubic meters of water.

Rising temperatures have also contributed to water evaporation, proving another source of water scarcity.

Baraka also noted challenges resulting from the war in Ukraine, revealing that Morocco only has a four-month reserve of grains.

The prices of construction materials also increased, which raised the cost of equipment and building dams.

In order to ensure water security in Morocco, Baraka said the government has focused on four steps: increasing the pace of dam construction, desalinating seawater, developing coastal areas with local water and using dam water for internal regions.

Moreover, he stated that the construction process of 16 dams has kicked off.

The government is expected to build 20 dams by 2027.

Baraka noted the implementation of a plan to desalinate 300 million cubic meters of water in Casablanca, revealing that 20 similar projects are expected to be carried out.

As for wastewater treatment, he said Morocco can treat up to 70 million cubic meters, with the aim to raise it to 700 million cubic meters.

He called for developing a policy to address violations, such as the random drilling of wells and water theft.

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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.