Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of the Interior, recently sent an incisive circular to the walis and governors of Moroccan regions and provinces, focusing on a recurring problem: the proliferation of associations and the legal disputes linked to the creation of their affiliated branches. This initiative marks a firm desire to rationalize the legal framework surrounding the national associative fabric and to prevent conflicts involving administrative authorities.
In his correspondence, the minister reminded territorial officials that any declaration of opening of branches affiliated with already existing associations must respect a clear and strict process. Before granting a receipt to these new entities, local authorities must ensure that the parent company has first declared this initiative to the competent authorities in its geographic area. This approach aims to prevent legal disputes and to guarantee compliance with the provisions provided for by Dahir No. 1.58.376 relating to the right to establish associations, as it has been modified and supplemented.
Focus on associative practices
The minister stressed that the creation or renewal of associative branches without prior notification of the administrative authorities concerned constitutes a breach of the legislative framework. This neglect exposes local authorities to unnecessary conflicts, while weakening the governance of associations. A gap often exploited to circumvent the responsibility of parent entities and create structures operating in complete opacity.
The circular also highlights the obligations of associations in terms of transparency. According to article 5 of the aforementioned dahir, any modification of the statutes, the executive office or the creation of affiliated structures must be declared within the month following the change. Otherwise, these modifications cannot be enforced against third parties.
To ensure compliance with these requirements, Laftit urges local authorities to rigorously apply the legal provisions relating to declarations by associations, particularly in the context of the proliferation of affiliated structures. This vigilance aims to limit potential abuses, particularly in cases where associations open branches without a legal framework or in conflict with the provisions of their basic statute.
The minister did not fail to recall the responsibilities of local administrations, often accused of complacency or inefficiency. In reality, this approach aims to rehabilitate the role of the administration as guarantor of the rule of law while preserving the integrity of relations between the State and associations.
Indeed, local administrative authorities must today combine legal rigor and political discernment to prevent affiliated structures from becoming instruments of clientelism or favoritism. This increased control also reduces the risk of seeing public funds misappropriated under the cover of fictitious associative projects.
Increased control of municipal budgets linked to associations
At the same time, provincial governors have hardened their position on the approval of municipal budgets for 2025, by systematically refusing proposals including excessive increases in subsidies to associations. These refusals are part of the strict instructions of the Ministry of the Interior advocating prudent budgetary management and avoiding expenditure deemed superfluous.
Some municipalities have seen their budgets rejected for having offered subsidies to associations run by relatives or acquaintances of members of the municipal council, practices which violate the principles of ethics and impartiality. These cases of conflicts of interest remind us of the urgency of rigorous supervision of public funding granted to the associative sector.
This budgetary refocusing is accompanied by increased monitoring of local practices, with the aim of strengthening the responsibility of local elected officials in the use of public funds. Associative projects or activities must now fall within well-defined priority frameworks, in line with citizens’ expectations and sustainable development objectives.
Abdelouafi Laftit’s approach is part of a broader desire to moralize the Moroccan associative landscape. By strengthening controls on the administrative and financial procedures of associations, the Ministry of the Interior aims to preserve the credibility of associative structures and to guarantee their essential role in the social and cultural development of the country.
A salutary effort, but not without challenges
However, this refocusing could encounter several obstacles. First of all, the gap between legal texts and their effective application remains a reality in certain remote regions. Local authorities sometimes lack the human and material resources to rigorously monitor associative activities. Then, the Moroccan associative fabric, rich but heterogeneous, could see this new approach as an interference in its freedom of operation. More proactive and transparent communication on the objectives of this regulation would be crucial to avoid any misunderstanding or resistance.
Finally, the role of citizens in monitoring associative practices cannot be ignored. An informed and engaged civil society could be a major ally in guaranteeing transparency and fairness in the management of public funds.
This process marks a crucial step in the evolution of relations between the Moroccan administration and civil society, paving the way for more transparent and accountable governance. However, for this initiative to be fully successful, it must be accompanied by strong political will, rigorous monitoring and close collaboration between the State, associations and citizens.
