EN ATTENDANT LES JO 2028 : DES PROPOS AUTOUR DES PARTICIPATIONS MAROCAINES AUX JEUX OLYMPIQUES .part1 252

Abdellatif Chourafi, 17 d.

- History - Society - Sports -

3.5 min read.

Le Maroc a une longue tradition de participation aux Jeux olympiques, avec une première participation en 1960. Depuis lors, le pays a envoyé des athlètes à presque toutes les éditions des Jeux olympiques. Dans ce constat et comme indiqué dans le titre de cet essai, nous nous limiterons ici à présenter un certain nombre de chiffres et de statistiques concernant les différentes participations marocaines aux Jeux olympiques sans aborder les éditions entre 1896 et 1956, auxquelles le Maroc n'a pas participé, ainsi que les éditions de 1976 à Montréal et de 1980 à Moscou, que le Maroc a boycottées. Nous aborderons les chiffres et les résultats sans nous lancer dans leur analyse ou attribuer des responsabilités à qui que ce soit, cela permettra à chaque lecteur de tirer ses propres conclusions. L'objectif n'est pas d'attribuer des responsabilités (comme le font certains mercenaires des résultats sportifs marocains qui apparaissent à la fin de chaque manifestation sportive à laquelle participe le Maroc pour présenter "l'homme de la situation" ou "l'homme de l'étape" selon leur conviction ou parce qu'ils sont payés pour cela par l'homme de la situation ou l'homme de l'étape ou son entourage, ou peut-être pour une raison personnelle. On les voit parfois se moquer des athlètes participants, parfois des directeurs techniques et parfois des présidents de certaines fédérations. Certains vont même jusqu'à dire que les raisons de la catastrophe sont le sport scolaire, le mur court sur lequel on accroche l'échec en cas d'échec (et cela aurait été logique si les succès sportifs étaient également attribués au sport scolaire). Ce qui est étrange, c'est que ceux qui deviennent du jour au lendemain des analystes, des entraîneurs, des psychologues, des sociologues et des physiologistes à travers leurs interventions souvent émotives ne prennent pas la peine de rechercher les éléments nécessaires à leurs interventions. Ils bombardent et divaguent à droite et à gauche, confondant le sport pour tous, l'éducation physique et sportive, le sport scolaire (de masse et d'élite), le sport civil, les sports olympiques, le sport… et confondent également les missions et les responsabilités de ceux qui sont chargés de chaque domaine. I. PARTICIPATIONS MAROCAINES AUX JEUX OLYMPIQUES • Liste des médaillés marocains dans les différentes éditions des Jeux olympiques 1. Rhadi Ben Abdessalem : médaille d'argent au marathon à Rome 1960 2. Nawal El Moutawakel : médaille d'or au 400 m haies à Los Angeles 1984 3. Saïd Aouita : – médaille d'or au 5000 m à Los Angeles 1984. – médaille de bronze au 800 m à Séoul 1988. 4. Ibrahim Boutayeb : médaille d'or au 10 000 m à Séoul 1988 5. Abdelhak Achik : médaille de bronze en boxe (poids plume) à Séoul 1988 6. Khalid Skah : médaille d'or au 10 000 m à Barcelone 1992 7. Rachid El Basir : médaille d'argent au 1500 m à Barcelone 1992 8. Mohamed Achik : médaille de bronze en boxe (poids coq) à Barcelone 1992 9. Salah Hissou : médaille de bronze au 10 000 m à Atlanta 1996 10. Khalid Boulami : médaille de bronze au 5000 m à Atlanta 1996 11. Ali Ezzine : médaille de bronze au 3000 m steeple à Sydney 2000 12. Nezha Bidouane : médaille de bronze au 400 m haies à Sydney 2000 14. Ibrahim Lahlafi : médaille de bronze au 5000 m à Sydney 2000 15. Tahar Tamsamani : médaille de bronze en boxe (poids plume) à Sydney 2000 16. Hicham El Guerrouj : – médaille d'argent au 1500 m à Sydney 2000. – médaille d'or au 1500 m à Athènes 2004. – médaille d'or au 5000 m à Athènes 2004. 17. Hasna Benhassi : – médaille d'argent au 800 m à Athènes 2004. – médaille de bronze au 800 m à Pékin 2008. 18. Jaouad Gharib : médaille d'argent au marathon à Pékin 2008 19. Abdellatif El Guider : médaille de bronze au 1500 m à Londres 2012 20. Mohammed Rabii : médaille de bronze en boxe (poids moyen) à Rio de Janeiro 2016 21. Soufiane El Bakkali : – médaille d'or au 3000 m steeple à Tokyo 2020. – médaille d'or au 3000 m steeple à Paris 2024. 22. Équipe nationale : médaille de bronze au football à Paris 2024 • Médailles remportées et sports concernés Le Maroc a remporté un total de 26 médailles aux Jeux olympiques. Athlétisme : l'athlétisme a remporté un total de 21 médailles sur les 26 que le Maroc a obtenues lors de ses participations aux différentes éditions des Jeux olympiques, soit un pourcentage de 81 % du total des médailles remportées par le Maroc depuis 1960. Boxe : la boxe a remporté un total de 4 médailles sur les 26 que le Maroc a obtenues lors de ses participations aux différentes éditions des Jeux olympiques, soit un pourcentage de 15 % du total des médailles remportées par le Maroc depuis 1960. Football : le football a remporté 1 médaille sur les 26 que le Maroc a obtenues lors de ses participations aux différentes éditions des Jeux olympiques, soit un pourcentage de 4 % du total des médailles remportées par le Maroc depuis 1960. Trois disciplines sportives seulement ont permis au Maroc de remporter des médailles. II. Champions marocains multimédaillés Quatre athlètes marocains ont remporté 35 % du total des médailles marocaines : Hicham El Guerrouj : 3 médailles (12 % du total des médailles marocaines) – Sydney 2000 : médaille d'argent au 1500 m. – Athènes 2004 : médaille d'or au 1500 m et au 5000 m. Saïd Aouita : 2 médailles (8 % du total des médailles marocaines) – Los Angeles 1984 : médaille d'or au 5000 m. – Séoul 1988 : médaille de bronze au 800 m. Hasna Benhassi : 2 médailles (8 % du total des médailles marocaines) – Athènes 2004 : médaille d'argent au 800 m. – Pékin 2008 : médaille de bronze au 800 m. Soufiane El Bakkali : 2 médailles (8 % du total des médailles marocaines) – Tokyo 2020 : médaille d'or au 3000 m steeple. – Paris 2024 : médaille d'or au 3000 m steeple. Total des médailles pour les athlètes mentionnés : 9 médailles, soit 35 % du total des médailles marocaines (en considérant que le total des médailles marocaines est de 26, comme mentionné précédemment). 4 athlètes multimédaillés ont à eux seuls remporté 9 médailles des 26 médailles, soit 35 % de l'ensemble des médailles remportées par le Maroc.

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Abdellatif Chourafi

Abdellatif Chourafi Inspecteur coordonateur central à la retraite Ex : Chef de division de l’organisation des manifestations sportives scolaires Secrétaire général de la Fédération royale marocaine du sport scolaire Membre de la Commission nationale du sport de haut niveau

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Stray dogs and cats: a growing challenge for public health and urban peace in Morocco... 1270

Aziz Daouda, 5 h.

- Politics - Society -

2.9 min read.

The proliferation of stray dogs and cats in the streets raises major challenges for urban quality of life and even more so for public health. As their numbers increase exponentially, the consequences are multiple: noise nuisances, risk of accidents, spread of diseases, and a sense of insecurity for many citizens. A notable aspect of this issue is the significant difference between the social perception of cats and stray dogs. Cats, often perceived as less aggressive, are generally not considered harmful. They are abundantly fed in public spaces by individuals, sometimes due to so-called religious beliefs. According to some, Muslims should show compassion towards cats, which would explain a certain social tolerance towards them. They thus benefit from some benevolence and are extremely numerous, living and multiplying in public spaces without being disturbed; on the contrary, shelters are often provided to help female cats give birth peacefully. In contrast, stray dogs do not receive the same treatment. Many people suffer from cynophobia (fear of dogs), a quasi-cultural phenomenon. More often perceived as a threat, especially because of their ability to attack, they are generally criticized. This negative image has been reinforced following several serious incidents in recent years: violent attacks resulting in serious, even fatal injuries have marked public opinion and increased concerns. The massive presence of these stray animals has direct repercussions on public health. The absence of veterinary control and regular sanitary interventions promotes the spread of diseases transmissible to humans. Stray dogs and cats can carry highly contagious and serious diseases. This issue is even more worrying in dense urban areas where contact between animals and humans is frequent. Children, in particular, are especially vulnerable to bites or scratches, as well as to the infections that may result. The health risk is therefore extremely concerning, especially since many diseases can be transmitted to humans. 1. Rabies: a deadly viral disease mainly transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected dog. It remains a major public health problem in several regions despite vaccination campaigns. Nearly 400 cases and 20 deaths are recorded each year. Four recent death cases have been widely reported. 2. Toxoplasmosis: an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted by contact with contaminated cat feces, notably via litter. Generally mild, it poses a serious risk for pregnant women, potentially causing fetal malformations. 3. Leptospirosis: a bacterial disease transmitted by the urine of infected dogs, which can cause serious infections in humans. Between 2005 and 2017, 372 cases were declared with a mortality rate of 17.7%. 52.2% of cases occurred in urban areas. 4. Leishmaniasis: a serious parasitic disease transmitted by stray dogs, which are reservoirs of this parasite. Nearly 2,000 cases per year. 5. External and internal parasites: fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, which can also infect other animals. 6. Cat scratch disease: caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. It causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, especially in children and immunocompromised people. 7. Ringworm: a contagious fungal infection through contact with the fur or environment of infected cats, causing distressing skin lesions. 8. Pasteurellosis: a bacterial infection transmitted by bite or scratch, caused by Pasteurella multocida, which can cause local pain and inflammation. 9. Echinococcosis: a parasitic disease related to intestinal worms developed in cats, which can severely affect the human liver and lungs. 10. Mange and other parasitic infections: transmitted by direct contact with affected stray cats. Strict sanitary management is therefore necessary, including vaccination, sterilization, and responsible handling of this animal population in urban areas. Beyond health risks, stray animals cause nuisances in streets and residential neighborhoods. Nocturnal barking disturbs residents' sleep, while droppings in public spaces degrade cleanliness and the image of cities. Facing this complex situation, several approaches can be considered. It is crucial to develop awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to adopt responsible behaviors, especially regarding food given to stray animals. Special emphasis should be placed on sterilization to control reproduction. Moreover, implementing integrated public policies combining capture, veterinary care, and relocation of stray animals appears essential. These measures must respect the cultural and religious sensitivities of the country, notably involving religious authorities in creating harmonious responses. A fundamental effort towards creating dedicated spaces—shelters and controlled feeding points—could channel animal presence and reduce conflicts with the population. Moroccan NGOs published an open letter addressed as a last resort to His Majesty the King on August 3rd, reacting to extermination campaigns led by some local authorities:* "We have exhausted all institutional channels without finding attentive ears among the authorities concerned," *they say, describing the methods used as "cruel,*" contradicting " *the values of compassion promoted by religion and the monarchy." The problem is exacerbated, according to some, by an ineffective public policy and a lack of resources dedicated to capture, sterilization, and care. The cycle of proliferation would continue, reinforcing a difficult-to-reverse spiral. The government denies these accusations and states that it applies the method **"Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate" **(catch, sterilize, vaccinate, and release animals identified by an ear tag in their original territory). It would have allocated 230 million dirhams to this. However, few tagged animals are seen in the streets. Clearly, this is not just an animal issue but a major public health and urban coexistence challenge that requires a pragmatic and balanced approach, respectful of traditions and sanitary and security needs.

Multidimensional Poverty: Decoding the Oxford Index and the Situation in Morocco 2116

Aziz Daouda, 1 d.

- Politics - Society -

3 min read.

When poverty is mentioned, it is often thought of as insufficient income. However, poverty encompasses much broader and more complex dimensions such as access to education, health, decent housing, and other basic resources depending on societies and their cultures. It is on this or a very similar basis that the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) was designed and unveiled in 2010 by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford. The index was adopted during the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). But what exactly is multidimensional poverty or the Oxford Index? *Multidimensional poverty is the simultaneous and synchronous deprivation experienced by individuals across different essential aspects of life. The Oxford Index, or MPI, aims to measure this aspect of poverty based on 10 indicators grouped into three main dimensions: health, in terms of nutrition and child mortality; education, concerning school attendance, years of schooling, and living conditions; namely access to drinking water, electricity, sanitation facilities, quality housing, and essential assets.* A household is considered poor according to the MPI if its members are deprived in at least 33% of these indicators. The index is calculated using a simple formula: **MPI = H × A** where **H** is the proportion of people who are poor and **A** is the average intensity of deprivation among these people. This approach provides a more nuanced diagnosis than a simple monetary measure of poverty. It allows identifying the exact origin and nature of the deprivations and thus more effectively guides public action. The introduction of the MPI in Morocco has profoundly renewed the understanding of poverty in the country. Ten years ago, this index stood at 11.9%. Thanks to significant mobilization and targeted policies, this rate has decreased to 6.8% according to the 2024 national census, representing a halving. Translated into numbers of affected people, the rate dropped from 4.5% to 2.5% of Morocco’s current 36 million population. Despite these notable advances, poverty remains marked by strong regional and social disparities. Deprivations mainly concern education and living conditions such as access to drinking water, decent housing, and medical care. Multidimensional poverty is more concentrated in rural areas, accounting for 72% of the poor, with an alarming rate among rural children estimated at nearly 69%. In his 26th Throne Speech, His Majesty the King acknowledged the progress made while expressing dissatisfaction and the determination to rapidly correct the situation. Indeed, Morocco is still behind many other countries that display lower multidimensional poverty rates and have recorded faster declines in the index; some countries have therefore succeeded better. For example, Croatia already had a rate below 0.5% in 2022. China, with 12.5% in 2002, and Turkey, with an index of 8.5% in 2007, have recorded faster decreases and are now among the best-ranked countries. Several countries in Asia and Latin America have also seen significant declines thanks to innovative strategies, ambitious social policies, and sustained international support. Morocco remains better ranked compared to many Sub-Saharan African countries. Mali had an MPI of 77.7% in 2012 and Burundi 80.8% in 2010. However, Morocco still maintains a significant gap with global leaders and even some developing countries in the Mediterranean and Asia. To enable the Kingdom to maintain and accelerate its progress, drastic and effective measures requiring genuine political courage and boldness are needed. Several avenues should be considered simultaneously, such as: - Optimizing investment in education by reducing school dropout, promoting equal access for girls and boys in rural areas, and improving teaching quality and attractiveness through teacher qualification and adapted curricula. - Seriously addressing the issue of the language of instruction. Moroccans speak a language that is not reflected in schools. Darija is the Moroccan language and should be valorized to create a continuum between everyday life and learning. All education specialists and dedicated international bodies insist on the use of the mother tongue for more efficient learning, at least in the early school years, as seen in all countries successful in education. - Redefining what illiteracy means in Morocco. Is it still appropriate to consider illiteracy as the inability to master languages that are not used in daily life? The working language and trades that sustain Moroccans and in which all exchange, communicate, and act are not taken into account. This question must be reconsidered in light of scientific evidence, without outdated or unproductive dogma or ideology. - Accelerating medical coverage and social protection through a faster and less restrictive generalization. - Encouraging health and education professionals to settle in remote and targeted areas through significant financial incentives and housing. - Expanding and strengthening basic infrastructure with particular focus on drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and social housing even in rural areas. The issue posed by scattered housing should no longer be a taboo. Some recurring problems simply cannot be solved in certain regions due to the type and location of housing. - Targeting public efforts territorially through fine planning and priority allocation of appropriate resources to the most vulnerable regions, taking into account the real needs of the populations concerned. - Developing and refining social safety nets and resilience mechanisms to better protect populations affected by climate change. By adopting an integrated, territorially targeted approach based on precise MPI data, Morocco can consolidate the gains already made and catch up with the best performers in the region and the world in the near future, given its stability, significant growth rate, diversified and increasingly efficient economy, and, of course, the ingenuity of its people.