Rabat – Ilyas El Omari, the secretary general of Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), has resigned from his position, explaining that he “felt personally concerned by the King’s criticism of political parties.”
“He is proud of his decision,” said the Omari in a statement.
“After a lengthy discussion, the members of the political committee of PAM did not accept El Omari’s resignation, however he held on to his decision and refused to change his mind,” wrote the statement.
PAM deputy Mehdi Bensaïd confirmed the news, saying El Omari will be temporarily replaced by Habib Belkouch as head of PAM, pending a congress that will elect a new secretary general.
“The secretary general has taken responsibility of the party’s activities during the one and a half years of his position as secretary general, including the elections,” the statement said.
Though El Omari has resigned from his position as PAM head, he will continue to serve as president of Tagier-Tetouane-Al Hoceima region, unless the party disowns it.
Former PAM secretary general has described the ongoing protests in the Rif region as “legitimate,” calling for officials to be held accountable for the delay in the execution of projects launched by King Mohammed VI for the area.
“The Minister of Justice should order the Public Prosecution to listen to all and hold them accountable, including myself, for failing to fulfill Al Hociema’s projects signed in front of the king,” he was quoted by Hespress as saying.
PAM’s communiqué also indicated that it will take disciplinary measures against officials at different levels within the party for failing to comply with the party’s policies.
