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Rabat – The 2022 military service census concluded with 178,166 Moroccans registering in mandatory service between December 13, 2021, to February 10, 2022.
Hassan Aghmari, representative of the Minister of the Interior to the central census commission relating to military service, reported that the number of youth who completed the census procedures reached 178,166 in 2022 compared to 133,820 in 2019.
During the commission’s meeting on February 28, Aghmari added that the number of young women volunteers rose from 13,614 in 2019 to 29,013 in 2022, marking a 10.17% and 16% of the total number of conscripts.
The number of male and female volunteers to complete military service amounted to 99,060, including 29% of female conscripts. By comparison, the number reached 66,990 in 2019, with 20% female volunteers.
For exemption requests, the representative noted that provincial commissions held two meetings on February 16 and February 22 to review and decide on the demands.
Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Morocco’s Compulsory Military Service
The individuals wishing to be exempted had to submit a request before February 10 to local administrative authorities with the necessary documents supporting their requests, such as physical or medical incapacity, family support, and studies. Law 44-18 discussed the exemption conditions.
In case of refusal to serve without legitimate reasons, the individuals concerned will be subject to a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to MAD 10,000 ($1,047) under the same text of the law.
In January 2019, Morocco reintroduced mandatory military conscription after the adoption of law 44-18. Under the law, the service lasts for 12 months and targets 19 to 25 years old across the country.
Over the 12 months, the conscripts receive general and military training before proceeding to more advanced training at the Royal Armed Forces training centers. They can also benefit from periodic and exceptional vacations.
The reintroduction of mandatory military service divided the Moroccan public between some highlighting its benefits–reinforcing solidarity, brotherhood, patriotism values– and others dismissing the idea and considering it unnecessary.
