Marrakech – In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco, the nation has come together in an impressive display of unity and solidarity.
The earthquake, which left a trail of destruction in its wake, has prompted heartfelt actions from both the people and the government, with King Mohammed VI personally visiting injured victims to provide support and solace, as well as to donate blood.
The earthquake, which occurred just four days ago, shook several regions in Morocco, leaving many communities grappling with the aftermath.
However, the response from the Moroccan people has been remarkable. Trucks laden with essential supplies have been dispatched to the affected areas in the south, as the nation rallies together to provide relief and support to those in need.
One voice that resonated strongly during this time of crisis was that of Mohamed Seddik Maaninou, a renowned writer and journalist.
In a passionate video message, Maaninou praised the extraordinary national solidarity that he witnessed, harkening back to the unity he experienced in 1975 during another challenging period in the country’s history.
However, amidst the resilience and determination displayed by Moroccans, Maaninou did not shy away from addressing the controversial coverage by French media outlets. He expressed regret that some segments of the French media failed to respect the memory of the earthquake victims and disregarded the immense challenges faced by the nation.
In a stern rebuke, Maaninou accused certain French journalists of using inflammatory language and lacking ethical standards in their coverage, particularly when criticizing Moroccan leadership and the nation as a whole.
He emphasized the critical nature of Morocco’s international relations during this time, and questioned whether other world leaders would use similar rhetoric in the face of disasters in their own countries.
“As a Moroccan, I reject this rhetoric. As a Moroccan, I condemn it,” Maaninou declared. In a more colloquial tone, he advised President Macron to “mind his own business” and reminded him of Morocco’s resilience.
These remarks have sparked a conversation not only within Morocco but also on the international stage, prompting discussions on the role of media in covering disasters and the need for respectful and empathetic journalism.
