Rabat – Although an official provision excludes him from needing to complete mandatory military service, Mahmoud Elmghaitri, a man suffering from a physical disability, was summoned to complete his census form to perform military service.
Originally from Guelmim, a city in southern Morocco, Elmghaitri has been suffering from a disability his entire life. The law does not require Moroccans who financially support their families as well as persons with disabilities to fulfill the military service.
Like others who qualify for an exemption, Elmghaitri will have to file for exemption by submitting an application within 20 days of completing the census form. He must submit the application to local administrative authorities who will transfer the request to the prefectural commissions which make exemption decisions.
“Youth of Guelmim,” a popular Facebook page, posted photos of Elmghaitri and his contract, which has since been shared nearly 250 times.
https://www.facebook.com/chababglaimim/posts/2784487994929565
The post also received over 60 comments, many expressing confusion and outrage that Elmghaitri received a conscription notice.
However, according to the process the Council of Ministers adopted for military conscription, after an individual fills out the census form, he should receive a receipt in an email informing him that he can file an application for temporary or definitive exemption.
The Moroccan government has not released a comment on the situation.
