The HACA’s interpretation regarding the exclusion of the Amazigh language from “Laâyoune Régionale” does not comply with legal provisions

Amina Ibn Cheikh, director of the newspaper Le Monde Amazigh, expressed her astonishment at the decision of the High Council for Audiovisual Communication to limit the broadcasting of Amazigh-language programs to the two Amazigh television channels and two Amazigh radio stations under the National Radio and Television Company. She pointed out that this “interpretation does not align with the legal and regulatory provisions governing the national audiovisual landscape.”

In a letter addressed to Latifa Akharbach, President of the High Council for Audiovisual Communication, the Amazigh journalist stated that this “position expressed by the Council in its response does not align with the spirit of the Constitution, which recognizes Amazigh as an official language, nor does it comply with the legal commitments outlined in the broadcasting charters.”

Ibn Cheikh called on the High Council for Audiovisual Communication to review “its position and take the necessary measures to ensure a fair presence of the Amazigh language and culture across all national channels, in accordance with the Constitution and the broadcasting charters, and in line with the principles of linguistic justice and cultural pluralism that the Council is supposed to uphold.”

Letter Text:

From: Amina Ibn Cheikh Oukdourt
Director of Le Monde Amazigh

To: Mrs. Latifa Akharbach
President of the High Council for Audiovisual Communication

Subject: Response regarding the decision of the High Council for Audiovisual Communication on the absence of the Amazigh language in the programming of Laâyoune regional radio

Dear Madam,

After reviewing your response regarding the complaint about the absence of the Amazigh language in the programs of Laâyoune regional radio, submitted to your services by Mr. Hassan Benhassi, which was based on the restriction of Amazigh-language broadcasts to the two Amazigh television channels and two Amazigh radio stations under the National Radio and Television Company, we wish to express our astonishment at this interpretation, which does not align with the legal and regulatory provisions governing the national audiovisual landscape.

The broadcasting charters of national channels, including the first and second channels as well as regional channels, clearly state the obligation to respect the linguistic and cultural plurality of the Kingdom. This requires the inclusion of the Amazigh language in the programming of all national channels, not just the Amazigh channel. Just as the latter commits to broadcasting 30% of its programs in Arabic, it is only logical that the other channels should integrate a similar percentage of programs in Amazigh, in accordance with the principle of balance and fairness, which falls under the essential responsibilities of the High Council for Audiovisual Communication.

Therefore, the position expressed by the Council in its response does not align with the spirit of the Constitution, which recognizes Amazigh as an official language, nor does it comply with the legal commitments outlined in the broadcasting charters. Article 102 of the broadcasting charter of the National Radio and Television Company states that at least 75% of the programs broadcast should be in the two official languages, Arabic and Amazigh, or in Moroccan dialects, across all its television and radio stations. This, of course, includes Laâyoune regional radio, making the absence of the Amazigh language in its programming a violation of the broadcasting charter.

Based on this, we call on the High Council for Audiovisual Communication to review its position and take the necessary measures to ensure a fair presence of the Amazigh language and culture in various national channels, in accordance with the Constitution and broadcasting charters, and in line with the principles of linguistic justice and cultural pluralism that the Council is expected to uphold.

Awaiting your positive response, please accept, Madam, the expression of my highest consideration.

Signature:
Amina Ibn Cheikh Oukdourt
Director of Le Monde Amazigh