Morocco Asks Citizens to Skip Eid al-Adha Sheep Sacrifice Due to Livestock Shortages

King Mohammed VI cites severe drought and economic hardships as reasons for the unprecedented request ahead of June's religious festival.

Morocco is experiencing its seventh consecutive year of drought, with rainfall 53% below the 30-year average, leading to a 38% decline in livestock numbers since 2016.
King Mohammed VI, Morocco's highest religious authority, has urged citizens to refrain from the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid al-Adha to prevent further economic strain on low-income families.
The cost of sheep has surged, often exceeding the monthly minimum wage of 3,000 Moroccan dirhams ($302), making the ritual financially burdensome for many households.
The Moroccan government has attempted to stabilize meat prices by suspending import duties and taxes on livestock and red meat, and importing sheep from countries like Australia and Spain.
This marks the first time in nearly three decades that Morocco has issued such a request, with the last similar appeal made during King Hassan II's reign in response to drought and economic challenges.