Clashes erupted in Ouled Rami, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, as security forces attempted to enforce a court ruling favoring a controversial quarry project, leaving several injured. Residents, backed by human rights groups, protest the project, citing environmental and health risks. DR ‹ › Clashes broke out yesterday between security forces and residents of the village of Ouled Rami, in the Sidi Aissa Ben Slimane commune, El Kelaâ des Sraghna province, during the enforcement of a court ruling to open a road for an investor planning to operate a stone quarry. The confrontations left several people injured on both sides. According to Said El Fadli, head of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) branch in El Attaouia/Tamallalt, the quarry site is located near three villages and in close proximity to a school. He told Yabiladi that the project has been the subject of dispute for nearly two years, with residents repeatedly protesting it before the court ultimately ruled in favor of the investor. El Fadli explained that public authorities arrived to enforce the ruling, while residents gathered to protest, arguing that the project poses direct risks to them and their children. He added that the protest was initially peaceful, with authorities inviting three residents involved in the demonstration to engage in dialogue. However, after nearly two hours without any outcome, and with the individuals not returning, «scuffles broke out between security forces and residents, eventually escalating into clashes». Environmental and health concerns raised El Fadli noted that two conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the incident. Residents claim that authorities provoked the confrontation, while other sources suggest that the residents were the ones who initiated it. The clashes resulted in injuries on both sides, including the commander of the Royal Gendarmerie in the province. The three individuals invited for dialogue reportedly remain in custody, despite not taking part in the clashes, according to the same source. «Several residents have also received summons from security authorities for questioning in connection with these events», he added. Residents continue to voice concerns over the quarry project, citing risks related to dust, noise, and environmental damage, particularly the potential depletion of the water table, as well as its impact on fruit trees. They also warn about the quarry's proximity to a primary school and its potential effects on students, stressing that the contested road was originally intended for livestock rather than heavy truck traffic. Mediation failure highlighted For his part, El ayachi El Farfar, a member of parliament representing El Kelaâ des Sraghna, told Yabiladi that the investor holds a valid court ruling authorizing the project, pointing to what he described as «two truths», one legal and the other factual. He explained that the legal reality lies in the investor's permit and court authorization, while the factual reality reflects residents' concerns over environmental and social impacts, particularly regarding water resources and pollution. El Farfar argued that the situation reveals a failure of mediation, whether by local authorities, elected officials, or council leadership. He stressed that insufficient efforts were made to inform residents and support them in defending their position through legal channels. He also called on the investor to engage in dialogue with residents, noting that in rural areas, the relationship to land is deeply rooted «the land is not sold but cultivated, forming both a source of livelihood and a strong emotional bond». He concluded by calling for calm and the urgent reopening of communication channels between all parties.
