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Tourism

Addressing Crime and Corruption's Impact on Fez, Morocco's Cultural Capital

Tuesday 02 January 2024 - 16:10

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Once celebrated for its vibrant culture and medieval architecture, the Moroccan city of Fez has witnessed a decline in its allure as a premier tourist destination due to a surge in crime rates and allegations of government corruption in recent years.

With a history dating back over 1200 years, Fez holds the esteemed status of Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. Boasting the oldest continuously operating university globally, intricate souks, and a wealth of historic sites, Fez has magnetized visitors for centuries.

Despite its rich heritage, Fez has been marred by an alarming increase in crime, as illustrated by widely-circulated videos capturing thefts and violent incidents. In a disturbing 2023 footage, a knife-wielding gang brazenly executed a daytime home invasion, causing locals to flee in terror. Such events have contributed to a growing reluctance among both domestic and international tourists to visit the once-bustling city.

Notable figures, including American travel writer Norbert Figueroa, have shared harrowing experiences, recounting violent muggings at knifepoint within Fez's historic precincts. Figueroa's ordeal, occurring last October, underscores the urgent need for addressing the city's escalating security concerns.

While residents attribute the rise in crime to unemployment and the drug trade, criticism has also been directed at government mismanagement and corruption as pivotal factors in Fez's decline. In 2022, two local politicians were apprehended for accepting bribes related to hereditary land development, while October of the same year witnessed allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds involving over 10 officials, including a parliament member.

In response to the crisis, Moroccan authorities have pledged to curb crime in Fez and restore order. Additional police were deployed during the recent New Year holiday to maintain peace and security.

As Fez continues its downward spiral, there is a looming threat of lasting damage to one of Morocco's most iconic destinations. The nation faces the formidable task of rejuvenating this fallen jewel to its former glory, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying issues of corruption and mismanagement.