Ancient rock carvings in Guelmim withstand nearby construction threat, CNDH confirms

Monday 27 October 2025 - 15:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ancient rock carvings in Guelmim withstand nearby construction threat, CNDH confirms

Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) has confirmed that an ancient rock art site in Guelmim province remains intact despite fears of damage caused by nearby construction.

The site, located at Jebel Bouadio in the commune of Taghjijt, drew public attention after reports on social media and local outlets suggested that heavy equipment used in nearby works might have endangered the prehistoric petroglyphs.

Following the alerts, CNDH President Amina Bouayach ordered the regional human rights committee for Guelmim-Oued Noun to investigate. Inspectors visited the site on October 24 and found that although rocks had been removed from the mountain’s edge, the carvings themselves were unharmed.

Cultural and scientific value

Experts consider the Guelmim engravings to be of exceptional historical and scientific importance. The site contains ancient depictions that contribute to understanding North Africa’s early civilizations and collective memory.

The regional committee has since notified local authorities, elected representatives, and the regional directorate of culture about the findings. Civil society organizations concerned with heritage protection were also briefed and invited to participate in preservation efforts.

Call for stronger protection

In a public statement, the CNDH emphasized that safeguarding Morocco’s rock heritage is a shared duty between institutions and citizens. The council urged authorities to adopt stronger, long-term protection measures to prevent future threats to archaeological sites.

“Protecting rock heritage is a shared responsibility,” the council reiterated, highlighting the role of awareness campaigns and community engagement in ensuring the survival of these irreplaceable historical treasures.

The CNDH praised the growing coordination among government bodies, cultural institutions, and local organizations in promoting heritage protection and recognizing its contribution to regional development.

The rapid mobilization in Guelmim demonstrates Morocco’s capacity to respond effectively when cultural landmarks come under threat. Yet, it also raises broader questions about how to secure sustainable preservation strategies for the country’s vulnerable archaeological assets.