Charity leader accuses Moroccan political party of exploiting foundation's name

Wednesday 20 August 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Charity leader accuses Moroccan political party of exploiting foundation's name

Jood’s president denounces misuse of humanitarian reputation

Hind Laidi, president of the Jood humanitarian association, has condemned the National Rally of Independents (RNI) political party, led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, for creating a similarly named foundation. Laidi accuses the RNI-affiliated "Jood Foundation" of deliberately exploiting her organization’s reputation to confuse donors and advance political agendas ahead of the 2026 elections.

Accusations of political misuse

Founded in 2015, the Jood association operates as an independent humanitarian organization providing assistance to homeless individuals and vulnerable families. However, Laidi alleges that the emergence of the RNI-linked foundation has caused significant confusion. According to her, citizens mistakenly associate her non-profit organization with the political party, undermining its neutrality and humanitarian mission.

The issue intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Jood association worked with authorities to distribute food aid transparently. Soon after, a foundation bearing the same name began offering similar assistance, but reportedly tied these efforts to RNI's electoral campaigns. This overlap even led some citizens to discover they were unknowingly registered as RNI party members after receiving aid.

Media confusion and public backlash

The misunderstanding has extended to media platforms and social networks. Articles and videos, including one by journalist Taoufik Bouachrine, linked the Jood association’s activities to the RNI party, further fueling public confusion. Laidi has sent formal warnings to the RNI-affiliated foundation, demanding a name change, but the requests have gone unanswered.

As a result, Jood’s social media pages have been inundated with negative comments, and its volunteers have faced attacks questioning their independence. Laidi also personally contacted officials to resolve the issue but has refrained from pursuing legal action.

Humanitarian work overshadowed

Despite the controversy, Jood continues its mission to fight homelessness and poverty. Initially launched in Casablanca, the organization has expanded to Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, Essaouira, and El Jadida. During the pandemic, Jood provided assistance to over 13,000 families and supported temporary confinement centers across Morocco.

In 2021, the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) recognized Jood as the lead association in its "Beggars and Vagrants" program. Recently, the group redoubled its efforts in the wake of the Al Haouz earthquake, offering shelter, food, and essential aid to displaced persons.

Laidi remains steadfast in her commitment to maintaining Jood’s neutrality, emphasizing that exploiting charitable work for political gain erodes public trust. She continues to advocate for the protection of the organization’s identity and the integrity of its humanitarian mission.