Editorial – Let It Bleat!

The expression crystallized the mutual distrust between urban and rural populations in the wake of soaring sheep prices during the last Eid Al Adha: “Let it bleat!” Far from being anecdotal, this episode illustrates the widening gap that has developed over the years between city dwellers and rural communities. This mutual misunderstanding has led to underlying tensions, fueled by the deviant behavior of intermediaries and speculators (chennakas), whose greed has poisoned relations between urban and rural populations. This situation reflects a divide between two Moroccos that coexist without truly understanding one another. On one side, city dwellers—already strained by rising prices for multiple essential goods—clearly expressed their distress over the high cost of sheep. On the other, rural populations feel they are being confused with speculators and turned into scapegoats for a crisis whose effects they themselves are suffering. In this confrontation, each side interprets the situation through its own lens. And in between, there is neither dialogue nor mediation mechanisms. Social media has filled that vacuum, amplifying stereotypes and mutual accusations. For years, certain clichés have taken root without public authorities succeeding in setting the record straight. Many urban residents have little understanding of the constraints facing rural communities. Likewise, many breeders feel that public policies are designed primarily with cities in mind. In their view, rural areas only receive attention during times of crisis. “Let it bleat” is symptomatic of a deeper malaise. The government’s responsibility is precisely to prevent this mutual incomprehension from becoming entrenched. Moroccans need to understand where public subsidies are going and why prices remain high despite support measures. Breeders, for their part, want their constraints to be better explained and more fully acknowledged in public debate.