The House of Representatives and the department responsible for digital transition join forces to strengthen the official character of the Amazigh language

Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:14 p.m.

Rabat – The House of Representatives and the delegated ministry responsible for digital transition and administrative reform concluded, Monday in Rabat, a partnership agreement falling within the framework of government projects relating to the implementation of the official character of the Amazigh language.

Signed by the President of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, and the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Ghita Mezzour, this agreement aims to concretize the procedural plan approved by the House for the implementation of the official character of the Amazigh language in its work.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Talbi El Alami indicated that this convention will contribute to strengthening the use of Amazigh as an official language, noting that the Chamber has made significant efforts in this direction, by launching the simultaneous translation project in Amazigh which benefited from the support of the ministry.

The convention aims to support simultaneous translation into Amazigh and to implement the provisions of the organic law relating to the implementation of the Amazigh language, he said, adding that the simultaneous translation of sessions of the Chamber of Representatives is only a first step, which will be followed by another allowing simultaneous translation of the work of parliamentary committees and written translation, within five years, in harmony with legal provisions.

For her part, Ms. Mezzour stressed that her department ensures to support and accompany the House of Representatives in the integration of the Amazigh language in its activities, in accordance with the provisions of organic law n°26.16, in particular article 9 which stipulates that the Amazigh language must be used, alongside the Arabic language, in the context of the work of public sessions of Parliament and its bodies.

Under this text, she continued, the ministry ensures the simultaneous translation of these works from and into Amazigh, with broadcast on Amazigh television channels and public radios, as well as through the official channel of the House of Representatives on YouTube.

And added that under the terms of the convention, the scope of cooperation will be expanded including broader areas to strengthen the use of the Amazigh language, including updating the translation into Amazigh of the content of posters and signage, in addition to supporting all projects and programs aimed at promoting the Amazigh language within the House of Representatives, so as to “allow citizens to follow the activities of their elected officials within the House” .

In this wake, the minister stressed that His Majesty King Mohammed VI pays particular attention to the Amazigh language, as an essential component of the national culture and a heritage anchored in the history of Moroccans, especially since it was enshrined by the Constitution as an official language.