Aziz Akhannouch

An ARIJ investigation published in January 2026 documented a network of more than 140 accounts, largely fictitious according to the investigation, operating in a coordinated manner on Facebook to spread misinformation, attack political opponents and amplify narratives favourable to the governing RNI party led by Aziz Akhannouch.

State of the evidence

Documented

From September 2025, the GenZ 212 youth movement organised demonstrations in several cities demanding better healthcare and education services, denouncing corruption and spending priorities, particularly those linked to the 2030 World Cup. Demonstrators explicitly called for Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch's resignation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility

A consortium including Afriquia Gaz, an Akwa subsidiary, won the contract for the future Casablanca desalination plant. The opposition alleged a conflict of interest because the ONEE board, responsible for the tender, is chaired by the head of government.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Attribution

Political responsibility

Morocco's Competition Council reached a settlement with nine oil companies over anti-competitive practices; the total fine amounted to 1.84 billion dirhams. Afriquia, a company within Akhannouch's Akwa Group, was among the businesses concerned.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In 2022, former MEP José Bové claimed that Aziz Akhannouch, then Minister of Agriculture, had attempted to bribe him during negotiations concerning the EU-Morocco trade agreement on fruit and vegetables in the early 2010s.

Attribution

Accused

During the 2021 elections, several political officials and observers denounced an unusually extensive use of money and alleged vote buying. TelQuel noted that accusations were particularly directed at the RNI, led by Aziz Akhannouch, the main winner of the election.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Afriquia, part of Aziz Akhannouch's Akwa Group, was one of the principal targets of the 2018 Moroccan boycott. Organisers particularly denounced high prices and closeness between major economic interests and political power.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Directly implicated