Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD), publicly apologized on Tuesday to Ahmed Toufiq, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, amid a controversy over the minister’s description of Morocco as a “secular” state.
The controversy began when Toufiq referred to Morocco as “secular” during a meeting with France’s Minister of the Interior. Days later, during a party rally in Oulad Berhil, Benkirane criticized the remark, calling it contradictory to Morocco’s Islamic identity.
In response, Toufiq addressed a letter to Benkirane on Tuesday, denying ever using the term “secular” in the context of describing the Moroccan state. He reaffirmed that Morocco operates under the leadership of King Mohammed VI as Commander of the Faithful, highlighting the state’s Islamic foundations. Toufiq also accused Benkirane of “distorting” his statement.
In an attempt to clarify, Benkirane stated that his criticism was not aimed at Toufiq personally but rather at political actors whom he accuses of undermining Morocco’s religious heritage.
In a post on his Facebook page, Benkirane said he regrets any misunderstanding. “If my statements offended you, I sincerely and publicly apologize,” he said, addressing Toufiq directly. “You were not my intended target. My remarks were directed at those who sought to manipulate your words for ill-intentioned purposes.”
Despite the apology, Benkirane reiterated his stance on Morocco’s Islamic character. “Morocco is an Islamic state, and its people cannot be severed from their religious roots and identity,” he asserted.
The former prime minister also said he respects Toufiq, citing their history of collaboration. “I know your moderate and thoughtful convictions well,” he said. “If I had intended to criticize you, I would have done so directly and in the moment.”