Moroccan Justice Minister Abdel Latif Ouahbi has publicly criticized the majority of banks and credit companies for their reluctance to adopt a proposed mechanism for electronic payment of judicial fees. This resistance hampers the government's efforts to modernize and streamline court proceedings. Ouahbi expressed his concerns about the continued reliance on cash transactions, which can involve substantial sums, sometimes reaching several dozen million dirhams.
The minister's comments highlight a significant challenge in Morocco's judiciary system, where the digitalization of payments is seen as a key step towards efficiency and transparency. Ouahbi's stance suggests that the cooperation of financial institutions is crucial for achieving this goal. He warned that if banks and credit firms do not adhere to the proposed mechanism, the processing of their clients' cases might be complicated.
In 2025, Morocco's judicial system handled 4.1 million cases, with a backlog of 506,074 dossiers, according to recent statistics. The push for digitalization is part of broader efforts to improve the judiciary's performance and reduce delays. By enabling electronic payments, the government aims to enhance the overall efficiency of court operations and reduce the administrative burden on litigants.
Ouahbi's call for digitalization comes amid other judicial reforms and initiatives aimed at modernizing Morocco's legal system. For instance, the minister has also addressed the issue of child marriage, reaffirming the legal age of marriage as 18 and highlighting social factors contributing to early marriages. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to align the country's laws and practices with international standards and human rights principles.
The issue of divorce also features prominently on Ouahbi's agenda, with 154,377 divorce cases recorded in 2025. The minister has suggested distinguishing between registered divorce cases and actual separations, indicating a nuanced approach to addressing family law issues. This approach aims to provide clearer statistics and more targeted interventions in family disputes.
Ouahbi's criticism of banks and credit firms over their resistance to digital payment mechanisms underscores the importance of inter-sectoral cooperation in achieving judicial reform. The successful implementation of electronic payments for judicial fees would mark a significant step towards a more efficient and transparent judicial system. It remains to be seen how banks and credit firms will respond to Ouahbi's call for cooperation.
The push for digitalization in Morocco's judiciary is set against a backdrop of high prison occupancy rates, with the population incarcerated exceeding 150%, according to recent reports. This situation highlights the need for comprehensive reforms within the judicial and penal systems. By addressing these challenges, the Moroccan government aims to enhance the rule of law, improve human rights conditions, and foster a more efficient and just society.
Key points
- Moroccan Justice Minister Ouahbi urges banks to adopt electronic payment mechanisms for judicial fees.
- The digitalization of payments is seen as crucial for streamlining court proceedings and enhancing efficiency.
- Ouahbi warns of complicating case processing for banks and credit firms that resist the proposed mechanism.
