The Moroccan Bar Association has announced that it will suspend its work stoppage starting October 7, 2026, after more than four months of halting professional services. This decision was made during a meeting held on September 20 at the association's headquarters in Rabat, where members evaluated the current situation and discussed recent developments in their professional file.
According to the association, the decision to temporarily suspend the work stoppage was made after considering various updates related to the law on the legal profession, as well as the current political and institutional context in Morocco. The association emphasized that this move does not imply abandoning their professional demands or accepting the disputed law's provisions.
The Moroccan Bar Association stressed that the file will remain open before the concerned institutions and that lawyers will continue to defend the independence of the profession, its privileges, and its self-management. The association chose October 7 as the date to resume work, citing its institutional significance, as it coincides with the opening of the new legislative session and the formation of a new government.
The association's decision aims to give the new government and institutions the opportunity to address the issues surrounding the legislative process of the law on the legal profession. The lawyers' main concerns include revising certain provisions they believe threaten the independence of the profession, while emphasizing the importance of respecting democratic principles and participatory work.
The Moroccan Bar Association praised the resilience of its members during the over four-month work stoppage, which had significant financial, professional, and psychological impacts. The association views this period as a crucial milestone in defending the profession's demands and demonstrating solidarity among its members.
The association's office confirmed that lawyers must remain mobilized and prepared to engage in new forms of activism if necessary, to protect the independence of the legal profession and its position within the justice system and the rule of law. This decision reflects the ongoing efforts of Moroccan lawyers to find a balance between their professional demands and the country's institutional framework.
As Morocco prepares for a new legislative session and a government reshuffle, the Moroccan Bar Association's decision to suspend its work stoppage signals a willingness to engage in dialogue with the authorities. The association's leadership will likely continue to negotiate with the government to address the concerns of the legal profession and find mutually acceptable solutions.
Key points
- The Moroccan Bar Association suspends its work stoppage from October 7, 2026.
- The decision aims to allow the new government to address the issues surrounding the law on the legal profession.
- Moroccan lawyers will continue to defend the independence of their profession and its privileges.
