Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Amina Aouadi
Published on 2024-02-27 11:22:40
In recent days, the Moroccan brand Dari Couspate has found itself at the center of a social media boycott campaign. The leading company in couscous and pasta is accused of normalizing with Israel, triggering a boycott campaign under the hashtag #BoycottDari.
The controversy stems from the presence of Dari products on the website of the Israeli company Tomer, specialized in the import-export of food products. Screenshots and tweets accuse the brand of colluding with the Zionist entity and betraying the Palestinian cause.
In reality, the agreement with Tomer is not new! In March 2021, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs posted a photo of the couscous in question on his Facebook page to announce its importation to Israel and celebrate the “mutual cooperation” between the two countries.
It is important to note that at the time, this “economic breakthrough” was well received by Moroccan internet users, particularly on various social media platforms.
To better understand the current controversy, it is crucial to place it in its regional geopolitical context. Indeed, Morocco decided to normalize its relations with Israel in December 2020, aligning itself with the Abraham Accords.
This decision elicited mixed reactions among the Moroccan population. Some welcomed it enthusiastically, while others strongly opposed it. The question of boycotting Israel remains deeply sensitive in the country, causing tensions and divisions.
The company has suspended its couscous exports to Israel after the controversy. Currently, the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is exacerbating tensions and fueling calls for a boycott. The Israeli war, which has cost the lives of thousands of Palestinians, has sparked a wave of solidarity worldwide and renewed tensions between Israel and Arab countries.
Following this controversy, Dari announced, in a statement, the suspension of its couscous exports to Israel. This decision, the brand emphasizes, aims to respect its moral values and social responsibility in the face of the human tragedy experienced by the Palestinian people.
The company also notes that it never intended to export its products to the Israeli market, and the few exports made in the past were in response to the demand from a small community of Israeli consumers attached to their Moroccan identity.
Read the original article(French) on Algerie 360
