Moroccan Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas on Thursday condemned recent cyberattacks targeting national institutions as “criminal,” suggesting the timing was linked to the United States’ reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.
The websites of the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) were hit earlier this week, with some data from CNSS allegedly leaked on social media.
“This is a criminal act that unfortunately targets many countries and institutions,” Baitas said at a press briefing following the weekly cabinet meeting. “This is clearly an attempt to undermine Morocco’s diplomatic gains, particularly concerning the national cause.”
He said the cyberattacks coincided with Washington’s reaffirmation of its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over its Sahara, reiterating that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only solution to this artificial dispute, which represents a great victory for our country and the national cause."
"The US recognition of the Moroccan sovereignty over its Sahara reiterates the historic position of the US administration regarding the national cause, given that President Donald Trump had a phone call with His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, in December 2020, during which Washington affirmed its recognition of the full sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over the entire Moroccan Sahara region," he said.
Baitas added that Morocco’s growing international standing under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI “clearly disturbs hostile actors,” who are now resorting to cyberattacks.
The CNSS confirmed in a press release that some of the leaked documents circulating online were either falsified or incomplete. The agency said it had referred the matter to judicial authorities and taken steps to reinforce its cybersecurity infrastructure.
MAP: 10 avril 2025
