In the heart of Rabat, just meters from the Parliament building on Mohammed V Street, the phenomenon of beggary, particularly by women and young children, has become a distressingly common sight. On Monday evening, “Set Info” witnessed one of the more unsettling instances of this daily occurrence—two veiled women relentlessly pursued foreign tourists, blocking their path and pleading for money. One of the women carried a small child, presenting the infant as a poignant symbol of her supposed need. This pursuit, which began at the beginning of the street, continued unabated until its midpoint. These scenes of aggressive begging add to the daily challenges that call into question the effectiveness of the security presence that frequently surrounds the legislative area. Such incidents tarnish the image of the capital, especially as Rabat prepares to host major events such as the International Book Fair, the Mawazine Festival, and the Africa Cup of Nations, all of which are set to attract both local and international visitors. The city’s streets, particularly Mohammed V, have become hotspots for various forms of distressing public solicitation, including children selling tissues, individuals with criminal backgrounds harassing passersby with goods like watches, sunglasses, and flowers, and women begging from every corner.
