According to numerous consistent testimonies, a man identified as Jérôme Sahyoun, a French national from a highly privileged economic background, allegedly appropriated exclusive control over this maritime area for years, barring access to Moroccan surfers who were not part of his circle. This situation reportedly enabled the organization of private events and international competitions, without any clear legal framework or known public authorization.
Local and even foreign surfers state that they were intimidated, discouraged, or even chased away from the spot, notably through the repeated use of jet skis as a means of pressure, endangering safety at sea and effectively preventing free surfing activity on this public site.
In response to what was deemed an abusive and unlawful situation, a group of young Moroccan surfers and engaged citizens carried out a symbolic and peaceful action this weekend aimed at reaffirming the public nature of CAP 8. They freely accessed the spot and raised the Moroccan national flag, expressing their attachment to sovereignty, equality among citizens, and the fundamental right to practice sport on their country’s shores, without discrimination or exclusion.
This initiative, widely praised on social media, is intended as a clear call to the competent authorities to fully shed light on this matter. It is recalled that Morocco’s coastline is a common and inalienable public asset, and that no individual may claim exclusive use of it, regardless of social or financial status.
It should also be noted that the individual named Jérôme Sahyoun has reportedly already been cited in several complaints and legal disputes, both in Morocco and abroad, concerning the same CAP 8 issue, according to sources close to the case.
Beyond a simple conflict between surfers, the CAP 8 affair raises a fundamental question: respect for the law, equality among citizens, and the protection of public spaces in the Southern Provinces, as elsewhere. The citizen mobilization observed in Boujdour powerfully reminds that sport, the sea, and freedom are not privileges, but rights.
Editorial team/le7tv