Border Breakthrough: Algeria Transfers 16 Detained Moroccans to Their Homeland
In an unexpected turn of events, the normally sealed Moroccan-Algerian border witnessed a rare opening to facilitate the return of 16 young Moroccans who had been detained in Algeria. This operation, carried out at the Zouj Beghal border crossing in Oujda and Colonel Lotfi in Maghnia, marks an unusual moment of cooperation between the two estranged neighbors.
The detainees, who had completed their sentences in various prisons across Algeria's Tlemcen region, were handed over to Moroccan authorities through a process involving passports and transit passes. Despite the historical tension and the closure of the border since 1994 following terrorist attacks in Marrakech and subsequent visa restrictions imposed by Rabat, the border occasionally opens for humanitarian or specific administrative purposes.
The Moroccan Association for Assistance to Migrants in Difficult Situations in Oujda (AMSV) played a crucial role in this operation. The association maintained contact with the released individuals once they crossed back into Morocco, ensuring their safe reception in cities such as Figuig, Tangier, Casablanca, Taza, Fez, Tetouan, Midelt, Taounate, Khouribga, Kenitra, and Demnate. AMSV's involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to monitoring and resolving the challenges faced by Moroccan migrants.
According to AMSV, hundreds of young Moroccans remain in administrative detention in Algeria, awaiting deportation amidst various technical and procedural obstacles. The association is actively working to address these issues. Additionally, there are over 330 cases of pretrial detention and trials pending resolution, as well as six deceased individuals whose bodies await repatriation to their families.
AMSV has previously approached both Algerian and Moroccan authorities, as well as international bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, to seek solutions. However, the severance of diplomatic ties between the two nations in August 2021 has complicated these efforts.
The association recently highlighted these issues at an international workshop in Cape Town, emphasizing the plight of detainees, prisoners, missing persons, and deceased migrants. AMSV hopes that this latest handover signals the start of a more consistent and humane approach to resolving the status of Moroccan detainees in Algeria.
This handover brings the total number of Moroccans returned by Algerian authorities to 69 since January 17. While the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, the recent transfer offers a glimmer of hope for the many families awaiting the return of their loved ones.