A Glimmer of Hope: Algeria Allows Return of 10 Detained Moroccans, But Hundreds More Remain
Amidst ongoing tensions, a small group of Moroccan detainees were recently allowed to return home from Algeria, offering a flicker of hope for families still awaiting the return of their loved ones.
On August 15th, 2024, the Algerian authorities handed over ten young Moroccans to their Moroccan counterparts at the Zouj Bghal border crossing near Oujda. This act of repatriation, confirmed by the Association for the Assistance of Migrants in Difficult Situations, marks the third such instance in August alone.
These ten individuals, who had completed their sentences in Algerian prisons, primarily in Ain Temouchent, were part of a larger group of over 100 Moroccans released by Algeria this month. This includes 60 individuals repatriated earlier in August and another 40, including one woman, returned the week prior. Some were flown directly to Casablanca via Tunis-Carthage Airport.
While these releases bring relief to some families, hundreds of Moroccans remain in Algerian detention centers, their futures uncertain. The Association estimates that 310 individuals are currently awaiting deportation, with some having endured up to two years of detention without trial. Tragically, six Moroccan nationals, including two young women from eastern Morocco, have died in custody. Their families anxiously await the release of their remains.
The majority of those detained and released hail from eastern Morocco, specifically cities like Oujda, Taourirt, Berkane, and Fès. Many had traveled to Algeria seeking work opportunities, drawn by the promise of employment in sectors like construction, carpentry, and painting. Others, aspiring to reach Europe, fell victim to human trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable migrants.
The plight of these detainees and their families underscores the human cost of the strained relations between Morocco and Algeria. The two North African nations have had a historically complex relationship, marked by political disputes and a closed border since 1994. This closure has had significant social and economic repercussions, particularly for communities residing near the border.
In April 2024, families of the detainees appealed directly to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, pleading for the release of their loved ones. Their letter, shared with Moroccan media outlet “Voice of Morocco,” highlighted the plight of these individuals, many of whom were detained under Law 11/08, which governs the entry and stay of foreigners in Algeria.
The families have also reached out to international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the National Human Rights Council in Morocco, urging them to intervene and facilitate the repatriation process.
While the recent releases offer a glimmer of hope, the situation remains dire for hundreds of Moroccans still detained in Algeria. Their plight serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of political disputes and the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation to address the issue of migration and protect the rights of migrants.
