Moroccan association calls for cooperation with Algeria
A file photo shows Moroccan security forces stand guard as Moroccan farmers protest in the city of Figuig on March 18, 2021, after Algerian authorities expelled the date growers from the Algerian territory, a border area they are traditionally authorized to farm. (Fadel Senna/AFP)
A Moroccan association has called for Morocco and Algeria improve their partnership amid human trafficking crisis.
The Moroccan Association for Assisting Migrants in Difficult Situations urged both governments to strengthen cooperation so that they can combat human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable migrants, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
The association condemns the networks which are believed to be, majoritively, operating through social media and preying on young Moroccans.
It also called on Algerian authorities to return the bodies of six deceased Moroccan migrants, including two young women, whose families await their remains for burial.
This comes after Algeria temporarily opened its borders with Morocco on two occasions to repatriate 74 Moroccan migrants who had been detained for attempting to cross into Europe illegally.
The Association announced the repatriations, which took place on February 27 and March 6, came to a total of 42 and 32 individuals and were handed over at the “Zouj Beghal” crossing on the Moroccan side and “Colonel Lotfi” on the Algerian side.
Asharq Al-Awsat
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