In the initial part of this report, migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa narrated their perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert, detailing the extortion, human trafficking, captivity, and torture they endured en route to North Africa. However, the tragedy did not end upon reaching Morocco. Instead, a new phase began, characterized by repeated attempts to reach Europe, as many were compelled to reassess their priorities and future in light of their harsh realities.
The Tension Between Aspiration and Stability
The experiences of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa in Morocco unveil a complex humanitarian reality that transcends mere statistics and policies. Their stories reflect a continuous movement between hope and hardship, the desire to cross borders, and the possibility of finding stability, juxtaposed against the allure of the European dream and the stark realities of life in North Africa. Within these intersecting narratives arise numerous individual stories illuminated by firsthand testimonies, revealing the profound human aspects of migration, which has become one of the most pressing issues of our time.
For instance, the young Cameroonian migrant, Kagema Gauthier, expresses his pain as he recounts that his suffering did not cease upon his arrival in Morocco; his dream was to reach Europe at any cost. "We repeatedly tried to cross the fortified land borders, and we made several attempts to migrate by sea from Tangier, but all were unsuccessful," he laments. The economic conditions were equally harsh, as he lacked any support and had to rely solely on himself. Every penny he earned was spent on crossing attempts, only to return to square one, trapped in an endless cycle of failures and suffering.
Another poignant account comes from Ahmed, a young Sudanese man who became a victim of human trafficking and faced death in Libya. He recalls the harrowing ordeal of being sold for a liter of gasoline, stating, "Libyan military contacts informed people in Tunisia that they were offering ten Sudanese in exchange for a liter of gasoline. We were then transferred to Libya, where we were taken to a prison known as 'Al-Asa'. There were about one hundred and five detainees inside the prison." Ahmed describes the horrific conditions, where captors demanded payments for release, and he witnessed the execution of fellow prisoners. He endured severe torture, including electric shocks, leaving permanent scars on his body and psyche.
Upon his arrival in Morocco, Ahmed faced further cruelty, revealing that they were attacked by dogs, resulting in injuries that required hospitalization. His narrative reflects the harsh treatment that many migrants encounter, often exacerbated by their precarious legal status.
From the Dream of "European Paradise" to Stability in Morocco
Traditionally, Morocco was perceived as a temporary stop for migrants aiming for Europe, especially Spain, via the Mediterranean Sea or through the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. However, this perception has evolved over recent years. Recent studies indicate that an increasing number of migrants are remaining in Morocco for extended periods, sometimes for years, due to the challenges of reaching Europe or changing their plans over time. This transformation reflects a new reality of "unplanned stability" within Morocco.
Kagema, reflecting on his earlier views of Europe as the "promised paradise," acknowledges that his aspirations have shifted. He once saw friends who left Cameroon in 2012 improve their lives in Europe, which fueled his desire to pursue the same path. Yet, with the passing years, Europe no longer represents an end goal; instead, it has become a destination for tourism and vacations, as his priorities and perceptions of life have changed.
According to human rights activist Abdel Ali Khafi, "Initially, Morocco represented a crossing point for African migrants from Sub-Saharan countries toward the other shore, but over time it has transformed into a place of settlement for many. Today, a portion of these migrants has regularized their status, which is a positive development, but it is essential that all individuals on national territory are known to the relevant authorities. The presence of undocumented individuals may pose real security challenges. Most of these migrants seek a dignified life and wish to integrate and work."
Kagema expresses optimism about the potential to achieve much within Morocco, particularly as a self-employed individual. "What I lack today is the necessary capital to launch my own projects and fulfill my ambitions in the field of entrepreneurship." Nevertheless, many migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa in Morocco continue to face precarious social and economic conditions, often working in the informal sector where job opportunities are limited.
Living arrangements are frequently unstable, with many relying on shared housing or inadequate living conditions, especially in densely populated urban areas. Socially, experiences of integration vary, ranging from solidarity and coexistence with local communities to instances of tension or discrimination, amidst clear cultural and economic differences, as well as a mixed public discourse on migration.
Despite these challenges, civil society initiatives are emerging to support migrants and enhance their integration, particularly in health, education, and legal assistance. During his time in Morocco before regularizing his status, Kagema recounts living without residence documents, sharing overcrowded apartments with many other migrants, particularly in Tangier, where he sometimes shared a space with fifteen or twenty others.
"I was relatively fortunate to secure informal work as a manager of an internet café and a tutor in IT, benefiting from my educational background. However, low wages often forced me to beg to cover expenses, pay rent, and send money home to my family while also funding crossing attempts," he shared. After experiencing internal deportations, he found himself sleeping on the streets in various cities, including Agadir, where he spent months without shelter before gradually finding housing, albeit in poor condition, thanks to some savings and his growing familiarity with the country.
Abdel Ali Khafi raises the issue of resettling migrants in Morocco, a topic that continues to generate significant debate. He observes that these operations incur substantial costs for the government, while many of those relocated return to the cities they left, such as Casablanca or northern regions, seeking new opportunities. The journey of these migrants is emblematic of the broader challenges and complexities of migration in contemporary society.
As reported by france24.com.
