In recent days, Casablanca has witnessed serious unrest and public disorder caused by undocumented migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. These incidents triggered widespread indignation among residents of Morocco’s economic capital, once again raising pressing questions about the effectiveness of migration policies, the balance between human rights and public security, and the state’s capacity to act.
Between the rights guaranteed by Morocco’s Constitution and royal directives promoting the humane integration of migrants, and the violent incidents in neighborhoods like Sidi Bernoussi, the central question arises: who is responsible? Who benefits from the ongoing disorder amid weak institutional coordination and lack of social vigilance?
When Integration Policies Become a Void
Footage of the clashes shared on social media highlights a deepening crisis in managing irregular migration in urban centers. Migrants are left in a state of legal and social limbo, without real support or monitoring, creating a dangerous vacuum that is exploited by lawless actors.
Civic activist Aziz Chaaïq noted that neighborhoods such as Sidi Bernoussi frequently experience violent altercations involving undocumented migrants. This fuels anxiety and frustration among residents, who feel caught between neighborly tolerance and the right to security.
In the absence of proactive local measures, these confrontations escalate, forcing authorities into a complex dilemma: how to uphold public safety without violating human rights?
Failure of Governance and Strategic Planning
Local authorities have also come under fire for failing to act promptly and coherently. Civil society actors say that municipalities and local administrations bear part of the blame for the lack of coordination with security services and relevant NGOs.
رد الوزارة المكلفة بالمغاربة المهاجرين والاجانب إلى الرباط العالمية
Mehdi Lemina, of the Défi pour l’Égalité et la Citoyenneté Association, argues that the unrest is a direct result of lax enforcement. He stresses the need for strict legal measures against those who disrupt public order, while preserving the rights of migrants as protected under Morocco’s international commitments.
He adds: “Granting rights to undocumented migrants does not mean tolerating illegal behavior. Respect for rights must come with civic responsibility.”
Who Benefits from Chaos? A Failed System or Planned Neglect?
Without accurate official data on the number of undocumented migrants in Casablanca, speculation and fear are growing—sometimes driven by xenophobic undercurrents.
However, these fears reflect a genuine sense of abandonment among residents faced with an unmanaged crisis.
This begs a fundamental question: are we witnessing a failure of Morocco’s migrant integration strategy? Or is the chaos being used deliberately for political or economic leverage?
Ignored Since 2017: A Missed Opportunity by the State
In 2017, the RAPMME presented a full proposal to establish the Moroccan-African Center for Reception, Training, and Integration of Migrants. The initiative was formally submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration. Despite initial acknowledgment, no follow-up has ever occurred.
Seven years on, silence persists. Meanwhile, Morocco receives approximately €145 million annually from the European Union for training and integrating sub-Saharan migrants. Where is this money going? Who benefits from it? And why ignore ready-made solutions?
Toward a Fair and Organized Migration Policy
Morocco urgently needs to rethink its migration approach to ensure a just balance between human rights and public order. This requires involvement of local authorities, access to reliable data, and real economic and educational integration programs.
Otherwise, ordinary Moroccans will continue to bear the cost of absent policies. Will Minister Nasser Bourita take responsibility—or will silence continue to reign?
