Divided by Borders, United in Hope: Families Yearn for Morocco-Algeria Reopening

"We pray every day for the reopening of the border, so that we can visit our loved ones, as in the old days," says Karim Hejba, a Moroccan farmer, to Bondy Blog. The man has family in Algeria, but cannot visit them. And for good reason, the border between the two countries has been impassable since 1994.

"This strip of land is one of the most striking places from my childhood, this road connects the cities of my parents, from the Nador region to that of Oujda. When I was younger, I was intrigued by these people glued to the phone, greeting their interlocutors across the border. In fact, it’s been years since I’ve seen my father, who lives in Morocco. To immortalize our reunion, I suggested to ’Ba’ that we take him to el houdoud (the border) where other families meet but remain separated by a deep ditch and barbed wire," details Farah Rhimi, the author of the article.

Another Karim, phone in hand at the Moroccan border, tries to communicate with his "long-time friend" living in Algeria. "She and her family live in Oran, but since I’m in Saïdia, she took the opportunity and called me. That’s why I came to see her. I was born over there (in Algeria)," he adds. Salima, in Morocco, is very affected by this border closure. "I came to see the family. I’m Moroccan, but my husband is Algerian. Our children were born in Algeria, but they live with me in Morocco. Unfortunately, today, it is impossible for them to see their uncles and aunts. They were unable to attend the funeral of their late grandmother who was very ill," she fumes.

"When people meet, everything goes wonderfully well, thank God. Just yesterday (Tuesday), a gentleman came to talk to his wife, his daughter, his father, his mother who live in Algeria..." testifies Karim Hejba. And he adds: "We are the people, diplomatic affairs are something else. I live here, in Saïdia, for four years. I often stay in Bin-Lajraf. From a popular point of view, we are brothers and sisters." These populations call for the reopening of the border. "There is a lot of hope that it will reopen, Insha’Allah. We are broken. I don’t know if we’ll experience it, but we hope so, for our children, at least."