HIBAPRESS – Mohamed Zerriouh
The case of the traders of the Beni Ansar market in the Nador province has entered a new phase of escalation, after a number of traders took to the streets on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, for a protest and sit-in, raising demands related to their right to stability and continuation of their commercial activity, in light of the continued ambiguity surrounding the future of the market.
The protest, which took place under the supervision of the market traders' union, affiliated with the Moroccan Union of Labor in Nador, reflected the extent of the anxiety experienced by the traders, especially in light of talks about emptying the market without providing a clear alternative that guarantees the continuation of their activities and protects their livelihoods.
This situation presents a real test for the local governance of the city of Beni Ansar, especially since it concerns a border city with a strategic location in the Nador province, where economic, social, and commercial files are supposed to receive special attention, given the nature of the region and the magnitude of the stakes involved.
While the traders are demanding a practical and participatory solution, the continuation of this issue without a final settlement raises a larger question about the performance of local governance in the city, and about the ability of elected officials to address issues that affect the daily lives of citizens and traders, before seeking the trust of voters on a broader level.
This question intensifies in the context of legislative elections, especially when it concerns a local official seeking to transition from managing collective affairs to representing the province within the legislative institution. Can voters be convinced of the ability to defend Nador's issues nationally, while essential local files in the city of Beni Ansar are still awaiting a solution?
Between the traders' protests and the aspirations of the legislative elections, the message carried by today's demonstration seems clear: voters do not just want electoral promises, but they want to see tangible results first in managing local affairs, especially in a border city like Beni Ansar, where the challenges of trade, development, employment, and social stability intersect.
