HIBAPRESS – Fikri Ouldali
Various local authorities in the Al Hoceima region have recently witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of people suffering from mental disorders who roam the streets without care or guidance. This has prompted a number of citizens to demand that the new regional governor urgently intervene to find realistic solutions to this worrying humanitarian and social situation.
Local civil society organizations emphasize that the presence of these individuals in a state of homelessness makes them vulnerable to exploitation, violence, and extreme cold. In some cases, it also poses a source of fear for the population, especially in urban centers and weekly markets, where they have been observed frequently in recent weeks. Citizens are calling for the establishment of specialized centers to accommodate the mentally ill at the level of all local authorities, equipped with qualified medical and social staff, with the provision of periodic psychological follow-up. They believe that the region currently does not have sufficient institutions to accommodate or care for this group appropriately. Local associations also stressed the need for coordination between regional authorities, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, National Cooperation, and local authorities, in order to develop a clear approach that ensures the protection of this group and, at the same time, alleviates the social pressures and problems posed by their presence on the streets. Observers believe that the appointment of the new governor presents an opportunity to reopen this file, which has long sparked widespread debate, confirming that attention to people in vulnerable situations, especially those with mental disorders, is a key indicator of the effectiveness of the social policy of any region. The people of Al Hoceima hope that a comprehensive vision will be adopted that guarantees the human dignity of these individuals, providing them with safe spaces that protect them from the harshness of the streets, and gives their families and the community greater peace of mind.
