HIBAPRESS – Ahmed Al-Musaed
A state of tension and anticipation has returned to the border strip in the Figuig region, specifically in the "Ich" area, after monitoring field movements of elements belonging to the Algerian army, described as "provocative" and "unilateral".
These developments prompted the parliamentary deputy of the Socialist Union party, Omar Anan, to direct an urgent written question to Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.
According to the content of the parliamentary inquiry, Algerian elements took a surprising step by placing "white stones" and installing new border markers adjacent to the dividing line between the two countries. This step comes despite the fact that the file of border demarcation between Rabat and Algeria is legally settled under a bilateral agreement dating back to the seventies.
The movements did not stop at the "technical" side, but were accompanied by the deployment of military units: Algerian units were monitored near agricultural lands and orchards owned by the residents of the Ich area; Removal of agricultural equipment: The Algerian side removed some agricultural protection means, claiming that they were within its territory; Intimidation of the population: Testimonies were recorded about the firing of gunshots into the air during the evening period, in a display that sparked terror among the local population, who historically live on intertwined social ties across the border.
Parliamentarian Omar Anan also praised the vigilance of the Royal Armed Forces, who are closely monitoring the situation and were present on the ground to reassure citizens. However, the deputy warned that the absence of an official clarification from the government so far fuels fears, especially in light of the regional climate characterized by a cooling of diplomatic relations and the continued closure of the land border for decades.
Anan demanded that the Minister of Foreign Affairs provide answers on three main axes:
– Official assessment: How does the Moroccan government read these sudden field movements?
– Diplomatic action: What measures are being taken to ensure respect for the historical agreements for border demarcation and the protection of Moroccan property?
– Security of the population: What are the actual measures to protect the stability of the residents of the "Ich" area and ensure that such provocative incidents are not repeated.
