HIBAPRESS – Fikri Ould Ali
The noticeable absence of the Moroccan Red Crescent branch in the Al Hoceima region from interventions related to the exceptional circumstances experienced by the Taghzout community, against the backdrop of the harsh cold wave and weather fluctuations, has sparked a state of widespread resentment among the local population, who were counting on an active field presence of this humanitarian organization in such a critical circumstance.
A number of citizens stated that the community witnessed difficult situations that required urgent intervention to provide basic humanitarian aid, especially for vulnerable families and people in vulnerable situations, but the absence of the Red Crescent branch in the region raised serious questions about its level of readiness and the extent of its performance of its assigned tasks during emergencies. In contrast, the population recorded the emergence of individual and collective initiatives led by the youth of the region and some associative actors, who, despite the limited capabilities, took the initiative to provide support and assistance to those affected, which deepened the discussion about the roles of the organized institutions that are supposed to lead the intervention during crises. In this context, local activists called for opening a responsible and transparent discussion about the reasons for this absence, with direct questions directed to the regional authorities about the role of the Red Crescent branch in Al Hoceima, and ways to activate its field presence and ensure that it fulfills its humanitarian duties, in a way that is consistent with the principles of solidarity and protecting the dignity of citizens. This controversy comes at a time when several areas in the region are still suffering from the harsh climatic conditions, which requires strengthening coordination between the various stakeholders, and ensuring the effective presence of relief institutions and rapid response, in order to preserve the safety of the population and alleviate the repercussions of weather fluctuations.
