Sudanese Refugees Face Challenges Crossing Borders in Morocco

Amir Ali, a 17-year-old Sudanese refugee, was detained by Algerian security forces near the border with Morocco. For two days, he hid in the hills between the towns of Maghnia and Oujda, watching as Moroccan guards patrolled below.

Ali had been traveling for over a year, fleeing a war in Sudan that resulted in the death of his family. He was detained by paramilitary forces, extorted by police, and trafficked to a farm in Libya, where captors demanded money and tortured those who could not pay.

On the night of his attempted crossing into Morocco, Ali joined two other men in making the journey. They moved slowly through the hills, sometimes on their knees, sometimes crawling, until they reached the border. However, a vehicle pulled up nearby, and Ali and the others were discovered by Algerian guards.

Ali was slapped and beaten before being loaded onto a bus and driven south towards the Sahara Desert. He was later released from prison after two days, but he plans to attempt the journey again due to lack of alternative options.

Since the war in Sudan began in April 2023, Sudanese refugees have been appearing along Morocco’s eastern frontier in increasing numbers. Many cross into Libya through areas controlled by smugglers and traffickers before attempting the final crossing into Morocco.

Morocco is considered one of the safer countries in the region for refugees, with a long history of providing asylum to those fleeing conflict. However, the implementation of a promised asylum law has been delayed, and many refugees face significant challenges in accessing formal employment, accommodation, and healthcare.

According to the UNHCR, 22,370 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in Morocco as of December 2025, with Sudanese nationals making up the largest share. However, aid groups and the UN report that Moroccan authorities continue to push refugees towards the south of the country, further away from Europe, while other nations are pushing them back over borders.

As a result, many refugees face significant risks during their journey, including being trafficked, detained, beaten, or stranded along the way. Even when they reach Morocco, many report feeling unsafe and trapped in legal and financial limbo.

Source: Al Jazeera