A DISTURBING video has surfaced, revealing harrowing scenes of Black African migrants being violently beaten in Morocco. The footage, which has triggered global outrage, depicts migrants subjected to brutal assaults, with some feared dead due to the severity of their injuries.
The video, now verified by human rights organisations, shows what appears to be Moroccan security forces using batons, boots, and excessive force against unarmed and defenceless migrants. Some victims are seen lying motionless on the ground, raising concerns about potential fatalities.
According to BorderWatch, a human rights monitoring group operating under Ansaleh and based in Sierra Leone, these scenes are not isolated. They reflect a deeply entrenched pattern of abuse targeting Black migrants attempting to cross North Africa en route to Europe.
Systematic abuse of African migrants
For years, BorderWatch has documented widespread human rights violations against sub-Saharan African migrants across Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. The group reports cases of racial discrimination, unlawful detention, and forced deportations that leave migrants stranded in life-threatening conditions, often in the desert without food or water.
‘This level of violence is inhumane,’ says Winston Kabia, a lead advocate at BorderWatch. ‘These individuals are fleeing poverty, conflict, and persecution, only to face brutality at the hands of those who should be upholding the law.’
Transparency International and other human rights watchdogs have echoed these concerns, describing such abuses as crimes against humanity.
BorderWatch calls for global action
In response to the latest revelations, BorderWatch has issued an urgent appeal for international intervention. The group is calling for:
- An investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the alleged extrajudicial killings and systematic violence against Black migrants in Morocco.
- A special inquiry by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) into Moroccan security forces’ treatment of migrants.
- The African Union (AU) to demand full transparency from Morocco and to hold member states accountable for the protection of their citizens abroad.
- The European Union (EU) to reassess migration cooperation with Morocco, ensuring human rights safeguards are included in all agreements.
- The Moroccan government to publicly address these abuses, ensure accountability, and bring perpetrators to justice.
‘This crisis requires more than condemnation,’ says Kabia. ‘It demands immediate intervention and justice for the victims.’
Urgent advice for migrants considering North Africa routes
BorderWatch is urging African migrants to reconsider the dangerous journey through Morocco and neighbouring countries. The organisation warns of the extreme risks involved, including physical abuse, trafficking, and even death.
Their key safety recommendations include:
- Avoid travelling alone or at night, and stay away from known checkpoints.
- Seek help from reputable international organisations such as UNHCR and IOM.
- Do not trust smugglers promising safe passage. Many migrants are sold into forced labour or exploitation.
- Libya is particularly dangerous, with widespread reports of slavery and torture.
- Consider legal migration options and opportunities within Africa instead of dangerous and illegal routes.
‘Migrants need to be informed about the risks and know there is help available,’ Kabia emphasises.
Global accountability and justice needed
The footage has exposed what human rights groups describe as systematic and racially motivated abuse. BorderWatch insists that unless the international community acts decisively, Black migrants will continue to suffer unchecked violence.
‘The world cannot remain silent,’ Kabia states. ‘We will continue to monitor and expose these atrocities until justice is served.’
For assistance or to report violations, BorderWatch can be contacted via:
+44 7939489186 (UK) | +232 73446333 (Sierra Leone)
winakabs@yahoo.co.uk
