Residents near Fnideq warn of security concerns amid irregular migration attempts

Residents of Beni Mezala, a rural area bordering the Belyounech district near Fnideq, have voiced growing concern over what they describe as a deterioration in security and social conditions, linking the situation to increased attempts at irregular migration toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting, residents said tensions have been rising in recent weeks due to the arrival of groups of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, which they say has begun to affect daily life and local livelihoods.

The statement cited incidents of livestock theft, scattered assaults and damage to private property, including the destruction of beehives that serve as a key source of income for several families in the area.

Residents called for a stronger and permanent security presence, urging authorities to step up patrols by the Royal Gendarmerie and auxiliary forces to protect people and property and restore a sense of safety.

The statement also highlighted persistent infrastructure and service-related problems, including frequent power outages, poor public lighting, weak telecommunications coverage and the deterioration of the main access road to Beni Mezala, factors residents say have increased the area’s isolation and complicated mobility.

Signatories said they plan to take further administrative and protest actions, including filing a formal complaint with the M’diq-Fnideq Province authorities and submitting a petition to the Ministry of Interior bearing the signatures of affected residents.

The residents urged authorities to intervene before the situation worsens, reiterating what they described as their legitimate right to security, stability and local development.