Six Moroccan nationals remain detained in Somalia more than two years after their arrest and months after being cleared of terrorism charges, with families and rights advocates urging Moroccan authorities to secure their return.
The case was highlighted Monday during a press conference held by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights(AMDH), which raised concerns about the men’s legal and humanitarian situation. According to the group, the detainees have recently begun a hunger strike, heightening fears over their health and safety.
“Their legal status is clear. They have no issues with anyone, and it is the Moroccan authorities’ responsibility to bring them home,” said Khadija Riyadi.
The six men were arrested in early 2024 in the Cal Miskaat mountains in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, after being lured there under false job offers. Authorities initially suspected them of attempting to join extremist groups operating in the area.
In March 2024, a military court in Bosaso sentenced them to death by firing squad. The convictions were later overturned, and the men were acquitted. A court subsequently ordered their expulsion within 18 months, but that deadline has since passed without any repatriation.
Rights advocates say all necessary procedures for their return have already been completed. International Committee of the Red Cross officials have reportedly been in contact with the detainees and facilitated administrative steps.
“The Moroccan authorities now need to provide travel documents and permits to bring them home,” said Abdelillah Ben Abdessalam, adding that there is no legal barrier preventing their return.
The AMDH said it has contacted Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Human Rights Council regarding the case, but has not received a response from the ministry. The council confirmed it had relayed the association’s concerns to the government.
Families of the detainees insist the men had no prior connections to extremist groups and had traveled abroad independently in search of work. One father said the detainees did not know each other before their arrest, while another relative described her brother as a craftsman with no history of political or militant activity.
Authorities in Puntland have previously attributed the delay to a lack of coordination with Morocco. According to a Somali lawyer representing one of the detainees, no formal request for repatriation has been submitted by Moroccan authorities.
With the legal process concluded and acquittals in place, rights groups say responsibility now rests with Rabat to facilitate the men’s return.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.