Algeria and Morocco: developing inclusive strategies can prevent violent extremism

Algeria and Morocco should develop migration policies that promote inclusion before radicalisation manifests.

Algeria and Morocco have been hosting thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants for a growing period of time. The migrants live in poor socio-economic conditions and face discrimination, providing fertile ground for radicalisation. Except for one Chadian who was arrested in Morocco in relation with a Daesh (also known as Islamic State, or IS) plot, sub-Saharan African migrants haven’t been implicated in terrorism in either country. Before radicalisation manifests, Algeria and Morocco should develop migration policies that promote social and economic inclusion.

About the author

Tsion Tadesse Abebe is a Senior Researcher in the Institute for Security Studies’ Migration Programme. Tsion worked as Deputy Director of the Africa Programme, UN-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) and also lectured at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS). She has a Master’s degree in gender and peacebuilding from UPEACE, Costa Rica and a certificate in international labour migration, economics, politics and ethics from the University of Oxford, UK.

Picture: Abdelhak Senna/IRIN