Morocco intensifies its gatekeeper role in EU migration, stopping 87,000 migrants in 2023. The majority were arrested near Morocco's western coastline, the army stated. "The equation is that the EU supports Morocco's territorial claim, and Morocco supports Europe's refugee policy," Sonja Hegasy told DW. Moroccan claims on Western Sahara are not recognised by the United Nations and the occupation remains illegal under international law. Western Sahara is also home to the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which represents the local Sahrawi people.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 18, 2024 21:22 UTC