“On the Streets of Marrakech: A Night of Unrest and Flight

Residents in Marrakech, Morocco were dealt a rare and alarming scene early Tuesday morning. As the sun rose, citizens discovered that their city streets were overcome with people who had seemingly no place to go. The night before, local behavior was becoming increasingly suspicious. It later became apparent that many had gone out in search of shelter, as many were homeless or had lost their homes due to financial hardship. The homeless population of Marrakech is believed to make up about 8% of the total population, and many are also amongst the city’s poorest. Marrakech has recently seen an increase in displacement due to an influx of refugees from other parts of the Middle East, contributing to an already dire housing issue. Many of those difficulting with homelessness decide to group together and take up residence in the city’s parks, alleyways and squares, prompting overnight police to conduct regular sweeps. At the same time, more affluent citizens in Marrakech quickly took notice of this swell of humanity and subsequently experienced fear. The situation overnight between Monday and Tuesday drew the attention of volunteers, who were able to offer some support to those in need. Some offered food, clothes and basic amenities, though finding more sustainable solutions was challenging. Those who back the plan for people experiencing homelessness to be given a safe space to sleep in, often referred to as ‘wet shelters’, are also watching the situation closely. What is certain is that those in Marrakech going through trying times right now need solutions that reach beyond a single night in the streets. With NGOs, charities and other community organizations all joining forces to present a sustained solution to this deeply concerning issue, hopefully, the experience Monday night won’t be one that is repeated.