Rabat — A deeply disturbing video has surfaced on social media, capturing an Algerian man openly inciting his compatriots to commit violent acts against irregular Moroccan migrants residing in Algeria. The footage, widely circulated, reveals a dangerous escalation of rhetoric amidst already strained relations between the two North African nations.
Explicit Call for Violence Against Vulnerable Migrants
Speaking in an Algerian dialect during what appears to be a TikTok live broadcast, the individual explicitly urged Algerians to “retaliate” against Moroccan migrants. His alarming pronouncements included claims that Algerian authorities would not intervene to protect these vulnerable individuals, effectively giving a green light for aggression. “To the Moroccan who is here [in the live] and asking me to repeat what I said – I will say it again and register it. Listen carefully, Algerians. Moroccans who are here in Algeria irregularly… the state will not intervene for them. If you want revenge, then take it. Do it in groups – ten, fifteen, twenty… they will be gone,” the man declared.
Further exacerbating the gravity of his statements, the man, whom several posts on X (formerly Twitter) allege to be an Algerian journalist, assured his audience that the Algerian state would offer impunity to those who commit such crimes. “You are at home here. I’m telling you: The Algerian state will stand behind you, whether you are innocent or guilty. Whether it’s a woman, an elderly woman, or an elderly man, it does not matter,” he added, explicitly targeting all demographics of migrants.
AFCON 2025: A Spark for Underlying Hostility
Controversial Exit and Fan Reactions
This explicit incitement comes on the heels of a period of heightened anti-Morocco sentiment in Algeria, significantly amplified by the recent AFCON 2025 tournament. Algeria’s controversial disqualification by Nigeria in the quarter-finals ignited widespread frustration and disorderly conduct. The match saw Algerian players violating rules and confronting officials, both on and off the pitch. Fans, too, engaged in acts of vandalism, attempting to storm the pitch and even tearing Moroccan banknotes, baselessly claiming the match was fixed despite Nigeria’s strong performance. One particularly vulgar gesture aimed at insulting Moroccans was also captured on video from the stadium.
Beyond the Game: Deep-Seated Political Tensions
The tensions, however, extend far beyond the football pitch. The tournament merely served as a potent catalyst for deeper, pre-existing hostility towards Morocco. Algerian officials and media outlets have actively sought to deflect blame for their squad’s defeat, attributing it to what they termed AFCON’s “shameful practices” that are “harming African football.” The Algerian Football Federation itself vowed not to overlook refereeing decisions from the quarterfinal match, despite Nigeria securing a legitimate path to the semifinals.
Reports indicate that some individuals involved in the acts of vandalism, including the tearing of Moroccan currency, have since been detained. However, the viral incitement video underscores a more dangerous trend of hate speech that, if unchecked, could lead to severe consequences for vulnerable populations.
The Peril of Unchecked Hate Speech
The call for collective violence against irregular migrants is a grave matter, particularly when coupled with alleged assurances of state protection for perpetrators. Such rhetoric not only endangers human lives but also undermines international norms of human rights and peaceful coexistence. It highlights the urgent need for authorities to condemn and actively counter incitement to violence, ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals within their borders, regardless of their migratory status or nationality.
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