The case of repatriating the body of Moroccan player Abdel Latif Khreif, found on an Algerian beach in Oran after drowning near M’diq five months ago, remains shrouded in uncertainty and prolonged waiting.
What could have been a straightforward humanitarian gesture has instead become another strain on the already tense relations between Morocco and Algeria. The delay in returning Khreif’s body to his family in Morocco has sparked outrage on social media. Activists have called for separating humanitarian tragedies from political disputes, with many expressing frustration at the stalled process, despite Algerian authorities having identified the body.
Some interpret this delay as an attempt to intertwine humanitarian issues with political agendas, especially given the strained relations between the two nations over sensitive topics such as territorial disputes.
For Khreif’s grieving family, the days are filled with unbearable sorrow and relentless waiting. They had hoped for the closure of burying Abdel Latif in his homeland, but this small solace remains elusive. Since his body was washed ashore in July, no definitive decisions have been communicated to the family.
This case has reignited discussions about how political tensions impact humanitarian issues. Should borders hinder what is inherently a human duty? Can Morocco and Algeria transcend their differences to prioritize compassion over conflict?
Voices from both nations are calling for humanitarian issues to rise above political considerations, urging cooperation to address shared challenges.
For now, Khreif’s family waits in the hope that humanity will ultimately prevail over politics.
