Borders and the State in light of Covid-19: The Moroccan-Spanish Border (Arabic)

The following article is a continuation of our Borders and the State in Light of COVID-19 series started in 2020, in collaboration with the ACSS

Azzeddine Faraa examines the impact of Morocco closing its borders on March 12th 2020, a decision that affected groups who live by the borders. COVID-19 became a perfect chance for Moroccan and Spanish authorities to address political and economic challenges. Spanish authorities increased the height of the border wall between Morocco and Spain to 7 meters. Moroccan authorities shut down two crossings, Ferkhana and Patio Chile, while keeping the Beni Ansar crossing open for certain nationalities. Faraa examines how both governments used the pandemic to limit the mobility of border communities to advance economic and political agendas.