DR ‹ › The Moroccan League for Citizenship and Human Rights is urging an independent international investigation following the tragic deaths of Moroccan nationals, allegedly shot by the Algerian army near the shared border. On February 28, the Algerian Ministry of Defense admitted to killing two Moroccans in the Beni Ounif area, located in the province of Béchar. This incident unfolded less than a month after three other Moroccans were killed by Algerian forces on January 28, in the Ghennama region. In both instances, the Algerian army alleged the victims were engaged in «drug trafficking and smuggling» activities. In a statement, the League voiced its profound concern over the repeated lethal shootings targeting Moroccan citizens in this border zone. It emphasized that the use of live ammunition raises significant questions about adherence to international standards governing the use of force, particularly when no imminent verified threat is present. Citing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the organization stressed that the right to life mandates lethal force be employed only as a last resort, strictly observing the principles of necessity and proportionality. The League is also alarmed by the frequency of such incidents in the same region within a short timeframe, prompting questions about the directives given to forces on the ground. It calls for any potential violations to undergo impartial investigations and appropriate prosecutions. Consequently, the League demands a transparent international investigation, under the auspices of relevant United Nations mechanisms, to uncover the facts, assign responsibility, and ensure the victims' families receive their right to truth, justice, and reparation. Additionally, the League urges the Algerian authorities to strictly comply with international regulations regarding the use of force. It also calls on Morocco to leverage international diplomatic and legal channels to safeguard its citizens. In August 2023, the Algerian military navy killed two Moroccans off the coast of Saïdia.
