Sudanese refugees face perilous journey and bureaucratic obstacles in Morocco

Amir Ali, a 17-year-old Sudanese refugee, found himself trapped between Moroccan and Algerian borders, hiding from security forces. After fleeing a war in Sudan that killed his family, Ali faced numerous dangers, including detention and torture by paramilitary groups. He described his experience: "They hit me ... They took everything that we had ... phones, clothes, documents."

Sudanese refugees have surged into Morocco since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, with many believing Morocco would be a safer place to claim asylum. However, the country has yet to implement a long-promised asylum law, leaving many refugees in legal limbo. According to the UNHCR, there were 22,370 registered refugees in Morocco by the end of 2025, with Sudanese nationals making up the largest group.

Despite Morocco being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, support for refugees remains limited, with fewer than 0.5 percent able to access formal employment. As a result, many refugees are pushed further south, away from Europe, while facing ongoing threats of detention and violence. Yasmina Filali, president of Fondation Orient-Occident, stated, "This is the most hurt community we have ever seen."

The situation highlights the precarious position of refugees in North Africa, where the lack of support and legal protections leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Ali's journey illustrates the desperation faced by many fleeing conflict, as he plans to attempt crossing into Morocco again: "I had nowhere else to go."