Algeria Denounces Moroccan Toxic Waste Dumping as "Aggression"

Algeria has raised concerns over toxic waste dumping from Morocco, which is polluting its waters and agriculture in the far west of the country. The issue came to light during a visit by Interior Minister Brahim Merad to the Tlemcen province. Merad described the dumping as a "hostile act" and an "aggression" against Algeria. He was accompanied by four other government members to assess the pollution firsthand.

The pollution originates from the Oued Mouillah, a waterway that originates in Morocco and carries toxic waste from the Oujda region. This waste has contaminated the waters of the Hammam Boughrara dam and agricultural fields in the far west of Algeria. Merad stated that the government aims to reassure citizens that it will ensure the availability of safe products and confront this aggression to protect the environment.

According to Merad, analyses of water samples have revealed "very worrying results." The tests confirmed the presence of pharmaceutical products and heavy metals in the water, indicating diverse and hazardous pollution sources. Some pollutant levels were found to be tens of times higher than authorized thresholds. Merad attributed the high levels of pollutants to a "premeditated" act of pollution.

Merad accused Morocco of sending industrial waste to Algeria without prior treatment, along with untreated domestic wastewater. He described this action as a "criminal act" and an "agression" aimed at destroying Algeria's nature. The minister cited the massive fish deaths in the Hammam Boughrara dam as evidence of the devastating impact of Moroccan toxic waste.

The Algerian government's response to the crisis includes efforts to mitigate the effects of pollution and prevent future incidents. Merad emphasized the government's commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The incident has strained relations between Algeria and Morocco, with Algeria calling for Morocco to take responsibility for the pollution.

The pollution issue has significant implications for Algeria's agriculture and water resources. The country's western regions, where the pollution is most severe, rely heavily on these resources for livelihood. The government faces pressure to address the crisis effectively and prevent further environmental damage.

Algeria's denunciation of Morocco's actions has sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. The incident highlights the need for cooperation on environmental issues and effective waste management practices in the region.

Key points

• The pollution has contaminated the waters of the Hammam Boughrara dam and agricultural fields in the far west of Algeria.
• Algeria's interior minister Brahim Merad described the dumping as a "hostile act" and an "aggression" against Algeria.
• The government aims to reassure citizens that it will ensure the availability of safe products and confront this aggression to protect the environment.