Inezgane and Ait Melloul facing rising homelessness

A worrying rise in homelessness in the heart of Souss

The cities of Inezgane, Ait Melloul, and Dcheira El Jihadia are experiencing rising tension among the population due to the widespread and striking prevalence of homeless individuals and people with mental illnesses who have turned streets and public squares into their permanent residence. This situation is no longer a fleeting scene, but has turned into a daily nightmare for both pedestrians and merchants, amidst warnings of the worsening risks associated with this reality.

The “Inezgane Station”: A gateway for the homeless from the North?

Human rights data and local testimonies indicate that the region frequently receives groups of people in difficult situations who are transported from northern cities and left to fend for themselves directly near the Inezgane bus station. This systematic “dumping,” as described by observers, takes its toll on the region, which is a vital economic and commercial hub in the Souss-Massa region, placing additional pressure on public facilities and the local social fabric.

The forgotten human aspect and growing security risks

Beyond the debate over the causes of their presence, the human reality of these individuals remains tragic, as they live on sidewalks under conditions that lack the most basic requirements for a dignified life. However, this social fragility is met with real security concerns following reported incidents and assaults affecting the safety of residents, especially children and women. The risks range from stone-throwing and arson to unpredictable aggressive behavior by people suffering from severe mental disorders without receiving necessary medical care.

Calls for intervention by authorities and social support

In light of this landscape, voices from civil society and residents are demanding that the relevant institutions assume their full responsibility. Instead of leaving them to face the harshness of the streets, calls are mounting for the need to house the homeless in social welfare institutions and subject the mentally ill to treatment protocols in specialized hospitals. Continuing to ignore this file not only threatens social peace but also violates the rights of these individuals themselves, who need medical and social support rather than marginalization on streets that witness constant commercial and economic activity.