Oujda is not a smuggling city… but a historical and cultural crossroads
Oujda suffers from an unfair label as a “smuggling city,” a reduction that ignores its rich history and strategic role as a vital trade crossroads.
Founded more than a thousand years ago, Oujda was a meeting point for trade routes connecting sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean, as well as the western and eastern Maghreb, which contributed to its prosperity over the centuries.
Like other border cities, Oujda historically benefited from the cross-border economy, where residents exchanged goods that were more affordable or diverse. However, since the closure of the Morocco-Algeria border in 1994, the city has lost this advantage, and its role as a Maghreb trade hub has diminished.
Reducing Oujda’s residents to “smugglers” is unjust. They are honorable families rooted in traditions of work and integrity, practicing diverse professions that contribute to the region’s economic and cultural development. While some individuals may engage in questionable practices, they do not define the city’s identity.
Labeling Oujda as merely a “smuggling city” overlooks its cultural richness, historical role, and the challenges it has faced, such as border closures and a lack of investment in the Oriental region. Despite these challenges, Oujda retains immense potential. If the borders were reopened, it would reclaim its historical role as a Maghreb crossroads and emerge as an economic engine connecting Morocco to Algeria and the rest of Africa.
The development of infrastructure, such as highways and railways, and efforts to highlight its cultural and historical heritage, are a testament to the resilience of its people and their desire to build a better future. Oujda is not just a border city; it is a city rich in history, culture, and untapped potential—a regional gem at the crossroads of past and future.
