How bus ban reflects Morocco's broader migration policy

The well-known Moroccan bus company CTM denies accusations that it prevents "Africans" from boarding some of its buses.
Migrants queue in line, during the second phase of a campaign to regularize illegal migrants living in Morocco, in Rabat, on December 15, 2016. / AFP / FADEL SENNA (Photo credit should read FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Migrants queue in line, during the second phase of a campaign to regularize illegal migrants living in Morocco, in Rabat, on Dec. 15, 2016. - FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images
sebastianbouknight.jpg
Sebastian Bouknight

Earlier this month, images circulated online of a poster in a Moroccan bus station. Apparently hung by the major transport company CTM, it announced it would be "strictly forbidden to sell CTM tickets to Africans" traveling to cities near Europe if they couldn't produce a valid Moroccan residency permit.

It was clear “African” referred to black sub-Saharans and not Moroccans.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more