فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Algeria is experiencing a clear surge in racism against dark-skinned individuals, whether they are from the southern regions of the country or African migrants. Despite official rhetoric advocating for equality and anti-discrimination policies, reality shows that this group continues to face various forms of exclusion, both politically and socially. This raises questions about the deep-rooted causes of this phenomenon and its impact on the cohesion of Algerian society.
In official institutions, the presence of dark-skinned Algerians in high-ranking positions remains limited. While some prominent figures from this group have been appointed—such as Abdelkader Messahel and Noureddine Bedoui—these instances remain exceptions rather than the norm. The appointment of Hassan Dardouri, for instance, triggered racist reactions, not because of his qualifications but due to his skin color, reflecting the persistent inferior view towards people from the south. Similarly, in the military, one of the most powerful institutions in the country, the representation of this group is rare, reinforcing a sense of marginalization among black Algerians and confirming that opportunities are not equal for all.
Beyond political and institutional exclusion, southern Algerians face blatant discrimination when they move to northern cities. Many experience daily harassment and even verbal abuse because of their skin color and distinctive accents. At universities, some students from the south were required to undergo medical tests before being allowed to access dormitories—an imposition that was not applied to others. This institutionalized discrimination based on race and geographical background has led many southerners to hesitate before settling in the north, fearing unfair treatment or a constant sense of alienation in their own country.
The media landscape is no different, as dark-skinned faces are largely absent from television programs, as if they do not represent a part of Algeria’s identity. The case of Algerian model and influencer Baraka Mazraia illustrates this marginalization—she was subjected to painful racist comments that drove her to tears, exposing the extent of bullying that black Algerians face in the public sphere. The lack of fair representation in the media further reinforces negative stereotypes about this group, perpetuating the idea that they are not an integral part of the national fabric, despite their deep historical roots in Algeria.
Racism is not limited to southern Algerians but also extends to migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, who are often perceived as a burden or a demographic threat. Many of them work under harsh conditions without legal protections and face clear social rejection. In some cases, these migrants have been subjected to violent attacks, killings, and escalating hate speech, with little to no decisive response from authorities to protect them or curb this phenomenon.
Even abroad, some Algerians have carried these racist tendencies with them. A recent incident in Paris highlighted this issue when an Algerian woman filmed the Moroccan pavilion at an agricultural exhibition and described the participants as “a bunch of blacks”—an incident that reflects how deeply ingrained these attitudes are within certain segments of Algerian society, even beyond its borders. Such behaviors not only tarnish Algeria’s international image but also highlight a deep-rooted issue related to identity and social acceptance.
On the other hand, neighboring Morocco appears to offer a more inclusive and tolerant model regarding racial diversity. The kingdom does not witness the same severity of racist practices, as Moroccan culture tends to embrace ethnic and linguistic diversity more naturally. This difference is not merely due to economic or geographical factors but stems from social and cultural policies that have successfully promoted pluralism and coexistence more effectively.
Historically, the roots of racism in Algeria trace back to the colonial era when the French occupiers implemented a racial segregation model similar to South Africa’s. Even after independence, this mentality did not entirely disappear but persisted in certain state institutions and societal structures, making racial discrimination a common, albeit unofficial, practice. Ironically, the Algerian regime, which claims to advocate for the rights of the people of southern Morocco, has not shown the same concern for the people of southern Algeria, who continue to suffer from exclusion and marginalization. This contradiction raises serious questions about the credibility of Algeria’s human rights discourse.
The widespread racism in Algeria presents a major challenge to achieving a more just and cohesive society. Addressing this issue requires collective awareness, legal reforms that ensure genuine equality among all citizens, and strict measures to criminalize all forms of discrimination. Without such steps, the gap will remain, and black Algerians will continue to face unjust obstacles in their own country—an outright contradiction to the principles of the Algerian revolution, which sought to eliminate all forms of injustice and discrimination.
By: Abdullah Mashnoun – Journalist based in Italy
Source: Fes News Media
