Questioning solidarity on border disappearances

The report employs the concept of “necropolitics” as articulated by Achille Mbembe to understand border deaths as direct consequences of contemporary migration regimes1. Border disappearances are interpreted as products of the securitization paradigm that characterizes European border externalization policies. The research introduces “grief-activism” as a framework for understanding how personal mourning transforms into collective political action challenging the dehumanizing effects of border policies1.

Methodology and Research Context

The researcher adopted a triangular methodological approach including:

1. Engagement with sub-Saharan migrants in Taqadoum, Rabat

2. Interviews with family members of disappeared Moroccan migrants

3. Interactions with actors involved in migration management1

Field observations were conducted in multiple Moroccan cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Beni Mellal, and Oujda, complemented by netnographic analysis of social media platforms where families share information about missing relatives1. The politically sensitive environment in Morocco presented significant challenges, requiring careful negotiation of access and management of emotional interactions with grieving families.

Key Findings

Differential Experiences of Mobilization

The analysis reveals how socio-political context and individual status profoundly influence the search capabilities of those seeking disappeared migrants. Sub-Saharan migrants face severe mobility restrictions due to their undocumented status and racial profiling, limiting their ability to conduct searches or engage authorities1. In contrast, Moroccan citizens have greater freedom of movement but still encounter surveillance and control when organizing public protests regarding their missing relatives1.

Forms of Solidarity

Three primary manifestations of solidarity emerged:

1. Support Networks: Transnational connections form spontaneously among families and friends of the disappeared, sharing information and emotional support across borders1.

2. Interactions with Solidarity Organizations: International organizations, local associations, and independent activists provide legal support, information sharing, and assistance searching detention centers1.

3. Digital Solidarity: Social media platforms function as crucial spaces where families share information, connect with others in similar situations, and receive emotional support beyond geographical boundaries1.

Emotional Management and Collective Action

For sub-Saharan migrants, the disappearance of peers represents their own potential fate, creating a collective consciousness around border violence1. Their mourning practices become affirmations of solidarity and determination to succeed in crossing borders. For Moroccan families, the shared experience of loss creates empathetic connections with others facing similar circumstances across North Africa1.

Conclusion

The report demonstrates how border disappearances mobilize communities and generate solidarity ties that challenge prevailing migration regimes. These solidarity practices manifest through collective mobilizations for searching, mourning rituals, memory preservation, and political actions confronting border deaths and disappearances1. The research contributes to understanding how grassroots solidarity movements respond to the humanitarian consequences of contemporary border policies.