“We Just Want the Truth”: Moroccan Families Still Searching for Their Missing Loved Ones at Sea

Many Moroccan families are living with heartbreak and uncertainty. They are searching for their loved ones who disappeared while trying to cross the sea to Europe.

According to the reports, Fatima Mesdar is one of the survivors. Her son, Oussama Laamari, left Casablanca in 2021, hoping to reach Europe for a better future. After arriving in Tunisia, he suddenly went silent. Fatima reports about this missing, but heard nothing in return. Later, someone told her two bodies were found in the sea. She rushed to Tunisia but she’s still not sure.

Every year, thousands of people are at risk of the dangerous but crossing the Mediterranean. Many don’t make it. In 2024 alone nearly 2,500 people died on this route. Among them are many young Moroccans with dreams that never came true.

Families say they feel abandoned by the authorities. They’re asked for names and dates, but rarely get any real help or updates.

That’s where the Moroccan Association for the Support of Migrants in Vulnerable Situations (AMSV) comes in. Made up of volunteers, this group supports families, shares their stories with the UN, and keeps pressure on officials to take action.

Hafida Labiad is one of those fighting for answers. Her younger brother, Abdessalam, wanted to be a footballer. He tried to reach Spain by sea—and never came back. Now, Hafida works with AMSV to help other families like hers. The group has tracked more than 800 cases of missing or detained Moroccan migrants.

Despite everything, these families refuse to give up. They want dignity, answers, and peace.

As Fatima puts it, “We just want the truth. If they’re gone, let us mourn. If they’re alive, we have the right to know.”