Ahfir is a town in Berkane Province, Oriental, Morocco, adjacent the border with Algeria. It has a population of 19,482 (2019). The name Ahfir refers to a nearby stone quarry. The local economy is based primarily on agriculture and livestock herding. The population speak Arabic and Berber. Across the border is the Algerian town of Boukanoun in the Tlemcen Province.
The border at this point is a small river Wadi Kiss and is crossed by a small bridge between the 2 control points. This border river flows north to the Mediterranean between Saidia (MA) and Marsa ben M’hidi (DZ).
The Morocco – Algeria border has been closed since 1994 and relations between the 2 countries has not been good for some time. The whole border lies within a security zone and it is an uncharted area for border enthusiasts generally. We visited this point as part of the IBRG MOMEX-24 expedition, in our pre trip planning we identified the Ahfir – Boukanoun and Zouj Beghal – Akid Lotfi border crossings as ones we would like to visit, there was very limited information available on line and few if any photos. As such we were unsure what we would find.
Moroccan Control Point
Driving to the control point was straightforward. We were now faced with an option, our experiences on the Spain – Moroccan border forewarned us that we would likely to be challenged. We therefore presented ourselves at the control post and asked permission to go further and visit the border. What possibly could go wrong?
The officers at the crossing could not speak English and called for someone who who could. We were questioned about our reasons for being there, our passports were examined, telephone calls were made. There was a moment when we might be taken to the Police station for further questioning. That moment however passed and after declining an invitation for lunch we were free to go. Sadly, only the ministry (not sure which one) could give permission for us to walk the 220m to the border, and no one had the authority to accompany us to the border.
Unsurprisingly, the control point had a dilapidated feel about it. It is unlikely to have been used since the border closure in 1994, and had little investment since. The road towards the border needed renovating.
It was a fascinating place to visit but we had still not seen the border.
The border and Algeria beyond.
In many ways we had achieved a lot simply by visiting this point, and we did not wish to push our luck or the patience of the local authorities. Nevertheless, we decided to drive a short distance to see if we could observe more.
It was possible due to there being an elevated position to see further although the actual border remained elusive. It was decided that one of us would see if they could get a better viewpoint. In the end by getting permission to access an allotment success was achieved. Nothing is ever easy though as the owner’s dogs kept barking and there was a concern they would attract attention from the nearby checkpoints.
This sign was fascinating, only 205km to Oran and 640km to the capital Algiers. For us we would have to travel to Spain and then onwards to either of these towns. Locals either side of the border wish for an opening of such crossings to facilitate family visits and trade. It would be great to revisit this point if it ever opened.
Date of Visit: 07 March 2024
Barry's Borderpoints 