Minister Declares Oued Mouilah Pollution 'Crime', Algeria to Sue Morocco

Algeria has announced its intention to pursue international legal action against Morocco concerning the pollution of the Oued Mouilah watercourse, located in the Tlemcen wilaya. The Minister of Interior and Local Communities, Brahim Merad, unequivocally described the contamination as a "crime" and stated that such practices are unacceptable, underscoring Algeria's firm stance against environmental violations impacting its territory.

Minister Merad emphasized that Algeria will not tolerate practices that have led to the pollution of Oued Mouilah, stressing the paramount need to safeguard both citizens and the national environmental system. Inspections conducted by senior institutions have reportedly confirmed the presence of toxic materials being discharged into the wadi. The Minister indicated that acts described as hostile, impacting Algeria, will not be permitted to harm Algerians, affirming that the state is prepared to confront such aggression, particularly given that Oued Mouilah serves as the primary water supplier for the Hammam Boughrara dam.

The Algerian government is addressing the situation with gravity, with Minister Merad confirming the mobilization of all relevant sectors to enhance pollution monitoring and implement measures to mitigate its effects. He highlighted President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's commitment to ensuring that citizens are not adversely affected by this environmental issue. Minister Merad's visit to Tlemcen wilaya, commissioned by President Tebboune, included the Minister of Environment and Quality of Life, the Minister of Water Resources, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Communication, for a comprehensive inspection of the polluted site.