Djazair Online Headlines Media sources in North Africa say that Algeria and Morocco are preparing to reopen their common border. Many say that the two governments have already set the date but did not release any statement. Preparations are underway in the two border crossing points of Akid Lotfi and Boukanoun in order to control the expected flow of Algerians and Moroccans entering each other's country.
Analysts expect the reopening of the border to hurt traffickers and contraband smugglers.
On the Moroccan side, particularly in Oujda, merchants are welcoming the prospect of the return of Algerian tourists. Hotels, restaurants and other merchants are bracing for a busy summer season and many of them are already stacking up more merchandise. But while the reopening of the border is set to be a boon for merchants and the business community, the average and working class Moroccans in the east of the country could be the first victims as prices are set to increase as a result. This already happened in 1986 when the two countries decided to reopen the border sending the prices of consumer products and food to a record high. The price of tomato tripled to DH 3 a kilo, the price of meat reached DH 40 from DH 25, etc.