Morocco earthquake: Authorities receive little amount of foreign assistance

As soon as people heard about the earthquake in Morocco on Friday, many countries offered to help. But the country has only accepted certain things so far.

The interior ministry of Morocco said on Sunday that they have received support from friendly countries such as Spain, Qatar, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates during this phase.

Spain has sent a group of people to search for and rescue others, along with dogs trained to sniff out people. The UK has also sent a similar group. However, some people are wondering why Morocco has been taking a long time to accept help from other countries.

French aid is ready to help, but the leader of a rescue charity called Secouristes sans Frontieres said their workers have not yet been given permission by the Moroccan government, according to the AFP news agency.

Algeria had stopped being friends with its neighboring country in North Africa two years ago. Now, Algeria is saying that it might send 80 rescue workers who are really skilled at saving people’s lives to help. These rescue workers are part of Algeria’s civil protection force.

There have been offers from different countries like the US, Tunisia, Turkey, and Taiwan.

However, the decision on which aid to accept is being complicated by concerns regarding a country’s control of its own affairs and international relationships.

France and Morocco have a tense relationship because French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to form a closer bond with Algeria, which has created a divide between the two countries.

But the French government is trying to make it seem like they were not ignored.

Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that this controversy is not correctly focused or directed.

We are prepared to assist Morocco. “It’s a choice that belongs to Morocco, and they have the power to decide,” she stated.

Morocco wants to stay in charge and doesn’t want to take the chance of having many countries and organizations getting involved, which could lead to a messy situation.

“Officials there have said that not working together in these situations would be unhelpful. ”

However, Maati Mounjib, a government critic and activist, believes that this is not the right way to respond when urgent assistance is required, particularly in distant regions.

I believe that it is a mistake to strongly emphasize the importance of a country’s independence and patriotism. This is not the time to say no because the help is important, even rich countries accept outside help in disasters, he told the BBC’s Newsday program.

Hossam Elsharkawi, who is in charge of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the Middle East and North Africa region, did not want to say negative things about the Moroccan authorities during this tough period. However, he believes that additional assistance from other countries will be necessary.

The group is giving money to the local Red Crescent branch. The IFRC also has special teams ready to go to the country.

We have been doing this for 30 years and know exactly what to do. They will require support from other countries.

“The local team has been doing a great job so far, but they are tired by the third day and they will need more assistance,” Mr. Elsharkawi stated