Jamila Afelom recounted how she could only recognize her daughter, Fatin Ben Homar Azizi, by a necklace she had given her before she departed. Discovering Fatin’s body in a hospital a day and a half after her failed attempt to swim from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Afelom emotionally shared her heartbreaking experience from Tétouan, Morocco, located approximately 40 kilometers from Ceuta.
Describing Fatin as bold, determined, and somewhat tomboyish, Afelom reminisced about her daughter’s spirited nature. Fatin’s passion for soccer was evident, having trained with Coach Adel El Kaab of Moghreb Athletic Tétouan and later with Moghreb Atletico Tanger. El Kaab, who volunteered to coach women’s teams despite being paid for male teams, fondly remembered Fatin as a sister figure and expressed his deep sorrow over her loss.
Despite warning her players about the risks of irregular migration routes, El Kaab mentioned that many still pursued this path, with several girls, including Fatin, venturing towards Europe in search of better opportunities. Afelom, a single mother who works at a cemetery in Tétouan, emphasized the hardships her family faced due to lack of support and opportunities in their community.
Fatin’s determination to seek a brighter future in Europe stemmed from her desire to uplift her family from poverty. Tragically, her journey to Ceuta ended in tragedy when she lost her life in the tumultuous pursuit of crossing the border. The Moroccan human rights organization AMDH reported numerous fatalities during this period, highlighting the dangers and challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge in Ceuta.
The heart-wrenching tale of Fatin’s untimely demise serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and aspirations of many young Moroccans who dream of escaping their difficult circumstances for a better life in Europe. Despite the grim realities and risks associated with migration, the allure of a prosperous future continues to drive individuals like Fatin to embark on perilous journeys in pursuit of their dreams.
