Algiers: An Algerian rap singer will release an album of songs, calling on his country to reopen the border with neighbouring Morocco that was closed after a guerrilla attack in 1994.
According to pan-Arab daily Al Quds Al Arabi, singer Mohammad Lamin and Tunisian and Moroccan rap singers collaborated for the album to persuade Algeria to reopen the 1,559-kilometre-long border with Morocco that was shut after the guerrilla attack in Marrakesh.
Algeria closed the border when Morocco imposed visas on Algerian travellers in the wake of the guerrilla attack on the Atlas Asni Hotel. Morocco suspected Algeria of having a hand in the attack and thousands of Algerian residents and tourists were summarily expelled.
Despite repeated moves by Moroccan and Tunisian mediators, Algeria remains opposed to reopening the border.
“This album aims to challenge Algerian politicians who refuse to reopen the border. I have never given up my struggle in this regard and intend to keep going,” said Lamin, who began work on the album three years ago.
A song from Lamin’s new album, titled Fakhri, includes a duet with Moroccan rap singer Samid Gilam called Ash Kein that has already been aired on Saudi radio station Mbc and France’s Rmm.
