Belgo-Moroccan identities in literature : A new collective work marks 60 years of immigration
To mark the 60th anniversary of the bilateral convention signed between Morocco and Belgium on February 17, 1964, a collective work titled «J'ai deux Amours» (I Have Two Loves) has just been published under the direction of Fatiha Saïdi. Co-published by La Croisée des Chemins (Morocco) and Les Nouvelles Éditions Belges, in partnership with the Council of the Moroccan Community living abroad (CCME), this collection of short stories delves into the plural identities of generations shaped by this immigration.
The title, inspired by Joséphine Baker's iconic song—an anthem of anti-racism and resistance—symbolizes the dual cultural belonging experienced by Belgian-Moroccans. Through stories of tension and fulfillment, the texts reveal personal and collective journeys marked by the pursuit of a better future, resilience in the face of sociocultural upheavals, and the richness of inherited legacies.
In the foreword, Fatiha Saïdi and Said Ben Ali write: « Literature allows these themes to be illuminated while wrapping emotions, real or imaginary, in words». Meanwhile, in the preface, Nouria Ouali reflects on Joséphine Baker's enduring commitment to fraternity, a spirit that resonates through the contributors' narratives.
The collection features contributions from authors such as Taha Adnan, Souad Fila, Mustapha Haddioui, and ten other Moroccan-Belgian writers. Their stories, as reflections of shared humanity, challenge conventional notions of belonging and break down stereotypes surrounding immigration.
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