Appeal to Algeria to reverse decision

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, August 25, 2021: In an unprecedented move, Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco, citing what it claimed were hostile acts, plunging decades of difficult relations between the North African neighbors to their lowest point since the 1970s.

Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco, citing what it claimed were hostile acts, plunging decades of difficult relations between the North African neighbors to their lowest ebb since the 1970s.

Algerian Foreign Affairs Minister Ramtane Lamamra, announcing the move Tuesday in a televised press conference, laid out a litany of grievances going back decades, which include alleged Moroccan support for separatists in Algeria and a dispute over the Western Sahara region. He also cited more recent causes for strain, including allegations of espionage and Morocco’s new ties with Israel. 

The move risks escalating tensions in a region already mired in disarray. Algeria’s neighbor, Tunisia, is in the midst of an internal political power fight while Libya is struggling for stability as part of a U.N.-backed push to end nearly a decade of fighting in the OPEC member. 

The rift between two key allies of the West may also have implications for a broader fight against terrorism in the region. And it could complicate a pact allowing Algeria to transport gas to Europe via Morocco in exchange for intake that mostly feeds Moroccan gas-fired power plants. The agreement is scheduled to expire in October. 

Given the gravity of the situation, one would appeal to Algeria to reverse its decision and to opt to resolve disputes and allegations through bilateral peaceful means. If that is not possible, the Arab League or African Union should be mobilized to contain the differences and find an acceptable framework to resolving them.