New Diplomatic Tensions Flare Up Between Algeria and Morocco Over Western Sahara Dispute

 New Diplomatic Tensions Flare Up Between Algeria and Morocco Over Western Sahara Dispute

Algiers, April 17, 2025

Diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Morocco have resurfaced this week following a series of sharp exchanges between officials from both countries regarding the ongoing Western Sahara conflict. The renewed friction comes amid broader regional instability and could potentially impact North African cooperation efforts.

The Spark of the Latest Dispute

The latest diplomatic row was ignited after Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita made a public statement during a regional summit in Rabat, where he criticized Algeria’s “consistent obstruction” of international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara issue. He further accused Algeria of "fueling separatism" and undermining Morocco’s territorial integrity.

Algeria responded swiftly. In an official communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Algiers denounced the remarks as "provocative and unfounded." The statement emphasized that Algeria’s position is rooted in international law and that the country has “always supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.”

A Long-standing Conflict

The dispute over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has persisted since the 1970s when Morocco annexed the territory. Algeria has long supported the Polisario Front, a liberation movement seeking independence for the region. While the United Nations considers Western Sahara a “non-self-governing territory,” negotiations over its status have largely stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

Escalating Rhetoric and Political Fallout

The current escalation marks yet another chapter in the historically fraught relationship between the two North African nations. In 2021, Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco, citing "hostile acts." Although there have been occasional calls for reconciliation, little progress has been made in mending the rift.

This week, the Algerian government summoned the Moroccan ambassador for consultations, while media in both countries have intensified their criticism. Analysts warn that this growing hostility could jeopardize efforts to address shared regional challenges, including migration, terrorism, and economic development.

Regional and International Reactions

The European Union and the African Union have both expressed concern over the renewed tensions. A spokesperson for the EU’s foreign affairs office urged “calm and constructive dialogue,” stressing the importance of regional stability in the Maghreb. France, which maintains close ties with both nations, offered to mediate if both parties agree.

Meanwhile, the United Nations reiterated its support for a negotiated political solution and called on both sides to avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

Looking Ahead

While some regional observers hold out hope for diplomacy to prevail, others remain skeptical given the entrenched positions of both sides. The reemergence of hostility between Algeria and Morocco serves as a stark reminder of how unresolved historical disputes can quickly reignite, threatening peace and cooperation across entire regions.

As the international community watches closely, the next steps by both governments will be crucial in determining whether this crisis escalates further—or becomes an opportunity for renewed dialogue.