{"id":201725,"date":"2021-09-12T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T13:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/why-algeria-cut-diplomatic-ties-with-morocco-and-implications-for-the-future\/"},"modified":"2021-09-12T15:15:00","modified_gmt":"2021-09-12T13:15:00","slug":"why-algeria-cut-diplomatic-ties-with-morocco-and-implications-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/why-algeria-cut-diplomatic-ties-with-morocco-and-implications-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco: and implications for the future"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The breakup of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco in August<\/a> is the product of a long history of tension. The two nations have never had long periods of friendship, notwithstanding the many factors that bring them together. Indeed, they belong to the same Maghreb region<\/a>, share the same religion (Sunni Islam and Maleki rite) and identity, and speak a similar dialect. They also share a 1,550km common border<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In fact, Algerian and Moroccan people are so close that it is difficult to distinguish them. But, historical, political and ideological dissimilarities since their respective independence weigh heavily in the relations between these \u201cbrotherly\u201d countries. <\/p>\n

How can one account for the tensions that have characterised their relations, which have now gone through a second breakup in diplomatic relations<\/a>? The first, initiated by Morocco, was from 1976 to 1988.<\/p>\n

I have researched relations between Algeria and Morocco for more than 40 years and published studies on the topic. Relations between the Algerian and Moroccan governments have seldom been cordial. This is due to the different nature of their anti-colonial struggle, their dissimilar political systems, and opposite ideological orientations. <\/p>\n

In the last decade, Morocco exploited the lethargy of Algeria\u2019s diplomacy and the paralysis of the political system to advance its interests, often to the detriment of Algeria. The reawakening of Algeria\u2019s diplomacy and its decision to counter what it considers Morocco\u2019s \u201chostile acts\u201d resulted in the latest breakup.<\/p>\n

Their tumultuous relationship has been an impediment to the integration of the region, which could bring sizeable benefits to both. Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia founded the Arab Maghreb Union in 1989<\/a>. But since 1996, the union has become moribund due to repeated tensions in Moroccan-Algerian relations.<\/p>\n

The divergences of recent years are potentially far more consequential. They could threaten the stability of the whole North Africa region.<\/p>\n

History of Algerian-Moroccan relations<\/h2>\n

Algerian nationalists had relatively good relations with King Mohammed V of Morocco<\/a> He died in 1961, one year before Algeria gained its sovereignty. Morocco became independent in 1956<\/a> and Algeria<\/a> in 1962. <\/p>\n

King Mohammed\u2019s son, King Hassan II<\/a>, who succeeded him, made claims over Algerian territory. He invaded the country in 1963<\/a>. This resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Algeria\u2019s ill-equipped fighters.<\/p>\n

Although short, this war shaped the minds of the Algerian military-political establishment. There was an era of cooperation between 1969 and the mid-1970s. But the conflict in Western Sahara, invaded by Morocco under the so-called Green March in 1975<\/a>, resulted in another era of tensions.<\/p>\n

Indeed, in March 1976, Algeria\u2019s recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, proclaimed by the Sahrawi nationalist movement, the Polisario Front<\/a>, saw Morocco break diplomatic relations with Algeria. Many other African countries recognised the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Relations were restored in May 1988<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The renewal of relations was based on a number of agreements<\/a>. These were:<\/p>\n