Algeria Severs Diplomatic Ties with Morocco, Raising Regional Tensions

"It was predictable. I am not surprised by this decision which, I must emphasize, is not the emanation of the Algerian presidency but of the military institution. For several months, we have been witnessing an escalation against Morocco by this institution since the outbreak of the Algerian Hirak and especially after the arrival of Saïd Chengriha at the head of the Algerian army. His accession to military power was the final blow to any possible reconciliation between Morocco and Algeria," said the political scientist in an interview with Maroc Hebdo.

Mohamed Tajeddine Houssaini will explain that the problem with the doctrine of this military institution is that it draws its strength and power from the weakening of its environment. According to him, Morocco is the scapegoat of the People’s National Army (ANP). "The breaking of diplomatic relations with Morocco is part of a well-orchestrated scenario by the generals to justify the unjustifiable in the future, namely a military confrontation that would be fatal for all the countries in the region," he further explains, calling on the kingdom to play the card of firmness.

Mohamed Tajeddine Houssaini also deplored Algiers’ refusal to accept Rabat’s outstretched hand for the opening of borders, the establishment of a serene and responsible dialogue, or for the aid expressed by the sovereign during the forest fires. "Moreover, to demonstrate this goodwill, it should be known that this is the first time in the history of international relations that two states have been given an exceptional qualification, namely the term ’Twins’. The King of Morocco has qualified the two countries as twins, which is stronger than ’neighbors’ or ’brothers’," he added.

Regarding the declaration of the Israeli Foreign Minister on Algeria during his visit to Rabat, the political scientist indicated that Yair Lapid "did not actually say anything hostile and did not attack Algeria as the Algerian regime claims" and that "Morocco is not responsible for the statements of a representative of a sovereign state". "If we are criticized for the normalization with Israel, why did Algeria roll out the red carpet for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who maintains good relations with Israel," he analyzes.