Algeria-Spain Tensions Escalate Over Western Sahara Dispute

After Morocco, Spain is in crisis with Algeria because of the change in its position on the Sahara. A change in position that prompted Algiers to recall its ambassador to Madrid for consultations. In an interview with the Antena 3 channel on Monday, April 18, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for the return of the Algerian diplomat to his post. This provoked a strong reaction from Amar Belani, special envoy in charge of the Western Sahara issue and the Maghreb countries.

"The return of the Algerian ambassador to Madrid will be sovereignly decided by the Algerian authorities," he said in a statement to the Algerian news agency APS. This decision will be made within the framework of "prior" and "frank" clarifications to rebuild a "seriously damaged" trust on the basis of "clear, predictable and international law-compliant principles," added Amar Belani. The latter takes the opportunity to attack Pedro Sánchez. The latter has ended the long crisis between his country and Morocco by supporting the autonomy plan for the Sahara proposed by the kingdom.

The statements of the head of the Spanish government are not only of "disconcerting lightness", but also correspond to the desire to "self-absolve from the heavy personal responsibility in the adoption of this surprising turnaround" on the Western Sahara conflict which "breaks with the traditional position of balance of Spain," believes Amar Belani. Spain has a "particular responsibility, both morally and legally as the de facto administering power (status recalled in 2014 by the Audiencia nacional)" and as a "member" of the Group of Friends of Western Sahara with the UN Secretary General, the Algerian diplomat also recalled.