
France-Algeria Rift Could Strengthen Morocco's Diplomatic Position
The hardening of tensions between Algeria and France could be beneficial to Morocco, analyzes a French journalist.

The hardening of tensions between Algeria and France could be beneficial to Morocco, analyzes a French journalist.

José Manuel Albares, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, says that Algeria did not reassure him about the renewal of the contract on the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline during his official visit to Algeria at the end of September.

The passport presented by Brahim Ghali upon his admission to the San Pedro de Logroño hospital on April 18 last, bears the name of Mohamed Benbatouche, "retired ambassador", and was issued the same day by the Algerian authorities. However, the Polisario Front leader holds an identity card and a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE) regularly issued by Spain.

Tensions between Algeria and Morocco are not about to subside. Algiers has just decided to terminate the functions of its ambassador in Rabat, Abdelhamid Abdaoui.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has stated that Algeria has not yet formally decided on whether or not to renew the contract for the gas pipeline linking Spain and passing through Morocco.

The Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, refuses any mediation to resolve the diplomatic crisis between his country and Morocco.

Algeria’s decision to close its airspace to Moroccan civilian and military aircraft and those with a Moroccan registration number is having a negative impact on the two-legged tie of the 2022 CAF Cup second round between Jeunesse sportive de Kabylie (JSK) and the Moroccan club of the Royal Armed Forces of Rabat (AS FAR).

In a report submitted to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara, Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the diplomatic crisis between Morocco and Algeria. He invited the two neighbors to dialogue.

Spain is in difficulty following the Algerian decision not to renew the contract on the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline crossing Morocco. The latter has already anticipated all scenarios regarding the future of the GME.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, states that his organization is not willing to play the role of mediator in the crisis between Morocco and Algeria.

Elche CF striker Elias Benali has decided to turn his back on the Moroccan national football team to join the Algerian team.

France’s decision to reduce by 50% the granting of visas for Moroccans and Algerians and by 30% for Tunisians is explained by the tensions between Paris and Algiers.