Exiled Algerian Writer Kamel Daoud Pledges Solidarity with Morocco

"I will never wage war against Morocco. I will never let my children wage war against Morocco. I will never be the enemy of Morocco," said Kamel Daoud, a guest on Thursday, December 12 on the radio program "Le Grand entretien" hosted by Léa Salamé and Nicolas Demorand on France Inter. He will recall that "Morocco is a country that has welcomed Algerian independence activists. Morocco is also Algeria, with another flag."

The remarks attributed to the Franco-Algerian writer and essayist Boualem Sansal - arrested at Algiers airport on November 16 last - made in the context of the "Frontières" media on October 2, concerning the borders separating Morocco and Algeria, were also addressed during the program. "When France colonized Algeria, the entire western part of Algeria was part of Morocco: Tlemcen, Oran and even as far as Mascara," Sansal had said. Remarks contested by left-wing Algerian elites, but highly appreciated by the Algerian writer. "Will they dare to say the same thing in the face of Islamic preachers who, every Friday, repeat the same thing: that they do not recognize the Algerian borders nor the Algerian history?" Daoud questioned.

The winner of the 2024 Goncourt Prize also spoke about the narrative made by Algeria about the borders separating the two countries. He promises to visit Morocco and his country: "I will visit Algeria one day, freely, and I will visit Morocco because it is also my country."