Morocco-Algeria: the illusion of "Khawa Khawa" put to the test by the 2025 AFCON

On TikTok, the images are meant to be reassuring: young Algerian supporters, present in Rabat and Casablanca, multiply testimonies praising the hospitality and generosity of Moroccans, describing the tensions as a "fitna" to be fought. However, this digital fraternity collides with complicated logistics, a direct consequence of the diplomatic rupture. To reach the Kingdom and support their team, these same supporters had to transit through third countries, as the airspace is closed to direct flights to Morocco by decision of the Algerian president. Furthermore, the official Algerian media discourse continues to ignore or minimize the role of Morocco as the host country, reflecting a persistent hostility.

For the political analyst Mohamed Chqir, interviewed by Achkayen, no thaw should be expected. According to him, Algeria’s participation in this AFCON will not alleviate the hostile relations, even evoking a "provocation" by certain members of the Algerian delegation in a hotel in the capital.

The expert, on the contrary, fears an escalation, particularly if the Fennecs were to be eliminated prematurely. Morocco’s organizational success, perceived as a demonstration of "soft power" and regional power, is difficult for the neighboring regime to accept. Chqir warns that the Algerian media and social networks will remain on the lookout for the slightest organizational flaw in an attempt to tarnish the image of the Kingdom during the tournament.