Morocco-Algeria Border Reopening Signals Thaw in Relations

The Algerian demonstrations against the regime in place have only elicited a positive, if not neutral, discourse from the Moroccan authorities, far from the usual wooden language and discord.

It seems that this positive spirit is viral, transcending politics to land in the street where thousands of Moroccan and Algerian citizens celebrated, in a spirit of joy and brotherhood, the victory of the Fennecs during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Egypt.

This "sports movement" was crowned by the letter of congratulations, addressed by King Mohammed VI to the Algerian people, in which he qualifies Algeria’s victory as a crowning achievement for Morocco.

According to the journalist, Reda Chennouf, a specialist in Morocco-Algeria relations, "the opening of the Morocco-Algeria borders does not depend on former President Bouteflika. The problem existed before his arrival in power", "it is a popular demand before being political. The two peoples want to communicate without obstacles, as evidenced by the atmosphere at the borders during CAN 2019".

For three decades, Algeria has stubbornly imposed its conditions, in particular the fight against drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Recently, academics and specialists on the issue have been questioned by Algerian officials on the best way to approach the subject.

Among the proposals submitted, "the free movement of people and the establishment of joint inter-ministerial commissions", postponing "the transport of goods and trade, until the evolution of the movement of travelers can be studied".