Tensions Rise as Algeria Deploys Troops Near Moroccan Border

Towards an escalation of tensions between Morocco and Algeria? The Italian website Notizie Geopolitiche is tempted to answer in the affirmative to this question, in view of the recent deployment by Algeria of troops to Tindouf, near the border with Morocco. "The conflict between Morocco and Algeria over the Western Sahara could soon degenerate into open war," fears the media. In an article titled "Moroccan Sahara: Algeria sends troops to Tindouf", the Italian site notes that in contrast to Morocco, which has opted for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Sahara, Algeria is displaying its warlike ambitions.

The author of the article, Giuseppe Gagliano, says he fears a "high-intensity war" between Algeria and Morocco, stressing that "since 1973, Algeria has invested huge resources" to support the Polisario Front militias against Morocco in this conflict. Meanwhile, the kingdom has "achieved significant diplomatic successes that bring it closer to a settlement of the conflict within the framework of the UN, strengthening its control over the region and obtaining the support of many countries for its autonomy plan for the Sahara," notes the Italian media.

This diplomatic success of Morocco would be at the origin of the "frustration" of Algeria which would be considering launching "a fratricidal war between two neighboring countries historically linked by deep cultural and social ties", analyzes the site which recalls that the tensions between Rabat and Algiers have intensified since 2020, the year of the election of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the arrival of General Saïd Chengriha at the head of the Algerian army.

Since then, the Algerian regime has multiplied hostile acts against Morocco with which it has unilaterally broken off diplomatic relations. Algiers has closed the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline crossing Morocco, as well as its airspace to Moroccan planes. It has also banned ships transiting through Morocco from docking in Algerian ports, and imposed visas on Moroccans. The land, air and maritime borders between the two countries have been closed for decades.