Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with Morocco

Editor1 Sep 25 2021 Current Affairs

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco, citing the hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades.

Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials (Morocco has denied possessing the software), supporting a separatist group and failing in bilateral commitments, including on the Western Sahara issue.

Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on social media that it regretted such an unjustified decision and said it would remain a "credible and loyal partner" to the Algerian people.

While the border between the two North African powers has been closed since 1994, diplomatic relations have not been broken since they were restored in 1988 following an earlier dispute.

Morocco has said for years it wants to reopenthe border. Algeria has said it must stay shut for security reasons.

Last week Algeria said the lethal wildfires that had wreaked havoc on the Northern Algeria, were the sabotage of two groups it has labelled terrorists, including the MAK group which seeks independence for the Kabylie region and which Algeria alleged Morocco had been providing backing to.

Algeria recalled its ambassador last month after a Moroccan diplomat in New York called for the Kabylie people to have the right of self-determination.

Morocco offered to send help to combat the fires, but there was no public response from Algeria.

Relations have in decadence since last year, when the Western Sahara issue flared up after years of comparative calmness. Morocco regards the disputed territory as its own. Algeria backs the Polisario independence movement.

The Polisario said in November it was resuming its armed struggle. In December, the United States recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in return for Rabat upgrading its relations with Israel.

Morocco has called Algeria "the real party" to the Western Sahara dispute.

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