The King of Morocco Mohammed VI reiterated ” one more time “ his outstretched hand to Algeria, despite the breakdown of relations between the two Maghreb neighbors, during the traditional speech marking the anniversary of his accession to the throne. “We aspire to work with the Algerian presidency so that Morocco and Algeria can work, hand in hand, to establish normal relations between two brotherly peoples”said the sovereign in a radio and television address to the nation on Saturday July 30.
“I emphasize once again that the borders which separate the Moroccan people and the brotherly Algerian people will never be barriers preventing their interaction and understanding”he stressed, urging Moroccans to “to preserve the spirit of fraternity, solidarity and good neighborliness with regard to our Algerian brothers”. Last year, he had already chosen to address Algerian opinion, in the midst of a crisis with Algiers.
Mohammed VI pledged to “Find a way out of the current situation and promote rapprochement and understanding between the two peoples”. Algeria severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in August 2021, accusing Rabat of“hostile acts”. A decision “completely unjustified”, according to Rabat. The main dispute between the two Maghreb heavyweights concerns the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
At the heart of tensions, Western Sahara
The status of this former Spanish colony, considered a “non-self-governing territory” by the UN, has opposed Morocco since the 1970s to the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, supported by Algiers. Rabat, which controls nearly 80% of this territory, advocates an autonomy plan under its sovereignty. The Polisario calls for a self-determination referendum under the aegis of the UN.
In addition, Algeria, a supporter of the Palestinian cause, does not miss an opportunity to criticize the growing cooperation, particularly military, of Morocco with “Zionist Entity” (Israel). evoking “allegations that Moroccans insult Algeria and Algerians”the Cherifian monarch considered that they are the fact “irresponsible individuals who strive to sow discord between the two brother peoples”. “These gossip about Moroccan-Algerian relations are totally senseless and sincerely appalling”he insisted.
In the rest of his speech with a strong socio-economic tone, the Cherifian monarch set the national priorities: the reform of the family code in favor of women’s rights, social protection, price control – in an international situation of inflationary pressures – and vaccination to combat Covid-19. Reform king, Mohammed VI, 58, has ruled Morocco since July 1999, when he succeeded his father, Hassan II.