Morocco adopts a conciliatory stance towards Algeria

In his first speech since the UN resolution on the Western Sahara, which recognized the Moroccan plan as a “most feasible solution”, King Mohammed VI once again called for Algeria to work towards a solution, according to Morocco-friendly Atalayar on November 13th. The UN resolution, adopted by the Security Council on 31st October, has been perceived as a setback for Algeria, due to its long-term support for the Polisario Front, militias supporting the Western Sahara’s independence.

In his speech, published on the monarchy’s website, the King first thanked the countries that supported the Moroccan-backed autonomy plan, namely Britain, Spain and France, and he acknowledged Donald Trump’s role in securing the vote. However, he insisted he didn’t see the vote as a victory, but rather an opportunity to find a solution.

He had particularly warm words for the Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune, calling upon him to “launch together a sincere, brotherly dialogue between Morocco and Algeria, in order to build new relations built on trust, fraternal bonds and good neighbourliness”. He also addressed the Sahrawi refugees in camps in Tindouf, on the Algerian border, recognizing them as Moroccans and encouraging them to reunite with their families in Morocco.

The Western Sahara has long been an issue of contention between Morocco and Algeria; in fact, it was the main reason that led to a complete breakdown of relations in 2021, when Algeria severed diplomatic ties , while borders between the two countries have been closed since 1994. Morocco has made several attempts to build bridges over the years, but Algeria has maintained a rather hostile stance, most recently accusing Morocco of obtaining the UN resolution “by force”.

Moroccan-Algerian relations are further complicated by the recent involvement of the Trump administration. Special envoy Steve Witkoff has been pushing for an agreement, stating that, “Peace between the two countries will be a turning point in the stability of North Africa and the region as a whole”. A renewal of diplomatic ties and an end to decades of mistrust and rivalries would certainly benefit both sides of this conflict.

Atalayar, Maroc.ma