Tensions running high

Algeria/Morocco: Lamamra and Hilale once again cross swords

By Farid Alilat

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on July 27, 2021 06:45

Firefox_Screenshot_2021-07-26T09-44-49.987Z © Montage JA
© Montage JA

Ramtane Lamamra, the head of Algerian diplomacy, and Omar Hilale, Morocco’s representative to the UN, have once again clashed on two highly inflammatory subjects.

A new diplomatic crisis has arisen between Algeria and Morocco. And even though it’s not very serious, it is still somewhat significant. On 19 June, Algiers decided to recall – with immediate effect – Abelmahid Abdaoui, the ambassador in Rabat. The Ministère des Affaires Etrangères et de la Communauté Nationale à l’Étranger (Ministry of the Foreign Affairs and of the National Community Abroad) also issued a statement declaring the country may take further action. He did not provide any additional details.

This is not the first time that an ambassador has been recalled. In October 2017, Morocco ordered Hassan Abdelkhalek, its diplomatic representative in Algeria, to return home, following remarks made by Abdelkader Messahel – the former head of Algerian diplomacy – during a business forum in Algiers.

The Messahel precedent

Referring to Moroccan investments in Africa, Messahel had said:

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime