he said, she said

Algeria, Morocco and the blooper reel of discord

By Nina Kozlowski

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Posted on August 31, 2023 15:59

Algeria (L) and Morocco (R) are fighting over caftans, zelliges and the BRICS. (Photos by AFP)
Algeria (L) and Morocco (R) are fighting over caftans, zelliges and the BRICS. (Photos by AFP)

There is no shortage of disputes between North African neighbours Algiers and Rabat, to the extent that the most trivial of issues can inflame tempers.

‘A Machiavellian plan foiled … the masks have fallen off’ / ‘A bitter double diplomatic setback for Morocco.’ Preparations for the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit, which opened on 22 August in Johannesburg, were just another opportunity for a media shouting match between Casablanca and Algiers, after Polisario leader Brahim Ghali was invited but Morocco did not attend.

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