Algeria has just appointed Hichem Ferhati as consul in Oujda, and Djoudi Belghit will be the Consul General in Casablanca. They will be responsible for coordinating diplomatic missions with Morocco, the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on Tuesday in a press release.
The modifications also involve 28 ambassadors, 3 Consul Generals, and 3 consuls, in accordance with the provisions of Article 92 of the Algerian Constitution.
“This reorganization is part of an effort to revitalize the Algerian diplomatic apparatus to optimize the performance of diplomatic action in the face of current challenges and ensure effective support for the national community abroad,” the press release noted.
This consular reshuffle appears to be a response to the recent diplomatic imbroglio surrounding the Moroccan project to “expropriate” Algerian real estate, including the former Algerian embassy headquarters in Rabat.
This project had triggered a hostile reaction from the Algerian diplomacy before it reconsidered and declared through its leader, Ahmed Attaf, that the matter was closed. Algeria capitulated following revelations about official exchanges between the two nations regarding this expropriation, which had not only been communicated to the Algerian authorities but also held prior authorization.
Regardless of Algiers’ unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations, the two countries maintain a minimum level of exchanges through consular presence, crucial for assisting the Algerian and Moroccan communities living in each other’s territories.
Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Ministry recently announced plans to renovate its building situated near the former Algerian Embassy.
As part of efforts to modernize its diplomatic infrastructure, Morocco has begun the process of expropriating three buildings in Rabat owned by Algeria, according to the official bulletin of March 13, 2024.
The properties in question include spaces of 619 m² (630 m² with residential and office facilities) and 491 m² featuring a villa known as the “Rising Sun Villa” (Villa du Soleil Levant). Rabat has designated these premises as a “public utility” in line with law no. 81-7 of April 16, 1982.
A Moroccan official source clarified that the expropriation does not affect the Algerian Embassy or chancellery, as they are safeguarded by diplomatic protocols.
The Moroccan Ministry has consistently notified Algerian officials about its intention to acquire the property, as the Algerian Consul General in Casablanca visited the Ministry on four occasions.
Eight formal letters were sent to Algerian authorities, who responded with at least five official letters.
In two of their letters, the Algerian officials mentioned that a state evaluation of the assets was ongoing, and that they would share their findings once completed. They also provided assurances that the premises would be vacated and cleared as per diplomatic protocol upon the completion of the sale.